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Parks & Recreation - Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Show All Answers

1. Can I drive my car to the camp grounds to unload my camping stuff?

No. All campsites are off trails and all items need to be brought in by foot.

2. Does Sandy Bottom offer camping?

Yes. We have 9 individual campsites as a first come first serve. We also have 2 group sites and 4 yurts which can be reserved by stopping by the Nature Center and to make the reservation, fill out an agreement and make payment. See web address for pricing information. 

Pricing Information

3. Does the park provide wood for the campers?

Firewood is provided for campers in the Yurts.

4. Are campfires allowed?

Yes. All fires need to be out by 10 p.m. per city ordinance. There is a no-burn law in the commonwealth from Feb. 15 - April 30. This law prohibits burning before 4 p.m.

5. What if I have a fire during the Burn Law?

A violation of this law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition to the criminal violation, those who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to others’ property.

6. Where did the animals in the Wildlife Education Area come from?

All the wildlife in the Wildlife Education Area is non-releasable. This means for some reason they could not be released back into the wild. Most of the wildlife were injured at one time or "kid napped" out of the wild and imprinted. No wild animal makes a good pet and is illegal.

7. Are personal water craft allowed in the lakes?

Only kayak and canoes are allowed and you must have permit issued from the park. Stop by the Nature Center during business hours to fill out a permit and be issued a permit sticker. The permit expired December 31 of each year. The permit cost is $35 up until August when it is prorated to $15.

8. Are you allowed to ride bikes on the trails?

Bikes are allowed expect for two trails, Osprey Point Trail and Wood Duck Trail.

9. Can I take the fish I catch home?

All fish except Largemouth bass. This is a regulation from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

10. Is fishing allowed from the shoreline?

There is no shoreline fishing. This is to reduce shoreline erosion.

11. Is SBNP is state park?

No. SBNP is a local government park.

12. How do I get a job at SBNP?

Announcement can by found on-line, flyers at the park, and on SBNP Facebook page. All application must be submitted on-line through the HIRE system.

13. What activities can I make a reservation for?

Reservations can be made for the Conference Room, Indoor and Outdoor Classrooms, all Shelters, Amphitheater, Gazebo, and Yurts. To make reservations by stopping by the Nature Center and to make the reservation, fill out an agreement and make payment. See web address for pricing information.

14. How far in advance can I make reservations?

Reservation booking starts on the first Monday of each year. We recommend to reserve as soon as you can as certain dates book up fast. There is no phone reservations. To make reservations by stopping by the Nature Center and to make the reservation, fill out an agreement and make payment. See web address for pricing information.

15. Can my dog go into the bark park?

The bark park is a member only area. You may purchase a membership by filling out the proper paperwork with shot documents at the Nature Center. Cost is $10 for one dog and $5 for each additional dog. Membership is good for one year from date of purchase.

16. What is required for my dog to go into the bark park?

Application must be filled out. Dog must be up-to-date on shots: Bordetella, Distemper, Parvorvirus, and Rabies. Your dog must also obtain a license from the city or county in which you live.

17. When is the bark park open?

The bark park is open when the park is open. If the staff needs to close the bark park down for maintenance it will be posed in advance.

18. When is the park open?

The park is open from sunrise to sunset 7 days a week. Park is closed on Christmas.

19. When is the Nature Center open?

The Nature Center is open 9 AM-4:30 PM October-April and 9 AM-6 PM May-September. It is open Monday - Sunday. The center is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

20. Is alcohol allowed in the park?

There is no alcohol allowed in the park. This is a misdemeanor under City Code and a summons will be issued.

21. Does is cost to go into the Nature Center?

There is no cost to enter the Nature Center. There are restrooms, a water fountain, and exhibits.

22. Is my dog allowed to be off the leash?

All dogs must be on a leash while in the park except for the bark park.

23. Are dogs allowed at the park?

Dogs are allowed in the park as long as they are on a leash except while in the membership only bark park. Dogs are also welcomed in the Nature Center.

24. Why is my child not allowed in the bark park?

Children under 12 are not allowed to be in the bark park for safety reasons.

25. Can I drive to the fishing pier to drop off my equipement?

No. The fishing pier is located off a trail.

26. Can I bring a motor to put on a rented jon boat?

Only electric trolling motors are allowed on the rented jon boats. We do not provide those.

27. Do you rent bicycles?

No we do not rent bicycles.

28. Do you sell bait?

We do not sell bait?

29. Do you sell fishing licenses?

We do not sell fishing licenses. They can be purchased at your local tackle stores.

30. Can I take home plants or animals from the park?

No. All flora and wildlife must remain in the park.