Events in Virginia State Parks

Spend time paddling down the Clinch River.

Yes, you too can canoe!

Join a Hungry Mother interpreter for some WILD adventures this summer!

This summer the Junior Ranger program is exploring the outdoors through the elements, and Week 3 is Fire!

While most of the adventure on the New River takes place above the water, there is no shortage of things to see below the water!

Learn about the mighty earth movers beneath your feet and get a tasty treat.

Have you ever touched bear fur or looked at the teeth of a beaver?

Do you know what's living in our lake?

What swims in the shallows of South Beach?

Been itching to go fishing?

The Appalachian Mountains are home to many unique salamander species.

Kiptopeke is full of beautiful sights to draw inspiration from. Breath taking sunsets on the bay, graceful migratory birds in flight, the swirling lines of seashells in the sand, and the pops of color from flowers in the fields can awaken the artist in all of us. Want to create your own masterpiece or capture a memory in your own impressionistic style?

Everyone loves a relaxing evening especially out on Hungry Mother Lake.

Been itching to go fishing?

Do you feel safer walking with a friend?

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Canoe Landing and Dixon Landing!

Salamander Meander invites you to explore Appalachian creeks in search of the region's unique salamander species.

Birds need a home for their babies to survive, just like people.

Do you want to witness the art of Gyotaku fish printing, an ancient craft where you can create your own fish masterpiece?

Animals have some amazing feats and hold some amazing records.

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Canoe Landing and Dixon Landing!

Come meet and greet Ranger Myrtle (our Red-Eared Slider turtle), Ranger Scout (our Western Hognose snake), and Ranger Brutus (our Copperhead snake) to discover what makes these rangers so special to Twin Lakes State Park.

Who's tracks are those?

Express yourself on the trail with a stylish and unique hiking stick you designed and decorated yourself.

What will we scoop up this time?

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

The one and only mammal on the planet capable of true flight absolutely loves Hungry Mother.

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

Our park is known for its biodiversity and is home to many species of birds.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Summer is a great time of year to take-in Southwest Virginia's beautiful scenery by bike.  This ranger-led bike meet up will go from Foster Falls to Austinville and back (10.4 miles round trip).  Group Ride: Rides will be at a group pace.

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Bent Creek and Canoe Landing!

Create a recycled flowerpot out of newspaper that you can place right in the ground with native flower seeds.

Did you know 'creepy crawlies' are some of the world's most important recyclers?

What is a Box Turtles favorite food?

Learn why they're called survival bracelets--and then make one yourself.

This field-based game is a fun and safe way to examine the remarkable abilities of bats and the importance of preserving their habitats.

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

What swims through the shallows of South Beach?

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

Do you want to learn the history of the land that Kiptopeke is on today?

Join us for ranger-led campfire featuring Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) history and S'mores!

Spending the weekend camping at Lake Anna State Park?

Enjoy the beautiful park setting as you are entertained by some of our very own local musicians.

Come with us to experience the beginnings of Bluegrass music and follow its evolution as it traveled across the ocean and settled in the Appalachian Mountains.

Join a Ranger and your fellow campers to hear about all of the different trails and activities the park has to offer and discover the history of the park. This is a great chance to ask questions about the park, local activities in the area, and future events at Grayson Highlands State Park.

Join us at the amphitheater for a warm welcome, camping tips, and marshmallow roasting at our weekly welcome campfire!  Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. .

Start your weekend off right with s’mores and more!

Join our rangers for a bit of fun around the campfire as we welcome you to the park.

Welcome to Staunton River State Park!

As dusk draws near, lightning bugs appear!

Hike through the forest after dark in search of sights and sounds from the owls who are hunting there.

Ready to learn the ins and outs of stand up paddleboarding?

Ever tried to balance on a board in the water as you paddle down the lake?

Join us for a rewarding morning of gardening with fellow plant lovers.

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Canoe Landing and Dixon Landing!

Experience paddling on one of Virginia's most beautiful and historic waterways: the James River.

Explore historic Prince Edward Lake on this guided canoe tour led by rangers.

Did you know Westmoreland State Park has a beach where you can find fossils?

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic area and beaches with interesting animals or historical artifacts from the park.

Enjoy a relaxing morning by taking a guided kayak paddle through the marshes of Back Bay.

Celebrate America's 250th birthday on the shores of the Potomac! Enjoy a daytime paddle on scenic waters as we commune with our national symbol, the bald eagle.

The Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, leaving ties to the English crown in ruin and the North American colonies in an open state of rebellion.

Express yourself on the trail with a stylish and unique hiking stick you designed and decorated yourself.

Step into America’s past and celebrate 250 years of history with a taste of colonial tradition at Sky Meadows State Park!

Hot diggity dog, the Friends of False Cape are having a FUNdraiser!

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Join us on the first Saturday of the month from May to November to experience the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of history at Sky Meadows.

Meet local 'shellebrity' Ranger Myrtle, the Red-eared Slider turtle, as she suns herself in her enclosure behind the concession building.

Join our rangers for a guided tour of Mulberry Hill, the plantation home of Judge Paul Carrington, Virginian and Founding Father.

Come out to the newly renovated Roanoke Station Nature Center!

Ever wonder what animals call Kiptopeke home?

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

Being Bear Aware in a park is very important.

Happy birthday, America!

Set out on a relaxing ranger-guided tubing adventure as you float from Canoe Landing to Dixon Landing along the scenic James River! This approximately 2-mile trip generally takes around two hours, depending on river flow.

Westmoreland State Park is home to five different ambassador animals: Reba McEntire the corn snake, Stevie Nicks the king snake, and three red-eared sliders, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, and Earl Scruggs.

Stop by the turtle pond where a ranger will be stationed to provide information about Virginia’s native turtle species.

It's time for Hungry Mother's favorite competition.

This land-based, hook-free fishing game is a fun and safe way to learn how to cast, but even those who are fishing fanatics will enjoy trying to beat out the competition in this game of limited resources.

Are all snakes venomous?

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?

Our friends Hisstopher and Harrold planned a feast, and they want you to join.

Meet Lake Anna State Park's animal ambassadors Flick, General Raphael, and Julia at the Visitor Center. Learn about the important roles Virginia reptiles play in the environment, snake safety tips, and what you can do to help protect wild reptiles.

Let's beat the heat and make some homemade ice cream in a bag.

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Kiptopeke is full of beautiful sights to draw inspiration from. Breath taking sunsets on the bay, graceful migratory birds in flight, the swirling lines of seashells in the sand, and the pops of color from flowers in the fields can awaken the artist in all of us. Want to create your own masterpiece or capture a memory in your own impressionistic style?

Experience the park in a whole new way.

Take a lantern lit chairlift ride down to the naturally made tunnel.

Who cooks for you?

Come gather around the campfire and immerse yourself in a night of fun.

A nearly century-long tradition continues as the Natural Bridge is bathed in light the last Saturday night of every month (plus holiday weekends), April through October.  Experience the 200-foot-tall arch as it is lit from above and below by dozens of lights, with the only sound being the murmuring of Cedar Creek running below.

You are invited to celebrate Independence Day from "afar" under the peaceful night skies of the park.

Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.

Join us for a glow-in-the-dark wagon ride!  Our wagon will be shining bright with our nation's colors as we cross over fields and creeks.

James River State Park is a designated International Dark Sky park.

A light glows beneath the surface of Holliday Lake.

Looking for a fun way to explore the park at your own pace?

Join our Park Rangers as they discuss the history, ecology, and culture of the Widewater peninsula.

One of the best times to be on Hungry Mother Lake is in the early mornings when no one else is on the lake.