Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Posted June 18, 2018 | Updated June 23, 2019

There is nothing quite as exciting as experiencing the great outdoors from the water. Picture the setting as you glide along the shoreline, observing wildlife, and exploring some of the more scenic areas of the park.

If you don't have your own vessel, that's not a problem because we have some fantastic paddling tours lined up this summer at Virginia State Parks. and if you've not yet paddled a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board, and aren't sure what it's all about, then you're in luck. Let us take you out and show you the ropes.

Learn to paddle at many of our Virginia State Parks like here at Claytor Lake State Park, Va

Learn to paddle at many of our Virginia State Parks this summer

Stand-up paddleboarding is a water sport for all ages at Virginia state Parks

Stand-up paddle boarding is a water sport for all ages

We have fun programs running throughout the summer at many of our parks.

You can also rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board, and try it out on your own for an hour or so. Most Virginia State Parks offer boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, stand-up paddle boards, Jon boats, various motorized boats, tubes or some mix of them all. 

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

Find a paddling adventure near you at a Virginia State Park

MASON NECK STATE PARK

EVENING PADDLING ADVENTURES June 29, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Park programs are a great way to see the park from the water and learn something new (VirginiaState Parks)

Park programs are a great way to learn something new

Evenings are a wonderful time in Mason Neck State Park to be on the water. This year we are offering a family oriented (but not exclusive) late-day paddle on the water that is sure to be a wonderful adventure for everyone involved. Alongside a certified paddle guide, you will paddle along Belmont Bay and enter a pristine marsh environment known as Kane's Creek. There you may encounter secretive wildlife such as beaver, turtles, fox, heron, and even our nation's symbol, the Bald Eagle.

Join us for our 2 hour Saturday evening adventures, which are offered from June-October. The prices are: Individuals - $15 each Groups (4+) - $9 each. While these are family friendly tours, children under 5 are not allowed in our boats. Children 6-13 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian in the boat, and children 14-17 may paddle alone but must be under supervision of a parent/guardian.

Reservations must be made in advance and we ask that all visitors arrive 20 minutes prior to start time. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, bug repellant, and appropriate attire. Pets are not permitted on our boats. Please call our office line at (703) 339-2385 for questions regarding our policies.

FALSE CAPE STATE PARK

SUNSET ON BACK BAY June 28, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

A romantic sunset paddle on Back Bay Wildlife Refuge at False Cape State Park, Va

A romantic sunset paddle on Back Bay Wildlife Refuge at False Cape State Park

This is a 2-hour kayak tour that launches from False Cape State Park. We will take a leisurely paddle along the beautiful Back Bay located in southern Virginia Beach. Enjoy a seldom visited portion of the nature coast. This is another tour that takes you back in time to the real Virginia Beach. Wildlife is prevalent with everything from soaring eagles and jumping fish, to diving otters and singing frogs. This is a local tour that you will not soon forget. You'll know the tour is coming to an end when you see the sun slowly drop below the horizon while you experience the relaxing ending of another great day of life.

Reservations are required, space is limited. No experience needed and all equipment is provided. Cost: $25/person

Location: Meet at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for transport into False Cape. Call to make your reservation: 757-426-7128.

Turn your speakers up to enjoy our little tour:

Click here to view the complete list of paddling programs from our events database, search by park or keyword "paddle." Click here to find a park with canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board rentals.

If you would like to learn more about overnight accommodations in a cabin or campground at Virginia State Parks click here, or call 800-933-7275.

Pick up a paddle and join us this summer as we explore the water at Virginia State Parks.


You may also enjoy: 6 Best Beginner Kayaking Locations in Virginia.

Posted June 18, 2018 | Updated June 23, 2019

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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