Chippokes State Park

Photo Credit: Virginia Dept. Conservation & Recreation

There was a time when the James River in Virginia was lined with plantation homes and farms. While the plantation lifestyle is a thing of the past, Chippokes State Park gives visitors a chance to step back in time.

Chippokes Plantation is one of the oldest working farms in the entire state. Other plantation homes nearby are open for tours, but Chippokes in unique in that it still retains all of its original 1700 acres.

The plantation, the mansion and several outbuildings were donated for use as a state park. Today, visitors can tour the mansion, built in 1854, which is filled with antiques from that time. The park is also home to the Chippokes Farm & Forestry Museum.

Watch tradesmen such as blacksmiths and cobblers ply their trade. Visit the working sawmill and learn about farming, livestock and the daily details of life on a Virginia plantation. Enjoy a self-guided tour of seven buildings where you will see just how much work went into running a sprawling plantation.

The mansion and museum are reason enough to visit Chippokes State Park, but along with all the history you’ll also find much of what you would expect from any other state park. Enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails. Spend an afternoon fishing or boating or stake out a spot to do some camping.

Chippokes has both tent sites and cabin camping.

Pets are welcome on the trails and for camping. Please keep in mind that pets must be on a leash at all times.

Programs and Events

Chippokes State Park also offers several educational programs and is the site of some special events each year.

Two of the most popular are the Steam and Gas Festival, which takes place the weekend following Memorial Day, and the Pork Peanut & Pine Festival, which is held the 3rd weekend in July.

If you plan to stay overnight during either of these events then you will need to plan ahead as the park’s accommodations tend to sell out well ahead of these festivals.

Chippokes State Park is a working museum and state park in one. This makes it a wonderful choice for your next family getaway.

Chippokes State Park Basics
There is a fee to tour the house and museum. Please call 757-294-3439
Cabin/House Prices: Varies by cabin type and season
Handicap accessible: Much of the park and museum handicap accessible
Pet-friendly: Yes, but pets must be kept on a leash at all times. There is a $10 per night per pet fee for overnight pets
Public bathrooms: Yes
Located at 695 Chippokes Park Road in Surry, Virginia