Staunton River State Park

About Staunton River State Park

Staunton River State Park is located at the John H. Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, in the eastern part of the state park, north of St. Louis County, Virginia. It was one of six original state parks opened in June 1936 by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DNR) under the leadership of Governor John D. Clements.

Staunton River State Park takes its name from the river that borders the park, the John H. Kerr Reservoir. The river is named after Captain Henry Staunton, who commanded a company of soldiers in the early 19th century to protect the early settlers from Indian attacks. It is the largest lake in Virginia, with many attractions within the parks, including Buggs Island Park and the St. Louis County Museum of Natural History.

Soldiers patrolled the mountains at the mouth of the Dan, and some of it became known as Captain Staunton's River, or Staunaton River. Forty years later, in the 1810s, the river became the site of a military base for the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Army National Guard.

Many large plantations were planted in the area, but after the Civil War most of them had been destroyed and many are still in use today.

In 1933, the Virginia Commission for Conservation and Development purchased the riverside farmland from several owners, and in 1935, a unit of the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) built buildings and facilities that can still be seen in the park. Buggs Island Lake was created by the construction of Kerr Dam in 1952, and the C CC Barracks is located on the current educational trail in the park.

During the construction of Kerr Dam, more than 150 hectares of the original park were flooded, leaving some buildings completely submerged. The park offers swimming and paddling pools in summer, as well as a pool complex that includes a bathhouse and a concession area.

Under certain circumstances, swimming is refunded to guests and there are boat moorings available in the park car park. Guests must bring their own boat, or buy boat rentals in the park or rent a boat from the parks.

Motorised and non-motorised boats are allowed on Buggs Island Lake, but if the water level is too high or low, these facilities may not be accessible. River Traders is located at the entrance of the park and you will need to call the parks before your visit, depending on how you can start your boat.

Perch, blue cabbage, cappie and perch are plentiful and an annual boat start pass is available, but a valid Virginia fishing license is required. Lake Gaston, which is connected to the Stuntton River State Park and its lake, is famous for the number and size of fish found there and for its excellent fishing.

Two accommodations can be rented for $5 per day, $10 per week or $30 per year for a two-day pass and $20 per month for an annual boat launch pass.

Parking and swimming fees are not included in the rental price, but then there are cancellation fees, according to the park's website.

Near the Dan River, accommodation is provided for shady places for meetings, picnics and other special events. The accommodation has a picnic table, picnic tables, chairs, a table and chairs, and a few chairs for the campers.

Up to 60 people can sleep comfortably here, and campers can sleep in a tent with a bed, sheets, blankets and other amenities.

The shelter has no river view, but it is close to a swing and a garbage disposal, and there is a spigot that provides access to drinking water. Access to this river is limited: it takes about two minutes to walk and the bath is about five minutes away.

The property also offers access to the pool area via the Tutelo Trail, which is a 5-10 minute walk away. On the Dan River, the property provides a shady setting for reunions, picnics and other special events. For those who come first (or those who come first), there is another accommodation behind this accommodation that can be used to accommodate more people.

There is accommodation for 60 people, which can be comfortably accommodated, and there are points that provide access to drinking water.

The shelter has a spacious barbecue terrace and offers a view of the water and easy access to the water. The boat start can be used at high water levels, but users must pay a registration fee. There is a boat parking with a parking space for up to four boats and two parking spaces for a total of three boats in the park.

The shelter has a swing, garbage collection and a disabled bathroom just a short walk away, as well as a picnic area with picnic tables, picnic chairs and tables.

The shelter is not equipped with a ramp to allow easy access for disabled people, but nearby is a parking lot with parking for a few cars and a small garage for vehicles.

Guests must bring their own equipment, and horses are not allowed on the multi-purpose trails, but six wooded trails offer self-guided hiking trails with a variety of vegetation and waterfalls.

The landscape has changed dramatically since the early days of the U.S. Army and Navy, when generals from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars camped here.

Staunton River State Park is located 18 miles east of South Boston and southeast of Scottsburg, Va., the park is home to one of the state's most popular hiking trails.