It looks like the weather is finally starting to turn to what it should have been in June. This will be the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy some of Richmond’s outdoor activities. Pocahontas State Park is a great place to do a host of outdoor activities. Located in Chesterfield, its Virginia’s largest state park and includes parts of Swift Creek Reservoir and Beaver Lake. Available activities at Pocahontas include camping, swimming, hiking, biking, picnicking, boating and fishing. This is also the site of the Muddy Buddy and Run Like A Girl races.
The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was the first recreational park in the Richmond-Petersburg-Hopewell area. The National Park Service then donated the park to Virginia State Parks in 1946. The park is obviously named after Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan.
Swimming – Merely calling it a pool, doesn’t really do it justice. The aquatic center, as it is called, is open from 10am -7pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are several pools with different depths, all with lifeguards. There is also a sprinkler area and two 15-ft high water slides. But best of all, there is a water-park like area that will keep the kids occupied for hours. The pools are located in the northern area of the park with a large picnic area right next to it. There are also locker rooms and a snack bar. The fees to swim are: Weekdays ages 3-12 $5 and ages 12+ $6; Weekends ages 3-12 $7 and ages
12+ $8.
Camping – It was a surprise to me (and I’ve even been to the park) that there are overnight camping facilities. There are facilities for RV, pop-ups, and tent camping. Each campsite has a fire ring for campfires. Campers have access to bath houses for showers. Overnight campers also get access to swimming and the boat launch for free. There are larger “camps” and dining houses for large groups (think your office retreat). You do need to reserve a campsite in advance by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275). Same day reservations are usually not accepted. There is also a “reserve now” button on the top right hand side of the website (its small, keep looking). Camping fees run from $25-$78 which is a lot less than a decent hotel, and provide much more atmosphere.
Trails for Hiking and Biking – There are approximately 5 miles of hiking trails just around Beaver Lake. There is also a 5 mile biking trail (it wouldn’t be Richmond if there weren’t biking trails as well) and scattered mountain-biking trails ranging from easy to difficult You can find more information on the biking trails here. There is even a trail that is accessible for people with disabilities. You can also find scattered winding 
trails throughout the park and horseback riding trails (sorry you have to bring your own horse). Some of these hiking trails can be steep and rocky, so where good shoes. There is more information on the different trails and maps/videos available here.
Boating/Fishing – Boating is allowed during daylight hours at the park. Private boats are allowed on Swift Creek (no gas motors). You can also rent rowboats, canoes, and kayaks from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You do need a fishing license to fish at the park, and if the office is open you can purchase one there.
Pocahontas State Park is a great place to explore the outdoors right in our back yard. Even though Summer is about to end, there is still plenty of time to explore this local gem. At last check, there was a $4 parking fee on top of any other fees for activities in the park, definitely doable no matter what your budget is these days.
