Occoneechee State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Named for Native Americans who lived in the area for hundreds of years, Occoneechee is on the John H. Kerr Reservoir, better known as Buggs Island Lake, and is popular with anglers and boaters. Facilities include cabins, campsites, an equestrian campground, picnic shelters, an amphitheater, a playground, boat ramps, and a private concession offering boat rentals and snacks. Occoneechee Marina offers a fuel dock and boat slips with water and electric service for annual rentals. Six slips are available for rent to overnight camping and cabin guests. The park also has 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The visitor center and museum introduce visitors to Native American history and the indigenous Occoneechee people.

Providing 24-hour access Virginiau2019s largest lake, three boat ramps open the door to 48,000 acres of fishing, boating and aquatic recreation. Forty-eight campsites are available for tent and RV campers. Some sites are right on the shoreline, providing easy fishing and boating access. The park also has 13 cabins that allow guests to enjoy the comforts of home as well as beautiful views of the lake. An equestrian campground with 11 sites and 11 covered horse stalls offers easy access to the parku2019s trail system. Occoneechee also has picnic areas near the lake, a playground, boat rentals and a lakefront amphitheater.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: From I-85, take Route 58 West Exit at South Hill. Park is located on Route 58 one mile east of Clarksville.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours; Roanoke, two and half hours

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

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

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Water/Spray Fountain, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Grills

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Some

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Nature Center, Historic Site, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Amphitheater, Rental Equipment

Trash Cans: Yes

Food for Sale Type: Gift Shop

Camping: Tent, RV

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

TRAILS:

Trail Description: About 3.1 miles of walking trails wind through woodlands throughout the park. Two selfu2013guided interpretive trails introduce visitors to the Terrace Garden - Occoneechee Plantation site and the Tutelo Birding-Wildlife Trail. The park also has 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

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

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Difficult

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 Size: Larger than one football field in size

Natural Water Feature: Pond/Lake