Newport News Park is a 7,711-acre city park at 13560 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, Virginia. You can plan a day around its trails, reservoirs and recreation areas, or stay overnight at the campground; the park also has specific rules for water access, pets and camping.
- Location: 13560 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, Virginia 23603
- Park hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset
- Notable route: A 5.3-mile hard-packed gravel bike loop starts at the Campsite Office
- Camping: 188 campsites, available year-round
Park Areas and Main Entrances
Newport News Park brings several outdoor recreation areas together across a large city park, including reservoirs, an arboretum and a campground.
The park’s Japanese Peace Garden has an authentic tea house. For a change of pace, the Discovery Center, across from Dam No. 1 Bridge, offers hands-on activities, historical artifacts and nature displays.
Water recreation is centered on Lee Hall Reservoir and Harwood’s Mill Reservoir, where freshwater boat launches are available. Private watercraft need a permit and must launch at approved locations. Canoes, jon boats and paddle boats can be rented daily year-round at the Campsite Office; jon boats are also available at the two reservoir concessions on summer weekends and holidays.
If you’re planning a broader city itinerary, Newport News attractions for a short stay can help you pair the park with other local stops.
Walking and Biking Trails
Newport News Park offers hiking, biking, mountain biking, wildlife and birding trails, with a notable bike loop starting at the Campsite Office.
The 5.3-mile loop follows hard-packed gravel. Part of the route crosses into Colonial National Historical Park and passes a marker for the site of George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters. You can use the loop as a bike ride or build a longer visit around the park’s other outdoor activities.
The park also has an 18-hole championship disc golf course in the Arboretum area. A daily permit costs $4, and an annual permit costs $35. The archery range is in the campground area, with 10 lanes, including two crossbow lanes, and distances up to 65 yards. The aeromodel flying field covers 30 acres and has a 400-foot runway.
For another local outing with outdoor grounds and a museum, the Mariners’ Museum and Park guide covers what to know before you go.
Boating, Camping and Other Activities
You can plan time at Newport News Park around boating, fishing, camping or a picnic, with rentals and campsites available through the park.
Boat rentals include canoes, jon boats and paddle boats. Rates are $9 per hour for a canoe, $9 per hour for a jon boat and $12 per hour for a paddle boat, plus tax.
Renters must be at least 16 years old, and canoes are not rented when the water temperature is below 60°F. A launch permit is required before launching.
Fishing is allowed only in designated areas. Virginia residents and non-residents age 16 and older need a fishing license to freshwater fish.
The campground has 188 sites and operates year-round. Campsite check-in is 2 p.m. and check-out is 12 p.m. Nightly rates, excluding tax, are $33 for a site with no utilities, $39 for electric only, $40 for electric and water, $55 for a youth group site and $45 for the Boy Scout Primitive Area. Guests age 60 and older receive a $2 discount on campsite rates.
Reservations are available by calling (757) 888-3333 or (800) 203-8322. Pets are welcome at campsites, but a rabies certificate is required at check-in.
Hours, Fees and Visitor Rules
Newport News Park and watershed properties are open daily from sunrise to sunset, and entry during closed hours without a permit is prohibited.
The Campsite Office is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. April through October and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. November through March. Park rules prohibit hunting and trapping, require pets to be leashed, and allow camping and campfires only in the Newport News Park Campground.
Swimming, including swimming by pets, is prohibited in park waters except at Huntington Beach. Before setting out, check the official site before you go for current hours, rates, permit requirements and rules.
If you’re arranging an overnight visit in the city, the room options at this two-star Newport News inn are listed by Economy 7 Inn- Newport News.
FAQs
What can you do at Newport News Park?
Activities include hiking, biking, mountain biking, picnicking, paddle boating, canoeing, archery, freshwater fishing, camping, disc golf, and wildlife and birding trails.
Can you swim in Newport News Park?
Swimming, including swimming by pets, is prohibited in park waters except at Huntington Beach.
Does Newport News Park have boat rentals?
Yes. Canoes, jon boats and paddle boats are rented daily year-round at the Campsite Office. A launch permit is required before launching private watercraft.
Can you camp at Newport News Park year-round?
Yes. The park has 188 campsites, and camping is available year-round. Campsite check-in is 2 p.m. and check-out is 12 p.m.