Located in King George County along the Potomac River, Caledon State Park offers a quiet escape with beautiful scenery that is perfect for any type of adventure.

Caledon provides numerous programs and special events that highlight the park’s flora and fauna as well as the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

You can camp here overnight or have a daytime adventure. Whether you prefer a self-guided activity or a ranger-led program, Caledon State Park has something exciting waiting for you.

1. Waterfront campsites

It’s such a rare treat to find some camping near the water, but Caledon checks that box as it offers year-round primitive hiking, bicycling or paddle-in tent camping nestled along the shoreline of the Potomac River.

The park offers six sites that are only accessible during daylight hours. You can only access these sites by kayak, canoe or other non-motorized boat or by hiking or bicycling on established park trails. This means that all campers must hike or bicycle about 3.5 miles with their gear from the overnight parking area to get to these campsites or paddle in from another site along the river.

The park also offers paddle programs during the year that allow guests to get a unique look at the Potomac River early in the morning or at sunset.

Caledon offers an unmatched and serene camping experience. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 800-933-7275.

2. Birdwatching

Caledon State Park provides the ideal environment that attracts a variety of wildlife, and many eagles call the park their home. Caledon is a National Natural Landmark that is known for its old growth forest, making it the perfect location for bird watchers of all ages to visit.

Caledon offers birdwatching programs such as Owl Prowl, a nighttime adventure where you listen to the sounds of owls and see if you can spot them on the trail. Rangers also provide programs that include wagon rides or early morning hikes that allow you to get a closer look and listen to the eagles, owls, Great Blue Herons and other creatures that can be found at the park.

You can check out the visitor center that includes bald eagle exhibits along with friendly and knowledgeable rangers that are ready to answer your questions.

Be sure to bring your binoculars and/or cameras when you visit because you won’t want to miss a chance to watch eagles and many other animals in their natural habitats.

3. Park programs and special events

Park programs vary during the year, but each provide some insight about the park’s nature and wildlife. Programs include eagle tours, night hikes, astronomy, storytelling, birdwatching and crafts. These programs allow you to get more familiar with the park in a fun and engaging way.

New to the park this year is the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, which allows you to get rewarded for recreating responsibly with your dog.

Caledon also brought back its summer music series, Songs in the Woods. which highlights local artists each month and provides a scenic backdrop while you enjoy some music. The last concert of the series is on Aug. 9, 2025, at 6 p.m. Guests must pay the $5 parking fee, and the concert is free to attend.

Each summer the park hosts the Junior Ranger Programs, and it has expanded this year to cater to Teens and Seniors as well. Each program focuses on the beach and the forest accompanied by fun games and crafts. Every day is a new adventure no matter which age group participates in the program. Be sure to call the visitor center for more information or to reserve a spot at 540-663-3861.

One staple event for the park is the annual Art and Wine Festival that is held in November. Tickets must be purchased for this event so be sure to check out Caledon’s event website for more details as the event gets closer.

4. Traverse the scenic trails

This park has beautiful trails that are perfect for spending time in nature on a bike or by foot. Ten hiking and four multi-use trails take you through environmentally sensitive marshlands and scenic wooded areas of the park.

The Potomac Overlook trail is considered an easy route that provides a stunning view of the river and is ideal for hiking or biking.

The Potomac Heritage is considered a moderately challenging route that is great for mountain biking. The flat trail provides a nice loop around the marsh making it ideal to spot a variety of birds and flowers.

Jones Pond Loop is considered easy and is a popular trail for birding and hiking. This is near the camping area and also provides a nice view of the river and the pond.

Boyd’s Hole is the most popular trail and is considered an easy route. The trail is ideal for birding, hiking and mountain biking and it’s beautiful to visit anytime of the year. The trail offers a peaceful, mostly shaded walk meandering through mature forest and leading you to a scenic Potomac River overlook.

5. Learn and play

Caledon’s history is rooted at the Smoot House. It is free to visit and is open Wednesday through Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends in April, May, September and October for self-guided tours. The visitor center is also house here and is the perfect spot to pickup a souvenir from your trip.

The Smoot house contains exhibits from the time that the family lived in the house. It’s always interesting to see the styles and architecture that was popular back then. In 1974, Caledon was donated to the commonwealth by Mrs. Ann Hopewell Smoot in memory of her late husband, Lewis E. Smoot, who passed away in 1962. A little over 20 years later, the land was designated as Caledon Natural Area to preserve the plants and wildlife, mainly the bald eagles. In 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list, symbolizing the species' remarkable recovery as well as the conservation efforts that were ongoing. In 2012, Caledon was reclassified from a natural area to a state park.

In addition to a history lesson, there is a natural play area for kids that allows them to experience how to interact with nature made creations in a fun way. On your way to the visitor center you will see a large sign for the play area, and it is designed for people of all ages to enjoy. The play area features checkers, drums, an imaginative play shelter, sand pits and many other areas to inspire play.

The park is full of beauty and provides a quite escape from the busy day-to-day grind. So however, you decide to enjoy the park, your next adventure can be found here.

Plan your next visit

The hike-in campsite is the only overnight amenity. Typically, I would recommend you book a stay at a park nearby, which would be Westmoreland State Park that is about 45 minutes away, but the cabins are undergoing renovations and guests will not be able to stay here overnight until the project is complete.

Widewater State Park is about an hour away from Caledon so it’s possible to visit them both for some fun daytime adventures.

Be sure to reserve your campsite and check the events page for upcoming programs that will surely enhance your visit to the park.