A Perfect Day Out at Caledon State Park

A perfect day at Caledon State Park starts with a refreshing dip in one of the beautiful swimming spots in the area. Take your pick from swimming holes along crystal clear rivers and pristine lakes – you can even enjoy a range of water activities like canoeing and kayaking. Bring towels, swimwear, and snacks for a fun-filled day on the water!

My kids at Caledon State Park Beach/Lake Area

About Caledon State Park

Caledon is a beautiful natural Landmark famous for its ancient forest and home to many American bald eagles. It’s a popular destination for bird watchers, who marvel at the majestic eagles in their natural habitat. This park includes several open trails year-round, including the Boyd’s Hole Trail, which takes visitors on a scenic hike to the Potomac River.

The Hampstead Road Trail to the beach/lake area at Caledon State Park

In addition, there’s also a visitor center on-site that showcases exhibits about bald eagles, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn more about these magnificent birds. Four picnic areas and a picnic shelter are available for those wanting a picnic. Moreover, restrooms are available, making it easy to spend a whole day exploring and enjoying the park’s beauty.

General Information

Address: 11617 Caledon Rd, King George, VA 22485, United States

Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Parking: Parking is available at the park. Visitors can park their cars in the designated parking area.

Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is $5.00 per vehicle

Restrooms: Restrooms are available for visitors’ convenience, and extra portable restrooms are available.

Accessibility: The park offers accessible facilities such as a visitor center with ramp access, exhibits, and restrooms. There are also wheelchair-accessible picnic sites and a covered pavilion available for rent. Additionally, electric wheelchairs and scooters are allowed on the park’s trails to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Drive Time:

Northern Virginia

1 hour

Washington DC

1 hour 30 minutes

The Beach/ Lake Area

If you visit Caledon State Park, stroll to the beach along the Potomac River. While swimming, it is at your own risk due to the beach not being guarded. Visitors can enjoy wading in knee-deep water and exploring the fascinating collection of aged driftwood scattered along the beach.

Take the hampstead road trail to access the beach/lake area. Be mindful that this is a 5 mile round trip hike and depending your speed it can take up to 45-minutes both ways. Get more details about the trail here!

In addition, the beach area also features a beautiful marsh where you can spot resident bald eagles. Above the beach is a wooded picnic area offering stunning views of the Potomac River, although many visitors prefer to have lunch along the shore.

Fishing

Caledon State Park is an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts to catch bass, catfish, sunfish, perch, and crappie. Visitors must have a Virginia freshwater license before fishing. Fishing is only allowed in open areas of the Potomac River, not at Jones Pond or Caledon Marsh. The park permits shore fishing in the available sections of the shore along the Potomac River.

Caledon State Park Camping

Caledon State Park has six camping sites that can only be accessed during daylight hours. It offers a paddle-in campground at Jones Pond on the Potomac River, accessible by kayak, hiking, or biking three miles on established park trails from the visitor center.

The campground is part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and is available year-round by advanced reservation. Each site has a maximum capacity of six people and is a sand-filled pad with a fire ring, lantern post, and picnic table.

Guests must set up their tents in the framed area, and there is no potable water or showers, but a portable toilet is available. Moreover, Campers must bring their water for drinking and cooking and pack out all trash. All overnight visitors must remain in the designated campground from dusk to 8 a.m. Check-in is at 4 p.m., check-out is at 1 p.m., and parking for two vehicles is included in the fees, and you may reserve as many sites as desired.

Caledon State Park Trails Maps

The Park spans 2,587 acres of land and offers a plethora of hiking and multi-use trails that traverse through the stunning natural surroundings of the park.

You can explore ten hiking trails and four multi-use trails, each offering a unique experience of the park’s environmentally sensitive marshlands and scenic wooded areas. However, The Boyd’s Hole Trail, which is approximately 2 miles long and leads to the Potomac River, is the most popular trail among visitors.

It offers spectacular views of the river and surrounding wilderness and is a great way to immerse oneself in nature.

Click here to see Caledon State Park Map!

Things to do Nearby

You can explore a variety of attractions and outdoor activities near the park, including:

Westmoreland State Park: A nearby state park that offers hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and boating. The park also features a visitor center and a fossil beach where you can hunt for ancient shark teeth. Moreover, you can stay in cabins or campsites at Westmoreland State Park.
Stratford Hall (Home of the Lees of Virginia): The birthplace and home of Robert E. Lee, a historical figure of the Civil War and his family. The property features a Georgian mansion, gardens, and a visitor center with exhibits on Lee’s life.
Port Royal Museum of American History: If you are already in the area on a Saturday, it worth stopping by the Port Royal Museum of American History.
Aquia Landing Park: The park is a great spot for hiking, canoeing, and Kayaking. The landing area offer a picnic tables and a small sandy beach area.
Widewater State Park and Aquia Landing: A state park that features a beach, hiking trails, and opportunities for boating and fishing. The park also offers access to the Aquia Landing Civil War site, a historical site where Union troops landed during the Civil War.Kinsale: A town with historic homes, buildings, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can stroll through the city and learn about its history and culture.

A day at Caledon State Park will surely be a memorable experience for any nature lover. The park allows visitors to explore and connect with the natural world, from the scenic Potomac River shoreline to the diverse wildlife. With activities like hiking, fishing, and camping, there are several things to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day or an adventure-packed weekend, Caledon State Park is the perfect destination for a nature getaway.