After being closed for some time due to the construction of Bear Creek Hall, the Archery Range at Bear Creek Lake State Park reopened for business.
This is the first archery range offered by a state park in Virginia. The design and layout is representative of ranges developed by the National Rifle Association and the International Bow-hunting Organization. The fan-shaped target placement utilizes existing topography while maintaining suitable safety zones.
The archery range consists of ten bale targets with an assortment of game paper faces. Each target is numbered one to ten with a small 3” by 3” red and white sign. There are three suggested shooting stations in each lane. These are clearly identified with three different colored signs. Generally, the shot distances are as follows: Green = 25-35 yards, Orange = 20-25 yards, and Yellow = 0-20 yards.
The range is open year-round, but the hours are adjusted to ensure adequate light conditions according to the season. The range is also closed whenever the Bear Creek Meeting Hall is in use due to its proximity. Please call ahead. No shooting is allowed outside posted hours or when the gate is locked.
The park does not actually supply archery equipment, so be sure to bring your own. There is a small fee for the range’s use. It is $2 for an adult and $1 for children ages three to twelve. There is an annual archery range pass available for $15. These fees are used to help maintain the range and targets. So go ahead, grab your bow, and get out on the range.