Lone Star Lakes Park in Suffolk: trails, access and planning

Lone Star Lakes Park has lakes, shoreline fishing areas, picnic spots and several dedicated recreation facilities. The City of Suffolk says the park covers 1,063 acres and has 11 lakes for freshwater fishing.

You can bring food for a picnic at areas with tables and grills, or visit the playground. Other facilities and activities include an archery range, a model-airplane flying field, a fishing and crabbing pier, and shoreline fishing areas. Boat rentals are not available at the park.

For a wider look at local logistics, getting around Suffolk, Virginia can help you plan how the park fits into a visit to the city.

The park offers nature trails and a four-mile horse trail, with horseback riding allowed only on designated trails. You can also fish from the shoreline in marked areas or use the public boat ramps.

Boats on the lakes must have electric motors or be self-propelled. Water skis, surfboards, tubes and inflatables are prohibited. Boats used in Suffolk waters must be registered with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources; the City says it does not issue a separate Suffolk boating application.

Fishing requires a Virginia freshwater fishing license for anyone age 16 or older. Shoreline fishing is permitted only in designated areas. If you plan to use the archery range or model-airplane flying field, a safety course is mandatory; park staff may stop activities they consider unsafe.

Lone Star Lakes Park is open daily from dawn to dusk, while park rules set operating hours from sunrise to sunset. Entry is prohibited from sunset to sunrise except for City activities.

The posted fee schedule sets fishing at $4 per day for nonresidents and $0 for residents. Annual fishing permits are $30, annual family permits are $60, and annual senior citizen permits are $5. Fees can change, so check the official site before you go.

Swimming is prohibited in City-owned lakes. Keep pets leashed, stay on designated and marked trails, and leave plants and wildlife undisturbed. The speed limit is 15 mph, and vehicles must use designated parking spaces. Fires are allowed in grills only; alcohol, fireworks, illegal substances and illegal activities are prohibited.

Public boat ramps and bank fishing are available at the park, at 401 Kings Highway. The park also has picnic areas with tables and grills, a playground, a fishing and crabbing pier, and designated shoreline fishing areas.

Bring the equipment you need for your chosen activity: boat rentals are not available. For fishing, check that you have the required license and use only designated shoreline areas. For questions about park facilities, the City of Suffolk Parks and Recreation contact number is 757-514-7250.

Start by choosing your activity, then check the park hours and any rules that apply to it. For fishing, confirm the current fee and license requirements; for boating, make sure your vessel meets the motor rules and registration requirements. The park is at 401 Kings Highway, Suffolk, VA 23432.

If you are staying at The Nest Hotel Suffolk, you can look at rooms at the Suffolk hotel while planning your local outing.

Keep the park’s daylight operating hours in mind when arranging your day.

If you are pairing the park with time in town, plan that part of your visit with this guide to what to see in Suffolk city centre.