How to Spend a Day at Mason Neck State Park

Mason Neck State Park offers an adventure for all ages. Situated on 1,856 acres, the park has a diverse landscape of wetlands, open water, ponds, fields, and forests providing plenty of things to do from sunup to sundown.

Recreation

Enjoy the day fishing, boating, hiking, and biking at the park. For fishing enthusiasts, opportunities abound to drop a line. Hiking is a great way to see the park. You can also take a leisurely self-guided tour by bike. Rentals are available at the visitor’s center.

Visitors are welcome to bring their canoes or kayaks and use the car-top boat launch to set sail. Canoes and kayaks are also available to rent from April through October. Guided canoe trips are a great way to see and learn about Kane’s Creek and Belmont Bay. Note that there are no designated swimming areas in the park and there is no standard boat launch. 

Hiking and Biking Trails

Hiking at Mason Neck offers the opportunity not only to explore the beauty of the park, but also to take scenic pictures, observe wildlife, and watch the many bird species that inhabit the park. There are over six miles of natural trails and three miles of paved trails plus elevated walkways for traversing marshy areas.

Choose from nine trails to get up-close with nature. Trail lengths range from less than a mile to almost three miles. Seven of the trails have a difficulty rating of easy and two are rated moderate. Three trails are handicap accessible. The High Point trail is suitable for both hiking and biking.

Camping and Cabins

While there are no overnight camping facilities within the park, there are other parks in the area with overnight camping and cabins. Two places to consider are Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, Virginia about an hour and a half from Mason Neck, and Lake Anna State Park.

At Shenandoah River State Park, visitors have access to a 2 or 3-bedroom cabin and Shenandoah River Lodge. At Lake Anna State Park, accommodations include a 2-bedroom cabin, a 2-bedroom with water view, and the Lodge. Cabin fees are dependent upon whether you plan to visit during the prime or standard season, and whether you’re a Virginia resident or non-resident.

Closer in, you’ll find Pohick Bay Regional Park situated on 1,000 acres and less than 10 minutes from Mason Neck State Park. At Pohick, you’ll have access to campsites and cabins for overnight stays. Miniature golf and a water park plus kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes for rent will add to your day of fun and activities at both parks.

To enjoy the beauty of the park, make plans to experience all that Mason Neck State Park has to offer. Whether you plan a relaxing picnic with friends and family, go hiking through the forest, leisurely canoe or kayak along the Mason Neck Peninsula and Pohick Bay, or observe the wildlife, a day with Mother Nature is one you will never forget.

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