Virginia has water, and where there's water, there are boats and fun water-related recreation and activities.

Whichever watercraft you choose - a one-person kayak, a 16-foot canoe for two, or a beefy powerboat - boaters and paddlers find plenty of ways to enjoy the water this summer at Virginia State Parks.

A young family rents a canoe at Fairy Stone State Park

7 WAYS TO HIT THE WATER THIS SUMMER

All of these can be rented at one or more of our Virginia State Parks:

    1. Canoe/Kayak

    2. Take a Sunset or Eagle Tour Paddling Program

    3. Rent a Ski Boat or Pontoon

    4. Tubes

    5. Paddleboats/Water Bikes

    6. Stand up Paddle-boards (SUP) 

    7. Fishing boats/row boats

BOAT RAMPS AND LAUNCHES

Excellent water access like here at Buggs Island Lake from Occoneechee State Park

Twenty-four parks offer boating access, several have full-service marinas, 23 have ramps (car-top, slide, standard concrete), and 20 parks rent boats. Parks access Virginia's most popular waterways, including Buggs Island Lake, Claytor Lake, the Chesapeake Bay, the James River, Lake Anna, the Potomac River, the Rappahannock River, Smith Mountain Lake and the York River.

• Parks offer fishing from the shore; six offer pier fishing.
• See the parks with boating access here.
• Find a fun park program here this summer.

BOAT RENTALS

Rent a boat or watercraft like these at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Most Virginia State Parks offer boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, stand-up paddle-boards, jon boats, various motorized boats, tubes or some have mix of them all. Rental fees vary by park so contact the park directly for the details. Life-jackets always provided.

See a list of parks with rentals.

 

 

OVERNIGHT

There are plenty of ways to hit the water this summer at Virginia State Parks. If you want to learn about campgrounds, camping cabins, bunkhouses and yurts, click here. Or for overnight accommodations in a cabin or lodge, click here or call 800-933-7275. 

#ThinkOutside