Tucked neatly into the heart of Virginia near the North Carolina border, Staunton River offers much to families and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and was opened in 1936 as one of the original six Virginia State Parks. The 2,400 acre park offers cabins, a campground, picnic shelters, a large playground, tennis and volleyball courts, boat ramps, many opportunities to observe wildlife, and 12 miles of multi use trails. Access to the Dan and Staunton Rivers and Virginias largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, offers excellent freshwater fishing and boating opportunities while the large swimming pool complex in the park offers a simple solution to those hot summer days! A 70-foot water slide and many fun toys for the kids make the swimming pool a spot that you dont want to miss.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Amazing Spots, Biking Trails, Bird Watching, Canoeing, Educational & Historical Facilities, Fishing, Hiking, Picnic Areas, Romantic Spots, Scenic Views, Tours & Events, Unique Cabins, Water Recreation
Activities At This Destination: Hiking, Biking, Boating and Water Sports, Camping, Educational Activities, Fishing, Gifts and Shopping, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Picnicking, Swimming, Wildlife Activities, Photography and Canoeing And Kayaking
The Captain Staunton Trail is a 0.7 mile, easy, interpretive hiking loop that is accessible from the main park road near the Visitor's Center as well as from the River Bank Trail. This easy trail goes through the woods, passing several signs interpreting local wildlife and history. When the trail reaches the River Bank Trail there is a short return loop before returning to the trail head.
Blaze Color: Red
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The Crow's Nest Trail is a 0.2 mile easy, multi use trail. It connects the Riverbank Trail to the Robin's Roost Trail. This short trail passes through wooded areas and clearings near the main park road, crossing it and reaching the Riverbank Trail. The earthen trail is fairly wide but gets narrow in places. When combined with portions of the other two trails, this trail makes a nice loop of about 2 miles in length.
Blaze Color: Orange
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The River Bank Trail is a 8.3 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that runs around the park's perimeter and is popular with equestrians. The trail is accessible from every trail in the park except the Tutelo Trail. This trail runs through the wooded areas around the park, going up and down some fairly steep hills, and usually running near the Dan and Staunton Rivers. The trail features an overlook of Buggs Island Lake along with numerous photo opportunities. Portions of the trail pass over wooden bridges, where some equestrians may choose to walk their horses.
Blaze Color: Dark Blue
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The Robin's Roost Trail is a 1.1 mile easy, multi-use trail that is accessible from the Riverbank Trail and the Crow's Nest Trail. This path takes users from Riverbank Trail, crosses the main park road, then becomes narrower and passes the Crow's Nest Trail before reaching the other end of the Riverbank Trail. There are some moderate changes in elevation near the River Bank Trail where the trail increases in difficulty.
Blaze Color: Yellow
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The Tutelo Trail is a .1 mile, easy hiking trail that serves primarily as a connector trail. The trail connects picnic area 1 to the Visitor's Center and pool area, crossing a small bridge and the Riverbank Trail in the process. This trail runs parallel to some power lines and as such has a wide margin of cleared land to either side of the trail.
Blaze Color: White
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The Twin Loops Trail is a 2.5 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail, that is accessible from the horse parking lot and the Riverbank Trail. Consistent with its name, the trail is made up of two loops that wander through wooded areas, up and down several hills, and across a number of creeks. In places, this potentially confusing trail runs on wide fire roads, and at other times it follows a rough narrow path with occasional obstacles that can be particularly challenging to bicyclists. Follow the blazes and be prepared for the twists and turns to avoid wandering off this trail.
Blaze Color: Pink
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The park's amphitheater is located behind the newly renovated Visitor's Center. While it is mainly used for park programs, the amphitheater is available for rent for special events, such as weddings. There is limited seating available, but plenty of open space for lawn chairs or blankets. A fire ring is located next to the amphitheater. This fire ring is used in park programming, but can be used by the public for outdoor fires for your special event. For more information on using the amphitheater or for the programs running at the amphitheater, please call the Visitor's Center at 434-572-4623.
The park campground offers 48 campsites, a bathhouse with a washer and dryer, a bunkhouse, and a dump station. There are standard sites and water/electric sites that include sites that can accommodate large equipment. Reservations are recommended from May until September. If you wish to make specific site requests, please contact the Visitor's Center at 434-572-4623. Call 1-800-933-PARK to make reservations.
The Swimming Pool at Staunton River offers guests of all ages a cool solution to hot summer days. A concession stand offers pizza, hot dogs, cold drinks, ice cream, and other convenience foods and those often forgotten swimming necessities. Admission is sold through the concession stand and group and private rental rates are available. The pool facility includes a shallow wading pool for the little kids, complete with a frog slide, water snake, and other water toys. The Olympic sized pool features a 70-foot water slide that offers countless thrills to all ages and a small log slide for those who are not big enough or brave enough for the large slide. Located right outside of the pool complex are newly remodeled tennis courts and volleyball courts. The Visitor's Center is also located near the pool complex.
Near the Dan River, this shelter provides a shady setting for reunions, picnics and other special events. It accommodates up to 60 comfortably. There is a spigot that allows access to potable water and a large grill at the back of the shelter. There's no deck but there is a graveled area by the grill. This shelter offers no view of the river; access to the river is limited. A walk of about two minutes brings you to the river. The shelter is near a playground and trash disposal, and bathrooms are about five minutes away. This shelter offers access to the Visitor's Center, Pool Area, and tennis and volleyball courts via the Tutelo Trail, a 5-10 minute walk. First-come, first-served picnic tables that can be used to accommodate more people are around shelter.
Beside the Dan River, this shelter provides a shady setting for reunions, picnics and other special events. It accommodates up to 60 comfortably. There is a spigot that allows access to potable water and a large grill at the back of the shelter. This shelter has a spacious deck near the grill and offers a waterfront view and easy access to the water. Also, the shelter features a playground and trash disposal, and handicapped accessible bathrooms are only a short distance away. The shelter is not, however, equipped with a ramp for easy access by the handicapped. Spacious grounds for softball, badminton, soccer, etc., are nearby. Guests must provide their own equipment.
The park's original Visitor's Center was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. This facility opened with the rest of the park in 1936 and has served as both a Visitor's Center and a restaurant over the years. In 1995, the Visitor's Center was closed for renovations. 2009 marks the reopening of the Visitor's Center and our entire staff is excited about this turning point in the park's history! The Visitor's Center will house exhibits, an interpretive classroom, park staff offices, the new Gift Shop, and overnight guest registration. We look forward to sharing this new facility with you and your family in the coming months!
Picnic Area two is waterfront to the Dan River. There is a small car top launch available in the Picnic Area that can be used when the water level is not too low. Picnic Area two offers plenty of parking and lots of shade. There is a large open field available for baseball, kickball, or a game of tag. There is a handicapped accessible bathroom in Picnic Area two as well as a horse shoe pit (you do need to provide your own horseshoes). Picnic Area two features a new, handicapped accessible playground for kids of all ages. This picnic area is a haven for shore fisherman, as there is lots of access to the shoreline. Spring and summer days see the banks of Picnic Area two dotted with fishermen and their poles waiting to catch "the big one".
The cabins are equipped with the following for your convenience: microwaves, coffeemakers, living areas, fireplaces, charcoal grills, heat pumps, central heat and air, refrigerators, stoves, kitchen utensils, linens, and towels. Overnight fees include one day of free swimming (summer season only) for every night spent in the cabin, parking, and boat launching. There is a $10 per pet per night pet fee should you bring your pet. This fee can be paid with your reservation or upon your arrival at the park. The cabins are rented on a two night minimum during the off and mid seasons (March Memorial Day and September-December). From Memorial Day until Labor Day, the cabins are rented on a weekly basis.
After hours rental of the pool complex is available by application only. This application is available at the Visitor's Center and reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. All parking fees still apply and must be paid the day of your event either at the Visitor's Center by arrangement or through the contact station or honor parking.For more information on reserving the pool complex after hours, please call the Visitor's Center at 434-572-4623.
Both mini shelters are located in Picnic Area #1 and are available for rent from May until October for $20 through the Reservation Center. The rental period runs from 8 am until 10 pm. They can also be used on a first come, first served basis with no fee like the picnic shelters. Both mini shelters provide a covered picnic site near bathrooms with one six foot and one twelve foot picnic table and grill. The mini shelters will comfortably seat approximately 20 people.
The Gift Shop is located in the newly renovated Visitor's Center. The Gift Shop is the perfect place to get that just right souvenir or that one item that you forgot to pack on your vacation. You can also purchase your hunting and fishing licenses in The Gift Shop. We invite everyone to come and take a look around the new Visitor's Center as well as the new Gift Shop at Staunton River State Park.
The Camping Lodge (or bunkhouse) can be rented through the Reservation Center and it is $84 per night for VA residents and $93 per night for non-residents. The Camping Lodge sleeps 14 in bunk beds and can sleep an additional 6 in a tent outside. There is a refrigerator and microwave provided. Guests must use the campground bathhouse. The Camping Lodge features heat and a/c. There is a $10 per pet per night pet fee if you wish to bring your pet. This fee can be paid when you make your reservation or upon your arrival at the park.
For those with larger motorboats there is a motorboat launch on the Dan River. The motorboat launch has ample parking and pit toilets are located nearby. Those using the motorboat launch are required to pay necessary fees. This facility may not be accessible if the water level is too high or low. If your visit depends on the ability to launch your boat, please call the park in advance. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted on Buggs Island Lake.The park also offers 2 car top boat launches for smaller boats on both the Dan and Staunton rivers. If the water level drops below 292', the boat launch will not be usable. To check the lake level, visit www.kerrlake.com
Picnic Area 1 is a large area, but is divided into spaces. The mini shelters are in this area, near the bathrooms. There is also a large covered picnic shelter in Picnic Area 1. This area offers access to the Dan River shoreline, but is not waterfront. Picnic Area 1 offers access to the Visitor's Center and the Pool Complex vis the Tutelo Trail. This trail also offers access to the newly renovated tennis courts and volleyball courts (you do need to provide your own equipment for these activities). There is plenty of parking and plenty of shade in this picnic area. There is a playground located in this picnic area as well as a horse shoe pit (you do need to provide your own horseshoes).
Pay your Honor Parking FeesStaci R. Martin
Spring is here, parks are getting busy, remember to pay honor parking/camping.
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It's CHAOS Again in Southern VirginiaPat Eastwood
Join members of the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS) at their Staunton River Star Party and learn more about viewing the night sky. The public is invited to join in the fun on Saturday, March 24, from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
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What Was Missing at Staunton River State Park's Cabins?Stephanie Allen, Office Manager
After 75 years, Staunton River State Park cabins add missing amenity, and guests will find what's old is new again.
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Prestwould Plantation in Southside VirginiaShellie Anne
In honor of Black History Month I would like to share information about Prestwould Plantation you might find of interest!
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