Caledon State Park

Introduction of Caledon State Park

Caledon State Park is a public leisure area in King George County, located 23 miles east of Fredericksburg and 112 hours from Richmond.

Caledon State Park is located in King George County, which is renowned as the “Gateway to the Historic Northern Neck.”

The 2,587-acre Virginia park allows visitors to hike routes through old-growth forests and witness bald eagles in their native environment.

The property was previously owned by the Alexander brothers, the founders of Alexandria, and was founded as Caledon Plantation in 1659.

During the 1980s, it was designated as a natural area and habitat for the endangered bald eagle.

The Smoot House and Visitor Center now include a bald eagle exhibit and historical information. Today, the Smoot House and Visitor Center features a bald eagle display and gives park history.

Caledon State Park Camping

Caledon State Park includes six tent-only campsites that can be reached by paddle or hike. There is no parking or vehicle access to any of these locations, and reservations are strongly advised.

Each site is a sand-filled pad with a fire ring, picnic table, and lamp post. There is no water or electricity at any of the locations, although a portable toilet is close.

These rustic campsites are open all year and can accommodate up to 6 people.

These sites are only accessible during the day, so allow plenty of time to complete the three-mile climb from the Visitor Center parking lot.

The paddle-in campsites are located on the Potomac River and are part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

Caledon State Park Activities

Explore the trails in Caledon State Park and learn about the wildlife and history of the area. Picnic spaces and a natural play area are conveniently positioned near a parking area.

For groups of up to 40 individuals, a spacious picnic shelter can be reserved. This shelter has tables and a grill, as well as a portable toilet nearby.

While boating and swimming are not permitted within the park, there are numerous paths to explore as well as camping and picnic sites.

Hiking 

Caledon State Park has ten hiking trails and four multi-use paths. These trails travel through marshes and old-growth oak-tulip poplar forests, providing spectacular views of the Potomac River.

Here are a few of the most popular trails at Caledon State Park:

Boyd’s Hole Track – This 3.4-mile broad gravel trail is considered easy and is the park’s most popular trail. It provides access to the river as well as a picnic place. While trekking, you may come across the foundation of a 1600s Colonial plantation.
James Pond Loop – A 1.3 mile loop that provides access to the river, a picnic area, and plenty of opportunities for eagle sightings.

The Laurel Glen Walk is a well-marked 2.6-mile moderate trail that winds through the woods, past wildflowers and rocky streams.

Fishing 

Caledon State Park is a great place to catch bass, catfish, sunfish, perch, and crappie. Remember to get your Virginia freshwater fishing licence ahead of time. You may buy one online here.

Fishing is only permitted along the open sections of the Potomac River, not at Jones Pond or Caledon Marsh.

Swimming

There are no defined swimming places, and swimming is occasionally restricted due to the strong and dangerous river currents. You may, however, wade into the river at the covered picnic spot to cool down after your stroll.

Wildlife Viewing 

The park and the surrounding natural region serve as a bald eagle habitat and conservation area.

As a result, various parts of the park may be closed to the public at different times of the year. Take note of any postings.

Chotank Creek Natural Area Preserve is a private property preserve adjacent to the park on the Potomac River. This 1,000-acre area is home to the bald eagle and many other species, as well as seashore, marshes, and forest.

While visiting Caledon State Park, you will witness several falcons, eagles, hawks, owls, and various sorts of waterfowl.

You’ll also see the Northern Cardinal, Virginia’s state bird, with its vivid red plumage and characteristic ‘twit-twit-twit’ call.

Chickadees, jays, swallows, thrushes, and finches are among the other songbirds found in the area.

Squirrels, chipmunks, deer, raccoons, and maybe bobcats and black bears may be encountered while exploring the trails.

Caledon State Park Location

Caledon State Park is located at 11617 Caledon Rd, King George, VA 22485.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available