Leesylvania State Park

Photo Credit:Virginia Dept. Conservation & Recreation

Located in Prince William County in Northern Virginia, Leesylvania State Park is easy to get to for city and country dwellers alike.

From Washington, D.C., the park is a mere forty minute drive, making it a restful escape for residents in and surrounding the nation’s capital.

The park, located along the Potomac river, is rich with history. Captain John Smith is said to have visited this area in 1608, and the land was home to Native Americans for hundreds of years.

Leesylvania State Park is also the home of the Lee and Fairfax families.

Amenities

Fishing is ample at this state park. The Potomac river is supplied with a large amount of largemouth bass, catfish, and perch.

The park has a fishing pier stretching over 300 feet. A valid fishing license from Virginia or Maryland is required to fish.

Leesylvania State Park also has a boating ramp. Canoes, kayaks, and motorboats are all permitted along the river.

The park offers year round boat storage, across from the marina.

The park is equipped with four large picnic shelters. Each of the shelters are available for rent, and can be reserved by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

Shelters can be rented from 8:00 a.m until dark.

With permission from the park, weddings, worship services, and conferences can be held at the picnic shelters.

Amplification equipment is not permitted in the park shelters.

The park has a half mile of shoreline along the river, but swimming is not permitted due to boat traffic.

Walking and wading along the river are allowed.

For avid hikers, the park offers five trails. These trails educate hikers about both nature and the park’s history.

Many of the trails have overlooks, which offer scenic views of the Potomac. One overlook is located on the remains of a Civil War Confederate gun battery at Freestone Point.

Several of the trails are wheelchair accessible, including Bushey Point Trail.

From April to October, a park store is open and in operation. The store’s snack bar offers pizza, ice cream, sandwiches, and cold drinks. Souvenirs, t-shirts, groceries, and marine gasoline and oil are also available in the shop.

The park is also equipped with a visitor’s center. The center features natural and historical exhibits.

Guided canoe, kayak, and hiking tours are available for those wanting to learn more about the park’s rich history.

Overnight Accommodations

The park offers a tents-only primitive campground for overnight guests.

This campground is available only to groups. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

The campground offers a firepit, picnic tables, and nearby restrooms.