Staunton River State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Special Features/Comments: Tucked neatly into the heart of Virginia, about 25 miles from the North Carolina border, Staunton River offers much to families and outdoor enthusiasts. The 2,400-acre park offers woodlands, meadows and shoreline along the Dan and Staunton rivers. Cabins built in the 1930s by the CCC and a campground offer overnight lodging. The equestrian campground offers large campsites and horse stalls. Access to Virginia's largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, offers freshwater fishing and boating, along with water skiing and many other aquatic activities. The park also has Olympic-sized and wading pools, picnic shelters, three playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, several boat launches and more than 17 miles of multi-use trails. This park is the first state park in Virginia to be designated an International Dark Sky Park and is ideal for stargazing. Park staff conducts associated interpretive programs and rents telescopes. Contact the park for more information on star-watching opportunities.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: Staunton River State Park is 18 miles east of South Boston. Take U.S. 360 to Route 344. Follow Route 344 for 10 miles to the park, located southeast of Scottsburg, Va.

Drive Time

Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours; Roanoke, two hours

Directions

From the north: Take U.S. 501 south to Halifax, Va. At intersection of U.S. 501 and state Route 360, turn left; go about eight miles. At intersection of state Route 360 and U.S. 360, go straight through the stoplight to Route 344. Travel 10 miles to the park entrance, which is southeast of Scottsburg, Va.

From the south: Take U.S. 501 north to South Boston, Va. At intersection of U.S. 501 and U.S. 58, turn right onto U.S. 58 east; go approximately one mile and turn left at stoplight onto U.S. 360; travel east on U.S. 360 approximately eight miles and turn right onto Route 344; go 10 miles to park entrance.

From the west: Take U.S. 58 east to the intersection of U.S. 58 and U.S. 360; turn left at stoplight onto U.S. 360; go east approximately eight miles and turn right onto Route 344; travel 10 miles to park entrance.

From the east: Take U.S. 360 west to Scottsburg, Va; at intersection of U.S. 360 with state Route 360 and Route 344, turn left at stoplight onto Route 344; travel 10 miles to park entrance.

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Tennis Court, Horse Stables, Birdwatching, Fishing, Marina/Boating, Disc Golf, Observatory

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Grills

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Some

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Swimming: Outdoor Pool

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Bath House

Trash Cans: Yes

Food for Sale Type: Snack Shop, Gift Shop

Camping: Tent, RV, Groups

Camping Amenities: Running Water, Overnight Camping, Fires Allowed, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, Campfire Circle, RV Hookups

TRAILS:

Trail Description: Hiking and self-guided trails; horses allowed on multi-use trail. Ten wooded trails provide miles of hiking along the Dan and Staunton rivers as well as Buggs Island Lake. Multi-use trails are open for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Bring your own horse and bike.

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Shade: Some

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Kiosk with trail maps, Panoramic Views

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Play frisbee or catch, Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Open Space Shade: Some

Natural Water Feature: Pond/Lake, River/Channel