Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 12, 2026
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation adopts master plan for future Mayo River State Park
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Future Mayo River State Park)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Future Mayo River State Park)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Future Mayo River State Park)
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announced the official adoption of the Mayo River State Park Master Plan, establishing a long-term vision to guide development, conservation and public access at Virginia’s future state park.
The 637-acre park in Henry County, located along the North and South Mayo Rivers and directly adjacent to North Carolina’s Mayo River State Park, will be developed over approximately 30 years through a phased, environmentally sensitive approach, as funds are made available by the Commonwealth.
The master plan outlines several major features and priorities for the future park, including:
Park development will occur in three phases as funding becomes available, beginning with core infrastructure and day-use facilities, followed by overnight lodging, expanded trail connections and enhanced river access.
“The master plan for Virginia’s future Mayo River State Park reflects our commitment to conservation of natural resources, thoughtful recreation planning and strong community engagement,” said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. “This park will provide exceptional opportunities to experience the Mayo River corridor while protecting one of Virginia’s most scenic and culturally rich landscapes.”
The plan was reviewed and approved by the Board of Conservation and Recreation in spring of 2026 and formally adopted by Director Rovner in July.
For more information about the future Mayo River State Park, please go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mayo-river-sp. To view the master plan, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/mr-masterplan.
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About the Department of Conservation and RecreationThe Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead natural resource conservation agency. DCR provides access for outdoor recreation, strengthens communities’ flood resilience, and protects what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat and open space. For more information, please visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.
