This is a fun state park to visit! There is a beautiful area by the water that is great for walking.read more

I'm staying in the lovely guest house in the scenic Riverside Belle Idle and couldn't be more…read morepleased. The view from the bay window is phenomenal, the space large and comfortable. We've had trails to wander, seen wildlife, and could even go crabbing, pots provided (both kinds, to catch and cook!). The park is serene and so beautiful with the estuary, river, beachy, and woodsy biomes to observe.

This is definitely a park for a more experienced hiker. The park is well maintained in some areas…read moreand not in others. Was quite difficult to consistently make out the trail markings and follow along with maps. It also feels quite isolated so would reccomend going with someone. The entry ride into the park is quite long, narrow and only accommodates one car at a time. It is also gravel so its important to drive at a moderate speed. Most of the trails are gravel/dirt and there is a lot of greenery to admire. They also have multiple docks available for fishing or to admire the water. I went in the month of May '25 and there were a lot of ticks around, so be mindful and be sure to check yourself after your walk/hike.

A beautiful place to see wildlife, and to recharge in nature. Open every day of the year, and free!read more

On the map, this was indistinguishable from nearby Dameron Marsh. Upon arriving, I was surprised by…read morewhat I found here. A short boardwalk leads to a genuine beach, one of the larger and nicer ones I've ever seen on the Chesapeake. Don't get me wrong, nobody's surfing on the little waves the bay generates, but it's still got a nice beach aesthetic and a good view. Several cautions are warranted, including the obvious risks of biting insects (not so much on the beach, but definitely on the inland track) and jellyfish. But I was surprised when a local told me that some of the marshy areas and the stream where a lagoon flows into the bay are prone to developing quicksand, to the point where people can get seriously stuck. (Unlike in movies, quicksand is not likely to drown you on its own but I still would not want to step in it). So watch out for that and bring some bug spray. Plant and animal life was abundant, and between the forest, the marsh, and the beach, there was a variety of scenery. So little of the bay is open to the public and preserved in this way. And this is not a park per se, and so unlike most state parks, this is free to enter. The parking area is small, and signage says they do not allow parking outside the lines, so visitation will be limited simply by space. But if you see a space open there, I'd take it.

This park is fantastic. There are only 11 parking spaces, so access is limited. The trail through…read morethe woods is beautiful. Some of the trail is raised wooden platforms. The beach is amazing. It is rustic and beautiful with marshlands and wildlife. There are two hiking options. One is interior and goes in the woods. The other is beachfront. Both trails are great. There is one point where there is a small inland marshy lake. It is usually connected to the bay. The water here is usually flowing in or out depending on the tide. Be very careful trying to cross because the sand is soft and you could get stuck. It is remote, so you might not easily get help. The wildlife in this area is great. Sometimes I have seen hundreds of flapping rays just off shore. Birds, fish you never know. Fo and enjoy this special treasure.

We had a very nice stay. The fossil beach area was pretty cool, the beach area on the other side…read moreand stairs to get there was a nice walk, and the historical aspect of the park as a whole is great. Worth a stay if in the area.

We arrived a day early and with the exception of the totally clueless young girl staffing the main…read moreentrance booth the staff at the visitors center were kind, knowledgeable and super efficient. They quickly assigned us pull through hook up site A06. Our site and fire pit were super clean as were the bathroom facilities which even had a nice laundry room. The view from the visitor center is breathtaking and the surrounding trails well manicured. Fossils Beach was a high point with an easy hiking level. Our camp host in A1 was very friendly and cleaned every site as it was vacated. I'd highly recommend this State Park gem while visiting VA.

If you suffer from "gephyrophobia", fear of bridges, the Downing bridge may help you conquer that…read morefear! Usually, I'm scared out of my "bridges" when I approach a bridge, whether I driving or a passenger, but this bridge gave me courage to "get over it". Although this is a steel stringer, narrow bridge with no shoulder, it's not too long nor too steep. It's just over a mile long, connecting Tappahannock and Warsaw. The water views across the bridge are quite pretty, especially nearing sunset. Cross the water, you'll see flocks of water birds resting on rustic pylons...they ap-"pier" to be herons, cranes, seagulls, and ospreys. If you pull over underneath the bridge by the Tappahannock side, you won't "egret" it. Weeping willows align the small field with a picnic area and there's a historic marker, a plaque and map describing the history of this part of the Rappahannock River. You can park and climb the rocks or even cast a line for fish. The Warsaw side of the bridge isn't quite so scenic. This bridge was named after a state senator, Thomas J Downing, who lived from 1867-1927. The bridge was constructed originally in 1927 which was a welcome change from the ferries that used to usher people across the River. Then in 1963, it was modernized to the bridge seen today carrying thousands of vehicles per day. As of an inspection in 2017, this bridge was deemed in poor-fair condition but needed some upkeep. Let's give this bridge some support!

It's bridge, y'all. It's arches up and over pretty high, but certainly not as high as many. I've…read morealways known it as the Tappahannock Bridge. It spans over the Rappohannock River, connecting the small town of Tappohannock to the even smaller town of Warsaw. Way back in the day, when we were invincible and clueless, aka, high schoolers, I had friends who seized that dubious double dog dare ya and went plunging into the river below. At night. All survived, but I would never recommend such folly. I know people who have bridge phobias. In my unprofessional opinion, I would rate this drive over as a level 4 on the anxiety scale (based on 1-10). Maybe a 5.8 if you are riding a motorcycle. * . If you are crossing over from the Tappahannock side, look to the tips of the barren trees on the right as you reach the end. You might catch sight of a Red Tail or an Eagle! Enjoy the views! *Felt this must be touched upon for those who might be triggered. You are welcome.

Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve offers various trees, ravines, swampland, and wetland…read more Additionally, you have an abundance of birds, wildlife, fauna & flora. The preserve has well marked trails and a small parking area. Arrowed signs and color code on trees help visitors verify/match desired trail with coordinating trail names. Throughout the trails and at the parking area, are informational signs and wildlife listings. Once at the swamp, there is a seating area so you can sit and enjoy the surroundings. Enjoy a day of exploring.

Nice close by place for walk in the woods. Great that folks set it aside. Well cared for. Close in…read moreand peaceful.

great lake for paddling or fishing…read more lots of smaller largemouth bass, but a developing population of larger ones. no gas motors are allowed. concrete boat ramp with a small floating dock and attached canoe/kayak launch. even when the parking area is crowded, I've never seen it full. & the lake looks empty even when the parking is full. limited shore fishing. some picnic tables & such. there are restrooms on the hill above the boat ramp. only flaws are a population of wasps at the dock that repeated complaints to the County have not resolved, and a tendency for all-about-me folks to park along the ramp (which is NOT a parking area, except for the small handicap area) or leave their vehicles there for extended periods.

Lake Mooney is technically a reservoir but it definitely has that lake feel and is perfect for…read morefishing or kayaking. Gas motor boats are not allowed; only electric motors are permitted on the lake. There's a boat ramp that is easy to get to. A few benches also line the shore. This is a great place for a picnic. I personally enjoy visiting late in the afternoon, as you can watch the sun set.

Be aware, do not stay on campground: There are ticks everywhere, including playground. I have never…read moreseen that amount of ticks in my 50-years camping experience. It is difficult to avoid contact with poison ivy. Probably only if you stay on the main road. I reserved 2 campsite: one for 6 people, another was claimed as for 12 people. They are of the same size and advertisement still did not change. Comfortably you can set just one tent on the gravel surface.

As much as I like Southern Maryland, realistically, if you drive down from DC or Baltimore or…read morethereabouts thinking that the very last tip of land reaching out into the Chesapeake is going to be a great place to visit, you're likely to be disappointed. The site has a lighthouse in classic Maryland style, but it's rarely open. There are some places where you can get in the water, but many where you cannot. The conditions out here can be a little rough, either from too much wind or, immediately inland, fetid swampiness. The history of the place as a Civil War penal colony is interesting. There's some placards and such, but not an enormous amount of actual stuff to do when I've visited. It should be noted that while these are not part of the park, visitors will see a memorial to the site's many lost inhabitants and a separate Confederate memorial as they drive up. For locals, getting a pass may be worthwhile. For those visiting the area, there are a lot of prettier and more interesting sites you'd be passing on the way here.

This park has amazing trails, gardens, and an amazing playground for kids. It is ADA accessible…read more just know that the playground is next to the Pickleball court.

Beautiful park with a variety of trail offerings. I was here for almost 2 hours and still don't…read morethink I saw everything. There is so much to explore here and offers something for every level of stepper. Whether you're looking for an intense hike or just a leisurely stroll, this is a great spot to be. The park has multiple entrances and different access points which would make multiple visits here still feel fresh. The park is very hilly and has a lot of inclines so keep that in mind. Once you get down to the park you'll be greeted by the lake trail where you can walk in a loop around the stunning lake. You can also do catch and release fishing here which I saw multiple people doing. While the lake trail is paved, this park also has a variety of cobblestone and natural trails as well. The walks are pretty shaded and all have stunning views of either greenery or some water component. This is a great walking spot if you're wanting to really dive into nature and experience some stunning views. This is definitely a more mild intensity walk mainly because of the inclines, they also have stair entrances to get on the trail as well. There were quite a few people on the trail, consisting of families, groups and even solo walkers. Despite its almost secluded nature this park felt relatively safe with the amount of people present. You may want a trail buddy if veering into the natural trails but the paved lake loop was pretty open making it feel safe for solo walkers. Overall, with its variety of entrances, views, and the moderate challenge, this park is a great choice for regular walkers and nature lovers!

It was quiet. It wasn't crowded. It was peaceful... BUT... it's so many rocks and bugs in the…read moresand... like millions of these sand flea black crab looking things... it was a very uncomfortable situation. So glad we had chairs because sitting on that beach blanket was awful. Probably won't be back... but it is okay

Great beach front property, clean, nice decor, rooms are spacious, shower pressure is good…read more Property is located at the end of the beach.. not crowded.. Front desk employees are very pleasant and professional. Restaurant upstairs has great beach view with fine dining options, sushi, steaks and such. Downstairs restaurant offers casual dishes. Check in and out can be a little long. Overall good property to enjoy Virginia Beach.