Top 10 Virginia State Parks According to TripAdvisor Visitor Reviews
Virginia boasts an array of stunning state parks, and TripAdvisor reviews highlight these top 10 favorites. Popular for their diverse attractions—from scenic hikes to waterfront adventures—they draw visitors year-round, not just those near water bodies.
Compiled from guest reviews on TripAdvisor, this list showcases Virginia State Parks' highlights, complete with visitor quotes.
“BUCKET LIST HIKE”
1. Grayson Highlands State Park
Situated near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain—Virginia's highest peaks—Grayson Highlands State Park features alpine-like summits over 5,000 feet. Amenities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and trails to waterfalls and overlooks.
Scenic horse trails, a horse camping area with electric/water hookups, stables, and trailer parking are available. Year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Highlands Horse Trail adds to its appeal.
Check them out:
“THE JEWEL OF THE BLUE RIDGE”
2. Smith Mountain Lake State Park
On the shores of Virginia's second-largest freshwater lake, this park is a haven for water lovers. Enjoy swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp, and a universally accessible fishing pier.
Families appreciate picnicking, a visitor center, amphitheater, programs, camping, trails, and cabins with boat docks.
“ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES”
3. Hungry Mother State Park
A family favorite amid beautiful woodlands and a serene 108-acre lake in the mountains. Features a sandy beach with bathhouse, boat rentals (fishing, canoe, kayak, paddle), boat launch, and accessible fishing pier.
Additional amenities: campgrounds, cabins, yurts, gift shop, visitor center, six-bedroom lodge (sleeps 15), hiking/biking trails, restaurant, and nature programs.
“HIKER’S PARADISE!”
4. York River State Park
Renowned for its unique estuarine environment where freshwater meets saltwater, fostering rich marine and plant life. Programs and exhibits at the visitor center cover history, wildlife, and preservation.
Over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use explore marshes, shoreline, and forests. Includes boat ramp, fishing spots, pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal rentals.
“A PARK THAT HAS EVERYTHING”
5. First Landing State Park
Offers recreational and educational activities amid bald cypress swamps, lagoons, maritime forest, rare plants, and wildlife. Amenities: cabins, campsites with water/electric, picnic areas, boat ramps, camp store, bike rentals.
Known as an oasis in Virginia Beach, with 10 trails totaling over 20 miles for walking, hiking, or biking.
“PEACEFUL NATURE AT ITS BEST”
6. Pocahontas State Park
Features boating, picnicking, camping, cabins, 64+ miles of trails, and nature/history programs. The Aquatic Center offers seasonal water fun.
Summer evenings bring live music at the amphitheater. Three lakes for fishing; seasonal rentals on 225-acre Swift Creek Lake. Ideal for wildlife photography.
“SURPRISE OF MY LIFE”
7. Natural Tunnel State Park
Home to a 850-foot natural tunnel through limestone, as tall as a 10-story building. Facilities: campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas, amphitheater, visitor center, camp store, gift shop, Wilderness Road historic area, swimming pool with slide, seasonal chairlift.
Wild Cave Tours available April-October.
“GEM OF HISTORY”
8. Chippokes Plantation State Park
One of America's oldest working farms since 1619. Tour antebellum mansion, outbuildings, gardens, and the Farm and Forestry Museum.
Campground, four cabins, Olympic-sized pool, visitor center. Activities: biking, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking. Access Historic James River for kayaking, fossil hunting, wildlife viewing.
“MUST SEE”
9. High Bridge Trail State Park
31-mile trail (former rail bed) for hiking, biking, horseback riding—wide, level, flat. Highlight: 2,400-foot High Bridge, 125 feet above Appomattox River, Virginia's longest recreational bridge.
Bike rentals in Farmville; parking near bridge. Open dawn-dusk; special events like Firefly Festival, astronomy nights, bridge camping.
“SUNSET VIEW IS AMAZING”
10. Kiptopeke State Park
On Virginia's Eastern Shore (explored by Capt. John Smith, 1608), with Chesapeake Bay access. Concrete ships offshore for prime fishing; lighted pier.
Newer cabins, lodges, yurt, campground near picnic/playground areas. Excellent for migratory birds; seasonal programs on natural history, birding, bay ecology.
What’s on Your Top 10 List?
Review sites vary, so use this as a starting point. Visit Virginia State Parks to create your own list and share on our Facebook page.
Reserve cabins, campgrounds, yurts at 800-933-7275. View all Virginia State Parks map.
#THINKOUTSIDE
Written by Shellie Anne for Virginia State Parks.
Featured image courtesy of Virginia State Parks.
