National Parks in Virginia
33 NPS units in Virginia — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in Virginia
Virginia is home to 33 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from 1 full national parks to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, Virginia's national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in Virginia.
National Parks in Virginia
Other NPS Units in Virginia
Appalachian
National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses…
Appomattox Court House
National Historical Park
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia…
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
Arlington House is the nation’s memorial to Robert E. Lee. It honors…
Assateague Island
National Seashore
Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day…
Blue Ridge
Parkway
A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and…
Booker T Washington
National Monument
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the…
Cape Henry Memorial
Part of Colonial National Historical Park
English colonists first landed here in April 1607, erected a wooden cross…
Captain John Smith Chesapeake
National Historic Trail
People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age.…
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires…
Chesapeake Bay
Over 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to…
Civil War Defenses of Washington
On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a…
Colonial
National Historical Park
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English…
Cumberland Gap
National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow…
Fort Monroe
National Monument
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied…
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania
National Military Park
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania, this is America's battleground, where the Civil…
George Washington
Memorial Parkway
The George Washington Memorial Parkway was designed for recreational driving. It links…
George Washington Birthplace
National Monument
George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of…
Great Falls
Park
At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as…
Green Springs
Green Springs National Historic Landmark District in Virginia’s Piedmont encompasses over 14,000…
Harpers Ferry
National Historical Park
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral…
Historic Jamestowne
Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Walk in the steps of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas where a…
Maggie L Walker
National Historic Site
Maggie Lena Walker devoted her life to civil rights advancement, economic empowerment,…
Manassas
National Battlefield Park
On July 21, 1861, two armies clashed for the first time on…
Overmountain Victory
National Historic Trail
Stretching 330-miles through four states (Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina) the…
Petersburg
National Battlefield
Two hundred ninety-two days, eight offensives, over 70,000 casualties, U. S. Colored…
Potomac Heritage
National Scenic Trail
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering…
Prince William Forest
Park
Prince William Forest Park is an oasis, a respite of quiet and…
Richmond
National Battlefield Park
The center of Confederate manufacturing fueled a modern war, one of the…
Star-Spangled Banner
National Historic Trail
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a collection of sites impacted…
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route
National Historic Trail
This 680-mile-long trail follows the paths taken by George Washington's Continental Army…
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
No matter what your age or taste in shows, you'll find something…
Yorktown Battlefield
Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Discover what it took for the United States to be independent as…
Planning Your Virginia National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across Virginia's parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 33+ NPS units in Virginia and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in Virginia?
Virginia has 1 designated national parks and 33 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in Virginia?
The best park depends on your interests. Shenandoah is one of the most popular options. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in Virginia?
Most NPS units in Virginia charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.