About the Basin: Burke Lake Park

Burke Lake Park

7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia

Burke Park Lake at sunset.

Photo Credit: Burke Lake Park by Martin Chen (Flickr)

Are you a golfer? A train enthusiast? Are you into volleyball? Fishing? Or maybe orienteering is your thing. Whatever it is, Burke Lake Park has you covered. This 888-acre park in Fairfax Station, Virginia boasts a variety of activities for all interests, ages, and abilities. Just visit for the day or stay overnight at the Burke Lake campground.

Burke Lake has a 4.7-mile scenic trail along its shoreline that is perfect for bikers, hikers, and walkers. It was voted one of the top best fitness trails in the nation by American Hiking Society.

Bring your boat or rent one to get out on the lake. They have fishing kayaks, canoes, or electric motorboats available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lake is known for the strong largemouth bass population so don’t forget your fishing pole.

Kids and adults adore riding the Miniature Central Specific Huntington Steam Engine. A $5 ticket gets you a 10-minute ride through the woods on the mini-train.  After your train ride, head over to the carousel for some old-fashioned fun.

Amenities at the Park will provide a sporting-good time. There are three types of golf—mini-, regular-sized, and frisbee golf—plus, a driving range to practice your swing. You can feel the sand beneath your feet as you spike a ball on their volleyball courts.

Adventurers can try their hand at orienteering, a navigational sport that uses a map and compass. There are three different maps to choose from: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Geocaching sites are located throughout the park as well.

Join Park staff for one of the many interesting classes and activities, like Twilight by Kayak, Campfire Cooking, and Birdwatching for Beginners.

Visit the Burke Lake Information Center for orienteering maps, frisbee golf score cards, and more information on ways to enjoy your visit to the Park.

Don’t forget to wrap-up the fun day with a hand-dipped scoop at the Burke Lake Park ice cream parlor.