WESTMORELAND STATE PARK
Westmoreland State Park lies within Westmoreland County, from which it takes its name. The park extends about one and a half miles along the Potomac River, and its 1,299 acres neighbor the former homes of both George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The park’s Horsehead Cliffs provide visitors with a spectacular view of the Potomac River. In addition to the scenic beauty at Westmoreland, the park offers hiking, camping, cabins, fishing, boating and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the park’s vacation cabins as well. The visitor center, open during summer, gives an informative historical and ecological perspective to an important natural area on the coastal plain. Westmoreland also offers the Potomac River Retreat.
Westmoreland State Park is one of the six original state parks opened in June 1936. The park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The project created numerous jobs during a period of great hardship. Most of the roads and trails found in the park were originally dug by hand. Located on the Northern Neck Peninsula, the park is just minutes away from George Washington?s Birthplace and Stratford Hall, the birthplace Robert E. Lee.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnickingyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
The pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A bathhouse and concessions are located in the pool area. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the lodge, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.
Power boats are permitted, and a boat ramp is available along with a boathouse that sells gas, ice, bait and other fishing supplies. Paddleboats and rowboats can be rented Memorial Day through Labor Day. Purchase an annual boat launching fee by calling 1-800-933-PARK, in Richmond 225-3867.
Fishing in the saltwater of the Potomac River is available throughout the year. A valid Maryland or Virginia saltwater fishing license is required. Striped bass, spot and bluefish are among the most common sport fish found in the river. Rock Spring Pond boasts a variety of fish including catfish, bream, bass and crappie.
Westmoreland State Park is located near King George, Leonardtown and Stafford
Westmoreland State Park offers numerous picnic tables and grills, three rentable shelters, and a snack bar near the swimming pool.
Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot species like the American bald eagle, osprey and kingfisher. Other birds include warblers during spring migration season, as well as year-round residents such as bluebirds, woodpeckers and hawks. The park's diverse habitats of forested areas, marshes and open water attract a variety of birdlife throughout the year.
Conference center, a historic 1936 Civilian Conservationo Corps facility, boasts wood beams and flooring and is nestled atop the 150-foot Horsehead Cliffs overlooking the scenic Potomac River. The main meeting room, which is 27 by 44 feet, seats up to 60 for either a meal or classroom gathering. There's also an 8-by-20-foot screened in porch and 12-by-30-foot deck. There's a 20-by22-foot kitchen for your food service needs, and the center's restrooms are handicap accessible. The center rents for $125 half-day, $225 all day or $300 for one and a half days. For rental information, rental forms, catering lists or ABC requirements, contact the visitor services specialist at (804) 214-9202.
Facing the Potomac River, the park is six miles northwest of Montross and just off Route 3.
From Fredericksburg: (I-95), take Rt. 3 east, go about 40 miles to the park's entrance, turning left onto Rt. 347.
From Tappahannock: take U.S. 360 East to Warsaw. Turn left onto Rt. 3 west at the second stop light. Stay on this road until about six miles past Montross. Turn right into the park's entrance on Rt. 347.
From Richmond, take U.S. 360 East, then follow Tappahannock directions.
From Tidewater, take 17 north to Tappahannock. At the second light, past Lowrey's Restaurant, turn right onto 360 east, then follow Tappahannock directions.
Our ministry recently visited this park and loved it! We cater to adults with disabilities, and such a setting as the beauty of this park is just the right type of therepy our clients live for! The only negative i can say is that the ammenities were not very handicapp friendly.
Lots to do. Very informative rangers. Lots of places to hike. Beautiful beaches on the potomac. Collect fossilized shark teeth and sea shells. Very cool place to visit.
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