Bear Creek Lake State Park and Cumberland State Forest offer affordable fun for Richmond families

July 7, 6:13 PMRichmond Family Friendly Events ExaminerKerry Smith

Hiking Trails:

Bear Creek Lake State Park has nine state park trails: four easy trails and five more difficult trails. The four easy trails are: 1) Lakeside Trail indicated by orange markers, 1.52 miles in length, and for foot traffic only, 2) The Otter Trail indicated by pink markers, .16 miles in length, for foot traffic and handicap accessible, 3) The Coyote Trail indicated by gold markers, .07 miles in length, for foot traffic and handicap accessible, and 4) The Beaver Run Trail indicated by burgundy markers, .06 miles in length, and for foot traffic only. The five more difficult trails are 1) Channel Cat Loop indicated by green markers, 1.78 miles in length, for foot traffic, and contains self-guided interpretive signs, 2) Lost Barr Loop indicated by purple markers, is 1.73 miles in length, and for foot traffic, 3) Quail Ridge Trail indicated by yellow markers, is .40 miles in length and is for foot travel only, 4) Running Cedar Trail indicated by blue markers, is .25 miles in length, and for foot travelers only, and 5) Kestrel Trail indicated by red markers, is .16 miles in length and is for foot travelers only.

State Forest Trails:

Cumberland State Forest, which lies adjacent to Bear Creek Lake State Park, is maintained by the Virginia Department of Forestry, and shares two trails with Bear Creek Lake State Park: the Cumberland Multi-Use Trail, and the Willis River Trail.

 
The Willis River Trail is marked by white guideposts, is 16 miles in length and is for foot travelers only. It extends through the Piedmont Hills of the Cumberland State Forest in Cumberland County, Virginia, about 55 miles west of the State Capitol in Richmond. Most of its route is in mature hardwood foret. At points the Trail overlooks Winston Lake and at times follows the banks of the Willis River. About 5 miles from its southwest terminus it touches the Bear Creek Lake State Park with its boating, camping and swimming. The trail is marked by small, rectangular white paint blazes, most of which are located on trees. The sight of such two such blazes, one above the other, tells the hiker to be alert for a turn or for a change from woods to road or vice versa. Camping is permitted only at the park. Hikers are also advised to carry their own water.

The Trail is a joint project of the Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club (ODATC)(www.odatc.net) and the Virginia Department of Forestry (www.dof.virginia.gov). Approximately 16 miles has been cleared by 1986 from the swinging bridge over the Willis River to Winston Lake, although the northernmost mile has not been blazed. Consideration is being given to extending it westward past Willis Mountain through the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest to Appomattox Courthouse and northeastward to Cartersville on the James River.

At present, all of the Trail is within 10 miles of Bear Creek Lake State Park. The Park is most easily reached from U.S. Highway 60, two miles west of Cumberland Courthouse via secondary Routes 622 and 629 (signs at Intersections). The use of secondary and forest roads makes possible several loop hikes. If traveling from Richmond, specifically points south of Richmond, such as Chesterfield County, take 288 North to Route 60, Powhatan. You’ll pass the new Westchester Commons on the right. Travel about 32 miles and turn right on Trents Mill Road, and left on Bear Creek Lake Road. Continue straight into the park.

The Cumberland Multiuse Trail is a state forest trail, indicated by light blue markers, is 14.0 miles in length and is for foot travelers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The trail is a 14 mile loop leading through Cumberland State Forest, and is open to hikers, bikers and equestrians, with trailheads at the Cumberland Forestry Center, and Bear Creek Lake State Park. While traveling through the forest, you will observe several different and unique environments. Oak-hickory forests, thick stands of Loblolly Pine and cut over areas attract many different forms of wildlife. White-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcats are common residents of this productive and well managed natural resource.

Located nearby, Bear Creek Lake Park offers camping, swimming and boating in-season, as well as picnic facilities and hiking trails throughout the year. Users of the Cumberland Multi-Use Trail starting at the State Park will retrace 4 miles of the trail, making the total trail 18 miles. For more information about the Cumberland State Forest, please contact them directly at 751 Oak Hill Road, Cumberland, VA 23040 or by phone (804) 492-4121. Bear Creek Lake State Park’s direct phone number is (804) 492-4410.

Some rules to remember while enjoying your visit at the State Park or Forest:

*Be courteous of other trail users. Hikers should yield the right of way to equestrians. Bikers should yield to hikers and equestrians.
*Stay on the marked trail at all times. The trail is marked by blue blazes painted on trees approximately every 150-200 yards.
*Be extremely cautious at road crossings. Stop, look and listen and then proceed only if you are sure it is safe.
*Please put litter in its proper place, or carry it out with you.
*It is suggested that equestrians dismount and lead their horse over bridges and across streams.
*Coggins certificates must be available for each horse on state lands.
*During the hunting seasons remember to wear blaze orange. Blaze orange vests can be purchased at Bear Creek Lake State Park Office.

Fee Schedule:

Parking: $2/weekday, $3/weekend, parking with horse trailer: $5/weekday, $6/weekend, bus parking: $10/weekday, $10/weekend.

Swimming: Lake swimming is permissible from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Please call the park for early season and late season abbreviated swim schedules at (804) 492-4410. Weekend rates apply on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. Swimming is free with camping. Open during the summer only, the swimming beach is complete with a bathhouse and concession operation featuring a wide range of sandwiches, snacks and drinks. 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. They do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.

Adult Beach Admission (13 years & up): $3/weekday, $4/weekend, Child Beach Admission (3-12 years): $2/weekday, $3/weekend, Child Beach Admission (1-2 years): Free.

Adult Swim Pass: $50, Child Swim Pass: $40, 20 Coupon Pass: $40, 10 Coupon Pass: $21.

Picnic Shelter Reservations: please call (800) 933-7275. For the shelter by the lake for a full day (8 am- Dusk): $53.
Annual Passes: Naturally Yours Passport for Bear Creek: $36, Seniors Naturally Yours Passport for Bear Creek (62 & up): $22, Naturally Yours Passport Plus (for all State Parks): $61, Seniors Lifetime Naturally Yours Passport Plus (62 & up): $110, Lifetime Naturally Yours Plus varies upon age: $182-303.

Bear Creek Hall: Wedding Package (2 days from 8am – 10 pm): $315, 1 Rental Day (8am – 10 pm): $236.

Bear Creek Meeting Hall

Reserve by calling 1-800-933-7275. This is a day-use facility. Because of limited parking, this facility is not reserved from Saturday through Monday on Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
• Please see the table below for prices.
• Wedding/event package: Two consecutive days' rental (discount)
• Maximum 65 people, 25 cars
• Kitchen: Electric range, refrigerator and freezer, microwave and dishwasher; no cookware, utensils, serving containers, flatware or dishware
• Customers who wish to serve alcoholic beverages must first obtain a banquet license from the local ABC office. This is the customer's responsibility, and the process may take up to a month. A copy of the ABC license must be given to park staff prior to the event. All consumption of alcoholic beverages during such events must take place within the meeting room.
• Caterers must provide a certificate of insurance and a valid health-department permit. Park staff can provide a list of caterers. Caterers are charged a commercial user’s parking fee. It is recommended that the group contact the park to pay this fee.
• A rental Terms of Agreement form must be read and signed before the date of the event.
• Decorations are permitted but may not be attached to painted surfaces and may not damage the facility in any way. Renters are responsible for damages or any excess cleaning of the facility required after the event.
• Those renting the hall are exempt from parking fees so long as they identify themselves as such at the contact station.
• No linens provided
• No smoking
• No pets allowed in this facility
• There is a 12-hanger coat rack.
• Internet access available; ask park staff for details
• Equipment rental: TV with DVD and VCR, overhead projector with screen, slide projector with screen, laptop and projector with screen, flip chart
• A podium without amplification is available at no charge.
• There is a large group grill available next to the patio.

Tables/chairs available (no charge). Guests should call the park at least two weeks ahead of time to arrange their event's setup. Many sizes and configurations are available. The facility seats about 40 for sit-down meal and about 65 without tables. In warm weather, up to twelve 48-inch tables with four chairs each can be set up on the facility’s stone patio.

Cancellation fees
Reservations must be paid in full within 14 days of the date the reservation is made. Cancellations can be made up until 14 days prior to the start of the reservation for a 10 percent cancellation fee or $100, whichever is less. Within 14 days prior to the first day of the reservation period, a 30 percent cancellation fee is charged.

Pricing
• Full day (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.) - $236
• Wedding/event package - $315 (30 percent cancellation fee, $94.50)
• Equipment; TV with VCR-DVD; overhead projector with screen; laptop with projector and screen; $10 each per day
• Equipment at no charge: podium with no amplification, dry erase board with markers, small easel

Bunkhouse: Virginia Residents: $88/night, $529/week, Non-Virginia Residents: $98/night, $589/week.

Camping: Please call 1-800-933-7275 for reservations. Camping is available March 1st through the first weekend in December. Six people are allowed per site, and swimming is FREE with camping. Standard campsite with no hookups: $16/night, Water and Electric campsites: $22/night, Pet fee: $5/per pet night, Dump Station (free w/ camping): $5, Hiker or Non-Camper Shower Fee: $5 (Shower is at Concession Bathhouse from April through October).
Please note that the camping lodge described below is a simple, bunkhouse; it's not the same as the Bear Creek Lodge, which is described above.

• Fire grates may have concrete pads or metal fire-rings, which can be used for campfires or as charcoal grills.
• Firewood and ice can be purchased at the park office.
• One vehicle is allowed per site in addition to camping unit. Additional vehicles are parked at office parking area adjacent to the campground. The parking fee is charged.
• Guests visiting campers must park in the parking area and leave by 10 p.m..
• Swimming and Boat Launching are free with camping. Electric motors only; no gas.
• A Campground Host is available at most times in campsite A-25 adjacent to Picnic Shelter.
• Sites are reserved by site type only, not by campground. The park assigns the specific site in a campground upon a guest's arrival to best meet the needs of the given campers.
• In Campground A, the only campground by the lake, there are 13 tent sites (10' x 10' tent pads) with no electric and water hookups and nine with such hookups to accommodate popups and equipment up to 20 feet long.
• Campground B has 14 sites with water and electric hookups to accommodate popups and equipment up to 20 feet long, and six sites with such hookups to accommodate equipment up to 35 feet long. (Note: The 35-foot length includes the combined length of the camper and tow vehicle. Those attempting to place equipment with a combined length exceeding 35 feet risk damaging their equipment.)
• Campground C, open April 1 through Oct. 31, has 11 electric and water tent. The campground can accommodate tents and small popup units.
• All sites are shaded.
• Please keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in rental boats.
• Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Campers arriving late will find an envelope posted at the entrance station with instructions on how and when to register the following morning. Maps are provided designating the campsite location.
Number of each site type: EW, 34; RV35, 6; TENT, 13
EW - Electric/water sites; gravel parking area; can hold various equipment up to 20 feet; accepts outlets 20 and 30-amp current.
RV35 - Electric/water sites; gravel parking area; holds equipment up to 35 feet long; accepts 20 and 30-amp current; all located in Campground B.
TENT - Tents only. No hookups. Gravel parking area; tent pads and natural surface for setting up tent.
Total: 53 sites
Cabins & Bear Creek Lodge:
During prime season, cabins and the lodge are rented by the week beginning on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. A two-night minimum stay is required the rest of the year, but guests who wish to stay less than a week during prime season may call 30 days prior to desired arrival date to see if there is vacancy. The cabins and lodge are open year-round and reserved 11 months in advance. Extra beds are unavailable for these dwellings.

Directions for cabin and lodge guests to registration office: Register at the park office near the campgrounds on Bear Creek Lake Road off Route 629. Late arrivals should call the park beforehand to arrange for key pickup. Guests will be given specific directions to their cabin.

Bear Creek Lodge (handicapped accessible)
• Week stay runs from Sunday to Sunday in prime season.
• Check-in is 3 p.m., check-out is 10 a.m.
• No bed rentals
• Maximum occupancy is 16.
• Maximum five cars; additional parking is very limited and may not be available. A parking fee is charged for additional cars.
• Six bedrooms, one of which is handicapped accessible, and three bathrooms, one of which is handicapped accessible. One handicapped accessible bath is between master bedrooms; the other two baths are shared by the four remaining bedrooms.
• Two bedrooms have queen size beds.
• Two bedrooms each have two single beds.
• Two bedrooms have two sets of bunk beds (each room sleeps four).
• Handicapped accessible: Kitchen, dining area, living room, one bedroom and one bath. The other bedrooms and bathrooms are not handicapped accessible.
• No smoking
• Kitchen and living area
• The kitchen is equipped with an electric range/oven, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, drip coffee maker, pots, pans, dishes and utensils.
• The dining area includes a fireplace with gas logs.
• Heated and air-conditioned with heat pump
• Linens provided include sheets, pillows, pillow cases, blankets, a comforter, towels, washcloths and dish towels. One set is provided per bed and they are not changed daily.
• One porch on front; second porch on back of lodge
• Washer and dryer
• Limited view of water from the lodge

Cabins: All cabins are non-smoking and there is a $10 charge per pet per night. Prime Season starts the Friday prior to Memorial Day and ends the Sunday night prior to Labor Day. Mid Season starts April 1st and ends the Thursday night prior to Memorial Day, and Labor Day through November 30th. Off Season is from December 1st through March 31st.
During prime season, weekly rental for cabins 6 through 9 starts on Friday, cabins 1 through 5 on Saturday, and for 10 through 12 on Sunday.

• Check-in is 3 p.m., check-out is 10 a.m.
• Maximum two cars per cabin; additional parking is very limited and may not be available. A parking fee is charged for additional cars.
• Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, dishcloth, dish towels, silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, microwave oven, toaster, manual can opener
• Linens provided include sheets, pillows, pillow cases, blankets, a comforter, towels, washcloths and dish towels. One set is provided per bed and they are not changed daily.
• Clock radio
• Bring food, dish detergent, extra dish towels, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, body wash/soap, extra bath towels, books, board games or cards. You may wish to bring an extra blanket or pillow.
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet when they're not in an enclosed area. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in rental boats.
• No smoking
• No dishwasher, phone, TV, washer or dryer
• There is limited (Verizon) cell phone reception in the cabin area.
• One phone for emergency or calling card use only is at the maintenance building on Blue Heron Drive. There is a payphone in campground A and at the corner gas station.
• Rustic furniture
• Fireplace. The park provides one bundle of complimentary firewood; extra firewood is available for a nominal fee.
• Living area: sofa, dining table, chairs and end tables
• Bedrooms: Bed(s), nightstands, dresser, closet with hangers, clock radio
• Heat-pumps (heating and AC)
• There are refuse collection stations at the day-use area, campground A and cabin maintenance building on Blue Heron Drive. Recycle bins for aluminum, plastic bottles, glass and mixed paper are at the entrance to the campground area.
• Swimming, when available, and boat launching are free to overnight guests. No refunds on swimming should circumstances beyond the park's control - e.g., inclement weather - require that swimming facilities be closed. No refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances. Swimming, boat rentals and concessions are available Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. On weekdays up to mid-June and after mid-August, swimming and boat rental hours are shortened. Please call the park beforehand if your plans included such activities as they might be unavailable.
• Picnic table and a charcoal pedestal grill in the yard beside the cabin
• Wrap-around deck; open porch with rocking chairs and end tables
• Late arrivals should call beforehand to arrange for pickup of keys.
• Out of respect for cabin guests, large gatherings and camping are not allowed in the cabin area.
• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m. Visitors are charged daily parking and swimming fees; visitors must park in area designated by the park.
• Cabins 2, 4, 5, 11 and 12 are water-view.
• Cabins 5 (two-bedroom) and 9 (three-bedroom) are handicapped-accessible.
• Only Cabin 6 has a fire-ring with a grill. The others have only a pedestal charcoal grill. Cabin 6 also has 15 steps leading to the cabin.

Total sites of each type: two-bedroom frame, 6; two-bedroom frame waterview, 4; three-bedroom frame, 1; three-bedroom frame waterview, 1; Bear Creek Lodge, 1
 

Site Types:
Two-bedroom frame cabin, maximum capacity six, one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds (room sleeps four); no bed rentals.
Two-bedroom frame waterview cabin, maximum capacity six, one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds (room sleeps four); no bed rentals. Cabin 5, which is handicapped-accessible, has a queen bed, one set of bunkbeds and a full-size, pullout couch in the living area.
Three-bedroom frame cabin, maximum capacity eight, one queen bed, two single beds in second bedroom, two sets of bunk beds (room sleeps four) in third bedroom; no bed rentals; two bathrooms
Three-bedroom frame waterview cabin, maximum capacity eight, one queen bed, two single beds in second bedroom, two sets of bunk beds (room sleeps four) in third bedroom; no bed rentals
Bear Creek Lodge - six bedrooms, maximum capacity 16, three baths, handicapped accessible, two queen size beds in two bedrooms, two single beds in two bedrooms, two sets of bunk beds each in two bedrooms (each room sleeps four); no bed rentals

2BR Cabin: Prime Season for Virginia Resident: $106/night, $643/weekly, Mid-season for Virginia Resident: $96/night, $570/weekly, Off season for Virginia Resident: $79/night, $475/weekly. Prime Season for non-Virginia Resident: $118/night, $713/weekly, Mid-season for non-Virginia Resident: $105/night, $634/weekly, Off-season for non-Virginia resident: $88/night, $528/weekly.

2BR Cabin with Water View: Prime Season for Virginia Resident: $118/night, $706/weekly, Mid-season for Virginia Resident: $104/night, $627/weekly, Off season for Virginia Resident: $87/night, $522/weekly. Prime Season for non-Virginia Resident: $130/night, $798/weekly, Mid-season for non-Virginia Resident: $117/night, $697/weekly, Off-season for non-Virginia resident: $97/night, $581/weekly.

3BR: Prime Season for Virginia Resident: $130/night, $798/weekly, Mid-season for Virginia Resident: $116/night, $710/weekly, Off season for Virginia Resident: $96/night, $591/weekly. Prime Season for non-Virginia Resident: $149/night, $888/weekly, Mid-season for non-Virginia Resident: $133/night, $790/weekly, Off-season for non-Virginia resident: $110/night, $657/weekly.

6BR: Prime Season for Virginia Resident: $334/night, $2,004/weekly, Mid-season for Virginia Resident: $297/night, $1,783/weekly, Off season for Virginia Resident: $249/night, $1,483/weekly. Prime Season for non-Virginia Resident: $371/night, $2,226/weekly, Mid-season for non-Virginia Resident: $331/night, $1,982/weekly, Off-season for non-Virginia resident: $275/night, $1,649/weekly.

Boat Rentals: Prices do not include tax. Life jackets are provided with all boat rentals. Trolling motors are not rented overnight.
Rowboats: $6/hour, $12/half day, $22/full day.
Canoe: $8/hour, $15/half day, $25/full day.
Paddleboats: $6/hour
Rowboat w/ Trolling motor: $10/hour, $20/half day, $30/full day
Solo Kayaks: $8/hour, $20/half day, $30/full day
Overnight guest ONLY 24hour Canoe Rental: $40
Overnight guest ONLY 24hour Rowboat Rental: $36

CONCESSIONS: The concession, swimming area and boat rentals are available from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday and 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekends, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Please call the park regarding availability in early June and late August.

LAUNDRY: Closest laundromat is 7 miles away in Cumberland Court House.

RESTAURANT: No restaurant, but a small market just outside the park entrance carries a limited supply of grocery items and some camping supplies. The Town of Cumberland located on Route 60 approximately seven miles from the park has one small grocery stores, a post office, convenience stores and several small restaurants.

HISTORY: Bear Creek Lake was built in 1938 as a project of the Virginia Department of Agriculture through the State Forestry Division. Although this project was undertaken during the closing days of the Great Depression, the 100 men who built the lake were not members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They were simply carpenters, farmers and unskilled laborers seeking jobs. Along with the lake, these men built two pavilions, a concession stand and six fireplaces. The land was given to the Division of State Parks in 1940, and it was operated as a day-use recreation area. In 1962 the division added campgrounds and the area's name was changed to Bear Creek Lake State Park.

For more information about the park, please call (804) 492-4410, email bearcreek@dcr.virginia.gov, or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/bea. For more information about the forest, please call (804) 492-4121 or visit www.dof.virginia.gov.