
The calm beauty of Holliday Lake State Park. Photo: Park Facebook page
This Virginia park’s oak-hickory and pine forest surrounds a peaceful 119 acre lake and offers visitors a chance to escape from their busy lives and enjoy nature. Camping, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking and bird watching are popular activities here.
During the 1800s this land and the surrounding state forest were cleared for farmland. Then in the 1930s the land was returned to a forest area and a dam was constructed on Holliday Creek creating Holliday Lake.
Since 1972 this state park has been a popular summer destination for families wanting to camp and enjoy the lake.
Activities
When you visit Holliday Lake State Park you’ll instantly fall in love with its rustic beauty and peacefulness.
Spend a relaxing afternoon and learn about the diverse wildlife inside the park, or have a picnic lunch in a shaded area next to the water. Whether you plan to visit for a day or stay for several you won’t run out of things to do here.
Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Holliday Lake State Park:
Swimming at Holliday Lake State Park
Holliday Lake State Park has a nice sandy beach area and protected roped-off swimming in its pristine lake. Swimming is only allowed in this area and at your own risk as there are no lifeguards.
Near the beach area is a playground, restrooms, picnic area and a seasonal snack bar. The seasonal Boat House sells beach supplies and souvenirs and the snack bar has hotdogs, nachos, snow cones and drinks.
Fishing at Holliday Lake State Park
Bring your fishing pole and enjoy a quiet day trying to catch a bass, crappie, bluegill, chain pickerel, catfish or yellow perch. Fish from the shore or boat but don’t forget to pick up a fishing license ahead of time. Licenses can be purchased year round at the Park Office or online here.
Boating at Holliday Lake State Park
During your visit to Holliday Lake State Park spend some time out on the calm and peaceful lake. Pick up a trail brochure and discover the Sunfish Aquatic Trail. This self guided water adventure helps you discover more about the lake as you paddle around its edges.
Bring your own boat or rent a kayak, canoe, pedal boat, jon boat or stand up paddle board inside the park. Boat rentals are available during the warmer months and a boat ramp and launch is located near the beach area.
Electric trolling motors are permitted but no gas powered boats are allowed on the lake.
Trails at Holliday Lake State Park
Holliday Lake State Park has 6 hiking trails plus one aquatic trail. These trails wind through the forest, over rocky streams and past grassy sections of wildflowers and butterflies.
Here are a few of the popular trails inside Holliday Lake State Park:
- Holliday Lake Loop (aka Lakeshore Trail) – A 6.7 mile moderate hike around the entire lake. It is a well marked forest trail with stunning views of the lake and other wetlands.
- Northridge Trail – A ¼ mile moderate hike north from the picnic area to connect with Lakeshore Trail.
- S-Curve Trail – This easy path starts at Redbud Campground and winds through the woods towards the beach area.
An 11.4 mile multi-use trail is located inside of the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. This trail, The Carter Taylor Trail, is ideal for bicyclists and horseback riders. It can be reached by hikers from the Lakeshore Trail, by bikers from the State Park Road entrance and equestrian riders at Francisco Road (Rte 636).
A State Forest Use Permit is required for bicyclists and equestrians entering the state forest area trails. You can purchase a permit online here.
Wildlife Viewing at Holliday Lake State Park
More than 180 species of birds have been sighted throughout Appomattox County. Since the woods and lake provide sanctuary for many of these, there’s a good chance that you’ll also see countless types of birds as well as other wildlife during your visit.
Around the lake you may spot a wood duck, osprey, green heron or even a bald eagle flying overhead. And while exploring the trails keep an eye out for songbirds as well as deer, squirrels, rabbits and raccoons.
Camping at Holliday Lake State Park
Holliday Lake State Park has 35 campsites, a bunkhouse and a primitive group camping area. The park’s camping season runs from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December.
The campsites are divided between three areas:
- Laurel Ridge – This campground has 6 RV sites with water and electric (20-, 30-, and 50-amp) connections that fit RVs up to 40 ft long.
- Redbud – A second campground that has 29 sites for tents, trailers and pop ups up to 30 ft long. Water and electric (20- and 30-amp) connections are available at each site.
- Group camping area – A tent only group area with space for up to 30 people. No electric or water connections.
Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern holder and the group camping area has a large community fire ring.
The Bunkhouse is a 3 room climate controlled trailer that sleeps up to 14. It has 7 bunk beds, a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker and electric outlets.
Outside of the bunkhouse is a deck, fire ring and grill plus a small screened-in shelter with 2 picnic tables and an outdoor sink.
There is no bathroom or kitchen in the bunkhouse but a campground bathhouse is located nearby as well as a water spigot. A 2 night minimum stay is required when reserving.
Pets at Holliday Lake 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. Please clean up after your pet and do not leave them unattended at any time.
Attractions Near Holliday Lake State Park
No visit to Appomattox is complete without stopping by the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Visit the famous spot where General Robert E Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S Grant in 1865 only 10 miles west of Holliday Lake State Park.
Park Location
Holliday Lake State Park
2759 State Park Rd
Appomattox, VA 24522
Phone: 434.248.6308
Open Daily Dawn to Dusk
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing some of the features at Holliday Lake State Park:
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