Lake Anna State Park is the perfect place for outdoor adventure or relaxation any time of year.
Outdoor Activities Abound at Lake Anna State Park
A trip to Lake Anna is sure to be filled with some fun in the water and on the sandy beach. While you’re here, don’t forget to spend a day—or two—at nearby Lake Anna State Park. Pan for gold, take a stroll along the beach, hike through the wooded forest, cuddle up in a cabin, fish for a prize-winning catch and do so much more when you visit Lake Anna State Park.
About Lake Anna State Park
Lake Anna State Park is the perfect place for outdoor adventure or relaxation any time of year. The park sees thousands of visitors each year, looking to explore the natural setting. Located in Spotsylvania County, Lake Anna State Park, a more than 3,000-acre park, has so much to offer from the land to the water.
History of Lake Anna State Park
Lake Anna State Park opened in 1983, about 10 years after the creation of Lake Anna in 1971.
Before the state park, the area was known as “Gold Hill,” the site of Goodwin Gold Mine. Gold was first discovered here in 1829. The land was popular for gold panning into the 1880s.
Things to Do at Lake Anna State Park
Begin your visit at the Visitor Center. There you can find more information on the history of Lake Anna State Park, as well as the surrounding area. Learn about the history and nature programs offered through the park service, including canoe tours, activities for children, geo-caching and more.
Guests can honor Lake Anna’s gold mining past with ranger-led programs and demonstrations. Head along the Gold Hill trail and see the remains of the mining operations, including 100-foot-deep mine shafts. Bring the kids and pan for gold during select dates from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Lake Anna State Park has over 15 miles of trails, sandy shores, scenic waterways and overnight accommodations.
Lake Anna State Park Trails
Lake Anna State Park has 12 trails that are perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Many of the trails are mixed-use, but some are just for hikers. Bring your dog and go on a nature walk. The trails at Lake Anna State Park range from easy to moderate, making them perfect for children of all ages and those with varied fitness levels.
Lake Anna State Park does not have any horses, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own and take to the bridle trails.
Click here to read more about the trails at Lake Anna State Park.
Lake Anna State Park Fishing, Swimming and Boating
Lake Anna is best known for its abundance of largemouth bass, crappie, bream and other variety of freshwater fish. With a valid Virginia fishing license, spend a day fishing at Lake Anna State Park. There’s even a pond dedicated specifically for children and disabled anglers.
Click here to read more about fishing at Lake Anna State Park.
Launch your boat into Lake Anna from the state park. These convenient launch points are great for those who want to hit the water on jet skis, inner tubes and more.
From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, take advantage of Lake Anna State Park’s guarded beaches. These beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun and splashing in the water.
Camping/Overnight Lodging at Lake Anna State Park
Lake Anna State Park has plenty of opportunities for an overnight, multi-night or week-long stay.
Pitch a tent or park your RV for classic camping at Lake Anna State Park. Or, rent a rustic cabin or spacious lodge for your family and/or friends. Many of Lake Anna’s cabin and lodge rentals are waterfront so you’ll have an amazing view during your stay.
If you’re okay with less frills, stay in one of the bunkhouses at Lake Anna State Park. Bunkhouses can sleep several guests for overnight accommodations and longer.
Click here to read more about camping at Lake Anna State Park.
Click here to read more about renting a cabin at Lake Anna State Park.
Click here to read more about renting a lodge at Lake Anna State Park.
More Information about Lake Anna State Park
Lake Anna State Park is located at 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania.
