
Fog on Goodwin Lake at Twin Lakes State Park. Photo: Park Facebook Page
Twin Lakes State Park is located in the heart of Central Virginia in Prince Edward County only an hour and a half drive from Richmond.
This small secluded park lies adjacent to the Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest and also provides visitors access to two lakes – Goodwin Lake and Prince Edward Lake. Hiking, mountain biking, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and birdwatching are all popular activities here.
This unique Virginia state park was originally two separate lake parks – Goodwin Lake Recreational Area and Prince Edward Lake, both established in 1939. They operated as racially segregated parks until the early 1960s and became one park in 1976.
Activities
Twin Lakes State Park is an ideal escape from the hectic pace of life whether you visit during the summer or at another time of the year. Explore trails, birdwatch, picnic, learn about nature and enjoy the lakes during your visit here.
The Cedar Crest Conference Center on Prince Edward Lake is perfect for special events anytime of the year. Hands-on nature programs, canoe trips, children’s activities, campfire programs, crafts, nature hikes and night hikes are featured during the summer.
Here are some more activities that you can do during your visit to Twin Lakes State Park:
Swimming at Twin Lakes State Park
You can swim year round at Twin Lakes State Park. However, swimming is only allowed in Goodwin Lake and only in the designated swimming area. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited. During the summer snack concessions are available: hot snacks, ice cream and drinks.
Boating at Twin Lakes State Park
Spend a relaxing day out on one of the lakes during your visit to Twin Lakes State Park. There is a public boat launch on each lake and boat rentals are available at the park office/gift shop Friday through Sunday 9am to 4pm. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and other non motorized boats are allowed on the lakes. Electric motorized boats are also allowed.
Fishing at Twin Lakes State Park
Both lakes inside the park offer great fishing from boat or shore. Catch largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, rainbow trout, yellow perch and channel catfish during your visit to Twin Lakes State Park. Remember to pick up a Virginia freshwater fishing license ahead of time (you can also purchase one at the park’s main office).
Trails at Twin Lakes State Park
Twin Lakes State Park has 6 miles of trails through its hardwood forest and along its two lakes. All trails are suitable for pedestrians and a few allow bicycles.
Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest, adjacent to the park, has another 8 miles of trail system that is open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Be aware that bikers and horseback riders over the age of 16 are required to have a state forest permit in order to use the trail.
Here are a few popular trails inside Twin Lakes State Park:
- Otter’s Path Trail – Moderate 2.9 mile loop for hiking and mountain biking. This trail has beautiful views of the lake, slight inclines and crosses bridges and rocky creeks.
- Goodwin Lake Trail – Easy 1.1 mile loop around the lake that starts at the picnic area. Stunning views of the lake can be seen from the overlooks at the small bridges.
- Dogwood Hollow Trail – Easy 1.1 mile loop through the forest that begins at the park office/gift shop area.
Wildlife Viewing at Twin Lakes State Park
The series of trails around the lake and through the forest area at Twin Lakes State Park offer many opportunities for seeing wildlife in its different habitats. Birdwatching is
a popular activity here and many species of songbird, waterfowl and raptor may be seen.
You may notice many beautiful butterflies, dragonflies and hummingbirds among the brightly colored wildflowers along the edge of the lake. Other wildlife you may see during your visit are cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, wrens plus painted turtles, squirrels, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, rabbits, snakes, frogs and salamanders.
Camping at Twin Lakes State Park
Twin Lakes State Park has campsites, cabins and a lodge for guests wanting to spend the night inside the park. The camping season runs from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December and the rustic cabins and lodge are open year round for reservations.
Here’s a closer look at each of these accommodations:
- Campground – There are 33 campsites inside the park for tents, popups and RVs. All sites have water and electric connections (20 and 30-amp), a picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook plus access to a centrally located modern bathhouse.
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Cabins – The park has 9 cabins of various types and sizes – 4 two-bedroom, 3 two-bedroom with water views and 2 three-bedroom ADA accessible. Each cabin has a fully equipped kitchen and combined dining and living room area with rustic furniture plus an outside wraparound deck.
Only 2 of the cabins have dishwashers. All cabins do not have a washer/dryer, telephone, tv or linens.
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Lodge/Cabin # 3 – This family sized cabin/lodge sleeps up to 16 and is waterfront. It has 6 bedrooms, 3 baths and an open floor plan kitchen, dining area and living room, all with comfortable rustic style furniture. And also a large front and back porch with a picnic table and grill.
If you’re planning to stay in a cabin or the lodge you will need to bring your own linens, pillows, warm blankets (it can get very chilly at night), food, dishwashing liquid, dish towels, coffee and filters, salt and pepper, bath towels and toiletries and activities such as board games, cards, magazines and books.
Pets at Twin Lakes 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. There’s an additional $10 fee per pet per night for the bunkhouse, cabins and lodges. Please clean up after your pet and do not leave them unattended at any time.
Cedar Crest Center at Twin Lakes State Park
The Cedar Crest Center is an ideal location for special events, conferences and meetings. If you’re searching for a picturesque spot for your dream wedding look no further than Twin Lakes State Park.
This location features lakefront views, an outdoor gazebo, a spacious deck and climate-controlled indoor rooms (one seats up to 135). Packages include access to a caterer’s kitchen and guest parking.
Park Location
Twin Lakes State Park
788 Twin Lakes Rd
Green Bay, VA 23942
Phone: 434.392.3435
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Twin Lakes State Park:
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