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Fairy Stone State
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State Park Overview:
Fairy Stone State Park is home of the mysterious "fairy stones." It is one of
the six original Virginia state parks to open on June 15, 1936. The treasured
stone so prevalent in the region, beautiful scenery, rich history and ample
recreational opportunities make Fairy Stone one of the favorites of park
visitors. Junius B. Fishburn, who had been president of the Southwest Virginia
Trust Company, donated the 4,868-acre site, making it the largest of the six
original parks and one of the largest to this day.
Camping:
Campsites have a fire ring on the ground and can be used for campfires and
cooking. Campsites allow one extra vehicle in addition to the camping unit and
all vehicles must be kept on the paved area in the campsite. Additional parking
is approximately � mile from the campground area and parking fees are charged.
Trails:
Nine of the park's 14 miles of trails, which are open year-round, are multi-use.
That section is open to hiking, bicycling (mountain bikes only) and horseback
riding. The remainder is hiking only.
Picnicking:
Picnic areas include drinking water and restroom facilities. Picnic shelters are
also available on a reservation or first-come, first-served basis by calling the
Reservations Center. The playground has been upgraded to provide appropriate
play equipment for small children. Parking and swimming fees are not included in
shelter rental.
Fairy Stone State Park Picnic Shelters
Four shelters are available for rent. They can be rented from 8 a.m. to dark
(all day), or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to dark (half day). Please note the
hour in between for half day rental times.
Per car parking fee: Standard car parking fee.
Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then,
there's a cancellation fee.
Shelter Amenities
Shelter 1: Shelter can accommodate 75 people under the shelter. No restrooms;
portable toilet only. Overlooks part of the lake, but there is no flat area for
games. Features lights, large grill and a fireplace in each end of the shelter.
No electrical outlets available.
Shelter 2: Shelter can accommodate 75 people under the shelter. Restroom is
approximately 500 ft from shelter. Large parking area and level area for games.
Features electrical outlets, one large grill, lights and a fireplace in each end
of shelter.
Shelter 3: Also known as Allied Block Shelter. Shelter can accommodate 75 people
under the shelter. Handicapped accessible. Creek runs in front of shelter;
horseshoe pit in area, but guests must bring their own horseshoes. Features
electrical outlets, lights, one large grill and a handicapped accessible
bathroom.
Shelter 4: Also known as Allied Pole Shelter. Shelter can accommodate 75 people
under the shelter. Handicapped accessible. No bathroom in this shelter, but
adjacent shelter (#3) has a bathroom. Creek runs in front of shelter; horseshoe
pit in area, but guests must bring their own horseshoes. Features electrical
outlets, lights, one large grill, handicapped accessible bathrooms near adjacent
shelter (#3).
Group shelter: Shelter accommodates 50 under roof. Park supplies are stored here
so don't be suprised by interruptions from the park maintenance crew. Two
standard size grills, limited parking (no more than 30 vehicles). Has lights,
bathroom and level area for games.
Boating:
A boat launch ramp is available for non-gasoline powered boats. Gasoline-powered
boats are allowed on the Philpott Reservoir, which is within a 20-minute drive
from the park. In addition, rowboats, paddleboats and canoes are available for
rent during the summer season.
Boats may be rented on weekends, weather permitting, in April, May, September
and October.
Swimming:
Lake swimming - Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day only. The swimming beach is
complete with a bathhouse, concession area and beach toys. Times of operation
may vary prior to Mid-June and after mid-August depending on the availability of
lifeguards, as the park uses mostly students. Guests may wish to call Fairy
Stone prior to making reservation if swimming is important. In the summer,
swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the lodge,
however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control
require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to
overnight guests under any circumstances.
Fishing and Hunting:
Fishing is allowed with a valid Virginia fishing license on the 168-acre lake. A
fishing area is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.
Approximately half the park's acreage is open to hunting. There's a 5,000-acre
quality deer management area next to the park.
History of the Area:
In the late 1920s various groups across the commonwealth began working towards
the establishment of state parks in Virginia. It wasn't until 1933, however,
with the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that the state
was able to begin building such a system. At that time, six areas were acquired,
including Fairy Stone. Roanoke newspaper publisher Julius B. Fishburn donated
the 4,868 acre site, making it the largest of the six original parks, and one of
the largest to this day.
The CCC provided the labor and materials for the construction of the park from
1933 until the CCC camp was removed in the spring of 1941. Roads, trails, picnic
areas, cabins, a restaurant, bathhouse, dam and sanitation system are all part
of the original CCC construction. Their handiwork is still evident in the park's
log cabins. |
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