With a mix of wooded trails, peaceful meadows, and a gorgeous shoreline, Staunton River State Park promises something for the whole family, making it the ideal location for your next RV adventure. Located in the heart of southern Virginia, on the banks of Buggs Island Lake, this park grants access to 48,000 acres of fishing, boating, and waterskiing fun. The reservoir, also known as the John H. Kerr Reservoir, is the convergence of the Staunton and Dan rivers, so the variety of fish is abundant.
After a morning of fishing on the lake, share a picnic lunch in a tranquil meadow or take a hike on one of Staunton River State Park’s nine multi-use trails, and don’t forget the camera because you’re likely to see some white-tail deer, coyotes, frogs, toads, and mudpuppies. If you have your own horse, Staunton River State Park offers horseback riding trails, and even an equestrian campground, complete with horse stalls.
There’s something to entice everyone to Staunton River State Park. With an Olympic-size swimming pool as well as a wading pool, you’ll be able to cool off nicely even in the hottest part of the summer. Then, try a round of disc golf in the natural surroundings of the pine forest before heading back to the trailer for a meal with the family. Whether in-season or in the cool fall months that follow, Staunton River State Park is just the place for your junior astronomer. The park is an International Dark Sky Park, making it perfect for stargazing. With something to interest everyone in the family, Staunton River State Park is your destination for fun, so pack up the motor home and head to Virginia.
Staunton River State Park, 25 miles from the North Carolina border, is 3.5 hours from northern Virginia and Virginia Beach, two hours from Richmond and Roanoke, and only eight miles east of South Boston area. US-360 and VA-344 and US-501 are the main driving routes into the town of Scottsburg, Virginia, which is only eight miles from the park. The park offers ample parking for RVs, horse trailers, extra vehicles, and boats. Even large RVs will have no trouble negotiating the roads in the park, but sites are limited to rigs of 50 feet or less.
There are seven historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, available a short distance from the river. Cabins sleep from two to six campers, depending on the rental. The cabins come with basic amenities, and firewood is sold at the site. Cabin rentals have a one-week minimum stay. The bunkhouse, however, may be rented for a minimum of two nights and does not share the same amenities as the cabins. You'll need to bring your own linens, there are no indoor bathrooms, kitchen, or fireplaces, but it sleeps fourteen and will keep you cozy and dry during the rainy season.
The Equestrian Campground offers 10 paved, pull-through RV sites with water and electric hookups. No sewer hookups are provided, but a dump station is available. These large sites can accommodate up to 50-foot rigs. If you have a 30-foot camper, you can choose one of the three back-in sites with gravel pads. Electric hookups with 20, 30, and 50-amp service are available. Additionally, these sites provide BBQ grills, fire rings, a bathhouse, and a picnic shelter. The Equestrian Campground offers 20 horse stalls to house your four-legged friend. Campers must clean their horses' stalls before leaving the campground. Pitchforks, wheelbarrows, and buckets are provided for your use. Horses must be kept in stalls when not being ridden. Make sure to bring proof of a negative Coggins test, which is required for your horse's stay. The Equestrian Campground provides BBQ grills, fire rings, a bathhouse, and a picnic shelter, so you'll have everything you need for a horseback riding retreat.
Although no waterfront sites are available, there are several sites just a few steps from the riverfront trails. Space is limited for larger rigs with only four pull-through spaces for 45-foot trailers, 10 spaces for 30-foot rigs, 20 available for pop-up and tent campers, and 13 tent-only sites. There are no sewer hookups, but a dump station is available. All RV sites come with 20- and 30-amp electrical service and water hookups. A bathhouse is available with hot showers, laundry, and bathrooms for your convenience.
Disc golfing is a fun way to spend an afternoon in the forest. Unlike regular golf, disc golf doesn't require any special terrain in which to play, making it the perfect sport for a natural environment. Disc golf has nine holes and is played with a frisbee-type disc. You can play at your own pace or rev up the competition and make it more challenging by putting on a time limit. Grab your disc and see if you can make par!
Staunton River State Park is unique among many state parks because its multi-use trails are open to horseback riders. With trails parallel to the shore as well as paths leading through the forest and meadows, you and your horse will enjoy your days together in the park — camp in the Equestrian Campground for your convenience. Ample parking is available for your horse trailer, and horse stalls are available to rent, but you have to bring your own horse because no horse rentals are available in the park.
The autumn months are often the best time to catch a glimpse of Andromeda, Pegasus, or even Pisces in a clear night sky. Staunton River State Park has been given the distinction of being named an International Dark Sky Park, meaning the conditions are just right for some awesome stargazing. With the naked eye or a telescope, you're sure to see some amazing constellations at this campground. Your amateur astronomers can take an interpretive star class, and telescope rentals are available for your junior scientist.
Staunton River State Park is a hiker's dream! With nine trails ranging from .12 miles to 8.5-miles long and totaling 17 miles, there is a trail for every mood and fitness level. Take a scenic walk on the Riverbank Trail, keeping a view of the water most of the way, or venture out for a more challenging hike with the ups and downs of Twin Loops Trail. Bring your camera just in case you see the plentiful wildlife that frequents the area. You may have to share the trail as horseback riding is permitted in the park.
Ready for some fun in the Virginia sun? With 48,000 acres of water, you can pick up some speed on those skis or watercraft. Don't want to swim with the fish? That's okay because Staunton River State Park has an Olympic-size swimming pool with a 70-foot water slide, as well as a wading pool and a water playground for the little ones, perfect for cooling everyone off on a summer day. Whether you choose the lake or the pool, make sure to swim with a partner and bring a flotation device. Safety first!
The John H. Kerr Reservoir, popularly known as Buggs Island Lake, is the converging point for two large rivers, the Dan and the Staunton. This accounts for the abundant variety of fish available, including bluegill, bass, crappie, and perch. Launch your skiff at one of the boat launches or fish from the shore. With over 1,500 acres of shoreline, you're bound to find that special spot. Take your catch back to the trailer to cook up some dinner before sitting outside to do some stargazing.
