Holliday Lake State Park
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Location
Appomattox County
Setting
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
Signature feature
119-acre Holliday Lake
Park office
434-248-6308
Holliday Lake State Park pairs a modest freshwater lake with a forested, unhurried setting in Central Virginia. The lake is the focus: visitors can paddle its shoreline, fish, swim in the designated beach area, or settle in for a lakeside picnic. On land, a network of hiking routes winds through hardwoods, wetlands and pine forest. [1]
It’s a good choice for a day outdoors or a camping stay rather than a park built around a visitor center or a large collection of attractions. Facilities include campgrounds, group camping, a bunkhouse, picnic shelters, a playground, boat rentals and a seasonal snack bar. Swimming and concessions are seasonal, and park conditions and services can change; check the official park page before setting out. [2]
Plan a trip to Holliday Lake State Park
Why visit Holliday Lake State Park?
The park’s appeal is the easy combination of lake time and woodland recreation. You can spend a day following the shore by trail, taking a small boat out, fishing from the bank or pier, then cooling off at the designated swimming area when it is open. Holliday Lake is a 119-acre lake, and the park’s Sunfish Aquatic Trail offers a self-guided paddling route with interpretive stops; bring or rent a suitable boat and pick up the trail brochure. [3]
The scale feels relaxed: picnic shelters sit near the lake, while walking routes connect the shoreline, campground and picnic area. For a longer stay, camping makes it possible to enjoy the park beyond a quick beach visit. Check current park guidance for seasonal swimming, boat rentals, events, fees and campsite availability before you go. [4]
Start here
For a first visit, head toward the lake and picnic area, then choose your day’s pace. A short walk can connect the campground and picnic area, while the Lakeshore Trail provides a longer loop for hikers who want more time in the woods. If you’re visiting for the water, confirm the swimming area and rental schedule in advance: swimming is permitted only within the designated buoyed area, and services operate seasonally. [5]
What to see and do
Walk the Lakeshore Trail
The 6.5-mile route loops around the lake and Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, passing through hardwood forest, wetlands and managed pine plantation. Check the park trail guide for route details and current conditions.
Paddle the Sunfish Aquatic Trail
Explore the lake’s edges on a self-guided water route. The interpretive trail requires a boat and a free brochure; check with the park about rental availability and seasonal operations.
Swim at the beach
The park has a designated swimming area with lifeguards when operating. Swimming is limited to the buoyed area; confirm the current season and schedule before visiting.
Fish from shore or boat
Holliday Lake supports fishing, with a pier and shoreline access. Review Virginia fishing-license requirements and current park guidance before casting a line.
Camp or picnic by the lake
Choose from campground options, group camping or a bunkhouse, or make a day of it at the picnic area. The park has two small reservable picnic shelters; check availability and fees with Virginia State Parks.
Join a ranger program
The park schedules guided hikes, campfire programs, environmental education and specialty workshops. Program dates and offerings vary, so check the official events calendar.
History and significance
Holliday Lake’s park landscape reflects a series of changes in land use. Farms once occupied the area; during the 1930s, the federal government acquired farmland through the Resettlement Administration with the aim of restoring it to productive hardwood forest. A dam project was moved from Fish Pond Creek to Holliday Creek to create the lake, which was completed in 1938. The state then managed the site as a day-use recreation area, and it became Holliday Lake State Park in 1972 after campsites were added. [6]
The park’s recreation-area development also connects to the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps. CCC workers and local residents built facilities, and a CCC camp was established on what is now the site of the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center. The park remains surrounded by Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. [7]
Planning a visit
Holliday Lake State Park is at 2759 State Park Road, Appomattox, Virginia 24522. The park office can be reached at 434-248-6308. Virginia State Parks charges a parking fee; confirm current fees and park access details before traveling. [8]
Swimming, the beach-area snack bar and boat rentals are seasonal. The park lists hiking, biking and equestrian trails, but trail options and conditions can vary; consult the park’s current trail guide and notices before choosing a route. Camping, bunkhouse stays and picnic shelters should be checked or booked through Virginia State Parks. [9]
There is no visitor center or full-service restaurant. The park office offers gifts and souvenirs, while a snack bar operates seasonally. Paved walkways reach an accessible fishing pier, beach, playgrounds and food-service window; the swimming area has a Mobi-mat for wheelchair access to the water. For specific accessibility needs, confirm facility details with the park before visiting. [10]
Nearby attractions
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Explore the village and landscape associated with the surrender that effectively ended major fighting in the Civil War.
High Bridge Trail State Park
A Central Virginia rail trail known for its long bridge crossing above the Appomattox River.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Another Central Virginia state park for lake recreation, trails and camping.
Twin Lakes State Park
A state park near Farmville with lakeside recreation, swimming and camping.
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References
- ↑ Holliday Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Holliday Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Paddling at Virginia State Parks, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Holliday Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Holliday Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Holliday Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Three Virginia State Parks Added to National Register of Historic Places, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Find a Virginia State Park by Amenities, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Holliday Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Holliday Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
External links
- Official Holliday Lake State Park page — Virginia State Parks
- Holliday Lake State Park trail guide — Virginia State Parks
- Holliday Lake State Park facility guide — Virginia State Parks