Four state parks within an hour’s drive of Charlottesville

For nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, Charlottesville offers easy access to four of Virginia’s state parks.

Whether you enjoy hiking, boating, biking, fishing or simply relaxing, Bear Creek Lake, James River, Lake Anna and Powhatan are all within an hour’s drive, making them perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.

Keep reading to learn more about these parks, the activities they offer and how to plan your visit.

1. Bear Creek Lake State Park

Location: Approximately 45 miles southeast of Charlottesville in Cumberland, Virginia

Drive time: About 1 hour

Bear Creek Lake State Park is in the heart of the Cumberland State Forest. The 329-acre park is centered around the 40-acre Bear Creek Lake, making it a great location for swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking.

If you enjoy hiking, Bear Creek Lake features several miles of winding trails, offering glimpses of local wildlife and beautiful views of the lake. The park also provides access to the 16-mile Willis River Trail and 15.7-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail, which take you through Cumberland State Forest.

Bear Creek Lake State Park has cabins, campgrounds*, a fishing pier, a sandy beach area, picnic shelters and playgrounds. With its serene environment and variety of activities, this park is great for a relaxing day out in nature.

Bonus adventure: The park has a 10-lane archery range with excelsior bales and 3D targets. You can stop by the office to learn more about archery equipment rentals and to see if there are any archery instruction sessions scheduled during your visit.

Bear Creek Lake State Park

*Campgrounds will be closed for construction projects beginning Oct. 7, 2024, through May 2026.

2. James River State Park

Location: Approximately 50 miles southwest of Charlottesville in Gladstone, Virginia

Drive time: About 1 hour

Spanning over 1,500 acres, James River State Park has more than 3 miles of river frontage along the historic James River. Whether you're looking to paddle down the river in a canoe, kayak or tube, the park offers a car-top launch and a boat launch for a hassle-free adventure.

In addition to water activities, James River features 22 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling hills of the Virginia countryside. The Tye River Overlook is a must-visit spot within the park.

Picnic areas, a visitor center and camping facilities make James River State Park an excellent destination for day trips and overnight stays.

Bonus adventure: James River is an International Dark-Sky Park, which means it’s great for stargazing. Go to virginiastateparks.gov/events before your visit to learn more about any upcoming Dark Sky programs.

James River State Park

3. Lake Anna State Park

Location: Approximately 60 miles northeast of Charlottesville in Spotsylvania, Virginia

Drive time: About 1 hour

Lake Anna State Park is a popular destination for water lovers, featuring one of Virginia's largest freshwater lakes. Spanning over 13,000 acres, Lake Anna offers plenty of space for boating, jet skiing, fishing and swimming. The park's sandy beach area is perfect for lounging in the sun or splashing in the water, making it a hit with families.

Beyond the water, the park offers more than 15 miles of trails that weave through the forest and along the lake's shoreline. These trails vary in difficulty and are suitable for hikers of all levels.

Lake Anna also features overnight facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds and a fishing pond that’s accessible to children and individuals with disabilities.

Bonus adventure: Head to the visitor center to check out exhibits that trace the history of the area’s gold mining. If you want to learn more, ask about the park’s gold panning programs and guided tours of the Goodwin Gold Mine.

Lake Anna State Park

4. Powhatan State Park

Location: Approximately 45 miles east of Charlottesville in Powhatan, Virginia

Drive time: About 1 hour

Situated along the scenic banks of the James River, Powhatan State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities in a peaceful, natural setting. The 1,560-acre park has about 12 miles of multi-use trails that take you through various habitats, including field edge, upland pine forest and mature hardwoods.

The James River is a focal point of the park, providing excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. There are three canoe slide launches for easy access to the river, and for trailer access, head to the nearby Department of Wildlife Resources boat launch.

Powhatan has picnic areas and a playground, and if you want to stay overnight, the park has a full-service campground, primitive camping and yurts.

Bonus adventure: In September, the park hosts the popular Pawpaw Festival. This custardy tropical-tasting fruit is our nation’s largest native fruit. In Virginia, pawpaw trees grow in the Piedmont’s forested bottomlands and floodplains, which is why you’ll find them at Powhatan State Park.

Powhatan State Park

---

Whether you're a local resident or just visiting the area, these four state parks provide the perfect opportunity to experience Virginia's natural beauty without straying far from Charlottesville.

From the tranquil lakes of Bear Creek and Lake Anna to the rolling riverfronts of James River and Powhatan, each park offers a wide range of activities. So, pack a picnic, lace up your hiking boots and set out to explore these unique parks just an hour's drive from Charlottesville.

Start planning your trip today at virginiastateparks.gov.