Three large picnic shelters and an open area (Lee's Landing) are available for rent. To reserve, call the Reservations Center at 1-800-933-PARK, in Richmond 225-3867. Per car parking fees are not covered in the rental (see "parking/admission" above). Shelters can be rented from 8 a.m. to dark (all day). A special use permit is required if you plan to use the shelter for something other than just picnicking - e.g., a wedding, worship service or other such special event. That permit details how the shelter can be used and when. Once the shelter capacity is reached, guests beyond that number must be turned away by park staff.

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

Shelter 1, Freestone Point - The shelter, which is near the river and handicapped accessible, accommodates 100. It is about 225 feet from the nearest restroom, 400 feet from the parking lot and 100 feet from the river. There's a large parking area near this shady shelter, which features a large grill, electricity and a water spigot.

Shelter 2, Fairfax Landing - This shelter, near the river, accommodates up to 100 and is ideal for kids and a favorite spot for weddings and receptions. It's near the playground and has level area for games. It's about 185 feet from a restroom, 140 feet from the parking lot and 103 feet from the river. It features a water spigot, a large grill and electricity.

Shelter 3, Potomac Beach - This shady shelter has a nice view of the river, which is only 135 feet away. Parking is about 100 feet away, with the nearest restroom about 300 feet away. This is the shelter nearest the sailboat parking lot. It features a water spigot, a large grill and electricity.

Shelter 4, Lee's Landing - This shelter is round and has picnic tables with benches. Any use other than simple picnicking may require a special use permit and/or extra fees. Anyone planning to other such uses must call Leesylvania State Park to see if a special use permit is required. Special use permit applications are obtained by calling the park directly. Allow 30 days for the processing the application. Requests made fewer than 30 days in advance may not be honored.

This shelter accommodates up to 100 and has restrooms, water and electricity available. Available by reservation only, this shelter may not be used unless it has been rented. Parking is nearby, adjacent to the sailboat launch area. The shelter, which offers a splendid view of the Potomac River, is completely handicapped accessible. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in this area so long as the user has obtained necessary permits through the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. This is the park's only shelter that allows alcoholic beverages. As with all other park shelters, no amplified sound - music or microphones - is permitted.

Weddings, receptions and any function beyond a standard picnic can be accommodated, but such functions require a special use permit and/or extra fees. The park issues special use permits. Guests planning such events should call the park before renting the shelter to see if a special use permit is required.

The park offers four hiking trails for the exploration of the rich natural and historical features of the Potomac. The park boasts many scenic overlooks of the Potomac River including one on the remains of a Civil War Confederate gun battery at Freestone Point.

Birdwatchers can spot various species including bald eagles, ospreys and kingfishers. The park is home to several migratory birds too.

The Potomac Heritage Trail offers excellent birding opportunities with sightings of warblers during spring migration.

Winter brings waterfowl like buffleheads, mergansers and grebes while summer attracts swallows, flycatcher species and vireos.

Year-round residents include red-tailed hawks, woodpeckers (including the pileated), nuthatches as well as chickadees.

In addition to these options for bird watching there are also occasional guided tours available.

Leesylvania State Park is in the southeast area of Prince William County, approximately 25 miles from Washington, D.C. and Fredericksburg. From I-95, take Rippon Landing Exit 156; then go east on Route 784 to U.S. 1. From U.S. 1, Route 610 (Neabsco Road) east two miles.