TWIN LAKES STATE PARK
In the heart of central Virginia, this 548-acre, historic park offers many cultural, environmental and recreational activities. Overnight accommodations include a 33-site campground and 11 climate-controlled cabins. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and lakeside picnicking. The Cedar Crest Conference Center on Prince Edward Lake is available for weddings,family gatherings, retreats andbusiness meetings.
The land for Twin Lakes State Park was initially bought from struggling farmers by the federal government during the Great Depression. Two parks, Goodwin Lake Recreational Area and Prince Edward Lake were founded in 1939.In 1948, M. Conrad Martin was denied access to Staunton River State Park, and a subsequent lawsuit filed against the state led to the establishment of Prince Edward State Park as Virginias eighth state park in 1950. The two lake parks operated as racially segregated parks until the early 1960s. In 1976, the parks merged, and the site was renamed Twin Lakes State Park in 1986.
Twin Lakes State Park is home to multiple cabin types and sizes, ranging from two-bedroom cabins to a six-bedroom lodge. Continue reading for more details regarding minimum stays, check-in procedures, things to note, and cabin details.
Open from the first Friday in March until the first Monday in December, the campground at Twin Lakes is comprised of 32 sites, ranging in size to accommodate anything from a tent to a 36 RV. Campground reservations are site-specific, meaning you reserve a particular site number when you make your reservation.
Bowen Lodge, a waterfront cabin and the largest of the parks overnight facilities six bedrooms, can sleep up to 16, and features a large open-concept kitchen and dining area perfect for smaller events.
1. Twin Lakes State Park offers two lakes for swimming: Goodwin Lake and Prince Edward Lake.
2. The park provides lifeguard services during the summer season at both beaches.
3. Swimming is free with paid admission to the state park, making it a budget-friendly activity.
4. Both lake areas have sandy beach sections perfect for sunbathing or building sandcastles before taking a dip in water.
5. There are designated swim zones marked by buoys ensuring safety of swimmers away from boating activities on lakes.
6. The depth varies across different parts of these man-made freshwater bodies providing options suitable for all ages.
7. Swimming hours typically align with daylight hours but may vary based on weather conditions and seasons.
8. There's also an accessible fishing pier near each swimming area offering additional recreational opportunities besides swimming.
9. Bathhouses equipped with showers are available close to both beaches allowing visitors rinse off after their swim.
10. Picnic shelters located nearby make it easy to enjoy meals between swims or relax under shade when not in water.
You can enjoy fishing in two lakes, Goodwin and Prince Edward. Species include largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and sunfish. There's a boat ramp for easy access to the water. You may fish from shore or rent paddle boats too.