You’re in luck if you’re a nature lover seeking a picturesque getaway near Roanoke, Virginia! Virginia boasts some of the most stunning state parks in the country, thanks to its diverse topography and natural wonders. Virginia state parks offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking in the Shenandoah Valley to fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Among them, some of the most noteworthy is located just a short distance from Roanoke, making them an excellent destination for an outdoor adventure. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the 5 Best State Parks Near Roanoke, VA, perfect for those seeking fresh air and a chance to commune with nature.
5 Best State Parkes Near Roanoke, Virginia
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park
- Fairy Stone State Park
- Natural Bridge State Park
- Douthat State Park
- Claytor Lake State Park
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1. Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Description
Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The park spans over 1,200 acres and sits along the 20,000-acre Smith Mountain Lake, the largest lake in Virginia. The park offers various activities and amenities for visitors of all ages.
Activities
Smith Mountain Lake State Park has something for everyone, whether you prefer hiking, fishing, fishing, swimming, or camping. There are over 13 hiking trails, including the 2.8-mile Lake Shore Trail, which provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. If fishing is your passion, the lake is home to various fish species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. You can also rent a boat or bring your own and explore the lake’s many coves and inlets.
For those who prefer to stay on land, the park has two large picnic areas, playgrounds, and a swimming beach. During the summer months, lifeguards are on duty at the beach. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake’s tranquil waters.
Lodging
Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers a variety of lodging options to suit any budget or group size. There are 37 cabins with stunning lake views, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Each cabin has a full kitchen, bathroom, heating, and air conditioning. The park also has a campground with 100 tent and RV sites, many offering water and electric hookups.
Location
Smith Mountain Lake State Park is located in Huddleston, Virginia, just off Route 122. It is approximately 40 miles southeast of Roanoke and 120 miles west of Richmond. The park is open year-round, with the busiest months being May through September.
1235 Rd 888, Huddleston, VA 24104
Latitude, 37.079625. Longitude, -79.610993.
2. Fairy Stone State Park
Fairy Stone State Park is a beautiful destination in southwest Virginia’s heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This hidden gem is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the park’s stunning scenery, hiking trails, and recreational activities.
Description
Fairy Stone State Park covers over 5,000 acres of rolling hills, dense forests, and stunning waterfalls. The park’s centerpiece is the 12-acre Fairystone Lake, perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating. Visitors can also explore the park’s numerous trails, including the famous Fairystone Trail, which winds through the woods and past several picturesque waterfalls.
Activities
Fairy Stone State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Fishing enthusiasts will love the park’s abundant bass, catfish, and bluegill, while swimmers can enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake’s cool waters. Boating and canoeing are popular activities, with boat rentals available at the park’s marina.
Fairy Stone State Park has over 15 miles of scenic trails for hikers that wind through the park’s dense forests and several waterfalls. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic buildings, including the 1930s-era cabins available for rent
Lodging
Fairy Stone State Park offers a variety of lodging options, from traditional camping sites to cozy cabins. The park’s 50 campsites are nestled in the woods and offer a rustic camping experience, while the park’s cabins provide a more comfortable stay with modern amenities.
For those who prefer a more immersive experience, the park’s yurts offer a unique glamping experience with comfortable beds, heating, and air conditioning. The yurts also come equipped with a mini-fridge and microwave for convenience.
Location
Fairy Stone State Park is located in Patrick County, Virginia, about 30 minutes from the town of Stuart. The park is easily accessible by car, with ample parking near the park’s entrance.
967 Fairystone Lake Dr, Stuart, VA 24171
Latitude, 36.792468. Longitude, -80.116840.
3. Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge State Park is a must-visit destination if you’re looking for a unique and awe-inspiring natural wonder to explore in Virginia. This park is located in the western part of the state, just off Interstate 81, and is home to one of the most stunning natural landmarks in the country. Here’s what you need to know about this impressive state park.
Description
Natural Bridge is a geological formation that Cedar Creek has carved out over thousands of years. The bridge spans 90 feet and is 215 feet high, making it an incredible sight. The bridge is made of solid rock, and visitors can walk across it to view the impressive views of the surrounding forest and creek below.
The park covers over 1,500 acres and includes several hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with educational exhibits about the area’s natural history. Visitors can also explore the nearby Lace Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades over 50 feet down into a pool below.
Activities
One of the main draws of Natural Bridge State Park is hiking. The park has several trails of varying lengths and difficulties, ranging from an easy half-mile walk to the Cedar Creek Trail. This more challenging 4-mile hike takes visitors along the creek and past several other notable geological formations. The park also has several picnic areas, making it a great spot to enjoy lunch or dinner with family and friends.
For those interested in history, the park is also home to the Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center, built in the early 1800s and has hosted many famous guests, including Thomas Jefferson and Robert E. Lee. Visitors can tour the historic hotel and learn about its fascinating history.
Lodging
Natural Bridge State Park offers several lodging options for visitors looking to stay overnight, including cabins, campsites, and a campground. The park has 14 cabins that can accommodate up to six people each, and all cabins come equipped with heating, air conditioning, and a kitchenette. The campground has 34 tent and RV sites, and guests can also rent a yurt for a unique camping experience.
Location
Natural Bridge State Park is located in Rockbridge County, Virginia, about halfway between Roanoke and Lexington. The park is easily accessible from Interstate 81 and is a popular day trip destination for visitors to the nearby cities of Roanoke and Charlottesville. The park is open year-round, and admission fees vary depending on the season.
6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Latitude, 37.6330653. Longitude, -79.5430299.
4. Douthat State Park
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Allegheny Mountains, Douthat State Park offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. With over 4,500 acres of land to explore, this park offers something for everyone, from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing.
Description
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Allegheny Mountains, Douthat State Park offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. With over 4,500 acres of land to explore, this park offers something for everyone, from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing.
Activities
One of the biggest draws of Douthat State Park is its extensive trail system. Hikers of all skill levels can find a trail to suit their needs, from the easy 1.5-mile Lakeside Trail to the challenging 6.4-mile Blue Suck Falls Trail. Mountain bikers will also find plenty of trails to explore, including the 10.5-mile Brushy Hollow Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
For those who prefer to spend time on the water, Douthat Lake is the perfect spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is stocked with trout, bass, and other fish, and anglers can try their luck from the shore or a boat. There is also a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing, and concession stands for snacks and drinks.
Other activities at the park include picnicking, bird watching, and horseback riding. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including guided hikes and astronomy nights.
Lodging
Douthat State Park offers a range of lodging options, from traditional camping to fully equipped cabins. The campground has 87 sites, many of which have electric and water hookups. There are also three primitive camping areas for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
The park has 16 cabins available for rent for those who want more comfort. These cabins have fully equipped kitchens, heating, air conditioning, and modern bathrooms. They range in size from one to three bedrooms, making them suitable for couples, families, and larger groups.
Location
Douthat State Park is located in Millboro, Virginia, approximately 3.5 hours southwest of Washington, D.C., and 2.5 hours northwest of Richmond, Virginia. The park is easily accessible from Interstate 64 and near the intersection of Route 629 and Route 39.
14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, VA 24460
Latitude, 37.896054. Longitude, -79.809300.
5. Claytor Lake State Park
Claytor Lake State Park, a 472-acre haven for outdoor enthusiasts, is in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia. With its scenic beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere, this park is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in nature.
Description
Claytor Lake State Park is located in Dublin, Virginia, and features a 4,500-acre reservoir, 14 miles of shoreline, and a wealth of outdoor activities. The park is named after Claytor Lake, created in 1939 by constructing the Claytor Dam on the New River. The lake is famous for boating, fishing, and swimming, while the surrounding land offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
Activities
There is plenty of things to do at Claytor Lake State Park. Boating and fishing are the most popular activities on the lake, with boat rentals available at the park’s marina. The lake is home to various fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, making it an excellent destination for anglers.
Hiking is another popular activity in the park, with several trails of varying difficulty levels available. For example, the Claytor Lake Trail is a 3.1-mile loop that offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, while the Peak Creek Trail is a more challenging 4.5-mile trek that takes hikers through forests and over streams.
Other activities in the park include swimming, picnicking, and birdwatching. There is a designated swimming area with a sandy beach and several picnic areas equipped with tables, grills, and shelters. The park’s birding trail is a must-visit for birdwatchers, with over 150 species of birds spotted in the area.
Lodging
Claytor Lake State Park offers various lodging options for those looking to stay overnight. The park has 15 cabins available for rent, all fully equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and heating/cooling systems. The cabins can accommodate four to eight people and offer a comfortable and convenient way to experience the park.
There are also 89 campsites for tents and RVs, with amenities such as electrical and water hookups, fire pits, and picnic tables. The park also has a group campground that can accommodate up to 50 people and a camping lodge that can sleep up to 16 people.
Location
Claytor Lake State Park is in Dublin, Virginia, just off I-81. The park is easily accessible from several major cities, including Roanoke, Blacksburg, and Winston-Salem. In addition, the park’s central location in the Blue Ridge Mountains makes it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region’s natural beauty.
6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive, Dublin, VA 24084
Latitude, 37.057372. Longitude, -80.627394.