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Virginia
219

Virginia State Parks

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USA Parks
Virginia
Northern Region
Leesylvania State Park
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Leesylvania State Park Driftwood © Vera McShane
Along the river at leesylvania Park
Leesylvania State Park Snow on the Potomac © Mary Latta
Taken after the January 2016 snowstorm, when the park reopened.
Leesylvania State Park May 2015 © Vera McShane
Re-charging at Leesylvania Park.
Leesylvania State Park Leesylvania Park © Vera McShane
I happened to turn around on the way back from the railroad bridge toward marina, when we saw this
Leesylvania State Park Fishing © Vera McShane
Fishing on the Potomac at Leesylvania Park.
Leesylvania State Park Mystery Bird © Robin Kirby
If anyone knows what kind of bird this is, I would love to know
Leesylvania State Park heart butterfly © Robin Kirby
Leesylvania State Park hidden treasures © Robin Kirby
Leesylvania State Park Osprey with Its Catch © Stephen Tabone
Osprey in a tree at Leesylvanis State Park with its catch.
Leesylvania State Park Sunbathing © Robin Kirby
Leesylvania State Park shells and stump © Robin Kirby
Leesylvania State Park I think I can, I think I can © Robin Kirby
Leesylvania State Park Family outing © Robin Kirby
Leesylvania State Park shells © Robin Kirby
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LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK
LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK
2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive
Woodbridge, Virginia   22191-4504

Phone: 703-730-8205
Toll Free: 800-933-7275
Reservations: 703-730-8205
Email: park email button icon
Leesylvania opened in 1992. In 1978, noted philanthropist Daniel Ludwig donated the land to the state for a park. A national historical society, the Society of Lees of Virginia, was instrumental in securing the donation. Locally the area is known as Freestone Point, referring to the sandstone early settlers took from the property for building. Henry Lee III (Light Horse Harry) was born here at what was then Leesylvania Plantation in Colonial America. This Revolutionary War hero would later father the Confederate General Robert E. Lee of Civil War fame.
History of the Area
Leesylvania State Park opened full time in 1992. In 1978, noted philanthropist Daniel Ludwig donated the land to the state for a park. A national historical society, the Society of Lees of Virginia, was instrumental in securing the donation. Locally the area is known as "Freestone Point," referring to the sandstone early settlers took from the property for building. Henry Lee II lived on the property from 1747 until his death in 1787. His wife died five years later and both were buried in the family gravesite, which is still on the property. Their mansion burned soon after Mrs. Lee died. Eight children were born at Leesylvania, including Henry Lee III (Light Horse Harry), a cavalry colonel in the revolution, governor of Virginia (1791-1794) and father of Robert E. Lee. In 1825 the property was sold to Henry Fairfax. His son John, later an aide to CSA Gen. James Longstreet, inherited the property in 1847. The Fairfax house burned in 1910, shortly after John's death, but many remnants, including a large chimney that has been restored, remain on the site. In addition, Freestone Point was the site of a Confederate force and gun emplacement during the Civil War.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Swimming
The park picnic area features ?-mile of natural sand beach on the Potomac River. Swimming from the shore is not allowed. Bottom hazards and boat traffic make the beach unsafe for such activities. Wading, walking and sunning are allowed.
Boating
Boat launch: This area features launching ramps, sailboat hoists and parking for 200 cars/trailers. A cartop launch area is located on Powells Creek for smaller boats such as canoes, kayaks, etc. The park store and gas dock are also located here. Motorboats are allowed. There are no restrictions on motor horsepower.

Overnight boating is allowed Friday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call the park for details.
Fishing
The Potomac River is an excellent largemouth bass fishery. The river is tidal here and the water considered fresh. Other sport fish include catfish, perch and striped bass. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required.



Picnicking
Three large picnic shelters and an open area (Lee's Landing) are available for rent. To reserve, call the Reservations Center at 1-800-933-PARK, in Richmond 225-3867. Per car parking fees are not covered in the rental (see "parking/admission" above). Shelters can be rented from 8 a.m. to dark (all day). A special use permit is required if you plan to use the shelter for something other than just picnicking - e.g., a wedding, worship service or other such special event. That permit details how the shelter can be used and when. Once the shelter capacity is reached, guests beyond that number must be turned away by park staff.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

Shelter 1, Freestone Point - The shelter, which is near the river and handicapped accessible, accommodates 100. It is about 225 feet from the nearest restroom, 400 feet from the parking lot and 100 feet from the river. There's a large parking area near this shady shelter, which features a large grill, electricity and a water spigot.

Shelter 2, Fairfax Landing - This shelter, near the river, accommodates up to 100 and is ideal for kids and a favorite spot for weddings and receptions. It's near the playground and has level area for games. It's about 185 feet from a restroom, 140 feet from the parking lot and 103 feet from the river. It features a water spigot, a large grill and electricity.

Shelter 3, Potomac Beach - This shady shelter has a nice view of the river, which is only 135 feet away. Parking is about 100 feet away, with the nearest restroom about 300 feet away. This is the shelter nearest the sailboat parking lot. It features a water spigot, a large grill and electricity.

Shelter 4, Lee's Landing - This shelter is round and has picnic tables with benches. Any use other than simple picnicking may require a special use permit and/or extra fees. Anyone planning to other such uses must call Leesylvania State Park to see if a special use permit is required. Special use permit applications are obtained by calling the park directly. Allow 30 days for the processing the application. Requests made fewer than 30 days in advance may not be honored.

This shelter accommodates up to 100 and has restrooms, water and electricity available. Available by reservation only, this shelter may not be used unless it has been rented. Parking is nearby, adjacent to the sailboat launch area. The shelter, which offers a splendid view of the Potomac River, is completely handicapped accessible. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in this area so long as the user has obtained necessary permits through the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. This is the park's only shelter that allows alcoholic beverages. As with all other park shelters, no amplified sound - music or microphones - is permitted.

Weddings, receptions and any function beyond a standard picnic can be accommodated, but such functions require a special use permit and/or extra fees. The park issues special use permits. Guests planning such events should call the park before renting the shelter to see if a special use permit is required.
Trails
The park offers four hiking trails for the exploration of the rich natural and historical features of the Potomac. The park boasts many scenic overlooks of the Potomac River including one on the remains of a Civil War Confederate gun battery at Freestone Point.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 31 EXCELLENT by Larry
park review stars; one to five Been fishing for many years and Leesylvania is the nicest ramp we have found! Nice store and restrooms as well with on-site fuel. Very secure and secluded! GREAT PLACE
June 4 Kids love it by E Man
park review stars; one to five Real nice place for the family to relax, picnic, play and boat out of.
December 16 Freestone Point
park review stars; one to five Fresstone Point has wonderfull views of the Potomac and the Lees Woods Trail is very interesting.
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Area Campgrounds
Travel Trailer Village
16058 Dumfries Road
Dumfries, VA
Aquia Pines Camp Resort
3071 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Dawson's Small Arms of the World
14510 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Woodbridge, VA
(703) 490-3308
Area Cabins and Lodges
Adams Mark Hotels & Resorts
12304 Macrina CT
Woodbridge, VA
(703) 492-7444
Great Eastern Resorts Corp
1549 Old Bridge Rd
Woodbridge, VA
(703) 494-8505
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Leesylvania State Park is in the southeast area of Prince William County, approximately 25 miles from Washington, D.C. and Fredericksburg. From I-95, take Rippon Landing Exit 156; then go east on Route 784 to U.S. 1. From U.S. 1, Route 610 (Neabsco Road) east two miles.

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Virginia
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Virginia State Parks

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