Staunton River Battlefield State Park
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| Virginia Dept. Conservation & Recreation |
Staunton River Battlefield State Park is a site important to the history of the Civil War.
On June 25, 1864, 700 Confederate men, most too old or too young to be soldiers, held off more than 5,000 Union troops on a strategic bridge and protected an important supply line for the Confederate army in Petersburg.
Today, the park’s visitor center displays exhibitions and artifacts, some original to the battle in 1864.
Location
Staunton River Battlefield State Park is located in the southern portion of Central Virginia, in Randolph.
The park is less than two hours from Richmond and two hours from Roanoke. It is a three and a half hour drive from the Norfolk/ Virginia Beach area.
The battlefield is a 20 minute drive from Staunton River State Park.
Amenities
The park’s rich history is its primary amenity.
The visitor center, covering 3,800 square feet, is open from mid-April to mid-November. The center is open Wednesday through Sunday.
The center displays information on the area’s history and electric energy.
The events of the Staunton River Battle are an important part of the area’s heritage and identity. Stories of the battle have been retold and passed down for generations.
The visitor center also has a gift shop, where souvenirs can be purchased.
The park hosts Civil War re-enactments and educational programs throughout the year. On June 22, the park hosts the Great American Campout, where visitors can learn about how soldiers camped during the Civil War.
On Independence Day, the park offers free wagon rides across the battlefield grounds.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park has one picnic shelter, which can be rented from 9 a.m. to dusk.
The shelter is available on weekends from April 1 to June 15, and from September 15 to November 15. All other times of the year, the shelter is available every day.
The shelter, which accommodates up to 90 people, is outfitted with grills and several picnic tables. Restrooms are available when the visitor center is open.
Both the picnic shelter and the visitor center are wheelchair accessible.
The Staunton River has an ample amount of freshwater fish, walleye and smallmouth bass anglers. Fishing is permitted with a valid Virginia fishing license.
Buggs Island Lake, also known for its great fishing, is located a few miles downstream.
The park offers self guided historical and nature trails. Staunton River State Park, located just a few miles away, also offers hiking and biking trails.
The park does not offer overnight accommodations, but camping and cabins are available at the nearby Staunton River State Park.
This park offers no swimming or hunting.