Upton Hill Regional Park

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Parks

Virginia

Nearby: Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park Bluemont Junction Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upton Hill Regional Park, located in Arlington, Virginia, offers visitors a beautiful and diverse outdoor experience.

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Summary

There are several compelling reasons to explore this park, which is nestled amidst the bustling urban environment of Northern Virginia.

One of the main attractions in Upton Hill Regional Park is the Upton Hill Park Pool. This water park features a large swimming pool with water slides, a lazy river, and a children's splash pad area, making it a perfect destination for families seeking a fun aquatic adventure. The pool area also offers ample seating, a snack bar, and convenient changing facilities.

For nature enthusiasts, Upton Hill Regional Park provides an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through picturesque woodlands and offer stunning views of the surrounding area. These trails cater to various skill levels, allowing visitors to choose between a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike. Along the trails, hikers may come across enchanting creeks and local wildlife, adding to the park's natural charm.

Another highlight of the park is the Upton Hill Campground, offering a serene camping experience. Equipped with modern amenities such as electricity, water hookups, and restrooms, the campground provides a comfortable retreat for those who wish to spend a night or two surrounded by nature. Campers can enjoy campfire cooking, stargazing, and the tranquility of the wooded surroundings.

Upton Hill Regional Park also boasts a miniature golf course, perfect for a friendly competition or a leisurely round with friends and family. This 18-hole course features various obstacles and challenges, promising an enjoyable experience for all ages.

In terms of interesting facts about the area, Upton Hill Regional Park was originally established as a recreational site in the 1930s and has maintained its popularity ever since. The park covers approximately 52 acres of land and is managed by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.

The best time to visit Upton Hill Regional Park is during the late spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities. The park's swimming pool and water park facilities are typically open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, offering visitors a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The hiking trails and campground are accessible year-round, with fall offering vibrant foliage and spring bringing blooming flowers to enhance the outdoor experience.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided by consulting official sources such as the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's website or contacting the park directly.

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UPTON HILL REGIONAL PARK

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

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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.

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