Bear Creek Lake State Park
(804) 492-4410
22 Bear Creek Lake Road
Cumberland, VA 23040
Latitude: 37.531773
Longitude: -78.271589
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Bear Creek Lake was built in 1938 as a project of the Virginia Department of Agriculture through the State Forestry Division. Although this project was undertaken during the closing days of the Great Depression, the 100 men who built the lake were not members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They were simply carpenters, farmers and unskilled laborers seeking jobs. Along with the lake, these men built two pavilions, a concession stand and six fireplaces. The land was given to the Division of State Parks in 1940, and it was operated as a day-use recreation area. In 1962 the division added campgrounds and the area's name was changed to Bear Creek Lake State Park.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Fishing, Kid-Friendly
Activities At This Destination: Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, Boating and Water Sports, Camping, Educational Activities, Fishing, Hunting, Picnicking, Swimming, Gifts and Shopping, Canoeing And Kayaking and Wildlife Activities
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Channel Cat Interpretive Trail
The Channel Cat trail is a 1.78 mile moderate trail. Channel Cat Trail is one of the new trails in the park. On this loop trail, which is accessible from many points on the campground side of the park, we have placed a series of signs to acquaint you with the Park's unique environment.The section of Channel Cat Trail along the lake provides information on fish species and fishing techniques, and the conservation practices employed to maintain our forty acre recreational resource.The section from the CMT parking lot southward to the Beach parking lot interprets for you how a forest grows in Virginia's piedmont, so that you can "see the forest for the trees"A third section from the CMT parking lot northward back to the Lake spillway is for your own reflections on the wonders of nature.These sections can be walked in either direction, one part at a time, or as a loop to bring you full circle.The entire loop is just under two miles in length, and the trail is of moderate difficulty rating. There are some shallow creek crossings and unlevel terrain, but no steep inclines.
Blaze Color: Green
Usage:
- Length: 1.78
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Coyote Trail
Coyote Trail is a .07 mile accessible trail which is located between Cabin #12 (2 bedrooms) and the Lodge (cabin #13 - 6 bedrooms). One may access Lost Barr Loop at the end of Coyote Trail and a fishing platform just by the lakes edge. Benches at the fishing platforms are also an excellent way to sit and enjoy the beauty of Bear Creek Lake.
Blaze Color: Gold
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- Length: 0.07
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Cumberland Multi-use Trail
This 14-mile loop trail weaves through the 16,233 acre Cumberland State Forest and Bear Creek Lake State Park. Trail heads are located at the Cumberland Forestry Center and Bear Creek Lake State Park. While hunting is not permitted inside the park, when outside of the park trail users are advised to wear blaze orange during the hunting season.
Blaze Color: Lt. Blue
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- Length: 14
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Gravel, Natural
Kestrel Trail
Kestrel is one of the shorter trails in the Bear Creek Lake S.P. trail system, covering only .16 of a mile, but it has a big heart. This trail connects Channel Cat Loop to Lakeside Trail at the long bridge over Little Bear Creek. Kestrel then continues to connect with the Willis River Trail, where it ends. Kestrel Trail is linear, and does not loop back into the Park. It is a beautiful trail that rises and falls quickly, like the bird it is named after.
Blaze Color: Red
Usage:
- Length: 0.16
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Lakeside Trail
Lakeside Trail is a 1.5 mile moderate trail that is accessible form the concession/picnic area and also from the Lost Barr Trail. It mainly passes around the southern headwaters of the lake, connecting the cabin area and the beach area. Like most other trails here, this one is fairly flat. Hikers should use caution however, as in some places the trail can be narrow, close to the lake, or have roots running across the path. A hiker who isn't careful could end up in the lake! This trail also provides access to the Quail Ridge and Cumberland Multi Use Trails. Hikers should keep their eyes open for the large beaver dam that can be seen from Little Bear Creek. Keep a look out for frogs and aquatic turtles while on this trail.
Blaze Color: Orange
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- Length: 1
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth, Boardwalks
Lost Barr Loop
Lost Barr Loop is a 1.73 mile trail easily accessible to cabin guests. Hikers may also access Lakeside Trail from the Lost Barr Loop. This trail passes through a hardwood forest & along the edge of the lake. This trail has a moderate difficulty rating. Hiking through the forested sections of this trail reminds one why the Piedmont region of Virginia is one of the most beautiful.
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- Length: 1.73
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Otter Trail
Otter Trail is a .16 mile accessible trail which is located off of Kingfisher Road and next to the driveway entrance to cabins 4 & 5. One may access Lost Barr Loop at the end of this trail which is by the lake and if you look slightly to your right there is a fishing platform.
Blaze Color: Pink
Usage:
- Length: 0.16
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Quail Ridge Trail
The Quail Ridge Trail is a .4 mile moderate hiking trail that is accessible near where the Lakeside Trail crosses a long bridge and becomes the Circumferential or New Lakeside Trail. The trail takes hikers up a slight incline through the forest and out of the park. At the end of the trail hikers must turn around and return to the Circumferential Trail.
Blaze Color: Yellow
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- Length: 0.4
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Running Cedar Trail
The Running Cedar Trail is a .25 mile moderate trail that is accessible across the park road from Campground C. It features some elevation change as it through a ravine which eventually levels out and soon after becomes the Lakeside Trail. On the trail you may find many different hardwood trees as well as examples of Sassafras, Tulip Poplar, and the Paw Paw.
Blaze Color: Blue
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- Length: 0.25
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Willis River Trail
The Willis River Trail is a 16 mile moderate loop trail that exits the park and passes through the Cumberland State Forest where it intersects the Cumberland Multi-use Trail. An excellent loop hike of about 3 miles length is possible by taking the Lakeside Trail to the Willis River Trail then the Willis River Trail to the Cumberland Multi-use Trail, and upon returning to the park, using the Channel Cat Interp. Trail to return to the parking area. While traveling through the forest, you will observe several different and unique environments. Oak-hickory forests, stands of Loblolly Pine, and harvested areas attract many different forms of wildlife. White-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcats are common residents of this productive and well managed natural resource.
Blaze Color: White
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- Length: 16
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Natural
Camping Area
There are 53 sites. In Campground A, the only campground by the lake, there are 13 tent sites (10' x 10' tent pads) with no electric and water hookups and nine with such hookups to accommodate popups and equipment up to 20 feet long. Campground B has 11 sites with water and electric hookups to accommodate popups and equipment up to 20 feet long, and 9 sites with such hookups to accommodate equipment up to 35 feet long. (Note: The 35-foot length includes the combined length of the camper and tow vehicle.) Campground C, open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, has 11 tent sites (10' x 10' tent pads) with a site that has an electric and water hookup.
- Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/Call Park (804) 492-4410
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.9000 -78° 16.3383
Boat Ramps
Boating visitors to the park can launch their own canoes, kayaks and jon boats either from the boat ramp on the dam or from a small ramp located in campground A. A daily parking fee is required. Visitors may also rent canoes, paddleboats, jonboats, kayaks and electric trolling motors in the park from the boathouse located near beach area picnic shelter. Gas motors are not permitted on the lake. Boaters are reminded to wear lifejackets, follow all Virginia boating laws, and to be safe at all times.
- Season/Hours: Spring, Summer, Fall/From 1hr before dawn until 1 hr after dusk
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.9600 -78° 16.5433
Cabins
During prime season, cabins and the lodge are rented by the week beginning on Saturday or Sunday. A two-night minimum stay is required the rest of the year, but guests who wish to stay less than a week during prime season may call 30 days prior to desired arrival date to see if there is vacancy. The cabins and lodge are open year-round and reserved 11 months in advance. Extra beds are unavailable for these dwellings. Additional equipment such as tents is not allowed on the cabin grounds. Cabins 2, 4, 5, 11 and 12 are water-view. Cabins 5 and 9 are handicapped-accessible.Please note: Cabin 5 has a queen bed, one set of bunkbeds and a full-size pullout couch in the living area. Cabin 6 has 15 steps leading to the cabin.
- Season/Hours: All Year/N/A
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.5250 -78° 16.7316
Swimming Area
Lake swimming: Available Memorial Day to Labor Day. (Please call the park for abbreviated weekday swimming hours up to mid-June and after mid-August.) Swimming is free with camping. Open during the summer only, the swimming beach is complete with a bathhouse and concession operation featuring a wide range of sandwiches, snacks and drinks. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the lodge, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.
- Season/Hours: Summer/Daylight
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.7583 -78° 16.2866
Picnic Shelter
The park rents a 20' x 40' (small) shelter. It can accommodate up to 40 people and is 250 feet from the swimming beach, handicap fishing pier and boat rental house. The park's snackbar and bathhouses are about 350 feet away. The shelter features pedestal grills and tables but no electricity. There is a drinking fountain. Generators are not allowed. Two commercial "play centers" with swings and a volleyball net are also within walking distance, as are trailheads for a hiking and a 14-mile multi-use trail. Parking and swimming fees are not included in the shelter rental fee.
- Season/Hours: April 1 through Oct. 31/8 A.M. to dusk
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.9000 -78° 16.3433
Picnic Areas
The park has picnic areas on either side of the beach area. Picnic facilities include drinking water, grills and restrooms.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Daylight hours
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.6833 -78° 16.2416
Bear Creek Meeting Hall
Full Day (8am - 10pm) $236 and 2 Day Wedding Package is $315 (prices do not include sales tax) The facility seats 40 guests for a sit-down meal and about 65 without tables. Those renting the hall are exempt from parking fees so long as they identify themselves as such at the contact station. If you are planning a cookout during the spring, please keep in mind that the annual burn ban is in effect from midnight to 4 p.m. Feb. 15 to April 30. Outdoor cooking with charcoal is only allowed after 4pm.25 vehicles are allowed in conjunction with the hall rental.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 492-4410
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.8383 -78° 16.1183
Amphitheater
A small amphitheater is located in campground A right next to the picnic shelter. It is simple and is composed of a few benches arranged around a stone outdoor fireplace.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Daylight hours
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.9000 -78° 16.3433
Park Office
Visitors may pick up maps and brochures here, buy souvenirs and ice and firewood at this location. The concession stand also sells souvenirs.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 492-4410
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.9116 -78° 16.3849
Concession Stand
A concession stand is accessible at the end of the main park road and is in between the two picnic areas and the beach. It sells things like hamburgers, hot dogs, sodas, chips and ice cream as well as some souvenirs. Visitors may also purchase wrist bands here to use the beach. The facility also offers showers, restrooms, and lockers as well as vending machines for sodas after the facility is closed.
- Season/Hours: Memorial Day through Labor Day/11 A.M. - 3 P.M. Monday - Thursday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays
- Fee: N/A
- Location:37° 31.7583 -78° 16.2866
Lake Fishing
The 40-acre lake supports healthy populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bream and channel catfish. The grass carp may be found here also but if caught should be promptly returned to the lake. These fish are needed to control aquatic weeds and invasive plants and are unable to reproduce and thus must be allowed to remain in the lake. Anglers must have a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 492-4410
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:N/A
Fishing Pier
A small pier is located near the picnic and boat rental areas. It is ADA accessible.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 492-4410
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.6833 -78° 16.2416
Boat Rentals
Boat rentals are available daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A boat launching ramp is available for non-gasoline powered boats. Shoulder season rentals are offered on weekends only during May and September. Parental supervision is required for all rentals, and pets are not allowed in rental boats. Rentals are sometimes cancelled during the shoulder season because of bad weather or staff shortages.In addition, canoes, rowboats, trolling motors and paddleboats are available for rent. A valid Virginia fishing license is required for fishing.
- Season/Hours: Spring, Summer, Fall/Call Park: (804) 492-4410
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.6833 -78° 16.2416
Camping Lodge
Bear Creek Lake has one camping lodge (bunkhouse) for rent. The two-room trailer has seven bunk beds, a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffeepot, and heating and air conditioning. Outside the lodge is a deck with one picnic table and a charcoal grill. Cooking and smoking are not permitted inside the lodge. Five vehicles are permitted with rental of the lodge; all other vehicles must pay the park's daily parking fee. Additional equipment such as tents is not allowed on the bunkhouse grounds.Bring your own linens for the Camping Lodge. 14 guests are allowed in this facility. The camping lodge is next to the park's group campsite, which may be rented by calling the Reservation Center, (800) 933-PARK (7275). Large groups should consider renting the camping lodge and the group camping area. The group camp area accommodates 36 guests and 6 vehicles.
- Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/N/A
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:
Bear Creek Lodge
Also known as Cabin 13. Week stay runs from Sunday to Sunday in prime season. No bed rentals Maximum occupancy is 16 Maximum five cars; additional parking is very limited and may not be available. A parking fee is charged for additional cars. Six bedrooms, one of which is handicapped accessible, and three bathrooms, one of which is handicapped accessible. One handicapped accessible bath is between master bedrooms; the other two baths are shared by the four remaining bedrooms.
- Season/Hours: All Year/N/A
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 31.5981 -78° 16.4326
Archery Range
The park has a 10-lane archery range with excelsior bales and 3D targets. The range, which is managed by the park and Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park, is open from March 1 through the first Monday in December. No archery equipment is available for rent. Archery Programs are offered during the prime season. The range design and layout is representative of ranges developed by the National Rifle Association and the International Bow Hunting Organization. Call (804) 492-4410 for details. If you are interested in being a target sponsor, please contact the Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park at friendsofbearcreeklake@gmail.com
- Season/Hours: See Summary/
- Fee:
- Location:
Primative Group Camp Area
Bear Creek Lake rents a primitive group campsite that has no hookups and is for tents only. It's near Campground C and next to the bunkhouse (camping lodge). The site accommodates up to 36 people. There's one water spigot there (no electricity), and the site is near a restroom. It has several picnic tables, fire-rings with grills and a large pedestal grill. The campsite is available April 1 through Oct. 31. From April 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day and from Labor Day through Oct. 31, the Campground C restroom is open only on weekends. Group campsite guests may still use the Campground A restroom, which is a short walk away. Dogs are allowed; there's a per night fee for each dog. Only up to six vehicles are allowed in the group campsite area. Additional vehicles may be parked at the park office, and a daily parking fee is charged.
- Season/Hours: See Summary/
- Fee:
- Location:
Bear Creek Hall
Bear Creek Hall is a day use facility. Because of limited parking, this facility is not reserved from Saturday through Monday on Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day and Labor Day weekend.Facility seats 40 for a sit down meal and about 65 without tables. Guests are allowed 25 vehicles with the hall rental. Those renting the hall are exempt from parking fees (up to 25 vehicles) as long as they identify themselves as such at the entrance station.A burn ban is in effect from Feb. 15 until 4 p.m. on April 30. The facility's charcoal grill can't be used during that period.Equipment rental: TV with DVD and VCR, laptop and projector with screen, flip chart. A podium without amplification is available at no charge.There is a large group grill available next to the patio. From February 15 through April 30, a burn ban is in effect from midnight to 4 p.m. The facility's charcoal grill can't be used during that period.
- Season/Hours: Call Park/
- Fee: Full Day (8am - 10pm) $236, 2 day wedding/event package - $315 (prices do not include sales tax)
- Location:
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