John H. Kerr Reservoir is a Corps of Engineers project in south-central Virginia, east of Danville. The 50,000-acre lake extends 39 miles up the Roanoke River along 800 miles of wooded shoreline. There are five campgrounds managed by the Corps; camping fees range from $14 to $20 per night.

For wildlife watchers, Virginia established the Birding & Wildlife Trail, a series of driving trails throughout the state. Two phases of three have been completed, with the third phase being completed this year (Apr 2004). The first phase, Coastal Area, features 18 loop tours through barrier islands, cypress swamps, salt marshes, and stands of pine forest. The second phase, Mountain Phase, features 34 loop tours. To learn more about this unique program, visit the Department of Game & Inland Fisheries web site.

Newport News Park
13564 Jefferson Ave
Newport News, VA 23603

Phone: 757-886-7912 or 800-203-8322

Description: 8,000-acre municipal park north of Newport News just off I-64 exit 250B. The park has 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, watercraft and bicycle rental, and a golf course.

Campground: Open all year, 188 sites (sites with electric and water hookups available), $24 to $26 per night, reservations accepted (800-203-8322), drinking water, restrooms with flush toilets, showers, laundry, dump station, picnic tables, fire pits/grills, playground, camp store, boat ramps, pets allowed.

Latitude: 37.1874 | Longitude: -76.5581

Gosnold's Hope Park
901 E Little Back River Rd
Hampton, VA 23669

Phone: 757-850-5116

Description: Gosnold's Hope Park is the second-largest developed park in the city consisting of 105 acres. I-64 exit 263B onto Mercury Boulevard heading East. Take exit for King Street and make a left onto King Street. Follow King Street to Little Back River Road and take a right. The park is approximately 3 miles on the left.

Campground: Open all year, 16 sites (some with electric (30-amp) and water hookups), reservations accepted (757-850-5116), drinking water, restrooms with flush toilets, dump station, picnic tables, fire pits/grills, playground, boat ramp.

Latitude: 37.0682 | Longitude: -76.3291