Holliday Lake State Park Campground

Holliday Lake State Park Campground, near Appomattox, Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. With a beautiful lake at its center, this campground offers a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities, making it a great choice for families and nature lovers alike.

The campground features well-maintained sites, many with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings for those cozy campfire evenings. Visitors rave about the cleanliness of the bathhouses and the friendly staff who are always around to lend a hand. As one camper put it, “The staff are friendly and check on you frequently; bathhouses are well maintained and clean.”

For adventure seekers, there are plenty of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest, offering a good workout with some stunning views. Fishing is popular here, though some have found shore fishing a bit tricky. The swimming area is a hit with families, but keep in mind that swimming is at your own risk when lifeguards aren’t on duty.

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway where you can unwind and enjoy nature, Holliday Lake State Park Campground is definitely worth a visit. With its combination of outdoor fun and serene surroundings, it’s a place where you can truly disconnect and recharge.

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Notice for Campers and Cabin Guests:

We're hiring! dcr.virginia.gov/jobs

Linens are not provided, so guests will need to bring their own sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, washcloths and dish towels.

Portable showers that do not drain to wastewater storage tanks are prohibited by state law. Collected wastewater must be disposed of properly.

There is a per night per pet fee for cats and dogs in all cabins and lodges (pets are not allowed in the yurts). Customers making reservations via the web are responsible for visiting the park office to pay all applicable pet fees. Customers may also call the reservation center at 800-933-7275 to pay the pet fees in advance.

Play it safe - Leave your firewood at home.

One of the most important things we can do to protect Virginia's trees and forest diversity is to stop moving firewood. New infestations of tree-killing insects and diseases are often first found in campgrounds and parks. Why? Because people have accidently spread invasive species when they brought firewood along with them. In Virginia, there are numerous counties under quarantines issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to an invasive insect pest or disease. These quarantines restrict the movement of firewood or wood by products from certain tree species. For more information on areas under quarantine, go to http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/firewood-quarantine. Virginia State Parks recommends that you do not bring firewood from home but buy it at the park or in the parks locality. Any wood brought to the park should be fully burned before leaving.

The renter is responsible for any damages or excess cleaning created during their visit. The renter agrees to being charged the full cost to cover such damages and / or excess cleaning. A letter will be mailed giving details of the damages / cleaning and break down of the cost involved to rectify the problem. Should a credit card be on file, it will be charged. If not, an invoice will be included with the letter for immediate payment.

Guarded lake swimming is generally available at the designated swimming beach during scheduled hours between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. One day of swimming is free for each night reserved for overnight guests. During this time period the weather and other issues beyond our control may reduce the availability of guarded swimming. No refunds will be given if guarded swimming is not available. Outside of guarded swimming times, park guests may swim at the designated beach within marked areas. Swimmers using these areas do so at their own risk. Swimming anywhere else in the park at any time is prohibited.

Reservations only guarantee the facility or site being rented. Programs and park amenities may be cancelled or closed for various reasons and do not constitute a refund.

Pursuant to the Code of Virginia, all open fires (including wood and charcoal) are prohibited between February 15 and April 30 annually (except between the hours of 4PM to midnight). Camping stoves that are self-contained are permitted (ex. Coleman Stove). We have received permission from the Department of Forestry to allow open fires between midnight and 4 p.m. in our campgrounds if we have a camphost. Failure to observe the burning law could result in a fine of up to $500.00.

As part of your trip planning, before you arrive at the park, check out our events database to see the programs scheduled at your park. You can find the database here: http://bit.ly/vspevents . The events are sometimes added as late as the start of the month they will occur, so check back right before you leave. Another way to keep in touch with programs and offerings is to subscribe to our weekly enewsletter. It takes just a few minutes to sign up here: http://bit.ly/vspenews . You can also follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/virginiastateparks) and Twitter (@VAStateParks).

Campers cannot be assured of access to reserved sites before 4 p.m. on their arrival date, but early check-in is often available. Camping check-out is 1 p.m. Generators are not permitted in the campgrounds.

Cabin/Lodge/Camping Cabin/Camping Lodge/Trailer/Yurt check in time is 4:00 p.m. Check out is 10:00 a.m.

State law prohibits state employees from accepting gratuities. If you are so inclined, you may direct gifts or donations to: The State Park Projects Fund, c/o The Department of Conservation and Recreation, 600 E. Main St., 16th Floor; Richmond, VA 23219. These funds will be used for the development, maintenance, and operation of Virginia State Parks.

Customer satisfaction is a priority with State Parks and our Reservation Center. Please feel free to call the Operations Director, Nancy Heltman, with your compliments or concerns regarding your treatment by our staff. Nancy can be reached at 1-800-933-7275 (786-5057 if local Richmond). For changes to your reservation, please call 1-800-933-7275 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Please tell us what you think. Fill out our online survey for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate and other prizes in our monthly drawing. http://bit.ly/surveyvsp

Virginia State Parks offer numerous opportunities for volunteers. If you are interested, please contact vspvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov.

Cancellations must be made by calling the Park or Customer Service Center by the day prior to your reservation. Cancellations can also be made online for most sites. If you choose to cancel your reservation, the reservation service fee will not be refunded and, once a reservation is paid for, a cancellation fee will be charged. Depending on the facility and/or the length of the advance notice, this fee may be a significant portion of the amount paid. Cancellation fees are as follows:

Standard campsites (up to 6 occupants): $10 per reservation, includes horse stalls.

Group campsites (sites that allow 7 or more occupants): $30 per reservation

Camping Cabins: $10 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $10 per night within the last 30 days.

Yurts and Bunkhouses: $30 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last month.

Cabins and Kiptopeke's EW Yurt: $30 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last 90 days.

Lodges: $60 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $60 per night with the last 90 days.

Picnic Shelters: $10 up to 14 days prior to the start of the reservation, no refund within 14 days of the scheduled arrival.

Please verify cancellation fees for other facilities on our website before making your reservation. Once the official check-in time is reached or after a customer checks in (whichever comes first), any reduced stay constitutes an early departure. For camping there is a one night penalty for early departure. For cabin stays, there is a $30 per night penalty ($60 per lodge night) for early departure and the two night minimum is enforced regardless. Due to the week discount for cabins, reducing the stay down from a week will result in a higher nightly fee.

Transfers can be handled by the Customer Service Center or online (most sites). For cabins, lodges, yurts, camping cabins, and bunkhouses, transfers can be requested up until 4 days prior to your reservation start date. Camping transfers can be handled up until the day prior to check-in. Shelter transfers can be handled up until the day before your reservation, or the last day the Customer Service Center is open before your arrival. All transfers are free, but different seasons and sites may incur additional fees.

Our parks are strictly enforcing honor parking rules. To avoid any inconvenience, overnight guests who arrive when the contact station or office is closed are asked to register promptly the next day so park staff will not ticket your vehicle(s) in error. Campers and cabin guests are allowed two vehicles per site. Additional vehicles and visitors are subject to the daily parking fee. If you receive a parking ticket in error, please be sure to report the error to park staff immediately so the ticket can be canceled before it is processed.

Late Cabin/Lodge/Yurt/Camping Cabin/Bunkhouse Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.

Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Holliday Lake State Park Campground is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Access is via State Route 24 between Appomattox and U.S. 60 and from Routes 626, 640 and 692. The park is approximately 12 miles from the Appomattox National Historical Park.

Address

2759 State Park Road
Appomattox, VA 245229209

Coordinates

37.398939558721096 N
78.6416900199108 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews

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10 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the beautiful lake setting, helpful staff, and excellent hiking trails as major draws. While sites offer good privacy and amenities, visitors should bring leveling equipment for RVs and be aware of limited cell service.

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2024

Nice but Gun Range During Summer

Probably a great place to camp during the fall. During the summer they lease space to the 4-H club that teaches people to shoot black powder muskets for the civil war reenactments. From 8:30am until 3-5pm it sounds like a gun range. It’s not a shot here and there, its volleys of black powder guns (think cannons) being shot all at once. It echos off the water and is the opposite of peaceful. The ranger said it would only be for an hour a day, unless it was a competition day, well for the 5 days we were there it must have been competition. We ended up leaving the park during the day.

The sites are good. Most need lots of leveling help (bring spare wood!). The newer part has a nice bathhouse. The older part had a really old bathhouse. (So old it’s hard to tell if it’s dirty or just old.)

It’s not a bad place to visit. But combat veterans should avoid during the summer months.

The sites are nice. The ones in the newer area (laurel ridge) are close to the nice bathhouse. Both bathhouses have WiFi. No cell service to speak of. (We have Verizon but most of these places have none.)

Site4 (private) then 6 (Able to get WiFi)
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Jen T., August 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Jen T., August 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Jen T., August 16, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 15, 2023

Nice Campround no cell sevice

A very well kept campground. Bathhouses are very clean and sites are well maintained. Sites are paved and not too close. Sites in the older section (red bud) will require leveling. As indicated on park web site there is no cell service in the park. WiFi is available outside the contact station

SiteR18
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2021

Nice area, difficult to put in trailer.

This park was well maintained, as most state parks have been.  However, the sites were a good size but were very difficult to get even a small trailer into the site due to the narrow roads.  We were tent camping, in the beginning of May, and the weather was cold and wet.  The swimming area was nice for the kids, but no lifeguard was on duty at that time.  No luck with shore fishing from everyone I talked to.  The sites were a good combination of sun and shade, great view of stars on clear nights.  Common areas can fill up with groups during the day on weekends.  Courthouse was only about 15min away and offered a very interesting visit of a historical site.   Overall, not our favorite campground, but this was mainly to the pain getting into a site.

Site5
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Jacob S., June 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Jacob S., June 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Jacob S., June 8, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Mar. 21, 2021

One of our Favorites

We love camping at Holliday Lake. It is completely off grid, and we like that! With busy jobs during the week it’s nice to unwind and enjoy nature. We hike, fish, swim, kayak, rent a motor boat, and just relax at our campsite. We watched a Bald Eagle and an Osprey for over an hour while kayaking on the lake. If you want down time this is a great place! The only con I will say is for RV’ers bring your leveling blocks - you will need them! The staff are friendly and check on you frequently; bathhouses are well maintained and clean.

  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Jennifer  K., March 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Jennifer  K., March 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Jennifer  K., March 21, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2020

Great Summer Camping

Nice small state park. The kids loved swimming in the lake while the parents loved kayaking and fishing. It was too hot to hike while we were there, but there seemed to be plenty of trails.

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2020

Quiet Campground

Quiet, beautiful and Dog Friendly! There are beautiful trails for hiking and a ton of fishing spots! It had been over 25 years since my last trip and it hasn’t lost it’s charm one bit. It’s the perfect relaxing getaway! Phone service is in and out but we didn’t mind, it was nice to escape the world for a while.

  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Amanda W., July 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Amanda W., July 11, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2019

Fun times

Nice campground. Short walk to the beach. Awesome staff. Awesome kids and learning program for the weekend. Really loved the lights in the water at night and nighttime walk.

  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Ross B., June 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Ross B., June 18, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

Ranger Review: Mountain House Turkey Dinner at Holliday Lake State Park

Campground Review

Holliday Lake State Park is located in the middle of the Buckingham State Forest, so it is completely surrounded by protected forest. It definitely feels like being in the middle of nowhere. There are several ways to get there, including some back roads. We took the back roads in and took the main road out. There is very limited reception in the park for radio and cell. We were able to check with the ranger to get updates on weather. A severe storm came through on the second night and the camp hosts drove through the campground to let everyone know it was on the way.

The rangers here are awesome! Very helpful and knowledgeable. They even came around passing out flyers Friday night for the activities that weekend. Some of the activities included spear throwing, how to start different types of fires, nocturnal animals sounds, and watching fish at night. On Saturday nights they turn on a few lights underneath the water so you can see the fish swimming around,

The ranger contact station houses a very small camp store with just the essentials. Don't count on them having exactly what you need because it is a very small selection. They do have ice and firewood for sale on-site. If you really need something there is a Wal-Mart about 15 minutes away in Appomattox.

The park is known for its lake and great fishing. I fished for crappie, but it was too hot on the shore and dogs aren't allowed in rental boats. While I was shore fishing several people rented the park's fishing boats with outboard motors. There's even a panfish boat trail on one end of the lake.

There weren't any lifeguards on duty during our stay, but the beach was still open. Plenty of families were in the water. The sign says swim at your own risk. There are "creatures" in the water for kids to climb on and jump off. The local fire-rescue crew was making use of the lake and floating dock for their water rescue training.

My favorite thing to do at a new park is go hiking. There are only about 10 miles of trails within the park, but there are miles and miles of trails within the surrounding forest. You can pick up the Carter Taylor Connector Trail near the campgrounds, which leads to the Carter Taylor Multi-use trail in Buckingham State Forest. The park map shows a good mixture of easy, moderate, and difficult trails. However, I never found one that I would consider easy. It is VERY hilly, so even the easiest trails have some climbs. There is even a 6.2 mile trail that circles the lake. It's great hiking, but get ready for a workout. Even my 2 yo beagle was worn out by the end.

Our campsite was fully shaded and included water/electricity hookups. Site R4 had a newer water connection with two spouts, one for the camper hookup, and one standard spout. We used the regular spout to fill up water bowls for our dogs all weekend. Nearly every site had a dog in it. They were really well-behaved. Lots of families camped and used multiple sites across the road from each other. The park was completely packed, but we still had a decent amount of privacy. There are trees in-between each of the camp sites so you aren't staring at your neighbors. We were able to hang up two hammocks right beside the tent pad.

The tent pads are some of the most generously sized I've seen in a state park. They were mostly level and topped with crushed gravel. Each site had a large picnic table, fire ring, bear pole, and room for a car. The paved area for parking and campers weren't as level, and most people got creative with leveling out the campers.

Product Review

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. During this trip I was testing out a new meal from Mountain House. We got to try the Turkey Dinner which is a freeze-dried meal in a pouch. This is the number one brand I use when backpacking, so I was really excited to try out a new selection. The pouch included two servings of 240 calories each. I used my Pocket Rocket to boil water, then poured the boiling water into the pouch, gave it a stir, and sealed it up. I always make sure the pouch is completely sealed, then lay it on its side. In my experience, this helps all of the freeze-dried goodness to soak up the water better. After five minutes, I opened up the bag, gave it another stir, and sealed it back up. My wife was just coming back from her shower and was so excited that dinner was already ready. It was super fast! She ate her half of dinner off of a camp plate, and I had my half out of the pouch. When backpacking I eat the entire pouch (calories are good!!), but for car camping it was the perfect amount to split.

The turkey dinner was absolutely delicious! There were full chunks of turkey in there. The stuffing was filling. I couldn't really see the veggies since they were chopped up, but the flavor was perfect! My favorite part of the meal was discovering the quote on the bottom of the pouch when I laid it on its side.

SiteR4
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Andrea N., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Andrea N., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Andrea N., June 14, 2018
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2018

On a hill

Bring leveling supplies! some sites are reservable, some are not.

As it is a state park you are only allowed to swim when lifeguard on duty in designated area.

Fishing from shore or non motorized boat.

kayaks and canoes available for rent.

Hiking and ranger nature programs are nice.

camp hosts have been helpful.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Holliday Lake State Park Campground by Marcy S., June 2, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Holliday Lake State Park?

Holliday Lake State Park offers a range of amenities including a swimming beach with lifeguards, boat rentals (kayaks, canoes, and motor boats), and multiple fishing spots. The campground features paved campsites with some requiring leveling, and clean bathhouses. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding forest, and ranger-led nature programs are available for educational opportunities. While there's no cell service within the park, WiFi is accessible outside the contact station. The park also has designated non-motorized boating areas and various picnic spots throughout the grounds.

What do visitors say about Holliday Lake State Park in their reviews?

Visitors consistently praise Holliday Lake State Park for its natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and clean facilities. Many appreciate the complete disconnect from technology, noting it's perfect for unwinding in nature. Families particularly enjoy the swimming area, fishing opportunities, and ranger-led educational programs. The hiking trails receive positive mentions, though some note hot summer days might make hiking challenging. Campers frequently highlight the park's dog-friendly policies. Some mention narrow campground roads that can make maneuvering trailers difficult, and others note that certain campsites require leveling equipment.

How much does camping at Holliday Lake State Park cost?

The exact camping fees for Holliday Lake State Park aren't specified in detail. As a Virginia State Park, it likely follows the standard state park fee structure with different rates for Virginia residents versus non-residents. Campsites come in both reservable and non-reservable options. For current and specific pricing information, it's best to contact the park directly or visit the Virginia State Parks website. Additional fees may apply for boat rentals and other recreational activities available at the park.

Where is Holliday Lake State Park located in Virginia?

Holliday Lake State Park is nestled in the heart of Buckingham State Forest in central Virginia, near Appomattox. The park feels remarkably remote, giving visitors the sense of being deep in the wilderness. Multiple routes lead to the park, including some scenic back roads. Its location within protected forest land ensures a peaceful, natural setting completely surrounded by undeveloped woodland. The secluded location contributes to the lack of cell service, making it an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect from the outside world.