Bear Creek Lake State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Nestled in the heart of the Cumberland State Forest in central Virginia, Bear Creek Lake is less than an hour west of Richmond. It's the perfect getaway for the outdoor enthusiast. Activities center on the 40-acre lake with a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and a swimming beach. Other attractions include a meeting facility, cabins, camping, picnicking, an archery range and playgrounds. Guests also enjoy the park's trails and access to the adjoining 16,000-acre Cumberland State Forest, including the 14-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail, which is available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Note: There is limited cell phone service in the park. Emergency phones are in the Acorn Campground Loop and outside the linen building in the cabin area. WiFi is available year-round in the campground and at Lakeside Diner from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. WiFi is also available by the cabin area's linen building, which has ample parking next to it.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: The park is about 4.5 miles northwest of the town of Cumberland. From U.S. Route 60, go west on Route 622 and south on Route 629 to the park entrance.

Note: Those coming from the west and using GPS may be directed through a gravel-covered section of Oak Hill Rd. through the Cumberland State Forest. They should instead continue on Route 60 East through the Cumberland Courthouse area and then turn left on Trents Mill Rd. (Route 622) to reach the park's main entrance.

Drive Time: Northern Va., three hours; Richmond, one hour; Roanoke, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing, Paddle Boarding

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, Picnic Tables, Grills, ADA Accessible

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Some

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Swimming: Natural Area (lake, beach)

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Bath House, Rental Equipment

Trash Cans: Yes

Food for Sale Type: Snack Shop, Gift Shop

Camping: Tent, RV, Groups

Camping Amenities: Running Water, Fires Allowed, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, Grills, RV Hookups

TRAILS:

Trail Description: All trails within the park allow only hiking. The park also provides access to the Willis River Trail, a 16-mile long trail winding through Cumberland State Forest. Also, the 15.7-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail is available for bicycles, horses and hikers (this trail does not loop back to the park and is located in the state forest). Those interested in riding horses or mountain bikes in the Cumberland State Forest must obtain a State Forest Use Permit; call (804) 492-4121 or visit the state forest department's website for details

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Panoramic Views

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Natural Water Feature: Pond/Lake, Creek/Stream