Westmoreland State Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Westmoreland State Park is actually located in the state of Virginia, not Maryland.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is situated on the banks of the Potomac River in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Reasons to visit Westmoreland State Park:
1. Natural beauty: The park boasts a stunning coastline along the Potomac River, providing visitors with opportunities for scenic views, sunsets, and relaxing beach walks.
2. Outdoor activities: Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities including swimming, hiking, picnicking, fishing, and boating. The park offers several miles of hiking trails that showcase the region's diverse flora and fauna.
3. Fossil hunting: Westmoreland State Park is renowned for its fossil-rich cliffs. Fossil enthusiasts can join guided fossil hunts or explore the beach themselves to find various marine fossils dating back millions of years.
4. History and heritage: The park is home to the historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum, which provides insights into the park's past and showcases artifacts from the Great Depression era.

Points of interest at Westmoreland State Park:
1. Fossil Beach: Known as one of the best spots on the East Coast for fossil hunting, Fossil Beach offers visitors the chance to find shark teeth, whale bones, and other prehistoric treasures.
2. Horsehead Cliffs: These picturesque cliffs overlook the Potomac River and provide breathtaking views of the water and surrounding landscapes.
3. Cabin Colony: Westmoreland State Park offers cabin rentals, allowing visitors to enjoy a comfortable stay amidst nature.

Interesting facts about Westmoreland State Park:
1. The park's 1.5-mile beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months.
2. Westmoreland State Park was established in the 1930s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiative.
3. The park is home to several species of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, deer, and various migratory birds.

Best time of year to visit:
The best time to visit Westmoreland State Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and the park showcases vibrant foliage. The summer months are also popular due to the beach and swimming opportunities. However, it is important to note that the park can get crowded during weekends and holidays in the summer. It is advisable to check the park's official website or contact the park office for the most up-to-date information regarding opening hours, closures, and any specific events or programs.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks