Jump to content
Toggle search
Toggle menu
  • 264 articles
  • 2 files
  • 2 users
  • 445 edits
Virginia.wiki
Toggle preferences menu
Toggle personal menu
Not logged in
Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits.

Lake Anna State Park

From Virginia.wiki
More actions


A paved path crosses a grassy lawn to a sandy swimming beach on a broad lake, with a wooden fence along the shore and distant tree-lined banks.

CENTRAL VIRGINIA STATE PARK

Lake Anna State Park

A lakeside escape in Spotsylvania County for swimming, fishing, boating, trails and a closer look at the region’s gold-mining past.



Location
Spotsylvania County

Setting
Lake Anna shoreline

Outdoor options
Beach, trails, fishing and boating

Overnight stays
Camping and other reservable lodging


Lake Anna State Park pairs a sandy swimming beach with forested trails and access to one of Central Virginia’s best-known lakes. Set off Lawyers Road in Spotsylvania County, the park is suited to a day by the water as well as a longer stay, with camping and several types of reservable overnight accommodation. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, but day-use parking is required and summer weekends and holidays can fill up; check the official park page before setting out. [1] The park’s appeal extends beyond the beach: visitors can hike or bike its trail network, fish from shore or launch a boat, and explore exhibits about the area’s natural features and mining history. Lake Anna itself was created in 1971 as a cooling-water reservoir for a power plant; the state park opened in 1983. [2]

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan a trip to Lake Anna State Park

Places to stay
Compare hotels and accommodations for your trip.

Expedia



Affiliate disclosure: Virginia.wiki may earn a commission when you book or purchase through some links on this page, at no additional cost to you.


Why visit Lake Anna State Park?

Lake Anna State Park makes a lakeside outing straightforward: the beach, picnic areas, bathhouse and concessions are gathered in the day-use area, while trails and fishing spots offer alternatives when you want to move beyond the sand. It is also a useful choice for visitors who want a mix of recreation and local history, rather than a beach-only visit. [3]

The lake is popular with anglers, and the park provides a public boat launch as well as shoreline fishing areas. A separate two-acre fishing pond near the visitor center is intended for children and visitors with disabilities. A valid Virginia fishing license is required for fishing; confirm current rules and launch details with the park before going. [4]

Start here

For a first visit, begin with the beach and day-use area, then choose a trail or stop at the visitor center to learn about the landscape and the Goodwin Gold Mine. If you plan to swim, check the park’s current beach and lifeguard information; conditions and services can vary by season. [5]

On warm weekends and holidays, arrive early and check for capacity or closure notices before driving to the park. DCR warns that the day-use areas can fill, and entry is not guaranteed when capacity is reached. [6]

What to see and do

Swim at the beach

Spend time on the park’s sandy swimming beach. Check current swimming and lifeguard availability before visiting; when swimming is unguarded, follow posted guidance and use the designated area. [7]



Walk or bike the trails

Explore wooded routes on foot or by bike. DCR lists more than 15 miles of trails at the park, with routes for hiking, biking and horseback riding; consult the current trail guide for route details and conditions. [8]



Fish from shore or launch a boat

Try the public boat ramp or designated bank-fishing areas. The nearby two-acre pond is specifically intended for children and visitors with disabilities. A valid Virginia fishing license is required; verify launch information and fees with DCR. [9]



Visit the visitor center

See exhibits on the park’s natural features and the area's gold-mining story. The visitor center’s posted schedule may change, so check current hours before planning around a visit. [10]



Learn about gold mining

The park offers nature and gold-panning programs, along with guided tours of the Goodwin Gold Mine. Program schedules and availability vary; confirm details with the park. [11]



Stay overnight

Choose among campsites, camping cabins, yurts, cabins and lodges, subject to availability and reservation. Review the park’s current lodging and campground information before booking. [12]


History and significance

Before it was a recreation destination, the land now in the park was associated with gold mining and known as Gold Hill. The Goodwin Gold Mine operated in an area where gold was discovered in 1829; mining activity reached its peak in the 1880s. [13]

Lake Anna was created in 1971 to provide cooling water for Virginia Power’s nuclear plant. State acquisition and park development followed in 1972, and Lake Anna State Park opened in 1983. The visitor center and mine tours connect that industrial history with the area’s natural landscape. [14]

Planning a visit

  • Location: 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22551. The park is southwest of Fredericksburg; use DCR’s official directions when planning your route. [15]
  • Hours and admission: DCR lists the park as open daily from dawn to dusk and says daily parking fees apply. Confirm current fees, hours and any closures on the official park page. [16]
  • Crowds: Beach and picnic parking can fill quickly during pleasant summer weekends and holidays. Entry may be restricted when the park reaches capacity; an early arrival is prudent. [17]
  • Swimming: Check current beach operations and lifeguard availability. Follow posted directions, particularly when swimming is unguarded. [18]
  • Fishing and boating: A Virginia fishing license is required. Check DCR for current boat-launch access, fees and rules before arrival. [19]
  • Overnight stays: Camping and other lodging options are reservable. Confirm seasonal availability, amenities, check-in information and booking requirements directly with Virginia State Parks. [20]
  • Contact: Call 540-854-5503 or email LakeAnna@dcr.virginia.gov for park-specific questions. [21]

Nearby attractions

Fredericksburg
A nearby city with historic sites, museums and a walkable downtown.



Central Virginia
Use this regional guide to plan a wider trip through Virginia’s central landscapes and communities.



Virginia State Parks
Explore other state-managed parks across Virginia, from lakeside recreation to mountain trails.



Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

References

  1. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  2. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  3. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  4. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  5. ↑ 5 things to do at Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, May 4, 2026. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  6. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  7. ↑ 5 things to do at Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, May 4, 2026. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  8. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  9. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  10. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  11. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  12. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  13. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  14. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  15. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  16. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  17. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  18. ↑ 5 things to do at Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, May 4, 2026. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  19. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  20. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
  21. ↑ Lake Anna State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
Retrieved from "https://virginia.wiki/index.php?title=Lake_Anna_State_Park&oldid=361"