9 Most Beautiful State Parks in Virginia

Most folks have heard that Virginia is for Lovers and this moniker is especially fitting for those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this state is full of nature-y adventures big and small.

To spend time with the flora and fauna, without throngs of tourists and local visitors, consider adding one of Virginia’s 41 state parks to your itinerary. The diversity in this massive park system is vast—you’ll find state parks along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, near historic sites, nestled in the Virginia mountains, and close to the state’s most populous cities.

Keep reading to learn about Virginia’s beautiful state parks, all well worth a visit.

Grayson Highlands State Park

If Virginia’s two tallest mountains, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, are calling your name, then head to Grayson Highlands State Park where you’ll find beautiful views, a visitor center where you can learn about the park firsthand, a country store full of supplies and souvenirs, and plenty of nearby campgrounds for overnight visits. If the weather is suitable, make sure you experience one of the hiking trails that lead to a waterfall or overlook and keep your eyes out for wild ponies, unique to this area. Located between the towns of Independence and Damascus, those who are looking for easy access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail will love this 4,502-acre park.

Hungry Mother State Park

Thick woodlands and a 108-acre glassy lake are the big draws at Hungry Mother State Park, a family-friendly nature escape in the mountains and one of the original six Virginia State Parks. Families love the sandy beach, complete with a bathhouse. You’ll have access to a fishing pier, boats, a boat launch, and non-motorized watercraft. This park also has plenty of campgrounds, cabins, and a lodge for overnight stays. Other useful amenities include a restaurant, gift shop, visitor center, and easy access to hiking and biking trails. Hungry Mother, situated in Smyth County, brings together the community and visitors alike through their annual special events like the Mountain Do Triathlon, Music in the Park, and Arts and Crafts Festival.

Natural Tunnel State Park

Located in southwestern Virginia in Scott County, six hours from Richmond and three and a half hours from Roanoke, Natural Tunnel State Park is 909 acres with a naturally carved limestone tunnel that is 850 feet long and 100 feet high. Families love the campgrounds, cabins, multiple picnic areas, visitor center, camp store, and gift shop. For a unique experience, make sure you save time for the Wilderness Road historic area and the chairlift to the tunnel floor. Enjoy a cave tour or an intrepid canoe trip on the Clinch River and see the museum, library, and gift shop at the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center in Duffield.

Sky Meadows State Park

Near Paris, Virginia in the northern part of the state, Sky Meadows State Park, a designated International Dark Sky Park with astronomy programs, is unique for outdoorsy sightseers and history lovers because visitors can learn about the important farming practices that have shaped the pastoral landscape. At 1,860 acres, you can expect to see not only lovely rolling meadowlands but also, a historic farm that showcases the colonial through modern time periods and life of the Crooked Run Valley. Bring your hiking boots and fishing gear and spend the day enjoying the outdoors with your family in tow. Sky Meadows has 22 miles of hiking trails and 9 miles of designed biking trails in addition to access to the famous Appalachian Trail.

Pocahontas State Park

Not far from Richmond, Pocahontas State Park is one of the most popular outdoor escapes because it offers boating, picnicking, camping, and so much more. With over 90 miles of trails, you can spend days upon days exploring the 7,919 acres. Swift Creek and Beaver Lake are ideal for fishing. Sign up for a history program, and spend time at the Aquatic Center, which has a variety of age-appropriate swimming pools. Be sure to pop in the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum for an educational experience that highlights the work done by Depression-era workers, who were masters in building the state park system. Special to this park, the 2,000-seat amphitheater showcases the Pocahontas Premieres, a lineup of family-friendly concerts and entertainment.

First Landing State Park

Plan on arriving at First Landing State Park early, ideally during the week, to avoid crowds as this is Virginia’s most visited state park, especially on sunny and warm days during the summer months. Located in Virginia Beach on the far eastern side of the state, English colonists first landed here in 1607. Native Americans have been through this area as well as pirates, military ships, and cargo ships. The park was built, in part, by an all-African American Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933-1940 and the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spend time on the 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline and pop in the Chesapeake Bay Center for family-friendly learning opportunities. See bald cypress swamps, expansive lagoons, and maritime forests as well as all the flora and fauna that call this area home. Extend your stay with an overnight in a cabin, yurt, RV, or tent.

Mason Neck State Park

Located in Fairfax County in the northeastern part of the state, Mason Neck State Park is a dream for those who love the outdoors yet also want some useful amenities like a visitor center, gift shop, and easy location within driving distance to Washington D.C. See the park’s wetlands, forests, ponds, and yawning fields and take part in one of the many nature-y programs and activities offered annually. Stretch your legs on the three miles of paved and multi-use trails. There’s a picnic area and playground and it’s easy to rent a canoe, kayak, or bicycle for the day to explore further. Bird watchers will love seeing birds of prey, American bald eagles, and songbirds in this park and families can sign up for a canoe trip on Kane’s Creek or Belmont Bay, highlights for most intrepid vacationers. Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge, Gunston Hall, and Pohick Bay Regional Park are all nearby.

Shenandoah River State Park

If your idea of a great warm-weather vacation includes a cabin or camping, then Shenandoah River State Park, located on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, is for you. Situated in north-central Virginia in Warren County, eight miles south of Front Royal, this peaceful park is a bit of a hidden gem. Explore over 1,600 acres and 5.2 miles of shoreline at this park that offers incredible views of Massanutten Mountain. An alternative to Shenandoah National Park, this state park has plenty of trails and river access, ideal for outdoorsy types who love to hike and fish. Book one of the 12 riverfront tent campsites or stay at the campground with your RV or in a cabin. This low-key destination, full of fun and informative park events, might just surprise you.

York River State Park

York River State Park, located in east central Virginia about 20 minutes north of Colonial Williamsburg, has a unique habitat due to the estuarine environment where fresh and saltwater meet. A visit here, where the York River and its marshes thrive, rewards the curious with clues to the past. Rich fossil beds where colonial and Native American artifacts have been found are just one of the reasons this park is particularly special. Enjoy more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails and see the marsh, river coastline, and forests up close. Fishing is a top pursuit here due to the unique fresh and saltwater spots. Little kids will love the playground and families can enjoy the picnic shelter and watercraft rentals.