Bear Creek Lake State Park

We’ve camped at Bear Creek Lake two or three times. One was a spring break cabin stay during my single mom days. The other couple of trips were in a pop-up camper. But I only have good notes from one of those pop-up visits in 2021. This awesome park is only about 45 minutes from where we live, so it’s a great place for a short weekend trip with friends. 

This particular weekend trip with fellow camping-lovers was opening weekend for those state parks that close their campgrounds during the winter. So the weather was perfect and the naked trees gave us an uninhibited view of the lake from our site. 

I should point out that we would no longer be able to camp in this section, Acorn Loop, because our current rig is too large. And the other two loops have more of a parking lot feel than we prefer. But I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the cabins. They are incredible. Back in 2018 I took my then four and five-year-old and stayed in one of the cabins (my parents joined us for the second half of the trip) and we enjoyed water views, beach time, and snow! It was a magical spring break. 

The close proximity of this park to us is not the only great thing about its location. Break Creek Lake is close to the cool town of Farmville and High Bridge Trail, as well as the plentiful trails of Cumberland State Forest. Bike-riding opportunities galore!

Fast Facts (and Opinions)

Location: Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland, VA

Equipment: Pop-Up

Date: March 2021

Weather: Cold, but dry and sunny

Kid-Friendly: Yes (ours were ages 8 and 7)

Dog-Friendly: Yes

Site: A16

• Water/Electric

• Back-in

• Level

• Gravel

• Partial shade (in summer)

• Lake views (in winter)

• Surrounded by trees for kids to play in

• Semi-close to bathhouse

• Trail to beach from campsite

Bathhouse:

• Older

• 2 showers in men's and women's bathrooms

• Outdoor dishwashing station not as nice as some parks

Cell Service: Yes (Verizon)

Park Highlights:

• Lake with beach and water play structures, designated swimming area but no lifeguards, seasonal boat rentals

• Fishing

Area Highlights:

• Farmville

  • Green Front Furniture - store after store to explore

  • Uptown Coffee House & Cafe - good place to grab a cup of coffee

  • High Bridge Trail State Park - former rail bed of 31 flat miles that provides a great bike ride!

Park Hikes:

• Channel Cat Loop with park of Lakeside Connector - 2 mile trail run

• Channel Cat to Lakeside to Lost Barr Loop - 3 miles

  • hike around the lake

  • took the road back to Channel Cat then back to campsite

Area Hikes:

• Cumberland State Forest - 34 miles of trails

  • Cumberland Multi-Use Trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding (permit required for biking and horseback riding)

Other Campsites:

• Sites 16 and 17 are our favorites and offer great water views for those with equipment shorter than 20 feet

Things to Do Next Time (Because There’s Just Never Enough Time!):

• Go during the summer season to enjoy swimming

• Hike and bike more of the Cumberland Multi-Use Trail

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