Sandy Bottom Nature Park050

Sandy Bottom is a 456-acre environmental education and wildlife management facility that houses a 10,000 square foot nature center overlooking Sandy Bottom Lake and a plethora of hiking trails. Nature-oriented classes and summer camps are regularly offered.

Forest Fun birthday parties can be booked at the center, and include time with a ranger (who can bring along an animal or two for a meet-and-greet), canoe or paddle boat rentals, time in a party room, and more - all for a $100 fee. Call Jim Seward at 757.825.4834 for more information.

Fishing is allowed only on Sandy Bottom Lake, and only from the pier or from a rental boat. Anyone over the age of 16 must have a Virginia freshwater fishing license. Boat rental options include 10' Jon Boats ($3/hour; $10/day), 14' Jon Boats ($4/hour $15/day), paddleboats ($4/hour; $15/day), and canoes ($4/hour; $15/day).

Nine individual camping sites are available on a first come, first served basis. These can accommodate two four-person tents ($10/night), but there is no electricity, running water, or adjacent parking. The park also maintains two large group sites that can support up to ten four-person tents.