Shot Tower State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- dcr.virginia.gov(276) 699-6778
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Shot Tower State Park is a park in Wythe County, about 13 miles southeast of Wytheville.
Visitors come for hiking and picnicking.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | sunrise – sunset | — |
Official wording
The grounds are open from Dawn to dusk.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Pets
'Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of our parks.' 'Leashes may be no longer than 6 feet.' 'Pets are not permitted in yurts.' 'There is a $20 additional nightly charge per pet for cabin stays. There is no additional charge for pets in campgrounds.'
Statewide rule from Virginia's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
'A parking fee is required to enter most Virginia State Parks.' False Cape, Natural Bridge, Sailor's Creek Battlefield, Staunton River Battlefield and Southwest Virginia Museum do not charge parking, but Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum charge admission.
Statewide fee rule from Virginia's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Virginia park passes
- Naturally Yours Passport — $85. Parking and admission for 12 months to all State Parks (admission for up to 4 at Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum) Details
- Senior Naturally Yours Passport — $40. Parking and admission for 12 months, age 62+ Details
- Naturally Yours Passport for Boaters/Equestrians — $180. Parking plus boat-launch / horse-trailer fees for 12 months Details
- Senior Naturally Yours Passport for Boaters/Equestrians — $145. As above, age 62+ Details
From the Virginia state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Virginia State Parks reservation system (reservevaparks.com)
- Phone
- 800-933-7275
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
None - day use only, but see New River Trail State Park for overnight camping facilities near this park. For information on availability of other parks' overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.
Camping
Camping
Primitive camping is available about .2 miles along New River Trail. Call 800-933-7275 to make reservations.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
HikingPicnicking
Trails
Hiking at New River Trail State Park.
Swimming
None at this park.
Boating, paddling and fishing
None at the tower, but boat access and rentals are available at New River Trail State Park.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
The grounds and restrooms of the Shot Tower are accessible. The Shot Tower itself is not accessible; however, photos of the tower and the views are on display. A virtual tour of the shot tower is available.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 116 Orphanage Dr.
Max Meadows, VA 24360 - Nearest town
- Wytheville — about 13 mi southeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 36.8684, -80.8723
- Phone
- (276) 699-6778
- newrivertrail@dcr.virginia.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
From I-77, take exit 24 and go north on Route 52 for two miles. Drive Time: Northern Virginia, six and a half hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: seven and a half hours; Roanoke, one and a half hours
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Virginia State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated May 13, 2026
- Virginia State Parks 'Find a park' list (HTML, one 'Name (CODE)' link per park)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology