RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia State Parks’ tidal beaches are now open for recreation activities while inland lakefront beaches remain closed.
The tidal beaches at Mason Neck, Leesylvania, Widewater, Caledon, Westmoreland, Belle Isle, York River, Chippokes, Kiptopeke, First Landing and False Cape are now open to the public.
Guests are advised that beaches at these parks are often small with limited spacing for beach recreation.
Beach visitors can only access the beaches if following specific protocol as outlined by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
- Strict social distancing between non-related groups must be followed
- Groups of more than 10 beachgoers will be prohibited
- No entertainment or programming that generate mass gatherings
- No beach playsets, tents or grouping of umbrellas
- No team sports
Lakefront beaches at Hungry Mother, Claytor Lake, Smith Mountain Lake, Fairystone, Douthat, Holliday Lake, Bear Creek Lake, Twin Lakes and Lake Anna will remain closed. These beach areas will reopen when adequate staffing is available and additional safety protocols have been developed and implemented.
Guests are encouraged to “know before they go” by checking the individual park’s website before their visit for the latest updates. This includes information on the use of face coverings in park facilities, respecting social distance and visiting in groups of 10 or fewer.
For the most up-to-date information regarding available recreational opportunities at Virginia State Parks, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/coiv-19-update [virginiastateparks.gov].
