Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Virginia
1

Virginia State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Virginia
Central Region
Holiday Lake State Park
Cardinal © stateparks.com
Cardinal
Campfire and Hotdogs © stateparks.com
Roasting hot dogs over an open fire.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
HOLIDAY LAKE STATE PARK
HOLIDAY LAKE STATE PARK
2759 State Park Road
Appomattox, Virginia   24522

Phone: 434-248-6308
Toll Free: 800-933-7275
Reservations: 434-248-6308
Email: park email button icon
Deep in the heart of Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake State Park is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill is a popular activity in the 150-acre lake within the park. The nearby state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries delayed-harvest trout stream allows anglers to fish for brown and rainbow trout. The park also features excellent trails open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. Swimming is a popular summer activity at the park's life-guarded beach where the "Critter Hole" play area is a favorite of young visitors. Park facilities include a 30-site campground, a large shaded picnic area, two picnic shelters, two playgrounds, a boat ramp, a seasonal full-service concession stand and campstore, and canoe, rowboat and paddle boat rentals. Interpretive and environmental education programs also are available for school and scout groups. This park is just minutes from the famous Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, the site of General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant in 1865.
History of the Area
The area encompassing Holliday Lake State Park and the surrounding state forest was cleared in the 1800s for farmland. In the 1930s the federal government, through the Resettlement Administration, began buying the farms to return the land to its former productive hardwood forest state. Construction of a dam was begun at Fish Pond Creek, then relocated to Holliday Creek where a lake could be developed. Traces of family cemeteries can still be found in the area. After Holliday Lake was completed in 1938, the Commonwealth of Virginia, through an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, took over the management of the new day-use recreational area. In 1972, with the addition of campgrounds, the area became a state park.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
Swimming
Beach area. Open during the summer season, the swimming beach is complete with a bathhouse and concession operation featuring a range of sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Camping, fishing and beach supplies are available at the park store. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.
Boating
Boat Launching: Available. Electric engines only. No gas-powered boats.

Boat Rentals: (1st weekend April through last weekend September, weather permitting). Weekends only prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Daily Memorial Day-Labor Day 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; (half day and full day rentals available): rowboats, canoes, paddleboats.
Fishing
Fishing available with valid Virginia fishing license. (Licenses are not sold at the park.)



Picnicking
The park offers lakeside picnicking near the swimming beach. Picnic facilities include tables, drinking water, grills and restrooms. Picnic shelters are available by reservation by calling the Reservation Center (1-800-933-PARK). Small shelters only.

Two shelters are available for rent. Parking and swimming fees are not included in shelter rental. Click here for park fees. Shelters can be rented from 8 a.m. to dark (all day).

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

Amenities: Both shelters have grill, picnic tables and access to restroom.

Shelter 1:

* Located adjacent to the edge of the lake, near restroom.

* Shelter can accommodate 25 people under the shelter. Seating for an additional 25 people is available around shelter.

Shelter 2:

* Near swimming beach.

* Shelter can accommodate 36 people under the shelter. Seating for an additional 25+ people is available around the shelter.

* Wooden ramp for wheelchair access into shelter.
Trails
The park has five hiking trails and one aquatic trail. Lakeshore Trail is a 6.3-mile hiking trail that loops around the lake and the Holliday Lake 4-H Educational Center, passing through a hardwood forest, wetlands and managed pine plantation. Saunders Creek Trail provides access from the campground to the picnic area and is .1-mile in length. Dogwood Ridge Trail is a .7-mile loop just above the park's picnic area. Northridge Trail is .4-miles and provides a ridge top walk from the picnic area to the northern end of Holliday Lake and hooks up with the Lakeshore Trail. The Sunfish Aquatic Trail is a self-guided water adventure that requires a boat and free trail brochure. A brochure map and numbered stop's provide information about the lake and environment as you paddle or peddle around its edges. A trailhead for the Carter Taylor can also be found in the park. This trail is a 12-mile loop in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest for hikers, bicycle riders and horseback riders.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 20 miles of multi-use trails. Be aware, these paths are shared with hikers.

The terrain varies from flat to moderately steep hills. Ensure you're physically prepared and equipped for this challenge.

Some routes may be more suitable for experienced cyclists due to the presence of roots, rocks or tight turns.

Remember that helmets are required by law in Virginia when biking; safety should always come first on your adventure!

During wet weather conditions, certain sections might become muddy and slippery - proceed with caution during such times.

Night cycling is not permitted within park boundaries so plan your rides accordingly before dusk sets in.

Check trail status updates regularly as maintenance work could temporarily close some areas without prior notice.

Lastly, respect wildlife encounters while riding through their natural habitat - keep a safe distance at all times!
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can spot species like the Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush and Ovenbird. The park's diverse habitats attract a variety of birds including waterfowl in winter months. Birders may also see warblers during migration seasons. Raptors such as hawks are common too.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 14 Great memories here as a child by Di
park review stars; one to five Grew up in Richmond VA and we used to go here all the time. I remember the zip line into the lake, paddle boats and SO much more. Would love to bring my family and granddaughters on our next trip up there
October 13 Beautiful Park by Lynn
park review stars; one to five A fairly long ride down a nicely paved road into the well-kept and clean park. The view around the lake, the weather, and our family get-together was great. Shelter 1 was a good location near restrooms and playground. We loved it in October.
June 17 great 4 everyone by i love with holiday
park review stars; one to five this is a great place 2 go i will go back i love the lake it has a great view andi love the play ground and i am only 12
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Area Cabins and Lodges
Fin & Feather Resort
Route 746
Buckingham, VA
(434) 969-5558
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
Virginia
1

Virginia State Parks

X