Pocahontas State Park
Pocahontas State Park is Virginia’s largest state park, spanning nearly 8,000 acres of forests, lakes, and trails just 20 miles south of Richmond. Whether you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, family camper, or history buff, Pocahontas delivers.
With over 60 miles of mountain biking trails—recognized as an IMBA Bronze-Level Ride Center—plus an aquatic recreation center with water slides, 129 campsites, modern cabins, and a CCC Museum preserving New Deal history, this is Virginia outdoor adventure at its finest.
From flow trails and pump tracks to toddler pools and tubular water slides, Pocahontas has something for every member of the family, every season of the year.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | Chesterfield, Virginia (20mi from Richmond) |
| 📐 Total Area | 7,950 acres |
| 🚴 MTB Trails | 60+ miles (44mi single-track + fire roads) |
| ⛺ Campsites | 129 (year-round) |
| 🏠 Cabins | 3-bedroom, camping cabins, yurts |
| 📞 Phone | (804) 796-4255 |
World-Class Mountain Biking
Pocahontas is part of the IMBA Bronze-Level Richmond Regional Ride Center, with trails for every skill level.
| Trail System | Miles | Style |
|---|---|---|
| 🚴 Morgan MTB Trails | ~15 mi | Technical, advanced |
| 🚴 Lakeview MTB Trails | ~12 mi | Flowing, intermediate |
| 🚴 Swift Creek System | ~17 mi | Flow trails, pump track, beginner “Gateway” |
| 🛤️ Gravel Fire Roads | 64+ mi | All levels |
Trail Features
- 🔄 Pump Track – perfect for skill building
- 🌊 Flow Trails – berms, rollers, jumps
- 🟢 Gateway Trails – beginner-friendly
- 🔴 Technical Sections – for expert riders
Aquatic Recreation Center
The park’s seasonal aquatic center (Memorial Day – Labor Day) is a family favorite!
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 👶 Toddler Pool | Shallow water for little ones |
| ⛲ Fountain Wet Deck | Interactive splash area |
| 🏊 Leisure Pools | 3-foot & 5-foot depths |
| 🎢 Water Slides | Two tubular slides |
| 🏕️ Camper Perk | FREE swimming for overnight guests! |
Note: Swimming in the park’s lakes is not permitted.
Camping Options
| Type | Count | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ Standard Campsites | 129 | Year-round; water & electric (20/30/50 amp) |
| 🏠 3-Bedroom Cabins | 4 | Sleeps 8; full kitchen, 2 baths (built 2021) |
| ⛺ Camping Cabins | Multiple | Rustic; shared facilities |
| 🛖 Yurts | Available | Unique glamping experience |
| 👥 Group Cabins | Available | 4-6 per unit; shared lodge |
All campsites include grill, picnic table, and lantern holder. Hot shower restrooms are centrally located. Firewood available for purchase.
CCC Museum & History
Pocahontas was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935 as the Swift Creek Recreational Demonstration Area. The CCC Museum—housed in a 1939 building constructed by the CCC—tells the story of this transformative New Deal program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Pocahontas State Park from Richmond?
Pocahontas State Park is approximately 20 miles south of downtown Richmond, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway for Virginia’s capital city residents. It’s Virginia’s largest state park at nearly 8,000 acres.
Is Pocahontas good for mountain biking?
Absolutely! Pocahontas is an IMBA Bronze-Level Ride Center with over 60 miles of trails—including 44 miles of single-track and 64 miles of gravel fire roads. From beginner “Gateway” trails to technical Morgan trails, there’s something for every skill level.
Does Pocahontas have a pool?
Yes! The park features an Aquatic Recreation Center open seasonally (Memorial Day – Labor Day). It includes a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, leisure pools, activity pool, and two tubular water slides. Campers and cabin guests swim FREE!
Are the campsites open year-round?
Yes! All 129 campsites are open year-round and include water and electric hookups (20/30/50 amp available). Each site has a grill, picnic table, and lantern holder. Hot showers are available in centrally located restrooms.
What types of cabins are available?
Pocahontas offers 3-bedroom cabins (sleeps 8, full kitchen, 2 baths), camping cabins (rustic, shared facilities), yurts, and group cabins (4-6 guests, shared lodge). The modern 3-bedroom cabins were built in 2021—bring your own linens!
What is the CCC Museum?
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum tells the story of the New Deal program that built Pocahontas State Park starting in 1935. The museum is housed in a 1939 building constructed by the CCC and explores how young men transformed the Virginia landscape during the Great Depression.
Virginia’s Premier Outdoor Adventure
Nearly 8,000 acres of IMBA-certified mountain biking, aquatic fun, year-round camping, and New Deal history—just 20 minutes from Richmond!
