Virginia’s state park system is one of the most wonderful things about our beautiful state. Preserving thousands of acres of beautiful landscape and teaching us about how to best protect it, these parks truly offer something for everyone. Today, we’d like to highlight a lesser-known park positively filled with beauty. Occoneechee State Park, located along the Virginia and North Carolina border is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Situated on the largest lake in Virginia, the park is tailor-made for an outdoor adventure.
Situated on the John H. Kerr Reservoir, better known as Buggs Island Lake, Occoneechee State Park is named for the Native Americans who had lived here since approximately 1250.
Lizzy T / TripAdvisor It was 1676 when Virginia Councilman Nathaniel Bacon led a group of men to kill the Indigenous population who lived on the land. This horrendous event, while not uncommon in the history of settlement, was shocking to many Virginians and Governor Berkeley.
Approximately 200 years after the Native Americans were killed, William Townes built a 20-room mansion on over 3,000 acres of land. In 1898 the mansion burned down, but remnants of the garden can still be seen today.
VisitMecklenburgVA / TripAdvisor
In 1944, Virginia began leasing the property for recreational use and today, the land is still being leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Leon G / TripAdvisor
The moment you arrive at the park, you’ll feel awe-inspired by the magnitude of Kerr Reservoir, which is the biggest of its kind in the state of Virginia at 77 square miles.
Leon G / TripAdvisor
It’s no surprise that the park is especially popular among boaters and anglers who love spending time and taking advantage of all that the water has to offer.
Virginia State Parks / flickr
Of course, the water is just part of what makes Occoneechee State Park such a treasure trove of natural wonders. There are 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Virginia State Parks / flickr
Plus, you can extend your stay by renting one of the cozy cabins or pitching your tent at any of the 48 sites.
Robert B / TripAdvisor
As you watch the sun descend on a day full of adventures, you’ll surely feel grateful for the landscape and moved by the lives lived and lost here.
Leon G / TripAdvisor
Have you ever visited Occoneechee State Park? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience there! What was your favorite part about visiting this park? For more information, be sure to consult the official Virginia State Park website.
Lizzy T / TripAdvisor
It was 1676 when Virginia Councilman Nathaniel Bacon led a group of men to kill the Indigenous population who lived on the land. This horrendous event, while not uncommon in the history of settlement, was shocking to many Virginians and Governor Berkeley.
VisitMecklenburgVA / TripAdvisor
Leon G / TripAdvisor
Virginia State Parks / flickr
Robert B / TripAdvisor
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Address: Occoneechee State Park, 1192 Occoneechee Park Rd, Clarksville, VA 23927, USA
