Bear Creek Lake State Park is a

state park State parks are parks or other protected areas managed at the sub-national level within those nations which use "state" as a political subdivision. State parks are typically established by a state to preserve a location on account of its natural ...

located in

Cumberland, Virginia Cumberland is a census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of Cumberland County, Virginia, United States. Cumberland lies along U.S. Route 60 and State Route 45. It is west of Richmond Richmond most often refers to: * Richmond, Virg ...

, United States. It is a recreational and camping facility that surrounds an artificial lake situated in the Cumberland State Forest. As of 2013, the yearly visitation was 78,288.

History

Bear Creek Lake was built by members of the

Civilian Conservation Corps The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a voluntary government work relief program that ran from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men ages 18–25 and eventually expanded to ages 17–28. The CCC was a major part of ...

in 1938 as a project of the Virginia Department of Agriculture through the State Forestry Division. The lake was built using labor from local carpenters, farmers and un-skilled laborers seeking jobs. In addition to the lake, two pavilions, a concession stand and six fireplaces were constructed. In 1940, the area opened as a forestry wayside with boat rentals and swimming. In 1958, the area was given to the Division of State Parks and was operated as a day-use recreation area. In 1962 the division added campgrounds and the area's name was changed to Bear Creek Lake State Park.

Attractions

The park features a lake with a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and a swimming beach. Visitors will also find a meeting facility, cabins, camping, picnicking, an archery range and playgrounds. Guests also enjoy the park's nine trails and access to the adjoining Cumberland State Forest, including the Cumberland Multi-use Trail. This trail is available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

References

External links

*
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation: Bear Creek Lake State Park

Interactive Virtual Tour
Parks on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia State parks of Virginia Parks in Cumberland County, Virginia Protected areas established in 1940 Protected areas of Cumberland County, Virginia 1940 establishments in Virginia National Register of Historic Places in Cumberland County, Virginia {{CumberlandCountyVA-NRHP-stub