Bear Creek Lake State Park

Cumberland State Forest covers 16,000 acres of pristine territory in central Virginia. Within the park, you'll find plenty of attractions and activities, but one of the best places worth visiting is Bear Creek Lake State Park. Surrounding a 40-acre manmade lake in Cumberland, the park offers a pet-friendly campground and the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of water-based recreational activities.

As you'd expect, much of the activity in this 329-acre park centers on the peaceful lake. A boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals, and a swimming beach are all available, so anglers and keen swimmers are very well catered for.

But there's a whole lot more to see and do when you're not on, in, or around the water. Bear Creek Lake State Park is home to an archery range, kids' playgrounds, and multiple hiking trails. You can even enjoy access to the 14-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail in Cumberland State Forest, which is available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

If you're staying the night, the park offers sites for tents and RVs as well as a range of pet-friendly cabins. An entrance fee of $4 applies if you want to get into the park, while camping fees vary depending on the type of accommodation you select. Please also note that if you're staying in a pet-friendly cabin, a $10 nightly fee applies per pet.

You'll need to keep your dog leashed at all times during your visit and make sure you never leave your pooch unattended. Follow all posted rules about where dogs are and are not allowed and remember to clean up after your dog whenever necessary. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the beach, even if they're leashed.

Bear Creek Lake State Park provides a relaxing family camping experience in the heart of Virginia. Best of all, you can share your vacation with your canine companion, so you can be sure you'll have a grrr-eat time.