Discover the most underrated state parks in Virginia, offering serene landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a peaceful escape from the crowds.

While many people think of popular destinations like Smith Mountain Lake, Belle Isle, and First Landing, Virginia’s lesser-known state parks should not be overlooked. These hidden gems offer quiet retreats, outdoor adventures, and an authentic taste of nature, from serene lakes to scenic mountain trails.

If you’re seeking to escape the crowds and experience the beauty of Virginia’s landscapes, these underrated parks deserve a spot on your adventure list.

1. Bear Creek Lake State Park

Location: 22 Bear Creek Lake Rd., Cumberland, VA 23040

Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk.

Tucked away in the heart of the Cumberland State Forest, Bear Creek Lake State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Located less than an hour west of Richmond, this 40-acre lake offers activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. The park features boat rentals, a fishing pier, a swimming beach, and picnic areas for a full day of relaxation.

The park’s appeal extends beyond the lake. The surrounding Cumberland State Forest provides 16,000 acres of trails, including the 14-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail, which can be explored by foot, bike, or horseback. The park also offers cabins, camping facilities, an archery range, and playgrounds for families. And for those needing a digital detox, Bear Creek provides Wi-Fi access year-round in the campground and near the cabin area maintenance building. With a blend of adventure and relaxation, Bear Creek is a perfect escape into nature.

2. Claytor Lake State Park

Location: 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For visitors looking to enjoy swimming, fishing, and a tranquil lake retreat, Claytor Lake State Park is an excellent choice. Known for its excellent sport fishing and boating opportunities, the park is home to a full-service marina offering boat rentals, docking slips, and fuel. The 4,500-acre Claytor Lake is a popular destination for both casual swimmers and seasoned anglers.

The park’s rustic charm is enhanced by its three lodges and 15 cabins that overlook the lake, providing a scenic, peaceful retreat. Visitors can also explore a variety of trails, including a 5K cross-country trail and the Shady Ridge Trail, an interactive loop trail designed for children. The historic Howe House provides educational exhibits about the lake’s ecology, and the park also offers picnic shelters, bike rentals, and a seasonal snack bar.

3. Douthat State Park

Locations: 14239 Douthat State Park Rd., Millboro, VA 24460

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

A true Virginia classic, Douthat State Park has been a favorite since 1936. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, it is a park listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its significant role in shaping the design of parks nationwide. Visitors are treated to stunning mountain views, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, and over 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and bridle trails.

The park also boasts a sandy swimming beach, a snack bar, and boat rentals. Guests can explore interpretive programs, enjoy a quiet moment at one of the cabins or lodges, or fish in Wilson Creek. For a more intense outdoor experience, Douthat’s challenging trails offer a unique opportunity to explore Virginia’s rugged terrain.

4. Grayson Highlands State Park

Location: 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363

Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Located near Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak, Grayson Highlands State Park offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. Known for its alpine-like scenery, the park is a haven for hikers, equestrians, and nature lovers. The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Highlands Horse Trail provide year-round access for hikers and horseback riders alike, with the added benefit of scenic overlooks and waterfalls.

A particularly charming feature of Grayson Highlands is its wild pony herd, which roams freely within the park’s boundaries. The park’s horse camping area provides electric and water hookups, stables, and plenty of space for trailers. Whether hiking to the summit of Mount Rogers or riding along the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, Grayson Highlands offers a unique wilderness experience.

5. High Bridge Trail State Park

Location: 1466 Camp Paradise Rd., Rice, VA 23966

Hours: Dawn to dusk.

For history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, High Bridge Trail State Park offers a blend of scenic beauty and historical significance. The 32.2-mile trail, once a rail bed, is now a well-maintained route ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The highlight of the park is the High Bridge, which stretches more than 2,400 feet over the Appomattox River. At 125 feet above the river, the bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The park’s wide, flat trail makes it accessible for people of all ages and abilities. As part of the National Recreation Trail system, the High Bridge Trail connects visitors to Virginia’s history while providing a peaceful outdoor escape.

6. Seven Bends State Park

Location: 2111 South Hollingsworth Rd., Woodstock, VA 22664

Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk.

Nestled along the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Seven Bends State Park is a day-use park that offers a mix of outdoor recreation and scenic beauty. The park is named for the “seven bends” of the river, a picturesque feature of the landscape. It offers 9 miles of hiking and biking trails, along with two hand-carry boat launches for kayaks and canoes.

While the park doesn’t have designated swimming areas due to swift currents and sudden drop-offs, the river’s geology creates ideal conditions for fishing. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and muskellunge are among the species found in the river, making it a popular spot for anglers. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas and explore the park’s rich natural and historical resources.

7. Staunton River Battlefield State Park

Location: 1035 Fort Hill Trail., Randolph, VA 23962

Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk.

Staunton River Battlefield State Park offers a unique historical perspective, focusing on the Civil War. The 300-acre park is home to the battlefield where a small Confederate force held off a much larger Union cavalry during a pivotal skirmish in 1864. The park features earthworks, a historic bridge trail, and two visitor centers filled with exhibits on Civil War history, Native American archaeology, and the park’s diverse wildlife.

The park also offers a 1.2-mile self-guided trail through the battlefield, as well as a nature trail that winds through wetlands, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

8. Westmoreland State Park

Location: 145 Cliff Rd. Montross, VA 22520

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Located on the Potomac River’s Northern Neck, Westmoreland State Park is a charming family destination with plenty to offer, including 6 miles of scenic trails and fossil hunting along Fossil Beach. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a range of amenities, including a bathhouse, snack bar, meeting area, camp store, and a power-boat ramp. Guests can enjoy birdwatching with opportunities to spot American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, and more, while offshore breakwaters provide excellent fishing spots. 

For those looking to stay overnight, the park offers campgrounds, camping cabins, and traditional cabins, along with a visitor center and playground for families to enjoy.