Friend groups
Source: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/friend-groups
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:19
Friend groups
Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30.
Learn more
.
Friend Groups
State parks are big places that offer many amenities and recreational opportunities. It takes a lot of work to keep those offerings available, and many parks rely on friend groups for support. Friend groups build and maintain trails, manage beautification projects, help staff visitor centers, work on educational outreach programs, and raise funds for park projects and facilities. They also help at festivals, workshops, and other park events. These groups are usually made up of local park supporters and typically enjoy tax‑exempt status. They’re always looking for new members. To learn more about or join a nearby park’s friend group, visit the web page of the park you’re interested in and click on “
Other Info
” on the left side of the page.
Here's a list of parks with friend groups:
Bear Creek Lake
Belle Isle
Caledon
Chippokes
Claytor Lake
Douthat
Fairy Stone
False Cape
First Landing
High Bridge Trail
Holliday Lake
Hungry Mother
James River
Lake Anna
Leesylvania
Mason Neck
Natural Bridge
New River Trail
Natural Tunnel
Occoneechee
Pocahontas
Powhatan
Sailor's Creek Battlefield
Seven Bends
Shenandoah River
Sky Meadows
Smith Mountain Lake
Southwest Virginia Museum
Staunton River Battlefield
Sweet Run State Park
Between the Hills Conservancy
U.S. Trail Ride
Wilderness Road
York River
Those interested in forming a friends group will find useful guidance in DCR's
Volunteer Citizen Support Group Manual
.
Download a booklet
about state park amenities.
General info
Reservations
Passes, prices and fees
Lodging
Programs and events
Accessibility
Careers
Job openings
Media Center
Know Before You Go
For groups
Meeting facilities
Host an event
Weddings
Things to know
FAQ
Rules and regulations
Pet policy
Don't move firewood
Feature articles
Public Safety and Law Enforcement
Get Involved
Volunteer
Friend groups
Volunteer Host
Youth Conservation Corps
Stay connected
Blog
eNewsletter sign up
Partnerships
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
.
Copyright © 2026, Virginia IT Agency. All rights reserved.
Last Modified:
Monday, 9 March 2026, 11:42:16 AM
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Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30.
Learn more
.
Friend Groups
State parks are big places that offer many amenities and recreational opportunities. It takes a lot of work to keep those offerings available, and many parks rely on friend groups for support. Friend groups build and maintain trails, manage beautification projects, help staff visitor centers, work on educational outreach programs, and raise funds for park projects and facilities. They also help at festivals, workshops, and other park events. These groups are usually made up of local park supporters and typically enjoy tax‑exempt status. They’re always looking for new members. To learn more about or join a nearby park’s friend group, visit the web page of the park you’re interested in and click on “
Other Info
” on the left side of the page.
Here's a list of parks with friend groups:
Bear Creek Lake
Belle Isle
Caledon
Chippokes
Claytor Lake
Douthat
Fairy Stone
False Cape
First Landing
High Bridge Trail
Holliday Lake
Hungry Mother
James River
Lake Anna
Leesylvania
Mason Neck
Natural Bridge
New River Trail
Natural Tunnel
Occoneechee
Pocahontas
Powhatan
Sailor's Creek Battlefield
Seven Bends
Shenandoah River
Sky Meadows
Smith Mountain Lake
Southwest Virginia Museum
Staunton River Battlefield
Sweet Run State Park
Between the Hills Conservancy
U.S. Trail Ride
Wilderness Road
York River
Those interested in forming a friends group will find useful guidance in DCR's
Volunteer Citizen Support Group Manual
.
Download a booklet
about state park amenities.
General info
Reservations
Passes, prices and fees
Lodging
Programs and events
Accessibility
Careers
Job openings
Media Center
Know Before You Go
For groups
Meeting facilities
Host an event
Weddings
Things to know
FAQ
Rules and regulations
Pet policy
Don't move firewood
Feature articles
Public Safety and Law Enforcement
Get Involved
Volunteer
Friend groups
Volunteer Host
Youth Conservation Corps
Stay connected
Blog
eNewsletter sign up
Partnerships
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
.
Copyright © 2026, Virginia IT Agency. All rights reserved.
Last Modified:
Monday, 9 March 2026, 11:42:16 AM
Contact Us
|
WAI Level A Compliant
|
Privacy Policy
|
ADA Notice