Nestled in the Appalachian Mountain Range, Virginia has some of the most picturesque parks in the United States.
The rolling mountains and hardwood forests offer some of the most beautiful views all year round.
At the Northern most tip of the state lies the city of Winchester.
The quaint town offers a historic charm typical of Virginia with miles of state parks just a short drive away.
Map of State Parks Near Winchester, VA
Here is a map of the state parks in Virginia covered by this post:
List of State Parks Near Winchester
All 10 of the state parks near Winchester featured below are within a few hours drive from the city, making them perfect destinations for a reasonable day trip.
1. Sky Meadows State Park
Distance from Winchester: about 18 miles southeast of Winchester (straight-line).
Location: 11012 Edmonds Ln, Delaplane, VA 20144
If you are looking for a park somewhat closer to Winchester, Sky Meadows State Park is only 19 short miles away.
Located on the Eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
For those hiking the Appalachian Trail, there is overnight parking available with a permit obtainable at the visitor’s center.
A unique feature about the park is that it is incredibly kid friendly. Near the park’s picnic area, there is a Children’s Discovery Area, which hosts the state of Virginia’s first Nature Explore Certified Outdoor Classroom.
Play stations in the discovery area focus on agricultural, historical, and pastoral features and encourage kids to explore, play, and learn.
Two trails designed for kids, including a Kids in Parks Track Trail and a Sensory Explorers trail. These easy, engaging trails appeal to not only kids, but hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, offering a unique outdoor experience that activate all of the senses.
Situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park offers a peaceful camping experience for Appalachian Trail hikers as well as campers who want a quiet way to unplug in this serene setting.
The primitive campsites are walk-in only, and there is no vehicle access to the campsites.
Sky Meadows State Park is a 1,862-acre (754 ha) park in the Virginia state park system.
Highlights associated with Sky Meadows State Park include river access, island scenery, and mountain scenery.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
See our full Sky Meadows State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Cacapon Resort State Park
Distance from Winchester: about 23 miles north of Winchester (straight-line).
Location: Gazebo Alley, Omps, West Virginia
Opened in 1933, the 6,115-acre (2,475 ha) Cacapon Resort State Park is located on the eastern slopes of Cacapon Mountain in Morgan County, West Virginia, USA.
Highlights associated with Cacapon Resort State Park include waterfall scenery, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Cacapon Resort State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Distance from Winchester: about 24 miles south of Winchester (straight-line).
Location: 350 Daughter of Stars Dr, Bentonville, VA 22610
If you want the benefits of the close proximity to all that Winchester has to offer with the beautiful landscape of the historic Shnandoah River Valley, then look no further than Shenandoah River State Park. The park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain, and is just West of Shenandoah National Park.
For daytrippers, the park offers picnic areas, fishing and boating, and trails for hiking and horseback riding.
Although there are no designated swimming areas, wading and floating are permitted, offering an escape from the heat of an East Coast summer.
For those that want to extend their stay longer than a day, there are a multitude of overnight options at the park. The park offers everything from primitive tent camping, electric and water sites, and yurts to cabins for rent and a lodge.
Whatever length of time you wish to stay, the park offers adventure and comfort level for all outdoor overnights. One of the best parts about overnight park visits? Pets are allowed.
Overnight visits are permitted year-round, although during the busy season between Memorial Day and Labor Day, cabins and lodges are only rentable by the week.
Shenandoah National Park (often ) is a national park of the United States that encompasses part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.
Highlights associated with Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Seven Bends State Park
Distance from Winchester: about 29 miles southwest of Winchester (straight-line).
Location: 2111 S Hollingsworth Rd
Woodstock, VA 22664
Discover Seven Bends State Park in Shenandoah Valley for trails, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Explore nature today!
Highlights associated with Seven Bends State Park include river access, mountain scenery, and wooded landscapes.
See our full Seven Bends State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Berkeley Springs State Park
Distance from Winchester: about 31 miles north of Winchester (straight-line).
Location: Liberty Street, Bath, West Virginia 25411
Berkeley Springs State Park is a state park situated in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, United States.
Highlights associated with Berkeley Springs State Park include mountain scenery, wooded landscapes, and seasonal wildflowers.
See our full Berkeley Springs State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Fort Frederick State Park
Distance from Winchester: about 31 miles north of Winchester (straight-line).
Location: Big Pool, MD
Fort Frederick State Park is a Maryland state park on the Potomac River surrounding the restored Fort Frederick, a fortification active in the French and Indian War (1754–1763) and the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).
See our full Fort Frederick State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Gathland State Park
Distance from Winchester: about 32 miles northeast of Winchester (straight-line).
Location: Burkittsville, MD
Gathland State Park is a Maryland state park located on South Mountain near Burkittsville, Maryland, in the United States.
Highlights associated with Gathland State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Gathland State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Sideling Hill Creek State Park
Distance from Winchester: about 32 miles north of Winchester (straight-line).
Sideling Hill Creek State Park covers 865 acres in Allegany County, Maryland. Established 2021.
Highlights associated with Sideling Hill Creek State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground.
See our full Sideling Hill Creek State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. Leesylvania State Park
Distance from Winchester: about 64 miles southeast of Winchester (straight-line).
Location: 2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Just an hour and a half Southeast of Winchester, Leesylvania State Park sits on the shore of the Potomac River. This offers many opportunities for boating and fishing.
Visitors can fish from boats in the river, docking at the boat landing and storage area, or they can fish from the nearby fishing pier.
Canoe and kayak rentals are also available at the park. For those entering the park by canoe or kayak, there is a small, tents-only campground. There is also a group campsite for tenting campers to enjoy.
Throughout the park, there are five hiking trails, including a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which offers several scenic overlooks with Civil War era history.
Shelters and picnic pavillions area available for rental in the park and offer access to the river, playground equipment, and even a place for special events.
Special use permits are required for activities or events other than picnicking.
Leesylvania State Park is located in the southeastern part of Prince William County, Virginia.
Highlights associated with Leesylvania State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a boat launch, a fishing pier, and playgrounds.
See our full Leesylvania State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. Mason Neck State Park
Distance from Winchester: about 64 miles southeast of Winchester (straight-line).
Location: 7301 High Point Rd
Lorton, VA 22079
Mason Neck State Park is located in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Highlights associated with Mason Neck State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and playgrounds.
See our full Mason Neck State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
