50 Campfires The Camping Authority
Camp Virginia had a chance to speak with Joshua about Twin Lakes State Park. He shared some insights about spending time on the lakes, what campsite to choose and the best area attractions.
Ttake the nice leisurely hike around Goodwin Lake Trail. A very easy 1 mile hike that follows the perimeter of Goodwin Lakes and shows off much of the beauty the park offers.
Joshua’s Favorite Campsite
I would choose site 24. Not too far from the bathhouse this nice level site backs up to the woods with a partial view of Goodwin Lake just across the road. Also a short trail just beside the campsite provides quick access to the lake and surrounding day use area.
Get To Know Twin Lakes State Park
When was Twin Lakes State Park founded? How did it start?
Camp Gallion was one of the few African American CCC groups. This camp originally built Prince Edward Lake and Goodwin Lake which were used as recreational areas. In 1948 Maceo Conrad Martin was denied access to Staunton River State Park because of his race. Martin filed lawsuit against the Commonwealth and 1949 Gov. William M. Tuck wrote and appropriation totaling $195,000 for the development of the new Prince Edward State Park for Negros. The adjacent Goodwin Lake area would remain as the “whites only area. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation but the two parks continued to operate independently until 1976 and were united as Twin Lakes State Park in 1986.
Photo Credit: Twin Lakes State Park
With the park being home to two lakes water based activities are the biggest attraction. Swimming (during the summer season), fishing, canoeing, and paddle boats are some of the guest most favorite activities. A network of trails with a variety of difficulty also draws guest of all ages to hike or bike various trails. Not to be missed during our summer season is attending one of our many ranger led educational activities including geo-caching, archery programs, fishing programs, campfires, owl hikes, and numerous other fun and informative activities. Cabins and a Conference Center along the shore of Prince Edward Lake offers a unique opportunity to have to enjoy a family gathering, wedding, or other group event in a natural setting yet enjoy the comforts of home.
Where is Twin Lakes State Park located? What are some other attractions in the area worth checking out?
Twin Lakes State Park is located just outside of Farmville Virginia and about 1 hour west of Richmond. While the park is the home of many recreational activities we are also within 15 minutes of two other day use state parks. High Bridge Trail State Park which is a 31 mile rails to trails conversion park with the main attraction being a converted railroad bridge stretching 2400 feet across and 125 above the Appomattox River.
Sailors Creek Battlefield State Park provides an opportunity to visit the area of one of the last battles of the civil war and follow the last footsteps of the soldiers before the Civil War ended. For the real outdoor enthusiast Sandy River Retreat offers over 52 obstacles leading to 13 different ziplines and a low ropes course that has proven to be an enjoyable activity for guest of all ages.
Photo Credit: Twin Lakes State Park
Each attraction offers something unique for all visitors. Sailors Creek would rank pretty high on the list as one of my favorites because the visitor center and Hillsman House walk you through such an important historical even that shaped our nation. This venue also offers a comfortable visit during any weather conditions as the multiple points of interest are located both inside and out.
What are the campsites like within the park? Are they more open or secluded?
The campground at Twin Lakes is and older campground with more open sites. Most of the sites are fairly close together which provides the opportunity to camp with friends and family relatively close by or even the opportunity to make new friends with other close by campers. A hand full of campsites are positioned to provide for a more secluded camping experience.
