Outdoors & Recreation
No matter what kind of outdoor activities you are looking for, Newport News offers it all. Our moderate climate along with our excellent location (conveniently near Williamsburg, Yorktown, Hampton, Norfolk, and a short drive to Virginia Beach) makes Newport News the perfect place to explore. Stroll one of our beaches, go bird watching, cycling or mountain biking, boating, disc golfing or fishing for some salt or freshwater fish in our lakes, reservoirs or the Chesapeake Bay, where you'll find some of the best fishing in Virginia! And if you're looking for a place to take your furry friend for some adventure, learn more about our Pet-Friendly Places in Newport News.
If you would like an overnight outdoor adventure, learn more about camping in Newport News and reserve one of our 188 modern campsites at Newport News Park. At 7,711 acres, it is one of the largest municipal parks east of the Mississippi River.
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Leeward Marina
"Set your course" (37 degrees 1' N, 76 degrees 27' W) for Leeward Marina, conveniently located on the historic James River at the base of the James River Bridge. From this centralized location, you will find easy access to Hampton Roads Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. Leeward Marina has floating docks with full length finger piers for easy and safe mooring of vessels up to 43 feet. Three concrete seawalls provide protection from severe weather. Each of our 200 wet slips is equipped with water and electrical hookups.
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Newport News Park
One of the largest municipal parks (7,500+ acres) east of the Mississippi River, Newport News Park offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, biking, mountain biking, picnicking, paddleboating, canoeing, archery and freshwater fishing. Year-round camping is available at 188 campsites, most of which include grills, electrical hook-ups and concrete pads. Each campsite loop has a separate facilities building with hot showers and restrooms. The park offers a 5.3 mile, hard-packed gravel, bike loop beginning at the Campsite Office. The path is fairly well shaded with an overhead canopy from beautiful trees. Part of the loop crosses into the Colonial National Historical Park, where you can view a placard on the site of where George Washington’s headquarters were during the American Revolutionary War.
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Newport News Park Discovery Center
Located in Newport News Park, the Discovery Center features nature programs and exhibits on site. It is also the location for the Wildlife Rehabilitation program in Newport News. In close proximity to the Newport News Visitor Center and the Lee Hall fishing area.
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Richneck Road Trail
Located on Richneck Road in Newport News Park, the trail covers 8 miles of novice-level natural surface.
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Riverview Farm Park
Riverview Farm Park is home to the Fantasy Farm Playground, a 30,000 sq. ft. community playground in an open area. Picnic areas and restrooms are conveniently located near the playground and soccer field. Use of the family sized picnic shelters is first come-first served. The large barn-shaped shelter, which is situated in the middle of the playground, is for general public use. A group shelter, located across the parking lot, can be reserved for special picnics and activities and will accommodate up to 100 people (for reservations call 757-886-7912 or visit Make A Reservation - Newport News Parks & Recreation (nnparksandrec.org) A Concession Stand is open weekends throughout the summer. April through October. Another attraction at Riverview Farm Park is the two miles of paved multi-use trails surrounding the playground and soccer fields. In addition, a trail leading from the Riverview Farm Park Visitor Center (located at the end of City Farm Road) to the shore of the Warwick River also provides a beautiful setting for a leisurely walk. The Visitor Center is currently available (by reservation) throughout the week for groups requesting special interpretive programs.