York River State Park in Virginia

Trip Overview

The York River is a long and broad estuary that extends from West Point (the confluence of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers) to the Chesapeake Bay.

The park is divided into two sections.
Croaker Landing is a popular fishing destination for anglers seeking Atlantic Croaker, a smaller yet tasty relative of the Red Drum. The main section of the park sits on a bluff overlooking the York and Taskinas Creek. Ranger guided trips along the creek and river are very popular. Visitors are more than welcome to launch their own boats at either location. Only park canoes and kayaks are allowed on the seven acre Woodstock Pond.

Fees:

Call the park office for rental prices (757)566-3036.
Anglers must have a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license for the York and Taskinas or a freshwater license for Woodstock.

Directions:

From Richmond:

Take I-64 East to the Croaker exit (Croaker Road). To go to Croaker Landing, keep straight on Croaker Rd and look for the driveway to Croaker Landing on your right. For the main section of the park, from Croaker Rd turn right on Riverview Rd. Turn left at the sign for York River State Park.

From Norfolk:
Take I-64 west and follow the directions above.

Launches:

Launch fees: $6 at Croaker Landing. Small, non-motorized boats launch from the shoreline between the boat ramps and the pier. $2 at the main section of the park on weekdays and $3 on weekends. The launching pier is to the left of the visitor's center down the hill on Taskinas Creek.

Contact:

The park's website is
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/yor.shtml.

The park office is (757)566-3036

Resources:

General park maps can be obtained at the contact stations at Croaker Landing and the main section as well as the visitor's center. NOAA nautical chart 12243 covers this stretch of the York River.