Bear Creek Lake State Park

08/14/2026

Enjoy more time on the water with our new self‑serve kayak and paddleboard rental kiosks! 🚣‍♂️ Powered by Whenever Watersports, these kiosks let visitors rent paddling equipment - no reservations required.

📱 Grab the app, scan and go! Our kiosk offers single and tandem kayaks, but check out the list of other parks joining the fun.

🔹 Belle Isle State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
🔹 Claytor Lake State Park: Single and tandem kayaks and SUPs
🔹 Douthat State Park: Single and tandem kayaks and SUPs
🔹 Fairy Stone State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
🔹 First Landing State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
🔹 Hungry Mother State Park: Single and tandem kayaks and SUPs
🔹 Lake Anna State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
🔹 Pocahontas State Park: Single and tandem kayaks
🔹Smith Mountain Lake State Park: Single and tandem kayaks and SUPs (available starting Sept. 8 )

Learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/kiosk-kayak-rentals
📸 Photos: Smith Mountain Lake, Fairy Stone, Hungry Mother

08/07/2026

Join us for one of our Lake Canoe Tours this month! 🛶

This pleasant paddle will show you two aquatic settings: our manmade lake built in the 1930s and a nature-made wetland.

$5 per person and advance registration is required 48 hours prior to the event.

Basic canoeing instruction will be given as needed and all equipment is provided (except for children under 6, who must have their own approved Personal Flotation Devices).

ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/events?park=2013-10-18-21-10-41-00001&start=08/06/2026&end=09/26/2026&template=all&type=2021-08-23-20-46-34-849547-fl1

07/17/2026

Due to air quality levels, boat rentals and outdoor programs will be suspended today, July 17.

To stay informed about current air quality levels with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, visit: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/air-energy/air-quality-forecast

06/16/2026

Congratulations to Monica and Phil Nebe who completed their Master Hiker designation at High Bridge Trail State Park!

Here is what they said about their journey:

"We began our Trail Quest effort in 2014 when the program started. Since then, we have camped, hiked, biked, and paddled in the parks numerous times every year. In the midst of regular visits this year to nearby parks, we made it our goal to reach the nine parks we were still missing.

Our favorites for biking are Pocahontas State Park, High Bridge Trail and New River Trail State Park, although we have biked in many parks. Biking to False Cape State Park this year was so fun and such a unique adventure!

Our favorites for paddling are Pocahontas, Bear Creek Lake State Park, Holliday Lake State Park, Douthat State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Occoneechee State Park and Shenandoah River State Park.

We love camping at all the parks, but our favorite campsites are Lakeside at Douthat, Creekside at Hungry Mother, and Bear Creek Lake.

While visiting the parks, we enjoy exploring the local towns, eating at local restaurants, and discovering other points of interest.

During our Trail Quest effort, we’ve also been able to visit other states’ parks. Among all the others, Virginia State Parks are among the best! We love the diversity, friendly staff, and excellent facilities of our home state parks. There is something for everyone at every park. Keep on exploring!"

Thank you for sharing your journey and for being part of the Trail Quest and Virginia State Park family!

Explore Virginia State Parks one step at a time with Trail Quest, learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/trail-quest

06/11/2026

Ready to start your career with Virginia State Parks? 💚 We're seeking applicants for our full-time Park Ranger Maintenance position!

Minimum requirements:
✅ Skill in overseeing the safe use of tools, materials and equipment associated with landscape and building maintenance.
✅ Skill in leading work requiring the performance of plumbing, carpentry, painting and groundskeeping tasks.
✅ Skill in evaluating the quality and quantity of report personnel, as well as providing performance feedback to direct report personnel.

Learn more and apply here:
ℹ️ https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/park-ranger-maintenance-buckingham-virginia-united-states-cumberland-powhatan-prince-george
⚠️ Position listing closes on June 16 at 11:55 p.m.

Title: Park Ranger Maintenance State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II Hiring Range: $42,000 - $57,680 Pay Band: 3 Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation Location: Bear Creek Lake State Park Agency Website: dcr.virginia.gov Recruitment Type: General Public - G Job Duties The Virginia Departme...

05/21/2026

We now have a new way to register for programs! After submitting our new form, park staff will contact you about whether or not there are spaces open.

Submitting this form does NOT guarantee you a spot for the lakeside canoes tour. We will email you if any spots are open and then confirm your registration. 🛶

We will no longer be using Eventbrite to register for programs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].

📝 http://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=qeUKYsFOoE-GQV2fOGxzCYftriwo4TpLrNqIZkqzsjpUMDlLRjBYRkhOUTFFTUxMTThIMTFGNEpCUi4u&route=shortur

05/20/2026

Summer is right around the corner and Virginia State Parks offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors for all ages.

No matter where you are in Virginia, there is a state park within an hour drive of you, making for a quick getaway for you and the family.

Explore endless opportunities for a summer of fun here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/other/summer-fun

05/18/2026

Mark your calendars and celebrate Virginia’s rich stories, traditions, and communities during History & Culture Weekend at Virginia State Parks!

Visit your favorite Virginia State Park June 13-14 and enjoy hands‑on experiences and guided programs that bring our past to life.

To explore our History and Culture Weekend events, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/history-culture-day

05/05/2026

Congratulations to Melissa Rosen who completed her Master Hiker designation at Douthat State Park!

Here is what was said about her journey:

“Melissa began her journey during the pandemic. She said it was a great way to explore Virginia — not only by visiting all the state parks but also by getting to know the surrounding communities. The biggest challenge, she said, was the logistics and finding the time to reach every park. Her favorite experience was at False Cape State Park because of the unique opportunity to hike into the park and camp. Meanwhile, Bear Creek Lake State Park has become one of her regular go-to parks, and she has grown to love its trail system.”

Thank you for sharing your journey and for being part of the Trail Quest and Virginia State Park family!

Explore Virginia State Parks one step at a time with Trail Quest, learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/trail-quest

05/04/2026

We have some exciting programs coming up this month and we hope you can join us!

📷 Stationary Adventure - May 7 & 9
🌲 Senses of Nature Walk - May 9
🐶 Bark Ranger - May 9
🏹 *Basic ​Archery* - May 10, 17, 24, & 30
🏹 *Archery Club* - May 10 & 24
🚸 Kids to Parks Day - May 16
🟢 Let's Get Lichenized - May 19
🌲 Pine Needle Basketry - May 19
🐍 Spectacular Snakes - May 23
🔥 Playing with Fire - May 23
Dusking Walk - May 23

*Requires pre-registration

🔗 https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/events?park=2013-10-18-21-10-41-00001&start=05/01/2026&end=05/31/2026&template=all&type=all