Bear Creek Lake State Park

Surrounded by the Cumberland State Forest, Bear Creek Lake State Park was a project during the Great Depression, when 100 men with the Civilian Conservation Corps built the lake and two pavilions.

Outdoor adventures include: 

• Trails for hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback
• Freshwater fishing
• Boating
• Swimming - Beach
• Rent rowboats, paddleboats, canoes.

Holliday Lake State Park

You're always on holiday at Holliday Lake State Park, located about 12 miles from the Appomattox Courthouse National Park on U.S. 60, site of Gen Robert E. Lee's surrender in 1865.

Outdoor adventures include:  

• Trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback
• Swimming - Beach
• Freshwater fishing
• Rent rowboats, paddleboats, canoes
• Motorboats with electric motors are allowed
• Sunfish Aquatic Trail - a self-guided water tour
• Critter Hole play area

James River State Park

The James River State Park is one of the newest state parks along the James River in Buckingham County.

Outdoor adventures include: 

• Trails for hiking, biking, horseback
• Freshwater fishing
• Tubing

Pocahontas State Park

Located just 20 miles from downtown Richmond in Chesterfield County, Pocahontas State Park was named after Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan and who saved Capt. John Smith's life, as the story goes.

Outdoor adventures include: 

• Trails for biking, hiking and horseback
• Freshwater fishing
• Boating
• Swimming - Water Park!
• Rent rowboats, paddleboats, canoes

Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park

During "Black Thursday of the Confederacy", Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia lost 7,700 men at Sailor's Creek Battlefield, which led to the South's surrender at Appomattox 72 hours later.

The Overton-Hillsman House, which served as a field hospital during the Civil War, is open for tours June through August. Civil War buffs will enjoy Lee's Retreat Driving Tour from Petersburg to Appomattox Court House through the park. Picnic areas are available and some group camping by special arrangements.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest lake in the state and was created in 1960 when a dam was built on the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap.

Outdoor adventures include: 

• Trails for hiking
• Freshwater fishing, fishing pier
• Swimming - Beach
• Rent motorboats, paddleboats, canoes

Twin Lakes State Park

Twin Lakes State Park has two lakes, Goodwin and Prince Edward. Until the 1960s it was racially segregated, and as a result it has two complete sets of facilities.

Outdoor adventures include: 

• Trails for biking, hiking, horseback
• Swimming - Beach
• Freshwater fishing
• Boating on both lakes
• Rent rowboats, paddleboats, canoes

Occoneechee State Park

The Occoneechee Indians lived in the area that is now Occoneechee State Park. The park is located on Virginia's largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, also known as the John H. Kerr Reservoir.

Outdoor adventures include: 

• Trails for biking, hiking, horseback
• Freshwater fishing
• Rent pontoon and fishing boats

Staunton River State Park

Shaded campgrounds, rustic cabins, picturesque picnic shelters, well-maintained nature trails, and plenty of exciting outdoor opportunities for the whole family make Staunton River State Park the perfect place for your vacation.

Outdoor adventures include:
 

• Trails for hiking, biking, horseback
• Swimming pool, wading pool
• Freshwater fishing
• Boating, including motor boats
• Rent canoes, kayaks and jonboats

Staunton River Battlefield State Park

Staunton River Battlefield State Park was named for Capt. Henry Staunton, who protected early settlers from Indian attacks. The river was important for transporting goods, especially tobacco, from the plantations in the area.

Outdoor adventures include: 

• Trails for hiking, biking, horseback
• Self-guided interpretive tour
• Picnicking