🌤 Weather at Westmoreland State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36–77 °F | 64–88 °F | 39–80 °F | 28–50 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Warsaw 2 NW, 13 mi away, elevation 140 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Westmoreland State Park sits on 1,321 acres along the Potomac River in Virginia’s Northern Neck region, where towering Horsehead Cliffs rise 150 feet above the water and beaches are littered with 15-million-year-old shark teeth and marine fossils. This is one of the most geologically fascinating state parks on the East Coast — and one of the best places in Virginia to literally pick up prehistoric history with your bare hands.
Built in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s, Westmoreland combines dramatic river scenery, fossil hunting, scenic hiking trails, camping, and cabin stays into a family-friendly package that’s just 90 minutes from Washington, DC.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Location | Westmoreland County, Virginia (Northern Neck / Potomac River) |
| Park Size | 1,321 acres |
| River Frontage | 1.5 miles along the Potomac River |
| Key Feature | Horsehead Cliffs (150 ft) & Fossil Beach |
| Fossils | 15-million-year-old shark teeth, whale bones, marine shells |
| Trails | ~6 miles of hiking trails |
| Camping | Campground B (33 sites, water/50-amp electric) + cabins |
| Discovery Center | Fossil exhibits, educational programs |
| Nearest City | Montross, VA |
Fossil Beach: 15 Million Years Under Your Feet
Westmoreland’s star attraction is Fossil Beach, where the erosion of the Horsehead Cliffs continuously exposes fossils from the Miocene epoch (15 million years ago). When this area was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea, sharks, whales, rays, and shellfish thrived here. Their fossilized remains are now scattered across the beach after every rain and high tide.
What you can find:
- Shark teeth — from multiple species including ancestors of the Great White, Bull Shark, and Mako
- Whale bone fragments — dark, dense, and unmistakable
- Ray dental plates — smooth, rounded crushing teeth
- Scallop and oyster shells — fossilized marine shells embedded in clay
- Whale ear bones — rare finds prized by collectors
Fossil hunting tips:
- Bring a small sifter or colander to screen gravel and sand
- Hunt at low tide after storms for the best finds — erosion uncovers fresh fossils
- Look for dark, shiny triangular shapes among the gravel — that’s shark teeth
- The Big Meadow Trail leads directly down to Fossil Beach
- All fossils you find on the beach are yours to keep
Discovery Center
The park’s Discovery Center features fossil exhibits, geological displays, and educational programs including shark tooth necklace making and guided fossil hikes — excellent for kids and families.
Horsehead Cliffs
These dramatic 150-foot sandstone and clay cliffs are the park’s most striking visual feature. Formed from layered Miocene-era sediments, they’re constantly eroding — which is what keeps Fossil Beach supplied with fresh finds. Several trails offer cliff-top views of the Potomac River stretching toward Maryland.
Trails & Hiking
Westmoreland offers approximately 6 miles of hiking trails through coastal forest and along river bluffs:
| Trail | Highlights | Difficulty |
| Big Meadow Trail | Access to Fossil Beach, meadow wildflowers | Easy-Moderate |
| Beach Trail | Stunning Potomac River views along the cliffs | Moderate |
| Laurel Point Trail | Wooded peninsula, river overlooks | Moderate (steep sections) |
| Turkey Neck Trail | Remote forest loop, wildlife spotting | Moderate |
| Rock Spring Pond Trail | Freshwater pond, amphibian habitat | Easy |
| CCC Fitness Trail | Exercise stations, bike-friendly | Easy |
Wildlife
- Bald Eagle — nesting along the Potomac, frequently visible from cliffs
- Osprey — diving for fish in the river, nesting on platforms
- Great Blue Heron — wading in shallow river coves
- White-tailed Deer — common along forest trails
- Box Turtle — frequently seen on trails in summer
Camping & Cabins
Campground B (recently renovated): 33 sites with water and 50-amp electric hookups. Restrooms with showers.
Cabins: Currently undergoing major renovations (anticipated completion March 2027). Check with the park for availability.
Note: The park swimming pool has been permanently closed. Swimming in the Potomac is at your own risk.
How to Get There
- From Washington, DC (1.5 hours): I-95 South to Route 3 East to Route 347 North.
- From Richmond (1.5 hours): I-95 North to Route 3 East.
- From Fredericksburg (45 min): Route 3 East directly to the park.
Insider Tips
- Low tide after a storm = best fossil hunting — check tide charts before you go
- Bring a sifter — a small kitchen colander works perfectly for screening shark teeth
- Morning light on Horsehead Cliffs is spectacular for photography
- Visit in spring for Bald Eagle and Osprey nesting season along the river
- The Discovery Center fossil programs are excellent for kids — check the schedule online
- Combine with George Washington’s Birthplace (national monument, 2 miles east)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep the fossils I find?
Yes — any fossils found on the beach are yours to keep. The ongoing erosion of Horsehead Cliffs continuously exposes fresh specimens.
What kind of shark teeth can I find?
Multiple species from the Miocene epoch (15 million years ago), including ancestors of the Great White Shark, Bull Shark, and Mako Shark. Teeth range from tiny (pea-sized) to occasionally impressive specimens over an inch.
Can I swim in the Potomac River?
Swimming is permitted at your own risk — there are no lifeguards. The park pool is permanently closed.
Explore More Virginia State Parks
Discover more in our Best State Parks in Virginia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Caledon State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Belle Isle State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Westmoreland State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 133 sites — 42 EW sites (Campgrounds A & B); 74 standard no-hookup sites across A/B/C; 1 group tent standard site (tents only, up to 40 people); 3 buddy group sites (up to 24 people each, Campgrounds B & C). RV up to 40ft at both hookup and standard sites. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 26 cabins TOTAL, ALL CLOSED for renovations through May 2027: 1-room log efficiency (3 units, sleeps 2), 1-bed log (4 units, sleeps 2-4), 2-bed log (4 units, sleeps 4-6), 2-bed frame (2 units, sleeps 6), 2-bed cinderblock (13 units, sleeps 6). NOT provided: linens/towels. Separate: 6 camping cabins (sites 26-31), sleep max 4, no bathroom/kitchen/AC/heat, seasonal April 1-mid-October. |
| Pets | Leash max 6ft, must be attended; per-pet nightly fee applies to cabin stays (amount not stated) |
| Reservations | 1-800-933-PARK (7275); reservevaparks.com |
| Special sites | No equestrian facilities mentioned. Group tent site (40 people) and 3 buddy group sites (24 people each). |
| Season notes | Camping: first Friday March through first Monday December. Camping cabins: April 1-mid-October. Standard cabins: year-round but CLOSED for renovation through May 2027. |
Camping questions about Westmoreland State Park
Can you camp at Westmoreland State Park?
Yes. Westmoreland State Park has 133 campsites. 42 EW sites (Campgrounds A & B); 74 standard no-hookup sites across A/B/C; 1 group tent standard site (tents only, up to 40 people); 3 buddy group sites (up to 24 people each, Campgrounds B & C). RV up to 40ft at both hookup and standard sites.
How do you reserve a campsite at Westmoreland State Park?
1-800-933-PARK (7275); reservevaparks.com.
Are there cabins at Westmoreland State Park?
26 cabins TOTAL, ALL CLOSED for renovations through May 2027: 1-room log efficiency (3 units, sleeps 2), 1-bed log (4 units, sleeps 2-4), 2-bed log (4 units, sleeps 4-6), 2-bed frame (2 units, sleeps 6), 2-bed cinderblock (13 units, sleeps 6). NOT provided: linens/towels. Separate: 6 camping cabins (sites 26-31), sleep max 4, no bathroom/kitchen/AC/heat, seasonal April 1-mid-October.
Are pets allowed at the Westmoreland State Park campground?
Leash max 6ft, must be attended; per-pet nightly fee applies to cabin stays (amount not stated).
Source: dcr.virginia.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Westmoreland State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome throughout Virginia State Parks, including campgrounds and trails, as long as they are confined or leashed and supervised.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash (or confinement) required, with pet under supervision at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- State regulations prohibit pets on public swimming beaches and at designated swimming areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly cabin stays available for a $20 per pet per night fee; yurts do not allow pets; pets prohibited in public facilities
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No charge for pets in campgrounds; $20 per pet per night in cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- At False Cape, pets may not pass through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Are dogs allowed at Westmoreland State Park?
Pets are welcome throughout Virginia State Parks, including campgrounds and trails, as long as they are confined or leashed and supervised. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dcr.virginia.gov. More: Virginia state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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