Description
Mason Neck State Park is a gem among Virginia’s fine state parks. The nature center, which provides information about natural history and the park’s trails and wildlife, has been wonderfully landscaped with butterfly gardens. During summer months, butterflies and dragonflies may outnumber visitors. Trails depart from the nature center and offer expansive vistas of Belmont and Occoquan Bays. These rich bodies of water offer year-round birding opportunities that include raptor viewing, wintering waterfowl, wading birds, and migrating Caspian Terns. The park’s paths also ramble through deciduous forest whose canopy towers overhead. Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Great-crested Flycatcher breed here during summer months, and migration swells the number of woodland bird species to over 100.
Notes:
- This park has all-terrain wheelchairs available for children and adults. Click here for more information and the reservation form.
Wildlife Sightings
216 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Mason Neck State Park:
- Canada Goose
- Mourning Dove
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Great Blue Heron
- Osprey
- Bald Eagle
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Blue Jay
- Carolina Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Mar 2026 | 19 | Vincent Ricci |
| 8 Mar 2026 | 11 | Glen Gerada |
| 8 Mar 2026 | 9 | Casey Pittrizzi |
| 5 Mar 2026 | 28 | Ron Vogel |
| 4 Mar 2026 | 31 | Ginger Hays |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events, Viewing Blinds
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079
From Woodbridge, head north on US-1/Richmond Hwy, tturn right onto VA-242 E/VA-600/Gunston Rd, slight right onto High Point Rd, turn right onto Outlet and follow it to the parking area.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Fee, Daily
Contact Information:
- Phone: 703-339-2385
- Email: masonneck@dcr.virginia.gov
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.