Lake Anna State Park

We love camping during a holiday, and Independence Day is one of the best. However, there may be places that are busier than others on this outdoor-loving holiday. Lake Anna State Park in northern Virginia may just be one of those busier spots!

We loved our trip to this park, but we would probably opt for a non-holiday weekend the next time we visit. While the campground was full, it did not feel crowded, but the beach area was extremely crowded with day visitors. Tip: If you’re up for a little adventure, there is a nice secluded spot for hammock-lounging, fishing, and swimming if you follow the Railroad Ford Trail along the shoreline from the beach area.

The highlights of our time at Lake Anna had to be our campsite (probably the best in the campground in our opinion) and the ranger-led activities (both fun and educational). And if we had a ski boat, then that would have most definitely been the highlight! Tip: Bring your boat if you have one.

Fast Facts (and Opinions)

Location: Lake Anna State Park - Spotsylvania, VA

Equipment: Travel Trailer

Date: Independence Day (Long) Weekend 2022

Weather: Sunny and warm, but comfortable

Kid-Friendly: Yes (ours were ages 9 and 8)

Dog-Friendly: Yes

Site: 35

Water/Electric
Back-in
Level
Gravel
Partial shade
Lots of trees on site, backs up to woods
Many good hammock trees
Spacious and private

Bathhouse:

Just okay

Cell Service: Yes (Verizon)

Park Highlights:

Lake Beach
- Seasonal guarded swimming
- Sandy beach area and grassy shaded picnic areas
- Bathhouse and concessions
- Fishing
- Very crowded during holidays
- Public boat launch
- No boat rentals
Ranger-led Activities
- Panning for gold at beach
- Learning to start a fire with flint and steel

Area Highlights:

None that we explored

Park Hikes:

Glenora to Big Woods to Cedar Run to Turkey Run to Sawtooth to Glenora - 5-mile loop

Fairly flat
A few lake views

Area Hikes:

None that we explored

Other Campsites:

We loved our site, but really all the sites looked great
Many other options: cabins, lodge, bunkhouse, yurts, camping cabins

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

Kayak
Explore more of the trails