Bear Creek Lake State Park

Cumberland, Virginia · on Bear Creek Lake · Bear Creek Lake State Park

Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified

WATER: lake
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: Yes, see below
SEASON: The full beach experience (open snack bar, boat rentals) runs Memorial Day through Labor Day; beach access itself is available whenever the park is open (8 a.m.-dusk) outside that window, though concessions are closed.

About Bear Creek Lake State Park

Bear Creek Lake State Park is a 329-acre Virginia state park inside Cumberland State Forest, about 4.5 miles from Cumberland and an hour west of Richmond, built around a 40-acre man-made lake. The park operates an official, unguarded swimming beach on the lake as one of its main attractions alongside camping, cabins, boating, and fishing, an easygoing swimming hole for anyone looking for a lake to swim in near Richmond.

The lake and beach sit within the forested Cumberland State Forest in central Virginia's Piedmont, with the park built around the 40-acre impoundment that also supports boating and fishing; the surrounding land is wooded and includes camping loops, cabins, and picnic shelters near the water.

Swimming at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Swimming is confined to a single designated, unguarded beach area on Bear Creek Lake; swimming elsewhere in the park is explicitly prohibited. There is no lifeguard, so swimmers are on their own for depth, footing, and water conditions, making it best suited to confident swimmers and families who supervise their own kids closely.

How to get to this swimming hole

The park is roughly 4.5 miles northwest of the town of Cumberland, Virginia, and about an hour's drive west of Richmond; visitors drive directly to the park entrance and park near the beach area (day-use parking fills up on weekends/holidays).

Parking: Daily parking fee required at all times for park entry; parking near picnic shelters and the beach is limited, and the park can reach capacity on weekends and holidays, so entry is not guaranteed and early arrival is recommended.

The walk in

No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up park beach: visitors park in the day-use lot and walk directly to the designated swim area, which the park describes as within walking distance of other recreation facilities. No trail or hike is needed to reach the water.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

OK with supervision

The designated swim beach is unguarded (no lifeguard on duty per official park page), so parents need to supervise closely; that said, entry is at a purpose-built beach (not a natural bank/cliff) and the park otherwise leans family-friendly with a nearby playground, Junior Ranger programs, and seasonal nature/archery programs (April-September).

Parking

Paid, $7 per vehicle

Confirmed $7/vehicle daily parking (admission) fee, same rate on weekdays and weekends April-October per DCR's parking fee schedule; a separate $3 boat-launch fee and $4 equestrian-trailer fee apply on top of the vehicle fee. Beach-adjacent parking is limited and the park can reach capacity on busy weekends/holidays, so entry isn't guaranteed later in the day.

Restrooms

Yes

Restrooms are located at the swim beach area itself, with additional facilities in the Acorn and Chestnut Campground loops and near the group campsite.

Hours

Park open 8 a.m. to dusk daily. Boat rentals run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (all boats must be back by 6 p.m.), and the Lakeside Snack Bar operates seasonally, both Memorial Day through Labor Day.

On the water

CanoesRowboatsPedal boatKayaksPaddleboards

Restrictions: Only non-gasoline-powered craft are described for the lake (canoes, rowboats, pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, plus boats with electric trolling motors); no mention of gas motorboats or personal watercraft/jet skis being permitted.

Boats can be rented directly from the park or visitors can bring their own; the park's rental fleet only operates seasonally (Memorial Day-Labor Day) and rentals may be cancelled for bad weather or insufficient staffing.

Rentals nearby

Bear Creek Lake State Park Boat Rental (in-park concession)

Canoes, rowboats, pedal boats, kayaks, and paddleboards, plus boats with trolling motors

At the swim beach/boathouse area inside the park · 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day; all boats due back by 6 p.m.

Backstory

Bear Creek Lake was built in 1938 as a Virginia Department of Agriculture project under the State Forestry Division, constructed by about 100 laborers during the Depression along with two pavilions, a concession stand, and six fireplaces; the Virginia Division of State Parks took over management in 1940 as a day-use area, with campgrounds added in 1962.

Bear Creek Lake State Park: FAQ

Does Bear Creek Lake State Park charge a fee?

Daily vehicle/parking fee is charged for park entry (exact dollar amount not confirmed from source); no separate swimming fee is described beyond general park admission.

Is Bear Creek Lake State Park kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach Bear Creek Lake State Park?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Where do I park for Bear Creek Lake State Park?

Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Bear Creek Lake State Park?

When is the best time to visit Bear Creek Lake State Park?

The full beach experience (open snack bar, boat rentals) runs Memorial Day through Labor Day; beach access itself is available whenever the park is open (8 a.m.-dusk) outside that window, though concessions are closed.

What are the rules at Bear Creek Lake State Park?

Swimming is restricted to the designated unguarded beach area only; swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited. Pets are not allowed on the beach and must be leashed (6 ft or less) elsewhere in the park. Park hours are 8 a.m. to dusk daily.

What water body is Bear Creek Lake State Park on?

Bear Creek Lake State Park is on Bear Creek Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.