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Newport News Park

ALMOST 8,000 acres
of wildlife and adventure

One of the largest municipal parks east of the Mississippi, this magnificent 7,711 acre-oasis is home to an incredible variety of native wildlife—deer, foxes, otter, raccoon and beaver, to name a few – all found in a natural setting of lush woodlands, flowering meadows and shimmering lakes. Its unique natural beauty makes Newport News Park a favorite destination for campers who love the great outdoors – and the convenience of being just moments away from the multitude of activities and attractions the surrounding area provides.

Newport News Park offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, biking, mountain biking, picnicking, paddle boating, canoeing, archery and freshwater fishing. Year-round camping is available at 188 campsites, most of which include grills, electrical hook-ups and concrete pads. Each campsite loop has a separate facilities building with hot showers and restrooms. The park offers a 5.3 mile, hard-packed gravel, bike loop beginning at the Campsite Office. The path is fairly well shaded with an overhead canopy from beautiful trees. Part of the loop crosses into the Colonial National Historical Park, where you can view a placard on the site of where George Washington’s headquarters were during the American Revolutionary War.

The Park also includes an 18-hole championship disc golf course and a 30-acre aeromodel flying field. Boat and bicycle rentals are available and there is a camp store. Fishing licenses (available at many area sporting goods stores) are required for Virginia residents and non-residents 16 years or age and older wishing to fresh water fish. The Discovery Center has hands-on activities, historical artifacts and nature displays. It is located in the park, across from Dam No. 1 Bridge. Floral gardens include the Japanese Peace Garden with an authentic tea house. Newport News Park is part of Virginia’s Birding and Wildlife Trail.

DOWNLOADABLE
PARKS AND TRAILS MAP

 Newport News has 36 parks located throughout the city. They vary in size from 0.3 acres to over 7,000 acres. You can see all our City Parks and their special features on our Newport News City Parks Chart. 

At 7,711 acres Newport News Park is not only the largest in the city, but is also one of the largest municipal parks east of the Mississippi. Explore its features with the interactive Newport News Park Map. 

Park features

SELECT FEATURE DETAILS

ARCHERY

The Archery Range at Newport News Park is located in the campground area of the park. The range is comprised of 10 total lanes, 2 are designated for crossbows with distances out to 65 yards.

Aeromodel flying field

Newport News Park boasts a unique 30-acre aeromodel flying field  an aeromodel flying field for remote-control aircraft, with a 400 ft (120 m) runway. Aeromodel Flying Field is situated southwest of Newport News Park, and east of Woodside Park.

Boating

Boating (prices are per hour)

  • Jon Boat: $9
  • Paddleboat: $12
  • Canoe: $9

Boat launching:

  • Lee Hall Reservoir
  • Harwood’s Mill Reservoir

A launch permit is required prior to launching in Newport News Park.

disc golf course

An 18-hole championship disc golf course is located in the Arboretum area of Newport News Park. Course passes, rental discs, and disc golf merchandise are available at the Campsite Office. Course Reviews.

Daily Permit: $4

Annual Permit: $35

 

freshwater fishing

Lee Hall Reservoir

Boat rentals, private launch, and shoreline / pier fishing permits are available everyday from 7 a.m. to sunset at the Newport News Park Campsite Office. Lee Hall Fishing Area concession is open 12 p.m. to sunset on weekends and holidays, May through September.

Harwood’s Mill

Private launch and shoreline fishing permits are available weekdays at the Newport News Park Campsite Office. Harwood’s Mill Fishing Area concession is open 7 a.m. to sunset on weekends and holidays, May through October.

Fishing licenses (available online here) are required for Virginia residents and non-residents 16 years or age and older wishing to fresh water fish.

HIKING TRAILS

The park offers a 5.3 mile, hard-packed gravel, bike loop beginning at the Campsite Office. The path is fairly well shaded with an overhead canopy from beautiful trees. Part of the loop crosses into the Colonial National Historical Park, where you can view a placard on the site of where George Washington’s headquarters were during the American Revolutionary War. 

BIKING TRAILs

Loops and trails for Hiking, Dog Walking, Horseback riding, and Biking available! 

DISCOVERY CENTER

 The Discovery Center has hands-on activities, historical artifacts and nature displays. It is located in the park, across from Dam No. 1 Bridge.

GOLF COURSE

Newport News Golf Club at Deer Run is a  public facility with 36 holes of Championship golf. There is the renowned Deer Run Championship Course and the original Cardinal Championship Course. 

CAMPING

Our 188 campsites at Newport News Park are just minutes from Williamsburg and a short drive to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, spaciously arranged throughout natural woodlands and surrounded by many comforts of home including: electrical and water hookups, heated showers and flush toilets, paved roadways and parking pads, picnic tables, grills and playgrounds, laundry facilities, a camper store for food and supplies and 24-hour security throughout the Parks and a centralized sewage disposal system. Pets welcome; rabies certificate required at check-in.

Camping details & Fees

Learn more about camping features at Newport News Park and their associated fees.

Reserve A Campsite

Reserve one of Newport News Park’s wooded campsites for a quiet get-away.

picnics & SHelters

Newport News Park has several picnic areas and shelters available for reservation. There are 11 small shelters and 5 group shelters in all. Select an area below for more information.

Large Shelters (#1 & #2) in this area accommodate approximately 75 people. Reservation fee for a large shelter is $150.00.  Small shelters (#4 – 8) in this area accommodate approximately 35 people. Reservation fee for a small shelter is $50.00. Accessible restrooms, playground and volleyball net located in Picnic Area I.  All shelters have electricity available at a charge of $10.00.

Shelters #1 – #8 Descriptions:

Shelter #1: Near parking lot, 8 tables, 1 large grill

Shelter #2: Near playground, near parking lot 8 tables, 1 large grill

Shelter #4: Near lake, 6 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #5: Near playground and lake, 6 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #6: Close to playground, 6 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #7: Close to Ranger Stations and restrooms, 4 tables, 1 grill (split shelter, 2 tables per side)

Shelter #8: Close to Ranger Station and restrooms, 3 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #10: Near lake, 8 tables, 1 large grill.Large shelter accommodates approximately 75 people.  Reservation fee for a large shelter is $125.00.  Shelter has electricity available at a charge of $10.00.  Restrooms are located across the Constitution Way in Picnic Area 3.    

Each picnic shelter in this area accommodates approximately 35 people. Restrooms (handicapped access), playground and volleyball net located in Picnic Area III. Reservation fee $75.00 per picnic shelter (#13 – #18). All shelters have electricity available at a charge of $10.00.

Shelters #13 – #18 Descriptions:

Shelter #13: Next to playground, 3 tables, 2 grills, wheelchair accessible

Shelter #14: Near playground, 3 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #15: Near playground and volleyball net, 3 tables 1 grill

Shelter #16: Near playground and volleyball court
3 tables 2 grills

Shelter #17: Near playground, 3 tables, 2 grills

Shelter #18: Near playground, 3 tables, 1 grill, wheelchair accessible

Each Group Shelter accommodates up to 100 people. Portable restrooms are located in the area. Restrooms with handwashing are available across Constitution Way at the Ranger Station. Group area has access to large playground, field areas, disc golf (fees apply) and sand volleyball court. Group shelters are also closest to the Peace Garden and Arboretum. Reservation fee $200.00 per group shelter (shelters # 19 – #20). Both group shelters have electricity available at a charge of $10.00. Water available for $5.00 for Shelter #19.

Shelters #19 & #20 Descriptions:

Shelter #19: Group Shelter: 15 tables, 1 large grill

Shelter #20: Group Shelter: 15 tables, 1 large grill

Each picnic shelter in this area accommodates approximately 35 people. Jon boat rentals and concessions available weekends and holidays May – October. Portable restroom is located in parking lot, year-round. Shoreline fishing and private launch also available (by permit). Reservation fee $75.00 per picnic shelter (#2 and #4). No electricity at shelters.

Shelters #2 and #4 Descriptions:

Shelter #2: Near lake, 3 tables, 1 grill

Shelter #4: Near lake, 3 tables, 1 grill

Reserve A SHELTER

Reservations can be charged over the phone. Reservations can also be made in person at the Newport News Park Campsite Office, Deer Park, or the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Office at 700 Town Center Drive (3rd floor).  Credit cards are accepted at the Newport News Park Campsite Office. 

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Park rules and Ordinances