Holiday shopping at Virginia State Parks

Holiday shopping at Virginia State Parks
Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30.
Learn more
.
Home
>
Blog
>
Holiday shopping at Virginia State Parks
Holiday shopping at Virginia State Parks
Read Our Blogs
Holiday shopping at Virginia State Parks
By
Starr Anderson
Posted November 18, 2025, Original Publish Date November 27, 2024
Last updated on October 17, 2025
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of finding the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. If you want to avoid crowded malls and generic presents, consider a trip to one of Virginia's state parks.
From handcrafted pottery and one-of-a-kind jewelry to comfy sweatshirts and cuddly animal plushies, Virginia State Parks’ gift shops have something for everyone.
Keep reading to learn more about where to shop and the different gifts parks across the state offer.
For the person who has everything
If you’re looking for something unique, head to one of our gift shops that features items crafted by local artisans.
Depending on the park, you can find pottery, soaps, candles, and prints and crafts that depict the scenery and showcase the culture of the region where the park is located.
Some of the parks that offer regional artisan crafts in their gift shops include Machicomoco, Natural Bridge, Sky Meadows, Pocahontas and Southwest Virginia Museum. Since our parks get new items throughout the year, we recommend contacting the park you plan on visiting to confirm if they sell artisan crafts.
Shop local at a Virginia State Park this holiday season and give a gift they’ll never forget.
Bonus shopping:
Fairy Stone State Park
is hosting a Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday featuring local vendors. Learn more
here
.
For the outdoor adventurer
Virginia State Parks are a treasure trove if you’re shopping for someone who loves spending time in nature. Many gift shops offer sturdy, handcrafted walking sticks, perfect for hiking the park’s trails, alongside maps, nature photography books and birdwatching guides.
For campers, you’ll find essentials such as fire starters, drybags, bug spray and more.
Keep your outdoor adventurer protected from the elements with a moisture-wicking t-shirt, warm hoodie or hat, and help them stay prepared with an eco-friendly water bottle or insulated travel mug.
The best thing about these gifts is that they’re practical and won’t end up gathering dust in a closet.
For the kids
Sky Meadows State Park
Most of Virginia State Parks' gift shops have fun gifts designed to spark kids' curiosity and love for nature.
From educational toys like wildlife puzzles, bug-catching kits and nature-themed coloring books to plush animals inspired by local wildlife, such as deer, foxes or owls, there’s something for every young adventurer.
Many shops also feature kid-friendly field guides, binoculars and junior ranger gear to encourage hands-on exploration of the outdoors.
These gifts make learning about nature exciting and memorable for children of all ages.
For anyone
False Cape State Park
A Virginia State Parks gift certificate is the perfect present for anyone who loves the outdoors or wants to try new adventures.
Gift certificates can be used for annual passes, park entry fees, overnight stays in a cabin or at a campsite and gift shop purchases, offering flexibility and convenience.
Whether you’re buying a gift certificate for a family planning a weekend getaway, a friend who loves hiking and fishing or a coworker who’s never been to Virginia State Parks before, this gift opens the door to unforgettable experiences.
You can purchase a gift certificate
online
.
Where to shop
Wilderness Road State Park
Every park, and every gift shop, is unique. Gift shops range in size, offerings and operating hours, so if you have questions about one, you’ll need to
contact the park
where you want to shop.
Mountain region
Breaks Interstate
Douthat
Claytor Lake
Fairy Stone
Grayson Highlands
Hungry Mother
Natural Tunnel
Natural Bridge
New River Trail
Southwest Virginia Museum
Smith Mountain Lake
Wilderness Road
Central region
Bear Creek Lake
High Bridge
Holliday Lake
James River
Pocahontas
Powhatan
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield
Twin Lakes
Lake Anna
Occoneechee
Staunton River Battlefield
Staunton River
Coastal region
Belle Isle
Caledon
Westmoreland
Kiptopeke
Chippokes
False Cape
First Landing
(The park has a merchandise wall in the Trail Center, and the campground gift shop is open on the weekends in December.)
York River
Widewater
Northern region
Leesylvania
Mason Neck
Seven Bends
(This is a mobile gift shop. Please call the park or check their
Facebook page
for more information.)
Sky Meadows
Shenandoah River
When making your purchase, consider rounding up and donating your change to the Virginia State Parks Round Up for Parks program. One hundred percent of the change collected goes toward the conservation, development and maintenance of parks.
So, this holiday season, skip the big-box stores and give gifts with meaning. Whether it’s a hand-carved ornament, a jar of local honey or the promise of an outdoor adventure, shopping at Virginia State Parks is a great way to celebrate the season.
Happy holidays, and happy shopping!
PARKS
Bear Creek Lake State Park
|
Belle Isle State Park
|
Caledon State Park
|
Chippokes State Park
|
Claytor Lake State Park
|
Douthat State Park
|
Fairy Stone State Park
|
False Cape State Park
|
First Landing State Park
|
Grayson Highlands State Park
|
High Bridge Trail State Park
|
Holliday Lake State Park
|
Hungry Mother State Park
|
James River State Park
|
Kiptopeke State Park
|
Lake Anna State Park
|
Leesylvania State Park
|
Machicomoco State Park
|
Mason Neck State Park
|
Natural Bridge State Park
|
Natural Tunnel State Park
|
New River Trail State Park
|
Occoneechee State Park
|
Pocahontas State Park
|
Powhatan State Park
|
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
|
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
|
Seven Bends State Park
|
Sky Meadows State Park
|
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
|
Southwest Virginia Museum
|
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
|
Staunton River State Park
|
Twin Lakes State Park
|
Westmoreland State Park
|
Widewater State Park
|
Wilderness Road State Park
|
York River State Park
CATEGORIES
Gifts and Shopping
If you have read the article and have a question, please email
nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov
.
Search for blogs
By Park
Categories
Cabins
Cabins and Lodges
Camping
Camping
Winter Camping
Fishing
Fishing
History and Culture
Black history
Civil War
History
Other
Animals
Astronomy
ATV
Bird Watching
Birds
Bouldering
Community
Explore
Fall
Geology
Get Outside
Ghost Stories
Gifts and Shopping
Going Green
Government
Hunting
Insects
Kids
Naturalist Notes
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor Destinations
Pets
Photography
Picnicking
Podcasts and Media
Spring
Trees and Plants
Wedding
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Wildlife Viewing
Winter Activities
Programs and Events
B.A.R.K. Ranger
Educational Activities
Learn
Learning Opportunities
Music
Special Events
VA250
Trails
Biking
Biking, Mountain
Biking, Multiuse
Biking, Rails to Trails
Hiking
Hiking Central
Hiking Coastal
Hiking Mountains
Horseback Riding
Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail
Volunteers
Virginia Association for Parks
Volunteer Opportunities
Water Fun
Boating and Water Sports
Canoeing and Kayaking
Paddling Lakes
Paddling Open-waters
Paddling Rivers
Swimming
Archive
2026
January
February
March
April
2025
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2024
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
December
2023
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
December
2022
January
February
May
August
October
2021
March
April
August
September
December
2020
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2019
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2018
January
February
April
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2017
January
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2016
March
April
June
September
October
2015
April
June
August
September
October
2014
September
December
2012
August
September
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:
Thursday, 16 April 2026, 04:59:36 PM
Contact Us
|
WAI Level A Compliant
|
Privacy Policy
|
ADA Notice