Family kayaking at Claytor Lake state park

Media Center

Welcome to the Virginia State Parks media center.

Here, you can request to connect with a representative from the Public Communication and Marketing Office, read our recent news releases and sign up to receive our latest announcements via email.

Virginia State Parks is one of six divisions operated by the Department of Conversation and Recreation.

Recent News Releases

September 09, 2026
Grayson Highlands State Park hosts Fall Festival Sept. 26-27
MOUTH OF WILSON, Va. – The Grayson Highlands Fall Festival will return to Grayson Highlands State Park on Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nestled in Virginia’s stunning Appalachian Mountains, the festival promises a weekend of family-friendly autumn activities.
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September 09, 2026
Sweet Run State Park seeks community input Sept. 22
LOUDOUN, Va. – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will be holding a Public Comment Meeting to present the draft master plan. The meeting will take place in person on Sept. 22, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Between the Hills Community Center. Click here for more details.
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September 08, 2026
B.A.R.K. in the Park at Sky Meadows State Park
DELAPLANE, Va. – Sky Meadows State Park invites guests and their canine companions to B.A.R.K. in the Park on Sept. 26, 2026, an event to celebrate responsible pet etiquette while aiding local animal shelters. Pups and people alike will enjoy festivities and hike the trails while demonstrating B.A.R.K. values: Bag your pet’s waste, always leash your pet, respect wildlife and know where you can go. From 4-6 p.m., event partners, humane societies and park rangers will be set up in the historic area with fun displays, resources for pet owners and plenty of new furry friends to meet. Food vendors will be onsite with mouth-watering options for sale. Visitors are encouraged to bring donation items such as pet food, treats and toys for local animal shelters. Sept. 26 also marks National Public Lands Day, so all visitors will enjoy free admission to the park. Anyone interested in participating in this nationwide volunteer day is welcome to attend the Sustainable Trail Design and Maintenance Workday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. No experience or tools are needed, but volunteers should come prepared for a 3-mile hike to the work site. Find more information about these and other events, please visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/skymeadows-events.
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September 02, 2026
Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival returns to Natural Tunnel State Park
DUFFIELD, Va. - On Sunday, Sept. 6, the annual Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival will honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Joseph “Papa Joe” Smiddy. The event is presented by the Cove Ridge Center Foundation, a supporting group of Natural Tunnel State Park. It will be held in the amphitheater at the park in Duffield starting at 5 p.m.
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September 01, 2026
Grayson Highlands State Park announces new park manager
MOUTH OF WILSON, Va. – Grayson Highlands State Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Bender as its new park manager. Bender succeeds Mari Holland, who retired in early 2026.
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