Virginia's State Forests

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Welcome to Virginia's State Forests! The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) manages 22 state forests that total 67,920 acres.

Hunting and other recreation opportunities await you on the state forests

To ensure your safety, read our state forest regulations before visiting a forest.

Before You Go.....

Heading out to one of our forests? Take a look at these points first.

A State Forest Use Permit may be required for your use of the forest.
Hunting is allowed on some of the forests.
Review the State Forest Regulations to ensure that you comply with the law.
Review the Americans with Disabilities Act if you require special accommodation.
Questions? Email us with your questions about our forests.
Amendment Requirements for Carrying Handguns in State Forests. Read the comments from the public meeting.

About Virginia State Forests

The State Forests of Virginia are self-supporting and receive no taxpayer funds for operations. Operating funds are generated from the sale of forest products, demonstrating the value of good forestry practices. In addition, up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the revenue received from the sale of forest products is returned to the counties in which a forest is located.

The three largest state forests are located in the central Piedmont of Virginia between Lynchburg and Richmond, offering unique opportunities to the metropolitan areas of Virginia. Topography is typical of the gently rolling Piedmont. The VDOF continues to acquire forest land, adding small interior holdings or adjoining land to align boundary lines.

You can support Virginia's State Forests Fund through a contribution!

The formation of the State Forest System created a way for the commonwealth to:

manage the forest land for a steady supply of timber
- to ensure the operation and maintenance of the resource
- to help maintain a stable local economy
provide recreation opportunities
maintain aesthetics for Virginians
maintain wildlife habitats
create natural reserves
preserve water quality

Additional Information

National Forests: George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Virginia State Parks website.
GORP (Great Outdoors Recreation Pages) - lists national forests and parks.

Last modified: Thursday, 09-Feb-2012 10:56:23 EST

Walking, Hiking and Boating
A State Forest Use Permit is not required for forest visitors who walk, hike or boat on a state forest.

Riding Bicycles and Riding Horses
On forests where these activities are allowed, a valid State Forest Use Permit is required for persons aged 16 years-old or older.

Hunting and Fishing
On forests where these activities are allowed, a valid State Forest Use Permit and valid hunting or fishing license are required for persons aged 16 years-old or older in accordance with state regulations.

State Forest Use Permits
Permits cost $16 USD and are valid for one year from date of purchase. Permits can be purchased two ways:

Go to any location where you purchase a hunting license. Ask the clerk for the “State Forest Permit” to be added to your license.
Use your credit card and purchase a permit online from the Virginia Department Of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) website. After you sign in, find “Special Licenses” and select “State Forest use Permit.”

In our WebStore...

Native Trees of Virginia
The most common native tree species found in Virginia's forests are described with images of leaves, twigs, flowers and/or fruit to aid in identification.

Purchase your copy online through our Web Store or pay by check when you order by mail.