(Last Updated On: April 18, 2022)

hilltop view overlooking fall foliage at fairy stone state park in virginiaThe home of the legendary fairy stones lies in Patrick County only one hour west of Roanoke and less than 5 hours south of Washington, DC.

This 4,741 acre forested Virginia park, Fairy Stone State Park, hugs a 168-acre lake.

Each year guests visit to discover buried fairy stones, enjoy lake activities, camp and explore the trail system inside this peaceful park which is one of the largest of the original Virginia state parks, opened on June 15, 1936.

Activities

During your visit to this picturesque park youโ€™ll have plenty of opportunities to explore, participate in park events, learn about nature and also the history of the area.

And maybe youโ€™ll discover a fairy stone or two. These rare staurolite mineral rocks have a Roman shaped cross appearance.

Fayerdale Hall Conference Center is a day use facility within the park and is ideal for weddings, meetings and other events.

The park also has picnic shelters and an amphitheater that may be rented for such events.

Here are some more activities that you can do during your visit to Fairy Stone State Park:

Swimming at Fairy Stone State Park

Fairy Stone State Park has a nice sandy beach area with access to the lake and seasonal lifeguards to make your stay more enjoyable. A grassy lawn area adjoining the beach provides a perfect spot for lounging or having a picnic.

Swimming is only allowed from the designated beach area and prohibited elsewhere in the park.

Boating at Fairy Stone State Park

Enjoy the lake during your visit to Fairy Stone State Park. Bring your own boat or rent one inside the park.

No gas motored boats are permitted on the lake but electric trolling motors are acceptable.

Rentals of row boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and standup paddle boards are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The lake has a launch ramp for your convenience.

Fishing at Fairy Stone State Park

Fairy Stone Lake is a great place to catch bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and the lake is stocked yearly with trout.

Nearby Philpott Reservoir, 20 minutes outside the park, has largemouth and smallmouth bass plus walleye.

The park has an ADA accessible fishing area and also an area where kids can easily catch panfish. You can get a Virginia fishing license at the park office or online.

Trails at Fairy Stone State Park

Fairy Stone State Park has 10 miles of trails within its Little Mountain Trail System.

Most of these trails are multi-use and open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. Stuartโ€™s Knob Trail head is open for hikers only.

Here are a few of the popular trails at Fairy Stone State Park:

  • Little Mountain Falls Trail Loop โ€“ A 4.3 mile moderate trail that starts near the horse trailer parking area and crosses streams as it leads upward toward a small waterfall area. It may be easier to hike or bike this trail counterclockwise in order to avoid going up a steep incline near the waterfall.
  • Lake Shore Trail โ€“ A 2.6 mile smooth and easy trail that follows the lake and ends at the dam and spillway.
  • Iron Mine Trail โ€“ A moderate one mile trail with stunning views of the lake plus numerous iron mines along a path up the mountain.

Hunting at Fairy Stone State Park

Half of the parkโ€™s land is open for hunting. Be sure to bring a valid hunting license and be aware of restricted areas and stay clear of public facilities such as the beach area, cabins and campsites.

Hunting licenses can be purchased online here.

Wildlife Viewing at Fairy Stone State Park

eastern bluebirds at fairy stone state park in virginiaBeautiful Fairy Stone State Park and the adjoining wildlife areas offer plenty of opportunity for observing nature, whether that be plants, wildflowers, birds or other creatures.

While exploring the trails, picnicking or camping youโ€™ll see many squirrels, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, frogs, snakes and birds.

Some birds you may notice during your stay inside the park include the Eastern Bluebird, cardinals, robins, warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers and vireos.

Lodging at Fairy Stone State Park

Spend a few nights at Fairy Stone State Park and enjoy the peacefulness of nature all around.

The park offers several options for its overnight guests, including a campground, bunkhouse, yurts, rustic cabins and a lodge that sleeps up to 16.

The seasonal campground has 49 campsites with electric and water connections that are suitable for RVs and pop ups, 40 of these can also be used for tent camping.

Nearby, a primitive camping area offers group camping to those who rent at least 3 sites together. These sites are tent only and do not have electricity or water.

A 7-bed bunkhouse is also available for group camping. This lodge style building sleeps up to 14 in 3 rooms and has electric outlets but no water, bathrooms or kitchen.

Interested in sleeping in a yurt? The park has 4 yurts, each with bunks for up to 3 guests, table and chairs and a large wooden deck.

Yurts do not have electricity, water, heat, bathrooms or linens. And pets are not allowed.

Each camp site, yurt and the bunkhouse has a picnic table, grill or fire ring and access to restrooms and showers.

The park also offers equestrian camping, 1.25 miles from the main campground. These 10 sites can hold an RV or trailer up to 50 feet long, have electricity and water and access to a horse stall.

A pit toilet is located in this area and campers have access to the main bathhouses between 6am and 10pm.

Set in the woods and along the lake are 25 rustic cabins with fully equipped kitchens plus bedrooms, baths and combined living and dining areas.

Some of these cabins were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s and many of these original structures are now being lovingly restored and modernized to make them more comfortable for future guests.

The Fairy Stone Lodge sleeps up to 16 guests in 5 bedrooms. It also has 3 baths, a fully equipped kitchen and an open concept living and dining area.

The cabins and lodge have heat and air conditioning but no tv, washer, dryer or linens.

If staying in one of the cabins or lodge you should plan to bring food, dishwashing liquid and towels, coffee and filters, salt and pepper, bath towels and toiletries, and activities such as board games, cards, magazines and books.

Pets at Fairy Stone State Park

Pets are allowed inside the park but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in an enclosed area. The cabins, lodge and campground are pet friendly. Please clean up after your pet and do not leave them unattended.

Park Location

Fairy Stone State Park
967 Fairystone Lake Dr
Stuart, VA 24171
Phone: 276.930.2424

Website
Reservations

Open Daily 8am โ€“ 10pm

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Fairy Stone State Park: