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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 27, 2026
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Machicomoco State Park has adopted its first master plan

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Timberneck House at Machicocmoco State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Machicomoco State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Machicomoco State Park aerial view)

RICHMOND, Va. --- The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has completed a master plan for Machicomoco State Park located in Gloucester County, VA. After going through the master planning process that included evaluating park resources, collecting park data, holding public meetings, and getting feedback from park visitors, the plan has been adopted and will be implemented in phases.

The purpose of a master plan is to set forth a clear vision for the park, and to guide both its future management and development. This plan addresses visitor needs and reflects the current context of the park in the local community, region and within the Virginia State Parks system. The plan includes the phased development and staffing plans based on current and projected needs over the next 30 years.

Highlights of the plan include:

Providing a range of day-use and overnight opportunities, facilities and amenities for visitors, such as a Visitor Center, campground expansion and full-service cabins.
Developing and implementing the park’s Natural Resources Management Plan, focusing on the preservation and restoration of native species, control of invasive species, and proper management of native ecosystems and associated wildlife resources.
Developing partnerships with local organizations and recognized Tribes to promote educational opportunities and enhance programming. Working with recognized Indigenous Tribes to share their stories and to protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources at the park.
Creating experiences that inspire repeat visitation, volunteerism, stewardship, and/or future employment opportunities while minimizing impacts on cultural, historic, and natural resources.
Enhancing birding opportunities by developing and interpreting native meadows that provide critical habitat for the park’s abundant wildlife.
Continue to administer and manage the park professionally and transparently, which fosters the public’s trust, ensuring the park has adequate, well-trained staff to support safe and meaningful visitor experiences and to protect and conserve resources.

This plan will focus on the two units that make up Machicomoco State Park and will serve as the main guide for how the park gets developed. Buildings, structures, and other physical resources at Machicomoco State Park are concentrated in the Main Unit. The West Unit, formerly known as Middle Peninsula State Park, but now incorporated as a management unit of Machicomoco State Park, is not open to the public yet and currently contains no visitor amenities.

The park properties are located along the York River and are closely situated to other historically significant sites such as the Werowocomoco archaeological site, the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail, Rosewell Ruins and the Yorktown Battlefield at Colonial National Historical Park. Machicomoco means “a special meeting place” and is Virginia’s 40th state park.

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About Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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