Hidden Histories of Pocahontas State Park: Group Camp 7

2/27/2021

Join Ranger Ethan during Black History Month to discover more about the once segregated portion of what is now Pocahontas State Park.

Group Camp 7 had a dining hall, several group cabins, and a small lake with a swim beach. The camp was built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps and was used until the 1970's. Often, churches would rent out the facilities and host summer camps for local youths, such as the Baptist General Convention did in the 1940's when they developed Camp Carey for girls.

Today, all that remains is the lake, a brick retaining wall, and some building foundations. The area is accessible via the Otter Lick Loop Trail. We highly encourage community members who may have visited the area to share their memories so that we may fully tell the story of this area in the park.

For more park history on this topic, please check the following link:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-pa...
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Ernestine Gregory Wilson

3/27/2021 04:29:44 pm

Good Afternoon,

Ranger Gilliam, though I knew the history of Camp Carey and Camp H. N. Johnson, how I enjoyed your presentation this morning! Attending Camp Carey during the summers of 1954 o 1962 was a wonderful experience. The example Mrs. Lena S. Smith offered truly changed my life.

I plan to share your information with others.

History of
Pocahontas State Park