DOF manages 26 State Forest totaling 74,969 acres. Most Virginia state forests are accessible to the public. Virginia’s state forests offer abundant passive recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing.
Permissible uses vary among individual forests, so visit the web page for each state forest to find out what is allowed and available.
While you won’t find amenities like cabins, campgrounds, or even restrooms at most state forests, you will find unique opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and observe wildlife and forestry practices in action. A State Forest Use Permit is required for hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding; other appropriate licenses may be additionally required for certain activities (i.e., hunting, trapping, fishing).
Visitors asked to adopt a “leave-no-trace” ethic when visiting the forest, as there are generally no restrooms or trash cans on the forests themselves.
Visitors are expected to observe all signs and state forest regulations. DOF recommends that all forest visitors wear blaze orange or pink during hunting seasons.
While camping, either temporary or permanent is not permitted on state forests, the state forest manager may issue special Camping Permits for organized groups or special events, such as Boy or Girl Scout Troops. Contact the state forest headquarters about group Camping Permits.
A number of state forests allow hunting. Some state forests offer limited hunting, such as a lottery permit. It is essential that hunters visit the appropriate state forest webpage for information specific to the state forest.
Hunters must obey all signs, respect no hunting safe zones, follow all state hunting regulations, obtain a state forest use permit in addition to required hunting licenses.
Sunday hunting is allowed on:
- Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest in Appomattox and Buckingham counties
- Big Woods State Forest in Sussex County
- Browne State Forest in Essex County
- Channels State Forest in Washington and Russell counties
- Chilton Woods State Forest in Lancaster County
- Cumberland State Forest in Cumberland County
- Devil’s Backbone State Forest in Shenandoah County (archery and black powder only)
- Dragon Run State Forest in King and Queen County
- First Mountain State Forest in Rockingham County (archery and black powder only)
- Lesesne State Forest in Nelson County (archery and black powder only)
- Moore’s Creek State Forest in Rockbridge County (must be accessed by hiking across George Washington and Jefferson National Forest)
- Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest in Prince Edward County
No Sunday hunting on:
- Charlotte State Forest (waterfowl hunting limited to Monday, Wednesday and Saturday)
- Chesterfield State Forest in Chesterfield County
- Matthews State Forest in Grayson County (archery only in designated areas)
- Sandy Point State Forest in King William County
Lottery Permit Hunting Only
- Conway Robinson State Forest in Prince William County
- Whitney State Forest in Fauquier County
Hunting NOT Allowed
Hunting is not allowed on 9 state forests – some with deed restrictions such as Crawfords State Forest, Niday Place State Forest, and Bourassa State Forest, and others with access limitations for the public such as South Quay State Forest, Old Flat State Forest, and Hawks State Forest, and some with such high public use that safety is a concern such as Zoar State Forest, and Paul State Forest.
Before You Visit
To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest.
Additional Resources
| Image | Title | ID | Description | Content Type | View | hf:tax:document-category | hf:tax:Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest – General Map | General map of Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest Recreation and Trails Map | P00171 | Map introduces recreation and trails, including trail segments, descriptions and distances, located on the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest in Appomattox and Buckingham counties. | Publication | View | state-forests | publication |
 | Big Woods State Forest – General Map | General map of Big Woods State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Big Woods State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Big Woods State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Big Woods State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Big Woods State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Browne State Forest – General Map | General map of Browne State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Browne State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Browne State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Browne State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Browne State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Channels State Forest – General Map | General map of Channels State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Channels State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Channels State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Channels State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Channels State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Charlotte State Forest – General Map | General map of Charlotte State Forest. Maps work with Avenza Maps app for offline tracking on mobile devices. Download or print before your visit. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Charlotte State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Charlotte State Forest. Maps work with Avenza Maps app for offline tracking on mobile devices. Download or print before your visit. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Charlotte State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Charlotte State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Chesterfield State Forest – General Map | General map of Chesterfield State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Chesterfield State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Chesterfield State Forest. Maps work with Avenza Maps app for offline tracking on mobile devices. Download or print before your visit. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Chesterfield State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Chesterfield State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Chilton Woods State Forest – General Map | General map of Chilton Woods State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Chilton Woods State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Chilton Woods State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Chilton Woods State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Chilton Woods State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Conway Robinson State Forest – General Map | General map of Conway Robinson State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Crawfords State Forest – General Map | General map of Crawfords State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Cumberland State Forest – General Map | General map of Cumberland State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Cumberland State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Cumberland State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Cumberland State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Cumberland State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Cumberland State Forest Recreation and Trails Map | P00170 | Map introduces recreation and trails, including trail segments, descriptions and distances, located on the Cumberland State Forest in Cumberland County. | Publication | View | state-forests | publication |
 | Devil’s Backbone State Forest – General Map | General map of Devil’s Backbone State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Devil’s Backbone State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Devil’s Backbone State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Devil’s Backbone State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Devil’s Backbone State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Dragon Run State Forest – General Map | General map of Dragon Run State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Dragon Run State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Dragon Run State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Dragon Run State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Dragon Run State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | First Mountain State Forest – General Map | General map of First Mountain State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | First Mountain State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of First Mountain State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | First Mountain State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for First Mountain State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Hawks State Forest – General Map | General map of Hawks State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Hunter Protocol for Lottery Hunts – Conway Robinson State Forest | Document provides protocol, requirements, and important dates for lottery permit hunting at Conway Robinson State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Lesesne State Forest – General Map | General map of Lesesne State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Lesesne State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Lesesne State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Lesesne State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Lesesne State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Matthews State Forest – General Map | General map of Matthews State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Matthews State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Matthews State Forest. Maps work with Avenza Maps app for offline tracking on mobile devices. Download or print before your visit. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Matthews State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Matthews State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Moore’s Creek State Forest – General Map | General map of Moore’s Creek State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Moore’s Creek State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Moore’s Creek State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Moore’s Creek State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Moore’s Creek State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Niday Place State Forest – General Map | General map of Niday Place State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Old Flat State Forest – General Map | General map of Old Flat State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Paul State Forest – General Map | General map of Paul State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest – General Map | General map of Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Sandy Point State Forest – General Map | General map of Sandy Point State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Sandy Point State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of Sandy Point State Forest. Maps work with Avenza Maps app for offline tracking on mobile devices. Download or print before your visit. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Sandy Point State Forest Hunting Season Brief | Information sheet summarizes hunting seasons, dates, and times for Sandy Point State Forest. | Document | View | state-forests | document | |
 | Whitney State Forest – General Map | General map of Whitney State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | Zoar State Forest – General Map | General map of Zoar State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map |
Contact Us
For more information or questions, e-mail us with “state forest name” in the subject line for specific state forest inquiries or use our contact form.