Hello, travelers and Hampton Roads residents! I have another outdoor Hampton Roads adventure for you this week based in Chesapeake, VA. After a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon there (and a few previous visits), I want to share some of the best things to do at Northwest River Park in a day!
This lovely 763-acre park has many fun activities to enjoy, from camping to frisbee golf and pretty much everything in between! It’s located in the southeast corner of Chesapeake, VA, near the North Carolina border, and is a popular spot for residents of both states.
Park address: 1733 Indian Creek Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Best 5 Things to Do at Northwest River Park in Chesapeake, VA
Hiking and Biking
Northwest River Park has nearly 8 miles of hiking trails in various habitats!
Visitors can trek along peaceful forest paths where wildlife abounds. We saw snakes, squirrels, lizards, and birds on our journey, plus plenty of beautiful flowers.
Several paths lead you by streams, creeks, and the Northwest river for some lovely water views, and the Otter Point Trail has a scenic swamp overlook, as well. There’s also some ornate bridges that I thought were particularly fun, like this tiki bridge.
For a little bit of everything, the Deer Island and Shuttle trails are an excellent place to start, and they offer access to both hikers and bikers.
And if you don’t have a bike of your own, you can rent one from the Camp Store for just $5 per hour!
*The park also has 6 Equestrian trails for horse-owners. You will need to purchase a pass to access them.
Boating
The park offers several fun options for those wanting to get out on the water. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats are all available to rent from the Camp Store for $10 per hour.
You can’t take them onto the river (with good reason), but you can have a great time paddling around Lake Lesa’s 6 acres and soaking up the sunshine! Rentals do require an adult (18 years or older) with a valid license to complete the rental, and each boat must have an adult on it.
Fishing
Northwest River Park offers two locations to try and land “the big one.” The first location is Lake Lesa at the front of the park, which they keep stocked with bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. According to their website, they also restocked the lake with trout back in February.
The other option is the pier at the end of Deer Island Trail, directly on the Northwest River. The Indian and Smith Creeks join the Northwest River along this bank, so you may find a decent variety of fish in this location, including Yellow Perch and Winter Striper.
All fishermen (and fisherwomen 🙂 ) over 16 are required to have a Virginia fresh-water license to fish in the park, which you have to buy in advance. During trout season, you also have to have a separate trout pass to fish in the lake.
Picnicking
If you’re looking for a quiet spot to enjoy some sunshine, nature, and a picnic, you’ll find plenty of beautiful places at Northwest River Park.
Several picnic shelters are available around the park for groups of up to 35 people if you’re planning a larger gathering, and you can find picnic tables scattered about, too.
However, for a more intimate setting, you can set up around Lake Lesa, along the banks of the Northwest River, or in a clearing beside one of forested the trails. Just be aware of your surroundings and check for ants and critters if you decide to sit down along the trail!
Disc Golfing
Northwest River Park also has an 18-hole disc golf course set up for beginner and advanced players! It’s the only disc golf course in the area unless you drive to Virginia Beach, and it’s a great addition to the park activities.
You can bring your own equipment if you have it; otherwise, rentals cost $3 per person. Day passes cost $2 per adult and are free for seniors over 55 and children under 12 accompanied by a paying adult. If you’re an avid disc golfer, you can also buy a year pass for just $20!
Visit the Ranger station for passes and equipment.
Closing Thoughts on Northwest River Park
If you haven’t visited Northwest River Park yet, now’s a perfect time, particularly for Hampton Roads residents. It has so much to offer visitors of all interests and ages. And I know you’re all still looking for things to do during quarantine, so give this park a shot this weekend!
I’d also recommend this for people planning a trip to Hampton Roads and looking for fun things to do on your vacation. This park makes an ideal day trip, but it’s also a great option for overnight camping! And the wide variety of activities sets it apart from many of the beach-based destinations in the area for a nice change of page.
I’d love to hear your questions and comments below, whether you’re a Hampton Roads resident with information to add or a potential visitor!
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Happy travels!
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