WestmorelandState Park - Virginia |
Westmoreland State Park lies within Westmoreland County, Virginia. The park extends about one and a half miles along the Potomac River. The park's Horsehead Cliffs provide visitors with a panoramic view of the Potomac River. The park offers hiking, camping, cabins, fishing, boating and swimming.
The park's popular "Beach Trail" leads from the Visitor Center to the shore of the Potomac, below the Horsehead Cliffs. Embedded in these cliffs are fossil remains of porpoises, whales, and sharks from as long as 15 million years ago. Erosion over time exposes these remains and hunting for shark's teeth is a popular activity for visitors.
featured in
![]() | Virginia Pocket Maps | ![]() |
location
maps
Visitor Map of Westmoreland State Park (SP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Bicycle Map of Virginia. Published by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
brochures
Trail Guide for Westmoreland State Park (SP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Travel Guide for Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
Brochure of Virginia State Parks. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Features & Stories of the Travel Guide for Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
Westmoreland SP
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westmoreland_State_Park
Westmoreland State Park lies within Westmoreland County, Virginia. The park extends about one and a half miles along the Potomac River. The park's Horsehead Cliffs provide visitors with a panoramic view of the Potomac River. The park offers hiking, camping, cabins, fishing, boating and swimming.
The park's popular "Beach Trail" leads from the Visitor Center to the shore of the Potomac, below the Horsehead Cliffs. Embedded in these cliffs are fossil remains of porpoises, whales, and sharks from as long as 15 million years ago. Erosion over time exposes these remains and hunting for shark's teeth is a popular activity for visitors.
WELCOME TO WESTMORELAND STATE PARK.
To make your visit safe and more pleasant, we ask that
you observe the following:
Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Park in
designated areas only. Please note there is a parking fee
charged year-round at all Virginia State Parks. Self-pay
parking information is available at the contact station.
GUESTS - Your guests are our guests. For everyone’s safety
and security, please register all visitors with the park
office or camp store. Visitors will not be admitted to
camping and cabin areas unless so identified. Visitors are
permitted only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
QUIET HOURS - Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The use of generators is prohibited at all times.
PRESERVE – Help preserve your park. Please don’t cut or
mar any plants or trees. Collecting animal or plant life is
allowed only for scientific purposes by permit from the
Richmond headquarters. Don’t feed any wild animals.
ALCOHOL - State law permits alcohol use only in private
areas (inside your cabin or camping unit) or in areas
designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department
of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
PETS - Pets are permitted in enclosed areas or on a leash
no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet. Pets
must be attended at all times.
DRONES AND OTHER AIRCRAFT - Drones, other unmanned
aerial vehicles, including remote control aircraft, and
aircraft in general may not be flown in state parks
pursuant to 4VAC5-30-400.
LITTER - Please help us keep the park clean by placing litter and recyclables in the proper receptacles and
recycle centers or carrying out your trash. The releasing
of balloons is not allowed. Decorative balloons must be
deflated and disposed of as trash.
FIRE - Help prevent wildfires. Fires must be confined to
grills, camp stoves or designated fire rings. Fires must
be attended at all times and extinguished when left.
Firewood is generally available for purchase at the park.
Campers and guests may collect only downed and dead
firewood. We enforce all seasonal and emergency bans on
open fires.
POLLUTION - Help reduce pollution. Dump stations,
laundry sinks and slop sinks, where available, are for the
proper disposal of wastewater. Please, no boat, RV or car
washing.
SWIMMING - Pool swimming is generally available for
a fee during scheduled hours between the Saturday of
Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. The weather
and other issues beyond our control may reduce the
availability of swimming. Swimming anywhere else in
the park at any time is prohibited.
FISHING - A valid saltwater fishing license and annual
registration in the state’s free saltwater angler
identification program is required for fishing in the
Potomac River. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is
required to fish at Rock Spring Pond. The pond has a
variety of fish including catfish, bream, bass and crappie.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT POLICY
Camping:
Check-in 4 p.m.
Check-out 1 p.m.
Cabins:
Check-in 4 p.m.
Check-out 10 a.m.
All vehicles must be parked in designated areas. Lock
valuables in your trunk and keep your vehicle locked
when unattended.
Virginia State Parks
The maximum overnight stay per park is 14 days in any
30-day period.
GROUP EVENTS - A special Use Permit is required for all
group events that involve amplified sound, catering,
equipment rentals and vendor deliveries.
PARK ACCESSIBILITY - We strive to make each park as
barrier-free as possible. Universally accessible facilities
are available throughout Virginia State Parks.
Westmoreland
State Park
EMERGENCY - Emergency phone numbers are posted at
In many cases, campers may be accommodated prior to
the official check-in. Please remember that only those 18
or older may register. The registrant is responsible for
all occupants of the campsite or cabin. Feel free to arrive
early and enjoy park amenities prior to check-in.
Overnight guests are encouraged to be familiar with the
early departure policy since it impacts any refund due.
The policy and frequently asked questions are here:
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/faq.
CAMPING - Camping is allowed only in designated
campgrounds and only after following the proper checkin procedure described in the Reservation and Fees Guide
available at the park office.
Campsite occupancy is a maximum of six people or the
number of people in a single household. Two camping
units are allowed per campsite; only one axled camper
is allowed per site. All camping units, equipment and
vehicles must be placed within the perimeter of the
designated campsite without infringing on adjoining
campsites or vegetation. Where high-impact areas are
designated, all camping units, equipment and vehicles
must be within the area’s defined borders.
Park in designated areas only.
PARKING - Only two motor vehicles, as well as the
camping unit, are permitted on a campsite without
incurring additional fees. Cabin guests are allowed two
vehicles for a one or two-bedroom cabin, three vehicles
for a
CHESAPEAKE BAY
The Tides Inn—Irvington
SIP
CHESAPEAKE
BAY
Wine lovers visiting the region can’t miss the
Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail. With seven premiere
wineries, you’ll sample award-winning varietals, learn
pairing tips and tour winemaking facilities. Bring a
picnic to make it a picture-perfect day! Or perhaps
you’re more of a beer drinker, in which case, stop in for
a cold one at Old Rappahannock Brewing Company
in Warsaw, opened in late 2019. Locally sourced
ingredients, a large tap room and outdoor beer garden
are just the beginning of your brewery adventures.
CRUISE
Virginia's River Realm is full of opportunities on the
water. If you’re bringing your own boat to shore, dock
at the local marinas, such as Deltaville Yachting Center,
and explore the quaint downtowns. For those seeking
a learning experience, take a class at one of the many
local sailing schools, such as Norton Yachts, Stingray
Point, Fishing Bay, Christchurch or Premier. Grab your
paddleboard or canoe to explore eight beautiful Virginia
Water Trails and Blueways or enjoy a sunset from your
kayak on the Potomac River from Stratford Hall.
78
SARAH HAUSER
Not far from the hustle and bustle of major Virginia cities, the CHESAPEAKE BAY region invites you to relax and unwind in its quiet,
coastal charm. More than 1,800 miles of riverside shoreline beckon boaters, paddlers and all water lovers to explore the region’s
natural beauty, iconic history and quaint small towns – where living the “rivah life” wouldn’t be complete without a feast of fresh
local seafood paired with award-wining regional wine.
FAT ' N H A P P Y O Y S T E R C O M PA N Y ( H E AT H S V I L L E ) : S A R A H H A U S E R / L O V E W O R K ( C O L O N I A L B E A C H ) : C H R I S M I L I T Z E R
SLURP
Oyster lovers have a multitude of unique experiences
to enjoy, such as events like the Urbanna Oyster
Festival, where guests can see the industry in practice,
as well as try all of the different ways to eat their
beloved bivalves. Join the Virginia Oyster Academy,
where you’ll learn about Virginia’s oyster history,
ecology and tools of the harvest before heading
out on the water with a traditional waterman for a
one-hour harvest excursion. Waterman Tours offer
a unique look at the history and traditions of their
hard work, and give families an authentic look of the
working watermen’s culture.
Fat 'N Happy Oyster Company—Heathsville
LOVEWork—Colonial Beach
SPLASH
Take a dip at Colonial Beach, the second largest
sandy beachfront in the state. Whether you love
to swim, water ski, jet ski, kayak or canoe, there’s
room for everyone. (When you’re worn out from
the water, stroll the Boardwalk for even more fun!)
Westmoreland State Park, one of six original parks in
the state, has one-and-a-half miles of water frontage
along the Potomac River, and Horsehead Cliffs offers
a scenic walk while scouring the sands for fossilized
shark’s teeth. Don’t forget to stop in at Kilmarnock’s
Town Centre Park, open daily from dawn to dusk
with seasonal events in their open air amphitheater,
“Water Works” splash pad, playground, farmers
market and Scottie Yard dog park.
UNWIND
Rest your head at a wide range of accommodations,
from the historic Tides Inn in Irvington or an adorable
B&B such as Belle Grove Plantation, Kilmarnock Inn
or the stylish Hope & Glory Inn. If you’re traveling
with your RV or appreciate a more rustic stay, try
Bethpage Camp-Resort, known as the Best RV Resort
in the Nation and voted National Park of the Year
for the third time by the National Association of RV
Parks and Campgrounds; kids of all ages will love the
water park, mini golf course and aqua jump! Finally,
in Topping, head to the family-owned Merroir to enjoy
oysters with world-famous wines and crisp ciders sure
to delight your tastebuds.
VIRGINIA .ORG
79
q
u
O F F E R S A C C E S S F O R P E O P L E W H O A R E B L I N D O R H AV E L O W V I S I O N
b
BUSES/GROUP S WELCOME
c
$
P E T - F R I E N D LY FA C I L I T Y
D
P R O V I D E S P R I N T E D M AT E R I A L I N B R A I L L E
PROVIDES DES CRIPTIONS BY A TRAINED AUDIO DES CRIBER
P R O V I D E S A D E V I C E U S E D F O R C O M M U N I C AT I O N W I T H A N D B E T W E E N H E A R I N G I M PA I R E D
ADMISSION REQUIRED
I
s
W
CHESAPEAKE BAY
CHESAPEAKE BAY
g
VG M E E T S E N V I R O N M E N TA L S TA N D A R D S O F T H E V I R G I N I A G R E E N P R O G R A M
PROVIDES SIGN LANGUAGE
PROVIDES ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS
ADA-COMPLIANT
HEATHSVILLE
301
Bush Mill Stream Natural Area
VA 642, 804-225-2303;
dcr.virginia.gov. Freshwater
meets saltwater of the Great
Wicomico River, blue herons.
Colonial Beach
King George
3
Stratford
Montross
Warsaw
Heathsville
360
Tappahannock
17
Reedville
Lancaster
360
3
Irvington
Urbanna
West Point
Kilmarnock
Topping
Deltaville
33
Mathews
Gloucester
14
COLONIAL BEACH
Colonial Beach Boardwalk
Beach Terrace, 804-224-7181;
visitcbva.com. On the shores
of the Potomac River. Stunning
views, w
Environmental
Education
Virginia State Parks are premier
environmental education sites.
Schools, scouts, groups and individuals
are encouraged to come learn more
about their world. Backyard Classroom
programs, incorporating Virginia’s
Standards of Learning, promote
lifelong learning. They also help
young people enjoy, appreciate and
understand the outdoors.
Programs & Festivals
Master new outdoor cooking recipes.
Pan for gold or tour a cave. Learn or
improve outdoor skills. Enjoy a rangerled hike, eagle tour or owl prowl.
Workshops and events are as diverse
as the parks.
VIRGINIA
Discounts
Virginia State Parks are affordable every day, but annual passes
can save you money on parking, boat launching and swimming.
The Customer Loyalty Program lets you earn points that can be
redeemed for free or discounted overnight stays.
STATE PARKS
You can also receive a 25 percent discount on weekend cabins if you
make a reservation on Thursday or Friday, based on availability. Just
ask for the discount on the phone when you make the reservation.
Park Accessibility
Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as
possible. Contact the Customer Service Center or individual parks
for more information before your trip.
Pets
Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in
an enclosed area at all times. Cabin guests are charged $10 plus tax
per night per pet. No pet fee is charged for camping.
There’s plenty of history, too. Immerse
yourself in Colonial times, the Civil War
or the Underground Railroad. When
it comes to festivals, you’ll find music,
arts and crafts, local food and beverage,
classic cars and more. Up-to-theminute, comprehensive information is
available at www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Nature & History
All parks have trails, many with signs
explaining the environment. Wander
trails at First Landing through cypress
swamps or hike Caledon’s trails along
ridges and ravines through rare oldgrowth forest. Overlooks at Hungry
Mother, Grayson Highlands and Natural
Tunnel offer a glimpse of powerful
geological forces that shaped the land.
See how rivers shaped some parks, such
as Belle Isle, James River, Natural Bridge,
Powhatan and Westmoreland.
www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275)
www.virginiastateparks.gov
Shenandoah River
Seven Bends
Sky Meadows
540-622-6840
540-622-6840
540-592-3556
CT
•
CT
•
Douthat
540-862-8100
T
Natural Bridge
540-291-1326
Smith Mountain Lake
540-297-6066
•
540-854-5503
703-730-8205
703-339-2385
540-288-1400
•
B/E/H
•
B/H
•
B/E/H/U
VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS
•
• FP
•
•
•
•
B/E/H
H
• FP
•
•
B/H
•
•
•
B/E/H/U
•
H/U
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Lake Anna
Leesylvania
Mason Neck
Widewater
•
•
• FP
CT
•
•
•
•
B/H/U
•
•
•
UD
CT
CHESAPEAKE BAY
Belle Isle
Caledon
Machicomoco
Westmoreland
804-462-5030
540-663-3861
804-642-2419
804-493-8821
•
•
•
B/E/H/U
•
•
B/H
•
CT
•
• FP
•
B/H
• FP
•
P
B/H/U
COASTAL
Chippokes Plantation
False Cape
First Landing
York River
757-294-3728
757-426-7128
757-412-2300
757-566-3036
•
•
P
B/E/H/U
•
•
B/H/U
•
•
•
B/H
•
•
• FP
•
•
B/E/H/U
EASTERN SHORE
Photo courtesy Jackie Jamison
Kiptopeke
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Bear Creek Lake
High Bridge Trail
Holliday Lake
James River
Pocahontas
Powhatan
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield
Twin Lakes
(Cedar Crest Conference Center)
Boa
t La
unc
h
Boa
t Re
nta
ls
Fish
in g
Day
Use
O nl y
Play
grou
nds
Swi
mm
in g
Trai
ls
BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
757-331-2267
•
•
• FP
•
•
H/U/B
804-492-4410
434-315-0457
434-248-6308
434-933-4355
804-796-4255
804-598-7148
804-561-7510
434-392-3435
434-767-2398
T
•
•
•
•
B/E/H
T
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
T
•
•
•
•
•
CT
•
•
540-643-2500
276-579-7092
276-781-7400
276-781-7425
276-699-6778
276-699-6778
•
•
• FP
•
•
•
T
•
•
•
CT
•
•
•
•
B/H/U
B/E/H
•
B/H/U
B/E/H/U
•
SOUTHERN VIRGINIA
Fairy Stone
Occoneechee
Staunton River Battlefield
Staunton River
276-930-2424
434-374-2210
434-454-4312
434-572-4623
T
•
•
•
276-865-4413
276-254-5487
276-940-2674
276-940-2696
276-523-1322
276-445-3065
T
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
B/E/H
•
B/H/U
•
•
P
B/E/H
•
•
P
B/E/H
HEART OF APPALACHIA
Breaks Interstate
Clinch River
Natural Tunnel
(Cove Ridge Conference Center)
Southwest Virginia Museum
Wilderness Road
CT
•
•
•
•
B/H
•
P
B/H/U
H/U
•
B/E/H
TABLE LEGEND:
B Biking
CT Car-top Boat Launch
E Equestrian
FP Fishing Pier
H Hiking
P Pool Swimming
T Electric Motors Only
U Universally Accessible
UD Under Development
B/E/H
B/E/H/U
P
•
B/E/H/U
B/E/H
H
•
•
Many parks offer overnight facilities suitable
for reunions, weddings and special events.
Some parks even have equestrian campsites.
B/E/H/U
B/E/H/U
•
T
Claytor Lake
Grayson Highlands
Hungry Mother
(Hemlock Haven Conference Center)
New River Trail
Shot Tower
With lodges, cabins, yurts and campsites, the
fun doesn’t end at sundown. Many cabins are
available year-round, and most campgrounds
ar
Hotel Weyanoke—Farmville
Small Towns,
Local charm, cozy curios and open arms make
these small towns in Virginia worth exploring.
Character
WRITTEN BY MARY & BILL BURNHAM
T
KYLE LAFERRIERE
10
he phrase “small town” evokes
nostalgia, authenticity and heartfeltwarmth in many of us. What’s not to
love? They are authentic, accessible, friendly
and stocked with locally-owned businesses.
These are communities where you can get off
the crowded highway, park the car and walk,
ride a bike or even kayak through downtown.
Small, family-run businesses offer one-of-
a-kind handmade items, from jewelry and art
to craft beers and wine. Farmers markets offer
locally-grown produce and seafood spring
through fall.
With almost 200 incorporated towns,
dozens more villages and hamlets, plus
nearly 30 designated Virginia Main Street
Communities, the hard part is deciding which
Virginia towns to visit.
VIRGINIA .ORG
11
Here are some of
our favorites,
d ending
starting in southwest Virginia, an
metown
with a shameless plug for our ho
on the Eastern Shore.
High Bridge Trail State Park—Farmville
Harrisonburg
Big Stone Gap
12
Farmville
HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK (FARMVILLE): ALI ZAMAN /
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM (BIG STONE GAP): JASON BARNETTE
June Tolliver House and Art Folk Center—Big Stone Gap
Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap
JUNE TOLLIVER HOUSE (BIG STONE GAP): TIM COX
Southwest Virginia’s coal-mining history
comes to life in the “Trail of the Lonesome
Pine,” Virginia’s longest-running outdoor
drama, performed Thursday through
Saturday nights, late June through August.
Before you go, be sure to read the Big
Stone Gap novels by Adriana Trigiani, or
watch the Hollywood film by the same name
starring Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg.
Upon arrival, you can visit places featured
in the film, such as Mutual Pharmacy, the
Book Mobile, the Farmers Market, as well as
the outdoor drama.
Fine, well-preserved period homes house
The John Fox Jr. Museum, the Southwest
Virginia Museum and the June Tolliver House.
Cozy B&Bs, cafes and a variety of antique
and curio shops round out this small town
gem.
Fun Festival: 100th annual Tri State
Singing Convention, June
This formerly industrial town has been reinvented
for recreation, craft beverage and shopping lovers.
The Appomattox River that once carried tobacco
barges is now a designated Scenic River carrying
paddlers in search of whitewater or the calmer
four-mile Farmville Blueway.
The railroad that once carried coal now carries
hikers, bikers and equestrians on the 30-mile-long
High Bridge Trail State Park.
Repurposed tobacco packing houses and
lumber warehouses are reincarnated to house
Appomattox River Company, Green Front Furniture
and the Third Street Brewing Company, serving up
local beer, live music, games for the kids and a
pet-friendly beer garden.
Together with the Virginia Tasting Cellar and
the soon-to-open second location of James River
Brewing, Farmville is fast becoming a destination
for craft beverage lovers.
Fun Festival: Heart of Virginia Festival, May
Set amidst the vast playground of the
idyllic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg
has been called “one of the best mountain
bike towns in America” by National
Geographic.
Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and
artisans have blended the past with the
present to create a lively melting pot that
is distinctive to this college town.
Named Virginia’s first Culinary
District in 2014, Harrisonburg’s cultural
diversity serves up fare from around the
world, while taking advantage of locallysourced farm-to-table ingredients. Food.
Bar.Food features “global comfort food,”
while a mother-daughter team creates soulsoothing pastries at Heritage Bakery & Café.
The arts scene is equally diverse,
epitomized by the Agora Downtown Market,
a community of small businesses under
one roof in an historic building.
Named for James Madison, fourth
president and the “Father of the
Constitution,” are the stunning Hotel
Madison and James Madison University
(JMU), where nearly 20,000 students lend
a youthful vitality to this historic town.
Fun Festival: Harrisonburg
International Festival, September
VIRGINIA .ORG
13
Within Virginia’s
larger cities,
find pockets of
uniqueness that
make you feel
like you’re in a
small town!
ROANOKE’S HISTORIC
GRANDIN VILLAGE
This walkable urban village is
eclectic and family-friendly at
the same time. Spend Saturday
morning at the Community
Market, dine on an outdoor
patio, shop independentlyowned boutiques and take in
a first-run or classic film at the
1930s Grandin Theatre.
RICHMOND’S
SCOTT’S ADDITION
One of the hottest, newly
revitalized neighborhoods in
the state capital. Warehouses
converted to breweries, cideries
and distilleries, bold street
murals, a cinema and a retro
bowling alley make this a
happening night scene.
Immerse yourself in Virginia’s Lake
Country at Virginia’s only lakeside
town. Buggs Island Lake, also known as
Kerr Reservoir, draws anglers to dozens
of fishing tournaments yearl