Maps Dividing Over 600 Parks in Virginia & the US
- Adam Garrett
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
In this article, I'll be sharing maps of where to go for parks & other outdoor recreation, free options, options to get into parks for free, accessible parks, etc., focused in VA, but also covering a bit outside VA.
Virginia & Nearby National Parks & VA State Parks (not fully comprehensive, but over 130 national parks divided by those that are free and those that are paid):
Nature & Parks in VA by TripAdvisor Ratings:
Over 400 More Parks w/ Other Categories, Focusing on Free Options:
Be Sure to Adjust Filters Here if looking for parks. 9 of the 10 layers are free layers. The non-free layer (for most of the population) is bright green. Some of the "free" options have nominal fees, but if present, they're typically much less than typical paid options. Some low fee options are also present in the bright green layer.
Search Lookup of Options Near You from VA Department of Wildlife Resources
https://dwr.virginia.gov/explore/
This is an excellent resource that is more up to date than many other 3rd party resources.
Image courtesy DWR
That said, while it includes lands managed by DWR, cities and counties, it's not completely comprehensive. For instance, in Smithfield VA, it doesn't show a privately held property available for free public use (i.e. free kayak launch, hiking, dog park, somewhat of a playground, etc.) at Windsor Castle Park, my favorite park in the area.
VA State Parks & National Parks (Throughout the US) Where Fees are Typically Incurred
These parks do have some fee free days, and there are some parties that can get access for free:
Parks typically free not included.
National Wildlife Refuges
National Wildlife Refuges are far more than refuges for wildlife in a number of cases. Activities vary by refuge, but may include hiking, birding, hunting, fishing, boating, & more.
There are many cases where there is a fee for entry, but this fee may be waived in a number of scenarios, i.e.:
Those who show their Duck Stamp (available for $25/yr), where "98 percent of the purchase price goes directly to help acquire and protect wetland habitat and purchase conservation easements".
Those with an Access Pass or other National Parks pass
National Park Annual/Lifetime Passess Available for Free, Standard Rates, and Reduced Costs (rates as of 1/6/26)
Type | Available to | Price |
US citizens and residents | $80.00 | |
Non-US residents | $250.00 | |
US citizens and residents 62+ years old | $20.00 | |
US citizens and residents 62+ years old | $80.00 | |
Current US military and dependents | Free | |
Gold Star Family members and veterans | Free | |
US citizens and residents with permanent disability | Free | |
US 4th graders | Free | |
Federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours | Free |
National Park Free Entrance Days
"February 16: Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday)
May 25: Memorial Day
June 14: Flag Day/President Trump's birthday
July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
September 17: Constitution Day
October 27: Theodore Roosevelt's birthday
November 11: Veterans Day"
Where are National Park America the Beautiful Passes Good?
"The Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, USACE, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Access Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees (Day use fees) are charged." https://store.usgs.gov/faq
Virginia State Park Annual Passes
"Naturally Yours Passport - $85
Parking and admission for 12 months to all State Parks. *Annual Passes include admission for up to 4 at Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum state parks.
Senior Naturally Yours Passport - $40
Parking and admission (up to 4 people for admission) for 12 months. Must be 62 years old. Proof of age may be requested.
Disability Passport - free
Covers free vehicle parking. Free admission for pass holder and anyone needed to assist the pass holder only at parks and facilities with per person admission. This pass is not required for those with a handicapped license plate or placard. To obtain this pass, you must include a Social Security or Veterans Association disability benefit verification letter with the application.
Complete the application (PDF) and email, along with your disability paperwork (feel free to redact personal details like payment info or medical details), to resvs@dcr.virginia.gov.
Veteran Disability Passport - free
Covers vehicle parking and admission for the pass holder and anyone needed to assist the pass holder at parks and facilities with per person admission. Covers boat launch and horse trailer parking. This pass also includes a 50% discount on camping, swimming, shelters, 2 or more nights in a standard yurt and equipment rentals (park operated rentals only). 1 night standard yurt reservations receive a 25% discount.
Requires a service connected disability rating of 100%. Paperwork from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs showing 100% service connected disability must be attached to the application.
Complete the application (PDF) and email, along with your disability paperwork (feel free to redact personal details like payment info or medical details), to resvs@dcr.virginia.gov.
Virginia National Guard Annual Pass - free
These passes are issued through the Virginia National Guard, not through Virginia State Parks. Members should go through their chain of command. The pass provides free entry to all Virginia state parks for active members of the Virginia National Guard and their immediate family members traveling in the same vehicle. The pass allows entry to 3 family members in addition to the Virginia National Guard member. Click here for additional details."
VA State Parks Free Days
"Parking fees (for everyone) are waived on Jan. 1 and on National Public Lands Day (Late September - 26th in 2026) and any other day specified by the Director.
Parking fees for Veterans are waived on Nov. 11.
Virginia State Park license plate holders have parking fees waived on Earth Day, Arbor Day, Kids to Parks Day, Virginia State Parks Anniversary Day (June 15), Veterans Day and #OptOutside Day (day after Thanksgiving)."
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