Oak Grove Lake Park

A Lakeside Haven

Found in Chesapeake, Virginia, Oak Grove Lake Park spans 157 acres of natural beauty. At its heart lies a 65-acre lake circled by a 1.5-mile multi-use trail great for jogging, strolling, or biking. As you make your way around, you'll be treated to gorgeous views of the water, wooded areas, and if you're lucky, some of the local wildlife going about their day.

The park blends hardwood forest with wetland areas, creating a home for all sorts of plants and critters. Keep your eyes peeled for waterfowl and songbirds from the various lookout spots along the path. If you visit in spring, the wisteria blooms add vibrant color to parts of the park.

The lake has notably clear water that sometimes takes on an emerald-green hue. The sunsets here are impressive, with the sky reflecting beautifully on the water's surface.

Get Active or Just Relax

For fishing enthusiasts, the lake contains largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill, with several fishing platforms positioned around the water for easy access. Just remember to bring your Virginia freshwater fishing license if you're 16 or older.

For families, there's a modern playground area near the entrance where kids can slide, swing, and climb to their hearts' content. Fitness enthusiasts haven't been forgotten either - six outdoor fitness stations dot the trail, great for mixing strength training with your cardio routine.

The trail is wide, flat, and mostly shaded by trees, providing relief even during hot Virginia summers. Distance markers help you keep track of how far you've gone as you complete the loop.

Features for Everyone

Oak Grove Lake Park is designed to be welcoming to all visitors, featuring an ADA-accessible trail and five ADA-accessible fishing/observation platforms. Around the park, you'll find picnic tables and benches where you can sit and soak in the natural beauty around you.

Near the playground, there's a covered picnic shelter with four tables - ideal for family outings. More picnic spots are scattered along the trail and by the lake, with some areas equipped with BBQ grills if you're in the mood for an outdoor cookout.

For bathroom breaks, the park provides portable toilets near the entrance, including an ADA-compliant option. Just note that there aren't any permanent restrooms or water fountains, so you might want to bring your own water bottle.

Good to Know

The parking situation can be a bit tight, especially on weekends and during popular times. The main lot fills up quickly, but you can usually find some street parking on nearby roads if needed.

Four-legged friends are welcome to join you, but they'll need to stay on leashes no longer than 5 feet. You can find pet waste stations with bags along the trail to help keep the park clean for everyone.

While Oak Grove offers a peaceful escape, it's worth mentioning that it sits near the Chesapeake Expressway. You might notice some background traffic noise in certain areas, but honestly, the gorgeous surroundings make it easy to tune out.