Occoquan Regional Park — Attraction in Lake Ridge

Nice park. Lots of open grassy areas. The cafe is nice but I'm starting to get a bit concerned about things I've seen. Dogs with inattentive owners on the patio, growling and barking as people pass them. Dogs allowed to urinate on the brick wall of the flower bed right next to tables where people eat. Dogs shaking loose fur in the air while you're eating. The tables are close enough to be affected by that flying hair and dander. There are tables inside where I have not seen a dog, however, that doesn't mean they're not allowed in there. There is no signage that says they're not. Aside from that, I don't want to be relegated inside so inconsiderate people with dogs can take over the patio. And I love dogs!! But there is enough green space for them outside of the cafe and patio. It is such a small patio that it's too close for an unwanted nip or bite. I cringed each time someone walked passed one couple's dog. The dog kept barking and it's parents were oblivious.

People are also just being rude and leaving tables full of plates and their trash - even when it's obvious that others are waiting for a table. Seriously? You didn't leave a tip or pay exhorbantly - clean up after yourselves. How are the park and cafe supposed to stay nice, clean and welcoming when people do that? There's limited staff so they can't always run out to bus tables. That's just not how it's set up.

Some families have allowed their children to use that small patio as a playground. Never mind that people are eating. Kids climb into the flower beds pulling out soil, pulling the leaves and flowers off of the beautiful landscaping. Kids running around tables. I love children. I love pets. But come on people. If your pet or child is all over the place in the cafe please correct them so we can all enjoy this small outside space. If they're not ready to be around people and food, take them back out to the fields and let them play out there.

The park and cafe are lovely spaces for people to congregate and enjoy. I am hopeful that those same people keep in mind that in order for it to stay lovely we all have to...

DO NOT RENT A KAYAK FROM HERE!!!!!!!!!!! Super disappointed! I rented one kayak from here for an hour. The gave me flat oars, that didn't work. Everytime I tried to oar straight, it would take me to the left side slowly. Even when I tried to turn to the right to stop going left, it would still go to the left. Which was ridiculous. I brought my own kayak also, for my sister to use and she had no trouble with her oars because they were curved. She was able to go straight without any issues. Therefore, it was not the current nor the wind that caused the kayak to go to the left and turn in circles. It was the oars. And then the two teenagers working at the office said that I had to pay for the second hour even though the oars they gave me were useless!!!! I ended up kayaking for two hours because the kayak kept going in circles!!!!! I explained to both of the teenagers working there that the oars were not working and they wouldn't even give me a discount. They said they wouldn't give me a refund because they said the oars are fine. And they were not! I know how to kayak and it is because of those terrible oars I was stuck in the rocks and the sand. Which is absurd!!!!!!!!!!! I should be getting a refund for the terribly flat oars they gave me. Do not rent a kayak...

The Occoquan Regional Park is a fantastic place to spend a day! It offers something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s exploring the park trails, practicing at the batting cage, kayaking down the river, or savoring a cup of coffee at the waterfront cafe. Across the river is the historic Town of Occoquan where you can find our favorite pie and pastry shop -- Mom’s Apple Pie.

🅿️ Lots of parking available ✅ A paved loop trail (I think it’s 5 miles long but not 💯 sure. ✅ Hiking trails for cyclists, walkers, and runners. ✅ Kayaks (single and double) and standup paddle boards for rent. ✅ Several picnic covered shelters for rent. Each shelter has one grill available for use. Personal grills are not permitted anywhere on park grounds. ✅ Fishing. ✅ Turning Point Suffragist Memorial honoring the women who were imprisoned at the Occoquan Workhouse. ✅ An old beehive brick kiln. ✅ Brickmakers Cafe for casual waterfront dining.

⏰Cafe Hours: May 1- Sept 6 Mon - Sun: 11am-7pm / Grill closes at 6pm

❤️❤️ A baseball/softball batting cage with pitching machines of...