Unlike the Highlander, There Can Be More Than One
Westmoreland State Park is one of the six original Virginia State Parks. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the park as part of a program in the New Deal. The program was created as a means to put unskilled young men to work. And work hard they did by manually digging the original trails, roads and building the cabins. Nationwide this program employed hundreds of thousands of young men during the Great Depression. Over 800 parks were impacted by the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
After construction, Westmoreland State Park was opened in 1936.
Is Westmoreland State Park My Favorite Virginia State Park?
Westmoreland State Park is a favorite of many campers. With well-designed campsites, it is clear why it quickly became one of my favorite places to camp. I visited in the fall of 2020 and as you can see in the picture below, the flowers were still blooming. I was in a bit of a competition with the bees; however, it was a very peaceful and beautiful stay,
Westmoreland State Park Amenities
Nestled along the Potomac River’s Northern Neck, the park is gorgeous. The park is one of the original Virginia State Parks. As such, Westmoreland State Park was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Encompassing over 1300 acres of land, including trails, lake swimming, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a fishing pier, a boat launch, camp sites, cabins, equestrian camp sites, Yurts and fossils, the park has something for everyone.
Bring your bike or simply walk from your campsite to the Visitors Center or Fossil Trail.
Did I tell you about that time I hunted a Covid 19 animal?
While on a nature walk to fossil beach, I discovered remnants of a Covid 19 animal. After tracking this tiny animal for several steps, the youngling became frightened and fled, leaving behind only small footprints and this mask. This is truly the little one that got away. Thankfully Westmoreland State Park has many other amenities.
Baby Shark, Mama Shark, Granny Shark – Whose Teeth are These?
If hunting Covid 19 animals aren’t your thing, you can hunt for fossils. Million and millions of years ago Westmoreland State Park was underwater and home of various types of sharks. And, over those many millions of years sediment stacked up and covered fossils. As the sediment is eroded, the stored fossils are released. Westmoreland State Park is the perfect fossil hunting location. Fossil Hikes led by rangers occur quite frequently and your very own little foot may enjoy the adventure. Check the schedule of events for hike days and available park amenities.
Westmoreland State Park – Fees
How many greenbacks does it take to enter this here park? At the time of this writing entry into the park is $7 during weekdays and $10 on the weekends. Camping with electricity and water is $35 a night for Virginia Residents. Non-Virginia residents have to pay $5 more a night. Camping fees includes the entry fee. Fees may change in the future.
How To Get There
- Website – https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland#general_information
- Address – 145 Cliff Road, Montross, VA 22520
Thank you for sharing your time with me. Are you in the process of planning your very own great adventure? Tell me a little about you and your plans. Until then much love and safe travels.
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Thank you so much for sharing this, first I loved the part about the Civilian Conservation Corps, something I would have never known. My husband and I were talking about camping and I’m so thankful you included the information about the amenities. Thank you for this informative post, it came at the perfect time.
Liz, Thank you! I am currently working on an article about Pocahontas State Park (Another Virginia State Park). There is also quite a bit of CCC history at Pocahontas.