Lake Anna State Park

Lake Anna State Park covers 3,127 acres of land with 15 miles of trails through mixed hardwood and pine forests along the water's edge. The reserve offers camping sites, cabins, yurts, lodges, a swimming beach, fishing areas, and boat launches for visitors of all kinds.

The area was part of Gold Hill, where miners extracted gold during the 1880s before the land transformed into a recreational area in 1983. This shift shows how abandoned mining areas can become modern nature reserves.

The visitor center displays exhibits about gold mining heritage and natural resources, offering educational programs focused on local geology and ecosystems. Visitors can directly experience how the area's history connects to its current role as a nature reserve.

The park opens at dawn and closes at dusk throughout the year, allowing visitors to plan flexibly. Those interested in water, hiking, or camping activities will find everything they need in one location.

The lake is Virginia's third largest freshwater body and was created as a cooling reservoir for a nuclear power facility. This unusual origin makes it a waterway where nature and technology intersect.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1983

Website: https://dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/lake-anna

GPS coordinates: 38.11860,-77.82000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53