Virginia Department
of Forestry

VDOF manages 26 State Forest totaling 74,286 acres. Most Virginia state forests are accessible to the public. Virginia’s state forests offer abundant passive recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing.

Permissible uses vary among individual forests, so visit the web page for each state forest to find out what is allowed and available.

While you won’t find amenities like cabins, campgrounds, or even restrooms at most state forests, you will find unique opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and observe wildlife and forestry practices in action. A State Forest Use Permit is required for hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding; other appropriate licenses may be additionally required for certain activities (i.e., hunting, trapping, fishing).

Visitors asked to adopt a “leave-no-trace” ethic when visiting the forest, as there are generally no restrooms or trash cans on the forests themselves. 

Visitors are expected to observe all signs and state forest regulations. VDOF recommends that all forest visitors wear blaze orange or pink during hunting seasons.

Camping

While camping, either temporary or permanent is not permitted on state forests, the state forest manager may issue special Camping Permits for organized groups or special events, such as Boy or Girl Scout Troops. Contact the state forest headquarters about group Camping Permits.

Hunting

A number of state forests allow hunting. Some state forests offer limited hunting, such as a lottery permit. It is essential that hunters visit the appropriate state forest webpage for information specific to the state forest.

Hunters must obey all signs, respect no hunting safe zones, follow all state hunting regulations, obtain a state forest use permit in addition to required hunting licenses.

EFFECTIVE July 1, 2022:  Sunday hunting is allowed on:

• Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest in Appomattox and Buckingham counties
• Big Woods State Forest in Sussex County
• Browne State Forest in Essex County
• Channels State Forest in Washington and Russell counties
• Charlotte State Forest (waterfowl hunting limited to Monday, Wednesday and Saturday)
• Chilton Woods State Forest in Lancaster County (archery and black powder only)
• Cumberland State Forest in Cumberland County
• Devil’s Backbone State Forest in Shenandoah County (archery and black powder only)
• Dragon Run State Forest in King and Queen County
• First Mountain State Forest in Rockingham County (archery and black powder only)
• Lesesne State Forest in Nelson County (archery and black powder only)
• Moore’s Creek State Forest in Rockbridge County (must be accessed by hiking across George Washington and Jefferson National Forest)
• Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest in Prince Edward County

Hunting will be allowed on Matthews State Forest in Grayson County (archery only in designated areas) and Sandy Point State Forest in King William County, however these state forests will remain closed to Sunday hunting. Conway Robinson State Forest in Prince William County and Whitney State Forest in Fauquier County will remain lottery permit only hunts.

Hunting NOT Allowed

Hunting is not allowed on 9 State Forests – some with deed restrictions such as Crawfords State Forest, Niday Place State Forest, and Bourassa State Forest, and others with access limitations for the public such as South Quay State Forest, Old Flat State Forest, and Hawks State Forest, and some with such high public use that safety is a concern such as Zoar State Forest, Chesterfield State Forest, and Paul State Forest.

Before You Visit

To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest.

Additional Resources

Contact Us

For more information or questions, e-mail us with “state forest name” in the subject line for specific state forest inquiries or use our contact form.