POCAHONTAS STATE PARK
Just 20 miles from downtown Richmond, the capital of Virginia, Pocahontas State Park has been one of the more popular parks in the state park system. Swift Creek forms the nucleus of the park, which is centered in a wildlife management area.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this was the first recreational park in the Richmond-Petersburg-Hopewell area. The National Park Service donated the facility to Virginia State Parks in 1946, making it the largest Virginia state parks with more than 7,600 acres and two small lakes. The area was renamed Pocahontas State Park and Pocahontas State Forest and was operated under a cooperative management arrangement with the Department of Forestry. In 1989 a new master plan, funded jointly by the Commonwealth of Virginia and Chesterfield County, called for expansion of park facilities to accommodate the large urban population surrounding the park. Today the entire area is operated as Pocahontas State Park. The park is undergoing massive renovation to expand and upgrade its facilities.
The park is named after Pocahontas, the famed daughter of Chief Powhatan, who was ruler over the tribes in the Powhatan Confederacy of the Algonquin Nation. Legend has it that Pocahontas saved Captain John Smith?s life when he was held captive by the Powhatan Confederacy. She later married John Rolfe and traveled with him to London where she died of smallpox.
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnickingyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Pool and Aquatic Recreation Center open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. During summer months, enjoy one day of free swimming for each night of overnight camping for registered guests. However, it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances. Group cabins and lodge guests do not recieve free swimming, although they do receive discounted swimming prices - please refer to the fees pages for details.
During daylight hours only, enjoy fishing Swift Creek and Beaver Lake. Private boats may be used on Swift Creek Lake. Gas-powered boats are prohibited, but electric motors are allowed. A valid Virginia fishing license is required and must be purchased prior to arrival in the park. The park rents canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddleboats from Memorial Day through Labor Day at Swift Creek Lake.
Pocahontas State Park is located near Chester, Chesterfield and Colonial Heights
The park's seven shelters are available for rent through the Reservations Center at 1-800-933-PARK. There are two sizes, large and small. Shelters 2, 3, 4 and 5 are large; shelters 1, 6, and 7 are small. Parking fees are not included in shelter rental. Shelters can be rented from 8 a.m. to dark (all day).
Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.
Hiking, biking, bridle trails. Pocahontas State Park offers five miles of hiking trails around Beaver Lake, a five mile bicycle trail and a trail accessible for persons with disabilities. In addition, numerous trails accessible to hikers and bicyclists wind through the surrounding woodlands. There are also approximately nine miles of bridle trails (see above in Horse Rentals). The park also has single-track bicycle trails.
Castaway Sporting Goods
11600 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Chester, VA
(804) 706-9100
Fishing Connection
2420 Buena Vista Blvd
Chester, VA
(804) 748-3197
In Chesterfield County, about 20 miles from Richmond. From I-95, take Exit 61 and go west on Route 10 to Route 655 which is Beach Road; or take Exit 67, go north on Route 150 to Route 10; go east to Beach Road. The park is four miles on right; or take Route 288 from I-95 to Route 10 East and go one mile to Beach Road. Follow park signs from there.
Once again, the fees for parking have increased this year just like the last. Originally it was only $2 to park. Now it is $10 on weekends.
For local residents who are on a budget. And simply want to take a walk in the park.
The price increase makes a big difference and have become prohibitive.
This park is great in every sense for hiking, horseback riding, biking, fishing and canoeing. I hike its many trails and there is a natural surprise around every corner. The admission fees are a real bargain. Rev. J. Beryl Boswell
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