Rich in history, this 1,864-acre park has scenic views, woodlands and the rolling pastures of a historic farm that captures the colonial through post-Civil War life of Mount Bleak House. Nature and history programs are offered year-round. Hiking, picnicking, fishing and primitive hike-in camping for families and groups are favorite activities in this peaceful getaway on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park has 9.5 miles of bridle trails, 19 miles of hiking trails, 8 miles of bike trials and Appalachian Trail access.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - Dusk.
Camping
All primitive
Reservations
Camping guests must set up on a campsite with the color matching what they reserved. Fifteen individual primitive tent sites have red signs; the Buddy Site has a blue sign; Camp Slater has a brown sign; and Camp Washington has a green sign.
Walk-in honor camping is available for only one night at a time.
Accommodations
Pit toilets, non-potable water, bear-proof trash cans and firewood are available in the campground.
Firewood brought from outside the park is prohibited. Campers may use dead, fallen wood around the campsites or buy firewood at the campground. Campers may not cut trees, brush or saplings.
Each campsite has a tent pad, picnic table, bear-proof locker, lantern hook and fire pit with a small grate.
Campers must keep all equipment on the site's camping pad. Check-in, 4 p.m.; checkout, 1 p.m.
Site types
TentPrimRed (Individual) - 15 primitive hike-in tent sites are marked by red signs in the campground.
BuddyPrimeBlue (Buddy) – This site is ideal for two families wishing to camp together. It is marked by a blue sign. This site is unsuitable for groups. It has two tent pads, a bear-proof locker, and a shared picnic and grill pad. It accommodates up to 12 and must be reserved ahead of time.
SlaterGrpBrown(Sm) (Camp Slater) - This is a small primitive tent group camp area that accommodates up to 24 people. It is marked by a brown sign and has four tent pads, a bear-proof locker, and a shared picnic and grill area. It must be reserved ahead of time.
WashingtonGrpGreen(Lg) (Camp Washington): This is a large primitive tent camping area for groups of up to 36 people. It’s marked by a green sign and has six tent pads, a bear-proof locker, and a shared picnic and grill area. It must be reserved ahead of time.
Total sites: 18
Recreation
TRAILS
The park has 22 miles of hiking trails, 10.5 miles of bridle trails and 9 miles of biking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The park also accesses the Appalachian Trail and has overnight parking for AT hikers (up to 14 days). The park is a three-day hike from Harper’s Ferry and a two-day hike from Shenandoah National Park.
In addition, the park offers a designated 5k course which begins and ends near the Turner Pond parking area. Be sure to check the park’s event listings here for upcoming trail racing events.
To protect our wildlife, all pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Vehicles are permitted only on paved park roads. Bicycles and horses are allowed only on designated trails.
SWIMMING
None at this park.
FISHING, BOATING
Freshwater fishing is available at the 3-acre Turner Pond. Fishing is permitted from the shoreline only. A valid Virginia State Fishing License, which can be purchased online or through local retailers, is required. Virginia residents 15 and under don’t need a fishing license here. Turner Pond is periodically stocked with a variety of fish including: largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and bluegill. Watercraft are not permitted.
HORSES
No rentals, but the park has more than 10.5 miles of bridle trails for those bringing horses. State law requires visitors to carry a copy of a negative Coggins report for each horse brought to the park. There's a trailer parking lot at Lost Mountain.
