In a world where access to public off-road trails continues to shrink and restrictions grow tighter, VA Off-Road (a 501c3 non profit) is stepping forward with a bold and exciting initiative — our own dedicated off-road park, built by off-roaders, for off-roaders. This isn’t just a dream. It’s already taking shape thanks to the passion, energy, and commitment of our members. But now, more than ever, we need your help to bring this ambitious project to life.
Whether you’re a seasoned wheeler with lockers and a winch or just dipping your tires into the off-road world with a stock ride, this park will offer a safe, accessible, and exciting home for you and your rig. And for just $24 a year — less than the cost of a single tank of gas — you can be a part of something historic.
You can also donate one time below using PayPal if you wish.
Why We’re Building This Park
Virginia has some fantastic trails. From Bald Mountain to Bobblet’s Gap, Second Mountain to Potts Mountain, we’ve enjoyed what nature has to offer. But trail access in Virginia is limited, fragmented, and often threatened by closures, overcrowding, or lack of maintenance. Many of the best trails lie in the fragile balance between recreational use and environmental protection.
We’re grateful for what we have — but the time has come to take control of our future and create a permanent, dedicated space where responsible off-roading is welcomed, not restricted. That’s why VA Off-Road has launched the Virginia Off-Road Park Project: a member-driven campaign to establish the state’s first nonprofit off-road park built with education, safety, and adventure in mind.
What the Park Will Include
This park won’t be just another rutted-out field or rock pile. It’s being designed from the ground up to include a variety of obstacle zones, technical trails, and training areas for off-roaders of all levels. Whether you’re driving a trail-ready Jeep, a Toyota Tacoma with a lift kit, or even testing a factory-stock Ford Bronco Sport, there will be something for everyone.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Beginner Loops with easy grades and wide turns — ideal for first-timers or stock vehicles
- Intermediate Trails that include small rock gardens, off-camber turns, and light water crossings
- Technical Rock Crawling Zones for rigs with lockers, beadlocks, and an appetite for adventure
- Hill Climbs and Descents with safe bypasses for drivers who want to test their traction
- A Mud Playground for those who love to sling some dirt
- Training and Educational Area for VA Off-Road to teach new off-roaders about safe, eco-friendly wheeling
- Family and Picnic Areas, including scenic pull-offs and shaded spaces to unwind
Our goal is to make this park not just a playground — but a classroom, a gathering space, and a symbol of what can happen when off-roaders come together for a common cause.
The $45,000 Fundraising Goal (that’s half)
Building this off-road park isn’t cheap — and we wouldn’t want it to be. We are building it right, with responsibility and sustainability at the forefront.
We’ve set a fundraising target of $45,000 for the first phase of development. (the other half will come from corporate sponsors and grants). This will help cover:
- Land improvements and grading
- Trail construction and obstacle building
- Safety signage and park infrastructure
- Permit and zoning fees
- Initial insurance and legal setup
This figure isn’t plucked from the air. It’s the result of hours of research, consulting with land planners, engineers, and park operators across the East Coast. This figure is what we need to get the gates open.
And with your help — we can reach it.
How You Can Help Right Now
Every member, every donation, and every share makes a difference. Here’s how you can be a part of it:
1. Become a Paid Member
For just $24 per year, you become part of something much bigger than a sticker on your rig. Paid members will receive:
- Free welcome kit that includes a member badge, Frog and wristband.
- 24-hour access to the off-road park, once it opens
- Exclusive invites to soft openings, test trail days, and trail-building weekends
- Early access to badges, gear, and events
- A direct vote in the ongoing development and growth of the park
Even better — your membership donation is fully tax-deductible, because VA Off-Road is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
2. Make a One-Time or Recurring Donation
Even if you’re already a member, we welcome one-time donations of any amount. Recurring monthly donations make a huge difference by giving us consistent funds to plan with confidence.
You can donate directly through our website: www.vaoffroad.org
3. Help Us Find Corporate Sponsors
We’re currently seeking corporate partners to help match the funds raised by our members. If your business — or a business you know — would like to:
- Support outdoor recreation
- Reach a passionate community of loyal off-roaders
- Get their logo featured on signage, social media, events, and vehicles
…we want to talk! Corporate donations not only help us meet our goal faster, but also help legitimize the project in the eyes of city and county officials.
4. Spread the Word
Sharing our mission online, inviting friends to become members, and talking about the park at your local meetups or Jeep night might be the thing that reaches someone with a passion — or a connection — that helps push us over the top.
What This Park Means for Virginia
The Virginia Off-Road Park isn’t just a cool idea. It’s a game-changer.
- It gives new off-roaders a place to learn without fear.
- It keeps more veteran wheelers engaged with new challenges.
- It creates a family-friendly destination that’s open year-round.
- It offers educational opportunities for off-road safety and land conservation.
- It strengthens the off-road community and supports rural economies nearby.
Off-roading has always been about community. And yet, we’ve been at the mercy of land closures, environmental politics, and inconsistent trail access for far too long.
This park changes that. It puts control back into the hands of those who care the most — you.
The VA Off-Road Difference
We’re not just another off-road club. We’re a statewide, 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a clear mission: to educate, advocate, and build opportunities for responsible off-road adventure in Virginia.
When you join VA Off-Road, you’re not just supporting a park. You’re supporting:
- Trail stewardship and cleanup events
- Off-road safety classes
- Badging programs for drivers of all skill levels
- Statewide Off-Road Events/Shows that we support
- Advocacy work to protect Virginia’s existing trails
And now, you’re supporting the creation of Virginia’s first purpose-built off-road park owned by a non-profit.
Testimonials From Members
“I’ve wheeled all over Virginia, but the idea of a permanent park we can call home? That’s worth every penny of my membership.”
— Josh G., Roanoke
“My daughter just got her first 4Runner and this park would give us a safe, controlled place to learn and bond together. I’m all in.”
— Danielle W., Charlottesville
“I donated because this isn’t about just me. It’s about the next generation of off-roaders. We need places like this to grow.”
— Miguel R., Richmond
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where will the park be located?
We’re actively scouting several properties in central and western Virginia with the terrain, zoning potential, and access needed for a full-featured park. As soon as land is secured, members will be the first to know.
Q: Will it be open year-round?
Yes. Members donating $24/year or more will receive a digital key/pass allowing access 24/7/365, except during scheduled maintenance or weather closures.
Q: Can side by sides use the park?
Yes, anything with a 4wd will be able to use the park as long as they donate annually to the non profit.
Q: Will the park be safe for stock vehicles?
Absolutely! We’ll have designated trails for all experience levels and vehicles, with clear signage and bypasses.
Q: What’s the timeline?
With sufficient fundraising, we aim to begin land development within 12 months. Corporate donations and member support will dictate speed.
Help Us Build the Future of Virginia Off-Roading
This park doesn’t belong to one person or one club. It belongs to all of us — to every Jeep, Bronco, Tacoma, Gladiator, 4Runner, and even Outback that’s ever dared to get off the pavement. It belongs to those who taught us to Tread Lightly and to the next generation who will inherit the trails we build.
It’s time to stop waiting for others to do it for us. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
Become a $24/year member today. Help us fund the next great off-road adventure in Virginia or make a one time donation below for the park.
2 Responses
Will on site camping be available, at either of the first two sites?
Depending on the size of the property at the first site, yes. We will definitely have camping spots at the second and third locations.