Burke Lake Park

I was surprised when I finally realized that I live so closely to such a large park (218 acres) in Fairfax County. I went rowing on the lake (which is really hard on the arms!) and hiking along the trails (some parts of the obstacle course could be constructed better). I was disappointed that the ice cream parlor serves regular ice cream, not anything creative and truly fun to eat. The park is in a good location and is free to Fairfax County residents. You need a fishing license to fish. The train looks like fun to ride. The mini golf course was crowded, and I did not feel like waiting in line for such a small course. Next time, I will have to try camping and picnicking with the grills.

One of the main disappointments about this small course is that its always packed with people, older to be more precise. So you constantly have to wait for people in front of you and then when you get to tee off you realize that the tee boxes are a mess, divots from days before not fixed by grounds keeper. The only positive about this place is the location. Its located right next the park which has good trails and camping area around the lake. Great for the family, just skip the golf.

PROS: Location
CONS: Too busy

We love to fish at Burke Lake. There are many great places to set up and spend the day. It is an 8 mile walk around the lake and it's a great place for a walk with the family. I'm not sure if you can rent boats here like other lakes, but I think you can. They do not have a snack bar, but just vending machines. Good shady parking, but only portable potties for bathroom facilities.

The Burke Lake Park is open every day. The major attractions of the park are fishing, boating, camping and rowboat rentals. Apart from this you will find a small train, a carousel and ice cream parlor for the kids to enjoy. There are picnic areas with grills where the entire family can spend the day and also explore other areas of the park. The outdoor volleyball courts and open fields provide a good place for sports enthusiasts. Golfers can enjoy an 18-hole par 3 golf course. For the adventurous there is a hiking/biking/jogging/fitness trail. The park also features a clubhouse with snack bar and driving range, disk golf, horse shoe pits, 3 playgrounds and an amphitheater. The surprise element is the brand new miniature golf course. This is a great place to spend the weekend.

Entrance Fees:

* There is no charge for Fairfax County residents.
* Charge for non-county residents on weekends and holidays April through October:

Car/Motorcycle: $6.00
Large Capacity Van: $8.00
Bus: $40.00

Burke Lake Park's 888 acres feature:

A 218-acre lake with fishing, boating, rowboat rental, camping, a miniature train, a carousel, outdoor volleyball courts, open fields, an 18-hole par 3 golf course, clubhouse with snack bar and driving range, disk golf, horse shoe pits, an ice cream parlor, picnic areas with grills, hiking/biking/jogging/fitness trail, 3 playgrounds, amphitheater, and a brand new miniature golf course. Nominal fees are required for boat rentals, camping, carousel, train and other activities. Swimming is prohibited.

Burke Lake is owned by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), the surrounding park land comprising Burke Lake Park is owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA).

Many of the rules and regulations including the operating hours concerning the lake, fishing, the VDGIF public boat launch and parking area are established by the VDGIF and may vary from the rules, regulations and hours established b

PROS: Entrance is free for Fairfax County residents
CONS: Swimming is not allowed in the lake