Machicomoco State Park - Hayes, VA
Machicomoco State Park in Hayes, Virginia, is a picturesque state park known for its pet-friendly amenities and welcoming atmosphere for dog owners and families. This newer park offers spacious, well-maintained campsites, wide and well-groomed hiking trails, and plenty of open space, making it ideal for those seeking dog-friendly hiking in the Hayes, Virginia area. With dogs allowed throughout the park, it’s a great place to explore local trails and enjoy nature with your furry companion.
The park is notable for its accessibility, including wheelchair-friendly entrances and parking, and amenities like barbecue grills, picnic tables, and public restrooms. Machicomoco State Park is ideal for active visitors looking for scenic views, kid-friendly activities, and peaceful walks with their pets. Whether enjoying a relaxing picnic, joining a guided history tour, or strolling along quiet paths, visitors often find the park clean, well-kept, and staffed by friendly rangers.
For dog owners, the wide walking paths, large open fields, and abundance of space offer a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. While there is not a dedicated fenced dog area, leashed dogs are welcome on trails and throughout the park, making it a fantastic destination for anyone searching for a dog park in Hayes, VA, that pairs natural beauty with pet-friendly amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Machicomoco State Park? Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the park as long as they are leashed.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? All dogs must be leashed while visiting the park.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available onsite.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, there is a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the park is described as clean and well-kept by visitors.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, wide and well-groomed hiking trails are available and pet-friendly.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, the park has picnic tables and barbecue grills available for visitors.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, there is a required $5 parking/entrance fee.
- Are there staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, friendly rangers and staff are available onsite.
Reviews
Stayed at the Park in June, 2025. Beautiful, clean, well maintained. Large, level campsite with plenty of space between neighbors.
I was privileged to attend a 1 hour guided tour of the Interpretive Area by Chief Ranger Joel Neville. Many of us do not realize all the history that occurred in this area. Ranger Neville was amazingly versed on many topics about the history, the wildlife, and geography of the park and surrounding area. Thoroughly enjoyed!
Wonderful Park, staffed by the best people. Worth a look!
The hikes were very nice. The park was beautiful. All the walking paths the grass was cut so nicely. We took our dogs with us. There was no one else in the park that day made it feel like our own little slice of paradise. Definitely a true hidden gem! We thoroughly enjoyed our day. I don’t mind making a donation for the parking for five dollars. But be aware there is a required five dollar fee.
Beautiful park if you live close by. Staff is great, and everything is clean and well kept. As a state park though I would rank it closer to the bottom, just due to the fact that there is nothing really unique or interesting about it. The center of the park is pretty much a giant field, and despite bordering the water there are only a few points to get a good view. If I lived closer I could see myself using the trails frequently as they are wide and well groomed. Again though, I don’t consider it worth the drive if you are going any real distance to get there.
Another beautiful state park, but very little to do unless you fish or kayak. The tent sites are nice, as are the RV sites, but only one RV site had any shade and that left us baking in the 90+ degree heat the weekend we were there. If you want a low key trip without kids, this is your spot.
Such a cute and quiet campground. This was our first visit and really enjoyed ourselves even though it rained some of the time. If you want to ride bikes or walk with your dogs/kids this place is for you. There’s also a kayak/canoe launch. We didn’t get in the water because it was cold but there’s lots of it! The sites are large and I honestly don’t think there’s a bad spot there. It’s a newer campground (will be 3 years old in April ’24). Our son completed the Junior Range program they had there and got two patches. They have two programs based on age. They were fun. Will definitely go back.
Oh yah and they have GREAT stickers for your RV. 😉 We had a hard time choosing!