1. Oak Grove Lake Park

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Chesapeake, VA

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Oak Grove Lake Park

4.6 (96 reviews)
Open • Open 24 hours

Oak Grove Lake Park Photos

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Recommended Reviews - Oak Grove Lake Park

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Belle A.

No better prescription for the midweek blahs than a walk in nature! Great ambiance this time of day! Perfect Fall weather!! Brisk and cool!!

Entrance
Peter T.

Nice little natural trail around a lake. It is about 1.5 miles for one rotation around the lake. There is paved parking lot for the park and there a relative decent sized playground for kids to play at. Only portapotty available for bathroom facilities which I guess is normal for the smaller parks in the area. The path is clean and nice but there are bicycles and other wheeled vehicles sharing the walking path. There were birds using the lake but I didn't see any sign of any fish or life in the lake so I am not sure if there are fish or anything else in the lake. I went to the right to start my walk and I am not sure if that was the wrong way but it seemed everyone was going the other way or it was just that I didn't catch up to anyone ahead of me so it looked like I was the only one walking my way. I took my walk on a supposed warm day but the weather changed and it was a little cold so I had to walk a little quicker than expected. There were people jogging the path, walking their dogs, and just sitting by the lake. There are lots of wooden pierlike structures that get you close to the water but like I said before, no signs of fish as far as I could see.

Angel E.

Omg!!! My friend took me to this park and wow.... I love it. The trail is nice and the view is the water is amazing. It's so peaceful when you need to think or just walk. Such a hidden gem.

Fish
Nicole H.

I love this park! There are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the nature. There's always something special going on such as a snake slithering by, or birds chirping, or a turtle popping its head out in the water. Around the 1.5 trail which is a circle around the water you have places to stop like picnic tables, benches, and docks for fishing. I do wish they'd add proper bathrooms and a water fountain. Parking is small and gets packed but across the street is parking by a business area. I have seen some updates to the children's park. I also think I saw some trail additions in the wooded area , there were lots of clearings going on, but haven't ventured to the new trail yet. If you're looking for a quiet spot or a place to have a picnic this is a good place!

Jadaia T.

Love nature? This is the perfect little trail for you! Located around a quiet lake with a distance of about 1.5 miles, Oak Grove Lake Park (OGLP) is truly a gem in the Chesapeake area. My husband and I frequent this park not only to get a run in, but also to walk our two small dogs and get some fresh air. Something I truly appreciate about OGLP is the size of the trail. It's large enough for others to pass by and comfortable for group walks. Not to mention the scenery is BREATHTAKING. Unfortunately, I have removed one star due to the lack of parking in the area, especially near the trail opening. (City of Chesapeake take notes!) However, OGLP is stunning and definitely worth a try.

Park rules
Yoonie L.

Oak Grove Lake Park (OGLP) is a great park to get some exercise and fresh air! Nature has such a positive effect on the mind and soul and it was just what we needed after the Christmas craziness. According to the City of Chesapeake's website, OGLP has 65 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands. I put two and two together and it's also the park that I drive by every time I get out of Chesapeake. It's located right next to the Chesapeake Expressway (it was a little nerve wrecking to be walking right next to the highway - it's only a small portion though). - Parking - There is a small lot, but overflow parking is along the sides leading out to the entrance of the parking. It was pretty busy since kids are off on Winter Break. - Trail - The trail is 1.5 miles total around a lake with mile markers at every quarter mile to keep you in check. The trail is easy, flat with no inclines. It's not paved, so don't really recommend little scooters for the kids, but bikes would be fine. And strollers would be great too. The trail has picnic tables, benches, trash cans and observation decks throughout, so plenty of opportunities for snack breaks or just contemplation. There are also exercise stations with signs. Lot of trees with beautiful view of the lake from different angles. The path is wide enough that there is enough room for two-way traffic as well as runners who want to pass. And the kids favorite part? The playground of course! It is located at the trail head. It seems pretty new, because it's not the generic playground structure you see at most parks. There are also Port-o-Potties located across from the playground for your convenience. - Pets - Sign indicated all pets must be on a leash, no longer than 5 feet. Stay safe, Friends!

Jamario P.

Really nice park for anyone wanting to walk or run. They do have areas for kids to play also. When I needed a place to prepare for a half marathon, my friend told me about this park. It was perfect. I sort of rediscovered my love for running again. 1 lap around the park is 1.5 miles

Alison M.

What a beautiful little park! Well-marked with every .25 miles easily ticked off on large wooden markers and a well-maintained and clear and flat footpath wide enough for like 10 people to walk beside one another so plenty of room to space out for walkers, runners, and dog-walkers. Almost no roots to worry about tripping over and super flat. We came this morning for a quick, small, work get-together outside so we could distance and enjoy some team bonding which we haven't done since before COVID took over. There is plenty of parking and signage for this park and it's easy to find via GPS. Parking is a small gravel lot at the end, or along the side of the rode on the shoulder (gravel and clear) if that lot fills up. There is a covered pavilion with about 4 large picnic tables at the entrance to the walking path with 3 well-kept portapotties far enough away to not gross you out if you eat there. Along the walk there are several stop-offs with benches for a rest or to just take in nature. Plenty of people were out running and working out and walking with their dogs, while it runs beside the interstate in a few areas, it feels like you're in the woods. This trail follows the lake and has beautiful water views. This is an excellent, easy 1.5 miles to run (I think I clocked a PR today) and something I plan to work into my training because I don't have to worry about spraining an ankle!

Heidi S.

We adore this park for leisurely walks and outdoor play and our little one always looks forward to a visit on the weekends. The parking situation on busy weekends can be discouraging - it is a very small lot and getting in and out can be tricky when it's crowded. You are able to park on Byron Street and I have seen plenty of people park in the nearby executive lots on weekends without issue. The park offers a clean, well-shaded play area and plenty of swings and opportunities to climb. There are a handful of benches around the playground and a nearby shelter for picnics. The only restrooms available are port-a-potties near this shelter and playground. There is a 1.5-mile loop around the lake that is mostly packed dirt but is clean and also shaded, depending on time of day. It's wide enough for bikes, runners and dog-walkers. The far end of the loop runs right next to the bypass, so it can be noisy at that end, but the majority of the trail is very peaceful with a few places to stop overlooking the water. Oak Grove Lake Park is well maintained by Chesapeake Parks and Rec and a beautiful spot to check out if you haven't already!

Matt F.

Great spot for a day or few minutes outside. Play structure for kids, clean porta potties, plenty of benches and picnic tables. The trail around the lake is a wide gravel 1.5 mile loop. There are several docks to relax on or fish. No swimming or boating.

Nicky S.

A 65 acre park of forest and wetlands with a 1/12 mile loop around the lake. Beautifully groomed, wide paths make it ideal for biking, walking or running. I only wish it was closer to my house to use it more often. It boats a large playground for the kids, areas for fishing, pet friendly, runner friendly, Covid friendly!

Trail near the back parking lot.
Joe D.

Nice place. Lots of sun and shade. It's huge and when I visited this afternoon there were lots of people about. Most were walking or exercising, out with their dogs and I also saw some folks fishing. My only complaint would be that parking needs to be expanded in a big way. The main parking lot is incredibly to small for the amount of people in the park. Not only were all the space full but so was the road to the space and some people were parked on the main road outside the park entrance. I ended up going to the 2nd lot at the end of Byron St and entering the park from the back by the highway. Time was limited this afternoon however I've planned my next visit to be an early morning visit so I can walk the entire loop around the lake.

Entrance
Angela W.

This is one of Chesapeake's largest parks. The lake view is enjoyed when walking on the trail or when fishing in the few decks. There's an entrance from the park lot that gives patrons a brief feel of being in a swamp land. Great for families with young children as there's a playground.

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4 months ago

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10 months ago

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5 months ago

Great place to walk and enjoy the scenery. The area is shaded and the lake is calming.

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Photo of Belle A.
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3 years ago

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5 years ago

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1 year ago

Pretty damn good park only giving 4 stars because I couldn't catch any fish that's no fault of the park this is a great park !

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5 years ago

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6 years ago

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2 years ago

Great park to walk, run, take your children and pets too. It's very clean and the walking path is wide so plenty of room for everyone :)

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4 years ago

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

It's a surprise park in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of Battlefield Blvd and I-64. I wish I lived closer to go every day.

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Page 1 of 3

Ask the Community - Oak Grove Lake Park

Can u go swimming in the water?

Swimming is NOT allowed :-(

Is it open 24/7 and is parking free or no?

The park is open from 9am-5pm daily and parking is free.

Is there a crabbing spot here?

This is not a good crabbing spot, It is a manmade lake. THere are only 4 different types of fish that are in the small lake

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Oak Grove Lake Park

“The park also includes a shelter, plenty of benches, fishing piers and a playground (although the playground is closed due to Covid 19).”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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Chesapeake Arboretum - 2026 camellia PART of the 200 collection

Chesapeake Arboretum

4.1(27 reviews)
1.2 mi

What a lovely arboretum. It is a good size for this area. Tons of trees and spring is amazing…read more Camillas are everywhere and are gorgeous. Great walk. Mostly dirt path. Views: TREES, water areas. Barns and structures, bridges, flowers, wildlife , great for adults and kids , gazebo . Also great to book events. Easy hike and even in the summer it is great because it is shaded wooded area My favorite when we arrived one of our visits there was knowledgeable parks and rec. gave us a history lesson that was AWESOME!!!!!!!!

Came here on a whim but probably should have made sure I was ready to visit here. When I arrived,…read moreI actually had to use the restroom. Bad timing as there is only a portapotty in the parking lot for needs. It was so so clean but I wanted to wash my hands after and there was no water, water fountain no water, water hose, sink, and spigot no water. So I used my drinking water fountain for hand washing. Not ideal. After that fiasco, I walked across the street and went to the trails. I luckily took a picture of the map as I almost immediately got lost in the trail while thinking I was going to make it to the lake. There are bridges that are luckily marked and trees that are marked to kind of mark where you are. I found this out only after 30 minutes lost in the woods. There are many splits in the path that throws your sense of direction off. Anyway, I guess I enjoyed being lost on the trail and there was not much to see except a few bugs, squirrels, and trees. There was only one bush that had flowers and the lake was nice, full of turtles but other than that this is just a peaceful walk around the forest. There are little creeks, lots of homes, and different species of trees that line the trail. There also has been some vandalism as there are burn spots where it looks like some firebug was trying to start a fire on the trail. Overall, a peaceful walk but make sure you take a picture of the map in the beginning and pay attention to the markings on the trees and bridge so you don't get lost.

Photos
Chesapeake Arboretum - Beautiful mushrooms

Beautiful mushrooms

Chesapeake Arboretum
Chesapeake Arboretum - Map

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Map

Paradise Creek Nature Park

Paradise Creek Nature Park

4.1(17 reviews)
4.3 mi

This is a hidden gem. It is small. About 2 miles of Loop trails. Gravel and dirt paths. Trails have…read moreviews of trees, wildflowers, birds, very small marsh, and a bridge. Super Easy hike, great for people of all ages, dogs, and runners. The extras I love about this park is they have structures built out of natural materials. I will include pictures. They also have colorful art in random areas on the paths. I included a couple of pictures of that too. The paths are VERY well marked. It is impossible to get lost. They have a HUMONGOUS American ELm and near there is a small secret path area that is more like the hiking that I prefer. It is always nice to explore. They also have a kayak area with a kayak ramp. They have a little playground. Next to the playground is a covered area that they hold lectures. There is a picnic table area. They have 2 porta potties. There is a couple of buildings on site but they were not open so I'm just mentioning them. Parking was fantastic. There were quite a few vehicles when were showed up but we saw a few people but it did not seem that busy. So this is a win for us. We walked it a couple of times just to make sure we saw it all and like I said super easy hike. If your in the area check it out

A perfect day for a family adventure!!! Rock collecting, dandelions a picking and meeting new…read morefriends at the park! There's plenty of things to do! Different hiking routes and a kayak landing area! They have plenty of benches around the trail to take a little breather. Parking area available. Pet friendly, just make sure you pick up after your fur baby. They do have poop baggies available at the entrance.

Photos
Paradise Creek Nature Park - Kayak ramp

Kayak ramp

Paradise Creek Nature Park - They have lots of wildflowers

They have lots of wildflowers

Paradise Creek Nature Park - There are choke berries everywhere

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There are choke berries everywhere

Pagoda & Garden Foundation - Lights camera action!

Pagoda & Garden Foundation

4.3(32 reviews)
7.1 mi

I am reviewing the garden portion of the pagoda. I have not been lucky enough to be here when the…read moreinside is open yet. I grew up in Norfolk, and this was always one of my favorite places to visit whether it was with my little brother just walking around or with the school photography team the pagoda is always a peaceful spot in the middle of downtown chaos There are often groups taking family photos, and during the summer you find a lot of people playing Pokémon go as there are several spots here to collect items The pond has several healthy looking fish and they even come up to the surface and seem to smile at you This is a very short walk from nauticus or waterside after a good meal it's nice to walk here and relax before heading home

I came here after going to a sports card show in Norfolk. It wasn't a planned visit but I was just…read morelooking for something interesting to look at since I had a lot of free time and the weather was nice on Saturday. I thought it would be a lot larger but the spot is quite small but it is very nice to walk around. There are also lots of nice areas adjacent to the garden and terrace as well. I parked in front of the garden went around it and then found the USS Wisconsin and the Naval museum just past the garden. I went around and finished checking out the other side of the garden after. The parking was free for 2 hrs in front of the garden and it seemed like parking in general was plentiful and open this weekend. It looked like college dormitories around the garden and some other residential areas around the middle of downtown Norfolk. There were many nice plants in the garden, the terrace was nice but not open as far as I could tell, and the koi pond was nice if someone would clean out the pond scum from the fish pond. There were small bridges over the water and multiple water fountains in the koi pond. There were a few benches to sit on if you wanted to just relax or meditate in the garden. Overall, it was a nice garden but it is not something to go downtown to see, but it is a nice additional thing to see if you are going to the USS Wisconsin and the Naval museum or if you staying in downtown area. Lots of people were exercising (walking and jogging) so it is a nice scene to pass by if you are doing that.

Photos
Pagoda & Garden Foundation - One of thee best photography spots in Norfolk

One of thee best photography spots in Norfolk

Pagoda & Garden Foundation
Pagoda & Garden Foundation - Statue at entrance

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Williams Farms Park

Williams Farms Park

4.7(6 reviews)
9.4 mi

I love the sunset views and I absolutely love the exercising equipment and the walk is fun and…read moregreat to clear your mind and help with anxiety and stress! The walk is tranquil and calm, the after dark is so so fun, great for friend hangouts!!

Initially, before I even visited this park my thoughts were, it's just a simple huge field with a…read moreflat path. Well I was wrong in a sense. Clearly it is a simple roundabout flat paved circuit, but it's so much more than that to many different people. One, it's great for me because I'm not supposed to navigate uneven terrain yet. There was plenty of real estate to do my walk and give the regenerated ankle some exercise. I didn't walk around the elementary school nearby, just the path immediately that encompasses the bathroom. That path alone twice was a little over 2 miles roughly. The park is perfect if you have well behaved dogs. Plenty of room for Fido to run around. There were several people with their dogs walking. I saw a man run his remote controlled car through the field and walkways, a kid and his parental vision ride across on a dirt bike, and a man and his little kid on his atv. You name it! The field is massive you really won't run into anyone because of the amount of space! There were several soccer goals out there too. I'm sure this a perfect place for Impromptu soccer games and football games, they probably even hold games there. There isn't many benches, I saw at least one aside from the ones in the two mini shelters. There isn't a lot of shade so if you want to get some sun this a good place. There are trees along parts of the path for partial shade. I feel this would be a good place to teach kids how to ride a bike, or to cruise on a skateboard. Close to the parking lot they have outdoor exercise equipment provided by AARP that is protected by sun shades which is wonderful! I got on the elliptical bike for a minute or so and did step ups on the various level platforms. It's a good resource for anyone really! I think it's great and I'm thankful that it's available for anyone to use. Super smart as well to place sun shades up high to protect people from the sun as well as to protect the longevity of the equipment. Bathrooms are close to the parking lot with water fountains.

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Williams Farms Park - The field

The field

Williams Farms Park - Track

Track

Williams Farms Park

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Oak Grove Lake Park - parks - Updated October 2026

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