Powhatan State Park is a relatively recent addition to Virginia’s state park system on the James River in central Virginia. Occupying 1,565 acres and about two miles of riverfront, it was created to broaden public access to day-use and overnight recreation along the river after the land was transferred in 2003 from the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Officially opened on July 6, 2013, the park includes forests, field edges, and multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. River access, fishing, wildlife viewing, campgrounds, picnic shelters, and playgrounds make it a varied outdoor destination.