Occoneechee State Park is one of the great natural resources and recreational treasures in wonderful Southside Virginia.
You can explore the 800 miles of wooded, cove-studded shoreline. Occoneechee is ideal for those who enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and boating.
Occoneechee provides 24-hour access to one of the largest lakes in Virginia. The three boat ramps open the door to 48,000 acres of fishing and aquatic recreation. Some campsites are available right on the shoreline. They provide easy fishing and boating access. You can visit https://the-fisheries.net/ to get more information about the fishery and fishing species.
The park also has picnic areas near the lake, a playground, boat rentals, and a lakefront amphitheater.
The park and its staff proudly serve multiple recreational venues for the community, the region, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and beyond!
Discover the Angler’s Paradise
You will find an angler’s paradise here at Occoneechee State Park! Occoneechee provides 24-hour lake access, with three boat launch areas and a modern marina. The park offers over 48,000 acres of water and 800 miles of shoreline on the peaceful shores of Kerr Lake.
You can fish along the shoreline or off the boat ramp. The shoreline is a perfect place to practice and refine your technique before venturing out further. If you are just starting out or looking for your first rod and reel, we can help you choose the right combo as per your specific needs and fishing conditions.
Occoneechee State Park offers 13 cozy cabins that allow guests to enjoy the beautiful views of the lake. The cabins and camping facilities make it the perfect travel destination for your getaway fishing trip. You can immerse yourself in nature and fully embrace the tranquility of the surroundings.
Friends of Occoneechee Continue to Raise Funds for Park Projects
At the Pow-Wow & the Jazz by the Lake Festival, members of the Friends of Occoneechee State Park raise funds by selling water, drinks, and snack concessions.
Weather, temperature, and sunlight play a part in the sales, but the group has been enthusiastically working for special project funds like improvements to the Occoneechi Plantation Site on the park property.
Plans are being implemented to set representative plantings around what was the plantation house and also improve terrace plantings.
Volunteers at the Park
First and foremost, come enjoy, hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, trail-riding, cabin-vacationing, special nature programs, and musical and special events at Occoneechee State Park. Then, if you want to do more, contact someone in the Friends group, park officials, or the Volunteers in VA Parks.
Mission Statement: Friends of Occoneechee State Park
The mission of the Friends of Occoneechee State Park is to act as a Citizens Support Organization (CSO) in assisting to identify and promote activities to conserve, enhance, and interpret the natural, cultural, scenic, historic, educational, and recreational resources of Occoneechee State Park.
Mission Statement: Virginia State Parks
The purpose of Virginia’s State Parks System is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth and provide recreational and educational opportunities consistent with the good stewardship of these lands, waters, and facilities that leaves them unimpaired for the future generations.
Mission Statement: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
The mission of the Department of Conservation and Recreation is to conserve, protect, enhance and advocate the wise use of the Commonwealth’s unique natural, historic, recreational, scenic, and cultural resources.
Officers of Friends of Occoneechee State Park
- Jim Wilkerson, President
- Mary Wilkerson, Vice President
- Ross LeCompte, Secretary
- Abbie Teachout, Treasurer
- Scott Shanklin, Park Manager
Park Events
Interpretive Programs are offered weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Programs include hayrides, campfires, guided hikes, night hikes, owl calling, outdoor skill workshops, and a variety of children’s activities and crafts.
Please visit the Virginia State Parks Events Page for a schedule of upcoming programs and Special Events such as Easter Programs and Fall programs.
Friends Events
For information about Friends of Occoneechee State Park meetings or membership please contact us using the contact form on this website.