Chippokes State Park

Chippokes State Park occupies a narrow peninsula along the south bank of the James River in Surry County, Virginia, directly across the water from Jamestown. What sets it apart from nearly every other state park in the country is its unbroken history as a working farm. The land has been cultivated continuously since the 1600s, making it one of the oldest operating plantations in America. That layered history, combined with forested river trails, campgrounds, equestrian paths, and a genuine working farm with heritage livestock, gives the park a character unlike anything else in the Virginia state park system.

A Living Plantation and Farm Museum

The heart of the park’s identity is Chippokes Plantation itself, which includes a preserved antebellum mansion, formal gardens, and the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. The museum documents the agricultural and forestry traditions of Tidewater Virginia through a large collection of antique farm equipment, tools, and machinery spanning several centuries. Visitors can walk through the grounds, explore the mansion on guided tours offered seasonally, and see the historic outbuildings that reflect the full scope of plantation life, including the labor of enslaved people who worked this land. This is not a reconstructed or themed attraction. It is a working landscape with genuine historical weight, and the park presents it as such.

The formal gardens adjacent to the mansion are maintained in a classical style with boxwood hedges and seasonal plantings. They are open for self-guided walking throughout the year.

Trails Along the James River

The park’s trail network runs through mature forest and along the James River shoreline, offering quiet walking with good views of the water. The most rewarding route follows the river bluff before dropping to a small beach area where visitors can sit and watch barge traffic and wildlife on the river. Total trail mileage is modest, making the park well suited for casual hikers rather than those seeking long backcountry routes. The forested sections pass through mixed hardwoods typical of the Tidewater region, with tidal marsh visible from several points along the lower trails.

A paved bike trail connects several sections of the park, making it accessible for cyclists and families with young children.

Equestrian Trails and Facilities

Chippokes maintains a dedicated equestrian trail system that loops through the wooded interior of the park away from the main visitor areas. Riders must bring their own horses, and the park provides a trailer parking area and access to the trail network. Equestrian use is one of the more distinctive offerings in the Virginia state park system, and Chippokes is one of the few parks where riders can cover meaningful distance on marked trails through historic farmland and forest.

Camping and Cabins

The park offers both tent and RV camping in a campground with electrical hookups, restrooms, and shower facilities. The sites are reasonably shaded and close to the river trail access points. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall foliage season. A small number of rental cabins are also available, providing a more comfortable option for families or visitors who prefer not to tent camp. All camping reservations are made through the Virginia state parks reservation system.

The park also has a swimming pool, which is a somewhat unusual amenity for a state park and a popular draw for families camping overnight. Note that the pool will not open for the 2026 summer season.

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome at Chippokes State Park and must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Pets are permitted on trails, in campgrounds, and in most outdoor areas of the park. They are not allowed inside public facilities, in yurts, or in designated swimming areas, including the swimming pool area. Pets are allowed in cabins for an additional nightly fee, except in the Walnut Valley House. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals throughout the park.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Ticks are a significant concern throughout Chippokes, particularly on the forested trails and in areas bordering the tidal marsh. Both blacklegged ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease, and lone star ticks, associated with other tick-borne illnesses, are present. Visitors should wear long sleeves and pants on trails, apply repellent, and do a thorough tick check after any time spent in wooded or grassy areas. Ticks can be active in any month when temperatures rise above freezing.

Copperheads are present in the forested and brushy sections of the park. Watch where you place your hands and feet, especially when stepping over logs or moving through dense undergrowth. Copperheads are not aggressive but will strike if disturbed or cornered.

White-tailed deer are common throughout the park and frequently move near campgrounds and roadways, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive slowly on park roads during those hours and keep food secured at campsites to avoid attracting wildlife.

Practical Information

Chippokes State Park is located at 695 Chippokes Park Road, Surry, Virginia 23883. The nearest town is Surry, approximately five miles away. The park is accessible via Virginia Route 634 off Route 10 in Surry County. Visitors coming from the north or east can reach the area by ferry from Jamestown using the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, which crosses the James River and lands a short drive from the park entrance.

A daily parking fee applies, with rates varying by vehicle type and day of the week. Annual passes are available through Virginia DCR. Current fee information is posted at dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parking-fees.

The park is open year-round, though some facilities including mansion tours and the museum operate on a seasonal schedule, and the pool will not open for the 2026 summer season. Check the Virginia DCR website for current hours before visiting.