In the heart of central Virginia, this 495-acre, historic park offers many cultural, environmental and recreational activities. Overnight accommodations include a campground and climate-controlled cabins. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and lakefront picnicking at Goodwin Lake. Cedar Crest Conference Center on Prince Edward Lake is available for weddings, family gatherings, retreats and business meetings.
Camping
Half the sites may be specifically reserved; the rest are assigned upon arrival.
Each site has water and electricity; outlets are 20 and 30-amp.
The campground has a central bathhouse.
Each campsite has a fire ring with a grill over it. It can be used for cooking or a small campfire. Firewood is available for sale in the campground.
Two vehicles are allowed per campsite in addition to the camping unit. Additional vehicles must be parked in a designated parking lot and may be subject to daily parking fees. Visitors to overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m.
Site type:
EW Tent/Popup: Tents and popups up to 20 feet long only.
EW 25ft - Various equipment. RVs up to 25 feet. Graveled entrance, mostly shaded.
EW 30ft - Various equipment. RVs up to 30 feet. Graveled entrance, mostly shaded.
EW RV36 - Various equipment. RVs from 30 and 36 feet long only. No tents or popups.
Total sites of each type: EW Tent/Popup, 11; EW 25ft, 11; EW 30ft, 7; EW RV36, 4
Recreation
TRAILS
Six miles of hiking trails take the visitor through hardwood forests and along the lakes. An 8-mile, non-loop multi-use trail in the adjacent Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest is open to hikers, bikers and horses. Bikers and horseback riders 16 and older must have a state forest permit, which can be purchased wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, to utilize the trail.
SWIMMING
Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available, for a fee, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Weather and other issues may at times force suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.
FISHING, BOATING
The park’s Prince Edward and Goodwin lakes are great for fishing. Both have sunfish, largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish. A valid Virginia freshwater fishing license, which may be purchased at the main office, is required.
Boating is allowed on both lakes and electric motors may be used. There is a public boat launch for each lake. Rowboats and canoes are available for rent year-round. Paddleboards and paddleboats are available for rent only during summer. Solo kayaks are rented as weather permits May through September.
HORSES
None, but the nearby state forest's multi-use trail allows horses. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse. Horseback riders must have a state forest permit, which may be purchased at the park office, online or wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
HUNTING
None at this park, but hunting is popular in the adjacent state forest. Licenses and permits apply.
