As one of the longest rivers on the East Coast, the Potomac flows from West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay. Rich in history, natural resources, outdoor recreation and wildlife, the Potomac River offers numerous worthwhile destinations. Among those must-visit spots are five Virginia State Parks conveniently situated within a short drive of each other. 

Choose between campgrounds at Westmoreland or Caledon to set up base camp and spend a few days exploring these state parks, plus Widewater, Leesylvania and Mason Neck! Whether you are visiting parks on your Trail Quest journey, paddling your way through the Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program, or simply soaking in all that the Potomac region has to offer, this itinerary can be customized to suit your needs. 

Stops #1 and #2: Set up base camp at Westmoreland State Park or Caledon State Park 

Campsite at Caledon State Park

In true ‘choose your own adventure’ style, you can opt for traditional camping with amenities at Westmoreland, or you can pull out the backpacking gear and hike 3 miles to a primitive campground at Caledon. My family has enjoyed both options, and I highly recommend either of these experiences!  

Hiking to the primitive campground at Caledon State Park

At Westmoreland, overnight guests will find sites with electric and water hookups, standard sites without hookups, and cabins ranging from one-room efficiency to two-bedroom cabins, as well as the more primitive camping cabins. If you are up for more of a challenge, with the reward of tent camping on the Potomac River, Caledon’s primitive campground is a 3-mile hike or bike ride from the parking lot.   

Campsite at Westmoreland State Park

*All cabins and camping cabins at Westmoreland State Park are currently closed for major renovations. The anticipated completion of the total renovation project is October 2026.  

As one of Virginia's six original state parks to open in 1936, Westmoreland is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This park is popular among fossil collectors, who enjoy hunting for ancient shark teeth, and birding enthusiasts, who spot American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons and more. Fishing and boating are also popular activities, and kayaks and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available seasonally.  

Caledon’s engaging visitor center offers a wealth of information and interactive displays. This National Natural Landmark is known for its old growth forest and is summer home to many American bald eagles. Visitors enjoy birdwatching, hiking and fishing, as well as workshops and interpretive programs. 

Both parks offer excellent ranger-led activities, so be sure to check the park’s website before your visit! 

Fossil Beach at Westmoreland State Park

To make an overnight reservation, reserve online at ReserveVAParks.com or by calling 1-800-933-PARK.   

Stop #3: Hike a 1-mile loop around the visitor center and enjoy a picnic at Widewater State Park 

Playground and picnic area at Widewater State Park

A little more than an hour’s drive from Caledon or approximately an hour and a half from Westmoreland will bring you to Widewater State Park. After touring the visitor center and saying hello to the resident critters, hop on Long Pond Trail for an easy 1-mile loop with views of Aquia Creek and Long Pond. For families with kids, there are two playgrounds and nice picnic areas to choose from. Enjoy a picnic and playground time next to the visitor center or venture down the road by vehicle or by foot via Holly Marsh Trail to the canoe launch area on the Potomac, where you’ll find additional picnic shelters, restroom facilities and playground.  

Car-top boat launch at Widewater State Park

Learn more about outdoor recreation offered at Widewater, including paddling opportunities, on the park’s webpage.  

Stop #4: Watch sailboats and hike through history at Leesylvania State Park 

Chimney remnant on Lee’s Woods Trail at Leesylvania State Park

A bit further up the banks of the Potomac River lies Leesylvania State Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, this park offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating.  While sailing may not be in your wheelhouse, watching these boats set sail and cruise along the river is quite a neat sight.  

Put on your hiking shoes and follow a 2-mile trail, with a difficulty rating of moderate, and hike through history on Lee’s Woods Trail. Historical sites with signage can be found all along this trail as you meander through woods that once belonged to the Lee family and then the Fairfax family. Remnants such as a large chimney and the family grave site remain, in addition to Freestone Point, which was the site of a Confederate force and gun emplacement during the Civil War.  

Civil War cannon on Lee’s Woods Trail at Leesylvania State Park

Discover events at Leesylvania during your visit. 

Stop #5: Bird watch and paddle at Mason Neck State Park

Bayview Trail at Mason Neck State Park

As you venture closer to Washington D.C., you’ll find Mason Neck State Park tucked in beside the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge. This park offers various outdoor activities and programs, with bird watching, especially for American bald eagles, and guided canoe trips among the favorites with park visitors.  

Spot eagles and catch glimpses of nature by the bay as you walk along more than 6 miles of unpaved hiking trails and 3 miles of paved multi-use trails. Enjoy elevated walkways that allow visitors to explore the marsh areas.  

Another great way to see eagles is out on the water. Whether you bring your own paddling equipment or rent from the visitor center, a car-top boat launch is available to get you out exploring Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek.   

Visitor center at Mason Neck State Park

Check out the trails, including the all-terrain wheelchairs map and the Friends of Mason Neck State Park’s Accessibility Project, on the park’s webpage. 

Plan your Potomac road trip! 

Select a park to set up your base camp, start planning your adventures to the other nearby parks, and discover all that Virginia State Parks have to offer!