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It’s not every day that a park expands by 20% with the potential of increasing recreational activities. However, Caledon State Park has reached that milestone this year.
On August 5, 2025, DCR acquired the new Lake Caledon property thanks to the many partnerships that were in place. Teamwork is truly key in any project, especially in conservation efforts.
Caledon State Park now spans 3,034 acres of protected land, including 2,355 acres of forest and a rich mosaic of habitats—old fields, ponds, streams, marshes, shoreline and beach. At its heart lies the historic Smoot family home site, a reminder of the park’s cultural roots. The addition of the Lake Caledon property enhances this remarkable conservation story, preserving even more of Virginia’s natural heritage for future generations.
We are excited to highlight this new property. As things are developing, be sure to check out the park’s website for more information.
The new property is undeveloped, mostly forested and located south of Caledon State Park.
The northern half of the property lies across the road from the existing state park and features a mix of forests and open farm fields, with informal trails connecting to the Dahlgren Heritage Rail Trail. The southern half, across the rail trail, is more densely forested and includes a scenic 47-acre lake surrounded by wetlands. Multiple crossings over the trail link both halves, enhancing access and recreational potential.
In addition to its natural features, the property boasts approximately 4,300 feet of frontage along State Route 218, a designated Virginia Scenic Byway. This prominent location enhances its visibility and accessibility for visitors.
Potential developments include cabins, campgrounds, fishing docks, paddle canoe and kayak launch areas, expanded trails, an open-air music venue and a conference center.
Due to its 18-year designation as a natural area, Caledon has historically offered limited recreational amenities compared to other Virginia state parks. However, with this new property, the park is now able to expand its recreational offerings while maintaining its conservation mission.
There are many processes to follow when it comes to acquiring land, but luckily this project had momentum from the start. Community support was easy to muster up as this land acquisition was initiated by local citizens and the Friends of Caledon State Park who gave numerous presentations to the public at County Board of Supervisors meetings over the last several years.
Laurie Schlemm played a key role in preserving her family’s land, which had been in her family for seven generations. Determined not to see it turned into a subdivision, she brought together the right people and helped drive the effort to have the property added to the park.
“I began by speaking with Nina Cox, the Park Manager at Caledon State Park, to confirm whether the park was even interested in expanding. Gaining her full support was the essential first step,” explained Schlemm. “From there, I started connecting with key individuals across the county, the state, and within DCR. I organized tours of the property for these stakeholders, including a visit from the former Director of DCR. During that tour, he remarked, “This would be an amazing addition to Caledon State Park.” That moment was a turning point—it gave me real hope.”
As the project gained momentum, Schlemm knew that fundraising would be key to bringing this project to fruition.
“Stuart Ashton, then President of the Northern Neck Land Conservancy, introduced me to the Rappahannock Region Community Foundation, which helped launch our fundraising efforts,” said Schlemm. “He also connected me with Lynda Frost from the Trust for Public Land, who became the central figure tying everything together. Her coordination was instrumental. But the greatest credit goes to Jarrell Properties of Fredericksburg, Virginia—the developer who purchased the land. They gave me the time and space I needed to turn this vision into reality.”
DCR manages two types of public lands that serve two vital purposes: State Parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and education, while Natural Area Preserves prioritize the protection of rare species and natural communities, with limited recreational access.
Caledon State Park stands as a powerful example of what conservation can achieve. Thanks to dedicated efforts to protect sensitive habitats, the American bald eagle—once endangered—now soars freely overhead. Their presence here is a living symbol of the success of habitat preservation and the ongoing work of conservation professionals across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“Conserving this property as an addition to Caledon State Park will help reduce water pollution in the Chesapeake Bay as well as serve as an economic opportunity for King George County and the state park system,” said Cox. “We are very proud of all the conservation efforts in this area, especially at the park. We look forward to sharing the new property with the public.”
Plan your trip to Caledon today and be sure to check out the upcoming events and programs to enhance your park experience. Whether you prefer to enjoy a day trip or want to check out the reservation system to see if a campsite is available, Caledon State Park has your next adventure waiting for you.
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