Occoneechee State Park RV & Campground Guide

Anglers can fish from shore, paddle out in a kayak, or take a motorized boat out with friends for a day of fishing. The area is well known for perch, crappie, bass, and bluegill. Multiple types of catfish have been caught here, too. Fishers will need a Virginia fishing license, and it’s a good idea to check for catch limits and other seasonal restrictions before casting your first line.

You’ll find plenty of geocaching adventures in the park. In addition to traditional caches, the park has special geocaching events and participates in statewide challenges. If you’re new to geocaching, you can even find ranger-led introductory hikes that explain this hobby.

The trails are great for birding, so take your binoculars when you plan a hike. With plenty of places you can set up a camp chair and watch the shore, it’s easy to spot waterfowl and enjoy the spectacle of migrating birds. Deer roam the area, and you may find some raccoons checking out the campgrounds at night. Pay attention while hiking on the Beaver Pond Trail, and you might see some beavers at work.

With just enough distance from major city centers, and bordering so much water, the park has dark and open skies great for stargazing. Water vapor in the air may obscure dimmer stars in the summer, so the best time to enjoy a clear night is either early spring or late fall. The views are good enough for occasional official stargazing parties in the park.

The park features a lake, forests, and meadows along its many trails. Trees include Virginia Pine, poplar, hickory, beech, oak, maples, and sweet gum. Blueberry bushes hide in thickets, and the fields see lots of wildflowers in spring. Small creatures in the park include salamanders, snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, and toads. Birds like loons, egrets, and Great Blue Herons frequent the lake, and the land sees plenty of deer, raccoons, and wild turkeys.

Most of the trails in Occoneechee are nice and easy. The 5.2-mile Beaver Pond Trail, the only moderately challenging hike in the park, is worth the effort for nature lovers to see beaver lodges and some of the park’s most remote points. Mossey Creek Trail is an easy 1.2 miles with old ruins showcasing some of the park’s history. The Big Oak Nature Trail is only 0.8 miles and showcases some of the best of the area’s hardwood forest.

Both motorized and unmotorized boats are welcome on the water, and the park has three boat ramps for easy access. The park has an agreement with a local boat rental company, so park guests can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and pontoon boats at daily, weekly, and hourly rates. Kayaks and paddleboards start at $50 per day, and boats start at $240 per day.

While guests aren’t allowed to swim in the lake, the park offers a splash pad. It’s open seasonally during the same time as the campsites, and it’s free for guests. While it isn’t as much of an attraction for adults, it’s a great way for kids to cool down in the hotter months.

Several trails in the park are open to bikes, but these are also open to hikers and horseback riders. One of the best trails to see by bike is the Panhandle Multi-Use Trail. It explores not only the woods but also the park’s lush fields, making it particularly lovely in late spring when the area’s wildflowers bloom.