Volunteer opportunities
Source: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/volunteers
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:17
Volunteer opportunities
Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30.
Learn more
.
Volunteering at Virginia State Parks
Love your state park and want to give back? Volunteering with Virginia State Parks is a great way to support our parks while also getting outdoors and connecting with your community!
Volunteers are the backbone of our parks; we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. With 44 parks across the state, our volunteer opportunities are as varied as our biodiversity. Whether you want to get your hands dirty by clearing trails and pulling invasive plants, support our conservation efforts by identifying plants and critters in the park, or take our visitors on a journey through your park’s history, there’s a place for everyone. No matter what your interests and passions are, you are welcome in our parks.
The more hours you volunteer, the more rewards you earn. Earn loyalty points when you volunteer and redeem them for discounts on annual passes, camping, and cabin rentals. Learn more about our
loyalty program here
.
APPLY NOW
Ways to get involved
All-Call Workdays
Want to try out volunteering with designated project days? Our All-Call volunteer days are perfect for you! These scheduled workdays are open to the public – no application required – with the opportunity to work on impactful projects for the park in big one-day or half-day efforts. Check out our event calendar at the bottom of this page to sign up for opportunities at a park near you.
Group Volunteering
Have a group you want to volunteer with?
Fill out this form
or get in touch with the specific park your group would like to work with. We will match your group with a project depending on your interests and time constraints.
We also offer alternative break group options for college and university students looking to serve at the parks during school breaks.
Contact us
for more information on qualified groups.
Individual Volunteering
Ready to jump into volunteering? Whether you’re working once a month or once a week, individual volunteers have the flexibility to choose their schedules and what projects they are interested in. Projects vary by park, but can include:
Trail building and maintenance
Invasive plant pulls
Cultivating bees or oysters
Handling educational animals
Restoring historic structures
Assisting in conservation research efforts
Leading historical tours
Administrative assistance
Running special concerts and festival events
Building new park structures
Volunteering with Virginia State Parks is also a great way to gain important job experience for a career in parks, wildlife management or environmental conservation. The skills learned in park volunteer programs are great boosts to any conservation-focused resume, and volunteer hours can even be used as job experience when applying for employment with Virginia State Parks or other state government agencies.
Are you a student looking for volunteer opportunities? Virginia State Parks provides volunteer opportunities for students seeking to fulfill service-learning requirements for graduation. Many students volunteer part-time during the school year by engaging in events, festivals and special projects, or join the
Youth Conservation Corps
in the summer. See also our professional development opportunities for college-age students, such as
internships and Park Ranger Conservation Corps
.
Friends Groups
Looking to get a little more involved in the project management and fundraising efforts of the parks? Most parks have officially organized
“Friends of” volunteer groups
. These critically important groups organize special events, raise money, schedule workdays and partner with local businesses. They also contact the media and legislature to get the word out on issues important to parks.
Contact
the Office of Community Engagement and Volunteerism or a specific park's volunteer coordinator for more information about your park’s Friends group.
Friends groups operate under the
Virginia Association for Parks (VAFP)
– the nonprofit umbrella organization for Friends groups. It supports state parks and other parks across the Commonwealth. VAFP actively advocates park issues at the local, regional, state and national levels and offers free technical advice and hands-on help to those who wish to form new Friends groups VAFP also conducts regional conferences with training sessions and networking opportunities. Visit their website for more information and how to join the VAFP.
Benefits
Volunteers earn loyalty points and other benefits as they accrue hours.
Volunteer hours can go towards an annual parking pass and discounts on camping and cabin rentals through our reservation system’s loyalty points program.
Hours Served
Benefit Earned
50 hours
Virginia State Parks Volunteer Polo
100 hours
20,000 loyalty points ($85 discount)
(may be redeemed for an annual parking pass)
250 hours
40,000 loyalty points ($170 discount) redeemable for camping or cabin reservations. Accrues every 250 hours served.
750 hours
Virginia State Parks Lifetime pass
(can only be earned once)
1,000 hours
Your name will be engraved on a plaque at your park as a thank you for your dedication to Virginia State Parks
2,000 hours
Achievement Recognition Special Apparel Item
3,000 hours
Dedicated bench with your name at the park
Application Process
Ready to get volunteering? Here’s what our application process looks like:
Application
– Fill out our application form and include which park(s) you're interested in working with. Once your application has been processed, the volunteer coordinator from your chosen park will reach out and get you started.
Background Check
– We require every employee and volunteer of Virginia State Parks to pass a background check. The form will be sent to you through your volunteer coordinator, and the background checks are good for two years before needing renewal.
Volunteer Account
– We use YODA as our volunteer management tool, and once your background check comes through, you’ll be all set to start logging hours in your account! Make sure to accurately log your hours in your account to take advantage of our loyalty rewards program.
Volunteer Training
– Some parks have dedicated volunteer orientations to get you acquainted with the park and walk you through any ongoing project opportunities. Be sure to check with your volunteer coordinator to get all the info!
Volunteer Application
Current Volunteers
YODA Resources
Volunteer YODA Login
Redeeming Benefits
Once your volunteer hours have been issued loyalty points, they can be redeemed for camping, cabin rentals, or annual passes. Check out our
Loyalty Point Guide
for more information on how to redeem your points and other frequently asked questions.
To redeem your points, there are a few options:
Call Customer Service at 1-800-933-7275
. You must choose
Option 5
to speak to a Virginia State Parks employee to order your annual pass.
To reserve a campsite/lodge or purchase an annual pass online:
Go to
https://reservevaparks.com/web
and log into your account.
In the header menu, select "Camping and Lodging" or "Passes."
Select your purchases.
Fill in your information, check the "Terms and Condition" box and click "Continue".
In your shopping cart, there is a blue bar across the page where it shows your points balance and a selection to redeem points.
Select "Redeem Points".
You can select how many points you want to spend. If you purchase an annual pass for $85, use exactly 20,000 points. You can also use your points for a senior pass.
Have a question?
For information about volunteering at a
specific park
in the Virginia State Parks system, please call that park and ask for the volunteer coordinator.
For corporate volunteering and alternative break options for existing groups,
fill in this form
.
For general questions about volunteering with Virginia State Parks, email
vspvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov
or call 804-987-3868.
Upcoming events
False Cape Beach Cleanup
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park Visitor Center
April 23, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Earth Week Projects
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
April 23, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
False Cape Beach Cleanup
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park Visitor Center
April 24, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Earth Week Projects
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
April 24, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Earth Day Weekend
Claytor Lake State Park
Throughout the Park
April 24, 2026 3:00 p.m. - April 25, 2026 8:00 p.m.
"Restore Our Earth" Wild Bird Survey
High Bridge Trail State Park
Charley's Waterfront Cafe Parking Lot, Main Street, Farmville, VA
April 25, 2026. 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
False Cape Beach Cleanup
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park Visitor Center
April 25, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Earth Week Projects
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
April 25, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Volunteer All Call! Park Day Clean Up
Culpeper Battlefields State Park
9465 General Winder Rapidan, VA 22733
April 25, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spring Volunteer Opportunities at Widewater State park
Widewater State Park
Throughout the Park
April 25, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trash to Art Contest
Caledon State Park
Picnic Shelter
April 25, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Campground Restoration Project
Sky Meadows State Park
Historic Area
April 25, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
James River Earth Fest
James River State Park
Visitor Center
April 25, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Volunteer Trail Survey
Lake Anna State Park
Throughout Park
April 25, 2026. 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Celebrating the Earth Clean Up
Twin Lakes State Park
The Discovery Area
April 25, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Leaf It Clean Challenge
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Meet at Discovery Center Pavilion
April 25, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Help Battle Invasive Plants!
Powhatan State Park
Trailhead/Equestrian Parking Lot
April 25, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Pollinator Garden Clean-Up
Holliday Lake State Park
Campfire Circle
April 25, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Shoreline Cleanup
Claytor Lake State Park
Beach Building
April 25, 2026. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wild about Bats!
James River State Park
Shelter #4: 244 Amphitheater Ct; Gladstone, VA 24599
April 25, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
False Cape Beach Cleanup
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park Visitor Center
April 26, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Earth Week Projects
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
April 26, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Earth Day: Adopt-a-Trail Volunteer Event
Occoneechee State Park
Splash Park
April 26, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Westmoreland Volunteer Appreciation and Orientation
Westmoreland State Park
Murphy Hall
April 26, 2026. 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friends of York River State Park Meeting
York River State Park
Visitor Center
April 28, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friends of First Landing State Park General Meeting
First Landing State Park
Trail Center
April 29, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day: Shoreline Cleanup
Widewater State Park
Potomac Picnic Area
May 2, 2026. 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Clean the Bay Day: Kayak Cleanup
Widewater State Park
Aquia Creek Paddle Launch
May 2, 2026. 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Spring Volunteer Opportunities at Widewater State park
Widewater State Park
Throughout the Park
May 2, 2026. 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day Volunteer Clean Up
Douthat State Park
Lakeview Camp Store
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Litter Patrol
Twin Lakes State Park
The Discovery Area
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Hike & Help the Riverine Forest
Powhatan State Park
Shelter 3 (near Launch A)
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Bluebell Trail and Shoreline Clean Up
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Bluebell Trailhead (Near Canoe Launch)
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Trash Clean Up
Leesylvania State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Volunteer Beach Cleanup
Westmoreland State Park
Boathouse
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cedar Creek Watershed Cleanup
Natural Bridge State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Beach Clean Up
Chippokes State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Coastal Cleanup
Kiptopeke State Park
Fishing Pier
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day at Holliday Lake
Holliday Lake State Park
Boathouse
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day
Caledon State Park
Boyd's Hole
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Chesapeake Bay Beach & Narrows Beach Volunteer Cleanup
First Landing State Park
Main Visitor Center and The Narrows at 64th St.
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Riverbank Clean-Up
James River State Park
Canoe Landing
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Party in the Pollinator Garden
Sweet Run State Park
main parking lot, near pollinator garden.
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Clean the Bay Day
York River State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Shoreline Clean up
Mason Neck State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Park Clean Up!
Machicomoco State Park
West Unit
May 2, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Bullpasture River Clean-up
Hayfields State Park
Park Office
May 2, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Trash Pickup
Lake Anna State Park
Beach/Lawn area of Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Riverbank Clean-Up
Seven Bends State Park
Lupton Access - Canoe Launch - 1191 Lupton Rd.
May 2, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Litter Patrol
Occoneechee State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Spring Volunteer Opportunities at Widewater State park
Widewater State Park
Throughout the Park
May 3, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friends of Fairy Stone Meeting
Fairy Stone State Park
Shelter #4
May 3, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park Friend Meetings
Southwest Virginia Museum
TBD
May 4, 2026. 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Monthly Volunteer Workday
Douthat State Park
Lakeview Camp Store
May 9, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Volunteer Garden Workday
Westmoreland State Park
Visitor Center
May 9, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Timberneck Open House and Dig Day
Machicomoco State Park
Timberneck House
May 9, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park Volunteer Orientation
Widewater State Park
Visitor Center
May 10, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bombs Away for Pollinators!
Staunton River State Park
Visitor Center
May 10, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friend's of Widewater State Park Monthly Meeting
Widewater State Park
Visitor Center
May 12, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Walk on the Wild Side
Belle Isle State Park
Camp Store
May 14, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Vessel Safety Exam Day
Belle Isle State Park
Various Locations
May 16, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monthly Volunteer Workday: Trails and More
Sweet Run State Park
main parking lot, near pollinator garden.
May 16, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Kids to Parks Day
Staunton River State Park
Visitor Center
May 16, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Virginia Boating Safety Education Classroom Course
Belle Isle State Park
Visitor Center
May 17, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Stock Creek Passage
Natural Tunnel State Park
Stock Creek Recreation Area
May 17, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friends of Sailor's Creek Battlefield Meeting
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Visitor Center
May 18, 2026. 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Help the Park, Become an Ambassador
Claytor Lake State Park
Water's Edge Meeting Facility
May 19, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Pollinator Garden Work Day
Mason Neck State Park
Visitor Center Pollinator Garden
May 20, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Friends of Twin Lakes State Park Meeting
Twin Lakes State Park
Cedar Crest Conference Center
May 21, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
May Volunteer Workday: Spring BioBlitz
Claytor Lake State Park
Water's Edge Meeting Facility
May 23, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Gathering in the Gap Musical Festival
Southwest Virginia Museum
Railcar Lot
May 23, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Junk Slam Dunk
Leesylvania State Park
Potomac Trail
May 23, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stock Creek Passage
Natural Tunnel State Park
Stock Creek Recreation Area
May 23, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
World Turtle Day Shellebration
Fairy Stone State Park
Visitor Center
May 23, 2026. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Junk Slam Dunk
Leesylvania State Park
Potomac Trail
May 24, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Junk Slam Dunk
Leesylvania State Park
Potomac Trail
May 25, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Friends of York River State Park Meeting
York River State Park
Visitor Center
May 26, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park Meeting
High Bridge Trail State Park
Barbara Rose Johns Farmville - Prince Edward Community Library, Farmville VA.
May 28, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone Hunt Site Clean-Up
Fairy Stone State Park
Shelter #4
May 30, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Junk Slam Dunk
Leesylvania State Park
Potomac Trail
May 30, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stock Creek Passage
Natural Tunnel State Park
Stock Creek Recreation Area
May 30, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wild about Bats!
James River State Park
Shelter #4: 244 Amphitheater Ct; Gladstone, VA 24599
May 30, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Junk Slam Dunk
Leesylvania State Park
Potomac Trail
May 31, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother Trail Cleanup
Hungry Mother State Park
Beach
June 6, 2026. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Trail Workday
Westmoreland State Park
CCC Fountain
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trail Maintenance Volunteer Event
Leesylvania State Park
Bushey Point Trail
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Monthly Volunteer Workday
Douthat State Park
Lakeview Camp Store
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
National Trails Day
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
National Trails Day
Holliday Lake State Park
Park Office
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Party in the Pollinator Garden
Sweet Run State Park
main parking lot, near pollinator garden.
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Trail Transformation
Twin Lakes State Park
The Discovery Area
June 6, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Eco Hero Trail Walk: An Invasive Species Management Project
Sky Meadows State Park
Historic Area
June 6, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Leave No Trash
Kiptopeke State Park
Various Locations
June 6, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stewardship Stroll
James River State Park
Canoe Landing
June 6, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Help Battle Invasive Plants!
Powhatan State Park
Shelter 1 (near playground)
June 6, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trail Clean Up
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Roanoke Station Visitor Center
June 6, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Nature Hike
Staunton River State Park
Visitor Center
June 6, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Recent blogs about Virginia Association for Parks and Volunteer Opportunities
5 ways to experience Sweet Run State Park
Livelihood in the Fort
What's new at Culpeper Battlefields State Park
5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2026
Celebrate National Trails Day by giving back to the trails at Sky Meadows State Park
More recent blogs about
Virginia Association for Parks
,
Volunteer Opportunities
.
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600 E. Main St., 24
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Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30.
Learn more
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Volunteering at Virginia State Parks
Love your state park and want to give back? Volunteering with Virginia State Parks is a great way to support our parks while also getting outdoors and connecting with your community!
Volunteers are the backbone of our parks; we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. With 44 parks across the state, our volunteer opportunities are as varied as our biodiversity. Whether you want to get your hands dirty by clearing trails and pulling invasive plants, support our conservation efforts by identifying plants and critters in the park, or take our visitors on a journey through your park’s history, there’s a place for everyone. No matter what your interests and passions are, you are welcome in our parks.
The more hours you volunteer, the more rewards you earn. Earn loyalty points when you volunteer and redeem them for discounts on annual passes, camping, and cabin rentals. Learn more about our
loyalty program here
.
APPLY NOW
Ways to get involved
All-Call Workdays
Want to try out volunteering with designated project days? Our All-Call volunteer days are perfect for you! These scheduled workdays are open to the public – no application required – with the opportunity to work on impactful projects for the park in big one-day or half-day efforts. Check out our event calendar at the bottom of this page to sign up for opportunities at a park near you.
Group Volunteering
Have a group you want to volunteer with?
Fill out this form
or get in touch with the specific park your group would like to work with. We will match your group with a project depending on your interests and time constraints.
We also offer alternative break group options for college and university students looking to serve at the parks during school breaks.
Contact us
for more information on qualified groups.
Individual Volunteering
Ready to jump into volunteering? Whether you’re working once a month or once a week, individual volunteers have the flexibility to choose their schedules and what projects they are interested in. Projects vary by park, but can include:
Trail building and maintenance
Invasive plant pulls
Cultivating bees or oysters
Handling educational animals
Restoring historic structures
Assisting in conservation research efforts
Leading historical tours
Administrative assistance
Running special concerts and festival events
Building new park structures
Volunteering with Virginia State Parks is also a great way to gain important job experience for a career in parks, wildlife management or environmental conservation. The skills learned in park volunteer programs are great boosts to any conservation-focused resume, and volunteer hours can even be used as job experience when applying for employment with Virginia State Parks or other state government agencies.
Are you a student looking for volunteer opportunities? Virginia State Parks provides volunteer opportunities for students seeking to fulfill service-learning requirements for graduation. Many students volunteer part-time during the school year by engaging in events, festivals and special projects, or join the
Youth Conservation Corps
in the summer. See also our professional development opportunities for college-age students, such as
internships and Park Ranger Conservation Corps
.
Friends Groups
Looking to get a little more involved in the project management and fundraising efforts of the parks? Most parks have officially organized
“Friends of” volunteer groups
. These critically important groups organize special events, raise money, schedule workdays and partner with local businesses. They also contact the media and legislature to get the word out on issues important to parks.
Contact
the Office of Community Engagement and Volunteerism or a specific park's volunteer coordinator for more information about your park’s Friends group.
Friends groups operate under the
Virginia Association for Parks (VAFP)
– the nonprofit umbrella organization for Friends groups. It supports state parks and other parks across the Commonwealth. VAFP actively advocates park issues at the local, regional, state and national levels and offers free technical advice and hands-on help to those who wish to form new Friends groups VAFP also conducts regional conferences with training sessions and networking opportunities. Visit their website for more information and how to join the VAFP.
Benefits
Volunteers earn loyalty points and other benefits as they accrue hours.
Volunteer hours can go towards an annual parking pass and discounts on camping and cabin rentals through our reservation system’s loyalty points program.
Hours Served
Benefit Earned
50 hours
Virginia State Parks Volunteer Polo
100 hours
20,000 loyalty points ($85 discount)
(may be redeemed for an annual parking pass)
250 hours
40,000 loyalty points ($170 discount) redeemable for camping or cabin reservations. Accrues every 250 hours served.
750 hours
Virginia State Parks Lifetime pass
(can only be earned once)
1,000 hours
Your name will be engraved on a plaque at your park as a thank you for your dedication to Virginia State Parks
2,000 hours
Achievement Recognition Special Apparel Item
3,000 hours
Dedicated bench with your name at the park
Application Process
Ready to get volunteering? Here’s what our application process looks like:
Application
– Fill out our application form and include which park(s) you're interested in working with. Once your application has been processed, the volunteer coordinator from your chosen park will reach out and get you started.
Background Check
– We require every employee and volunteer of Virginia State Parks to pass a background check. The form will be sent to you through your volunteer coordinator, and the background checks are good for two years before needing renewal.
Volunteer Account
– We use YODA as our volunteer management tool, and once your background check comes through, you’ll be all set to start logging hours in your account! Make sure to accurately log your hours in your account to take advantage of our loyalty rewards program.
Volunteer Training
– Some parks have dedicated volunteer orientations to get you acquainted with the park and walk you through any ongoing project opportunities. Be sure to check with your volunteer coordinator to get all the info!
Volunteer Application
Current Volunteers
YODA Resources
Volunteer YODA Login
Redeeming Benefits
Once your volunteer hours have been issued loyalty points, they can be redeemed for camping, cabin rentals, or annual passes. Check out our
Loyalty Point Guide
for more information on how to redeem your points and other frequently asked questions.
To redeem your points, there are a few options:
Call Customer Service at 1-800-933-7275
. You must choose
Option 5
to speak to a Virginia State Parks employee to order your annual pass.
To reserve a campsite/lodge or purchase an annual pass online:
Go to
https://reservevaparks.com/web
and log into your account.
In the header menu, select "Camping and Lodging" or "Passes."
Select your purchases.
Fill in your information, check the "Terms and Condition" box and click "Continue".
In your shopping cart, there is a blue bar across the page where it shows your points balance and a selection to redeem points.
Select "Redeem Points".
You can select how many points you want to spend. If you purchase an annual pass for $85, use exactly 20,000 points. You can also use your points for a senior pass.
Have a question?
For information about volunteering at a
specific park
in the Virginia State Parks system, please call that park and ask for the volunteer coordinator.
For corporate volunteering and alternative break options for existing groups,
fill in this form
.
For general questions about volunteering with Virginia State Parks, email
vspvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov
or call 804-987-3868.
Upcoming events
False Cape Beach Cleanup
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park Visitor Center
April 23, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Earth Week Projects
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
April 23, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
False Cape Beach Cleanup
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park Visitor Center
April 24, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Earth Week Projects
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
April 24, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Earth Day Weekend
Claytor Lake State Park
Throughout the Park
April 24, 2026 3:00 p.m. - April 25, 2026 8:00 p.m.
"Restore Our Earth" Wild Bird Survey
High Bridge Trail State Park
Charley's Waterfront Cafe Parking Lot, Main Street, Farmville, VA
April 25, 2026. 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
False Cape Beach Cleanup
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park Visitor Center
April 25, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Earth Week Projects
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
April 25, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Volunteer All Call! Park Day Clean Up
Culpeper Battlefields State Park
9465 General Winder Rapidan, VA 22733
April 25, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spring Volunteer Opportunities at Widewater State park
Widewater State Park
Throughout the Park
April 25, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trash to Art Contest
Caledon State Park
Picnic Shelter
April 25, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Campground Restoration Project
Sky Meadows State Park
Historic Area
April 25, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
James River Earth Fest
James River State Park
Visitor Center
April 25, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Volunteer Trail Survey
Lake Anna State Park
Throughout Park
April 25, 2026. 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Celebrating the Earth Clean Up
Twin Lakes State Park
The Discovery Area
April 25, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Leaf It Clean Challenge
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Meet at Discovery Center Pavilion
April 25, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Help Battle Invasive Plants!
Powhatan State Park
Trailhead/Equestrian Parking Lot
April 25, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Pollinator Garden Clean-Up
Holliday Lake State Park
Campfire Circle
April 25, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Shoreline Cleanup
Claytor Lake State Park
Beach Building
April 25, 2026. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wild about Bats!
James River State Park
Shelter #4: 244 Amphitheater Ct; Gladstone, VA 24599
April 25, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
False Cape Beach Cleanup
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park Visitor Center
April 26, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Earth Week Projects
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
April 26, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Earth Day: Adopt-a-Trail Volunteer Event
Occoneechee State Park
Splash Park
April 26, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Westmoreland Volunteer Appreciation and Orientation
Westmoreland State Park
Murphy Hall
April 26, 2026. 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friends of York River State Park Meeting
York River State Park
Visitor Center
April 28, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friends of First Landing State Park General Meeting
First Landing State Park
Trail Center
April 29, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day: Shoreline Cleanup
Widewater State Park
Potomac Picnic Area
May 2, 2026. 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Clean the Bay Day: Kayak Cleanup
Widewater State Park
Aquia Creek Paddle Launch
May 2, 2026. 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Spring Volunteer Opportunities at Widewater State park
Widewater State Park
Throughout the Park
May 2, 2026. 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day Volunteer Clean Up
Douthat State Park
Lakeview Camp Store
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Litter Patrol
Twin Lakes State Park
The Discovery Area
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Hike & Help the Riverine Forest
Powhatan State Park
Shelter 3 (near Launch A)
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Bluebell Trail and Shoreline Clean Up
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Bluebell Trailhead (Near Canoe Launch)
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Trash Clean Up
Leesylvania State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Volunteer Beach Cleanup
Westmoreland State Park
Boathouse
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cedar Creek Watershed Cleanup
Natural Bridge State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Beach Clean Up
Chippokes State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Coastal Cleanup
Kiptopeke State Park
Fishing Pier
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day at Holliday Lake
Holliday Lake State Park
Boathouse
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day
Caledon State Park
Boyd's Hole
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clean the Bay Day
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Chesapeake Bay Beach & Narrows Beach Volunteer Cleanup
First Landing State Park
Main Visitor Center and The Narrows at 64th St.
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Riverbank Clean-Up
James River State Park
Canoe Landing
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Party in the Pollinator Garden
Sweet Run State Park
main parking lot, near pollinator garden.
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Clean the Bay Day
York River State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Shoreline Clean up
Mason Neck State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Park Clean Up!
Machicomoco State Park
West Unit
May 2, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Bullpasture River Clean-up
Hayfields State Park
Park Office
May 2, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Trash Pickup
Lake Anna State Park
Beach/Lawn area of Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Riverbank Clean-Up
Seven Bends State Park
Lupton Access - Canoe Launch - 1191 Lupton Rd.
May 2, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Litter Patrol
Occoneechee State Park
Visitor Center
May 2, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Spring Volunteer Opportunities at Widewater State park
Widewater State Park
Throughout the Park
May 3, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friends of Fairy Stone Meeting
Fairy Stone State Park
Shelter #4
May 3, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park Friend Meetings
Southwest Virginia Museum
TBD
May 4, 2026. 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Monthly Volunteer Workday
Douthat State Park
Lakeview Camp Store
May 9, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Volunteer Garden Workday
Westmoreland State Park
Visitor Center
May 9, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Timberneck Open House and Dig Day
Machicomoco State Park
Timberneck House
May 9, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park Volunteer Orientation
Widewater State Park
Visitor Center
May 10, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bombs Away for Pollinators!
Staunton River State Park
Visitor Center
May 10, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friend's of Widewater State Park Monthly Meeting
Widewater State Park
Visitor Center
May 12, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Walk on the Wild Side
Belle Isle State Park
Camp Store
May 14, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Vessel Safety Exam Day
Belle Isle State Park
Various Locations
May 16, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monthly Volunteer Workday: Trails and More
Sweet Run State Park
main parking lot, near pollinator garden.
May 16, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Kids to Parks Day
Staunton River State Park
Visitor Center
May 16, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Virginia Boating Safety Education Classroom Course
Belle Isle State Park
Visitor Center
May 17, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Stock Creek Passage
Natural Tunnel State Park
Stock Creek Recreation Area
May 17, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friends of Sailor's Creek Battlefield Meeting
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Visitor Center
May 18, 2026. 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Help the Park, Become an Ambassador
Claytor Lake State Park
Water's Edge Meeting Facility
May 19, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Pollinator Garden Work Day
Mason Neck State Park
Visitor Center Pollinator Garden
May 20, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Friends of Twin Lakes State Park Meeting
Twin Lakes State Park
Cedar Crest Conference Center
May 21, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
May Volunteer Workday: Spring BioBlitz
Claytor Lake State Park
Water's Edge Meeting Facility
May 23, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Gathering in the Gap Musical Festival
Southwest Virginia Museum
Railcar Lot
May 23, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Junk Slam Dunk
Leesylvania State Park
Potomac Trail
May 23, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stock Creek Passage
Natural Tunnel State Park
Stock Creek Recreation Area
May 23, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
World Turtle Day Shellebration
Fairy Stone State Park
Visitor Center
May 23, 2026. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Junk Slam Dunk
Leesylvania State Park
Potomac Trail
May 24, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Junk Slam Dunk
Leesylvania State Park
Potomac Trail
May 25, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Friends of York River State Park Meeting
York River State Park
Visitor Center
May 26, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park Meeting
High Bridge Trail State Park
Barbara Rose Johns Farmville - Prince Edward Community Library, Farmville VA.
May 28, 2026. 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone Hunt Site Clean-Up
Fairy Stone State Park
Shelter #4
May 30, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Junk Slam Dunk
Leesylvania State Park
Potomac Trail
May 30, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stock Creek Passage
Natural Tunnel State Park
Stock Creek Recreation Area
May 30, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wild about Bats!
James River State Park
Shelter #4: 244 Amphitheater Ct; Gladstone, VA 24599
May 30, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Junk Slam Dunk
Leesylvania State Park
Potomac Trail
May 31, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother Trail Cleanup
Hungry Mother State Park
Beach
June 6, 2026. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Trail Workday
Westmoreland State Park
CCC Fountain
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trail Maintenance Volunteer Event
Leesylvania State Park
Bushey Point Trail
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Monthly Volunteer Workday
Douthat State Park
Lakeview Camp Store
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
National Trails Day
Pocahontas State Park
CCC Field
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
National Trails Day
Holliday Lake State Park
Park Office
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Party in the Pollinator Garden
Sweet Run State Park
main parking lot, near pollinator garden.
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Trail Transformation
Twin Lakes State Park
The Discovery Area
June 6, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Eco Hero Trail Walk: An Invasive Species Management Project
Sky Meadows State Park
Historic Area
June 6, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Leave No Trash
Kiptopeke State Park
Various Locations
June 6, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stewardship Stroll
James River State Park
Canoe Landing
June 6, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Help Battle Invasive Plants!
Powhatan State Park
Shelter 1 (near playground)
June 6, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trail Clean Up
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Roanoke Station Visitor Center
June 6, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Nature Hike
Staunton River State Park
Visitor Center
June 6, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Recent blogs about Virginia Association for Parks and Volunteer Opportunities
5 ways to experience Sweet Run State Park
Livelihood in the Fort
What's new at Culpeper Battlefields State Park
5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2026
Celebrate National Trails Day by giving back to the trails at Sky Meadows State Park
More recent blogs about
Virginia Association for Parks
,
Volunteer Opportunities
.
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Virginia State Parks are managed by the
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
600 E. Main St., 24
th
Floor | Richmond, VA 23219
To learn about park offerings and overnight accommodations, email
resvs@dcr.virginia.gov
or call
800-933-PARK (7275)
.
Address other general inquiries to
vastateparks@dcr.virginia.gov
.
Please send website comments to
web@dcr.virginia.gov
.
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Last Modified:
Wednesday, 10 December 2025, 03:33:37 PM
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