Leesylvania State Park
Scenic park on the Potomac River offering hiking, boating, fishing, and a visitor center with educational exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Leesylvania State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic park on the Potomac River offering hiking, boating, fishing, and a visitor center with educational exhibits.
"A little gem with a small beach, great visitor center, and beautiful Potomac River views."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The park gets busy, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9:30 AM to guarantee a parking spot.
💰 Park Entry Fee
Expect a $10 parking fee per vehicle. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Potomac River Shoreline
Along the Potomac River
Enjoy scenic views, a small beach area, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife spotting along the Potomac.
Visitor Center & Exhibits
Visitor Center
Engage with interactive exhibits, especially for kids, and learn about the park's natural and historical significance.
Historic Trails
Various trails
Explore trails that offer glimpses of history, including remnants of old structures and scenic overlooks.
Picnic & BBQ Areas
Designated picnic spots
Spacious areas perfect for family gatherings, offering a great spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Park Entry & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The park gets busy, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9:30 AM to guarantee a parking spot.
💰 Park Entry Fee
Expect a $10 parking fee per vehicle. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails are available, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leesylvania is a great spot for dogs, with trails and open spaces for them to enjoy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The park gets busy, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9:30 AM to guarantee a parking spot.
💰 Park Entry Fee
Expect a $10 parking fee per vehicle. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails are available, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leesylvania is a great spot for dogs, with trails and open spaces for them to enjoy.
Check Park Status
Playgrounds and fishing piers can be closed. Check the park's website for current updates.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Leesylvania State Park is a popular destination, particularly for its Potomac River access and family-friendly amenities. Visitors appreciate the scenic views, the engaging visitor center, and the availability of picnic areas. However, the park can get very busy, especially on weekends, leading to parking challenges and crowded conditions, particularly around the boat ramp. Some trails may also require maintenance.
"This park is very busy. We arrived at 9:30 in the morning and there were already a lot of people in hammocks, grilling and wading in the water and a lot of people putting boats in the water. We talked with the staff at the visitor's center and they stated that the park is mainly used for the boat ramp and it's often at capacity. They seemed excited for us to come in and talk with them and were very friendly and welcoming. The kids section of the visitor's center was amazing! My son loved the prepared slides and microscope. He spent a long time looking at all the slides. We decided to walk the Bushey Point Trail which seemed to be an exercise trail, but a lot of the markers were on the ground. The trail to the railroad bridge also seemed to need some TLC and cleanup, it was a little overgrown. We saw osprey pretty close to the bridge and my son found a beautiful shell on the small beach by the bridge. Not one of my favorite parks, but still nice. $10 entry. Lots of the cars parked with boat trailers had annual passes."
Ryanne Brown
"I love coming here for the little beach area. It's $10 to enter the park per car and they have a small stretch of beach. We typically go during the week and it's never that busy. There's also a nice visitor center with educational things for the kids. As of recently, the playgrounds and fishing pier are closed until further notice. You can check their site for updates. There are also hiking trails and camping, which I haven't done yet. This place is a little gem, love it!"
Cerenna Redmon
"Great time! Super helpful ranger helped with a trail recommendation (Bushey Point for some nature diversity!) And paddled out of the cartop launch. There were some cool water surprises and views!"
Jessica Coleman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Leesylvania State Park is located at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive in Woodbridge, VA. It's accessible by car and is approximately 30 miles from Fredericksburg.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access Leesylvania State Park.
From I-95, take exit 152B for VA-278 E/Rippon Blvd. Turn right onto Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, and the park entrance will be on your left.
Yes, ample parking is available, but it can fill up quickly on busy days. Arrive early to secure a spot.
The park has a visitor center that can provide maps and recommendations. Trails are generally well-marked, but a park map is always helpful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard parking fee is $10 per vehicle. Some groups, like homeschoolers, may have free admission.
The park is open daily from 6 AM to sunset. The visitor center typically operates on weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the park entrance. There is no online pre-purchase option mentioned.
While not explicitly stated for general admission, some specific groups like homeschoolers may receive free entry. Frequent visitors might consider an annual pass.
On very busy days, especially weekends, the park may reach capacity, particularly for the boat ramp. Arriving early is the best way to avoid this.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and exploring the visitor center.
Yes, Leesylvania State Park is dog-friendly, and many trails are suitable for exploring with your canine companions.
The Bushey Point Trail offers nature diversity, and the trail to the railroad bridge provides scenic views.
Yes, there is a small beach area along the Potomac River, perfect for wading and relaxing.
Leesylvania State Park has a playground area, though it may occasionally be closed for maintenance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food for picnics and BBQs.
The park offers several picnic areas with tables and barbecue grills, making it ideal for a day out.
Yes, Leesylvania State Park is a popular spot for BBQs and picnics, with designated areas available.
Typically, there are no food vendors operating within the park. It's best to pack all your food and drinks.
Bring your own food, drinks, picnic blanket or chairs, and any grilling supplies if you plan to use the BBQ pits.
📸 📸 Photography
The Potomac River shoreline offers beautiful views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The historic trails also provide unique photographic opportunities.
While some aerial shots have been shared, it's advisable to check the park's specific regulations regarding drone usage before flying.
Keep an eye out for osprey near the railroad bridge and other various bird species along the river.
Absolutely, the river views, wooded trails, and shoreline provide diverse landscapes for photographers.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour providing stunning shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to check the park's website for any temporary closures of amenities like playgrounds or fishing piers. The park is also dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join in the fun too!
🐶 Dog Owners
The open spaces and shoreline provide opportunities for dogs to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. When visiting with your dog, ensure they are kept on a leash and always clean up after them to help maintain the park's cleanliness and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
🎣 Anglers and Boaters
Fishing is a popular activity here, with opportunities to cast a line from the shore or from your boat.
While a fishing pier may occasionally be closed, the riverbanks and the small beach area offer accessible spots for anglers to try their luck. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Many visitors enjoy walking along the sandy shoreline of the Potomac River, which provides a different perspective of the park and opportunities for birdwatching.
While some trails are described as exercise trails with markers that might be on the ground, the overall experience is one of natural exploration. Boating and Water Activities
It's important to note that the boat ramp is a major draw and can often be at capacity, especially on weekends, so arriving early is crucial if you plan to launch a boat. Beyond launching, the park offers opportunities for fishing from the shore or from a boat.
While a dedicated fishing pier may sometimes be closed for maintenance, the riverbanks and the small beach area provide accessible spots for anglers. Family Fun and Education
Beyond the visitor center, families can enjoy the picnic and barbecue areas, which are perfect for a relaxed day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit