Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Posted Dec 3, 2015 | Updated Aug 14, 2018

Having a family pet that we didn't want to put into "lock-up" when we went on vacation was actually the very first reason we began our journey to Virginia State Parks, with 40 Virginia State Parks to choose from and more than 300 climate controlled cabins, and over 1800 campsites welcoming pets, it was a no brainer. We were on our way to loving Virginia State Parks. 

There are many reasons to fall in love with Virginia State Parks, but for this series I am showcasing 10 reasons that immediately come to mind, and I hope you will agree with this second one. 

PART 2: THE ACCOMMODATIONS

Morning at the cabin at Douthat State Park, Va (yes pets are allowed to stay in all of our cabins)

All of our cabins are pet friendly

Cabin 2 at Fairy Stone State Park, Virginia (2 bedroom waterfront cabin)

Cabin 2 at Fairy Stone State Park, Virginia (2 bedroom waterfront cabin)

If you're ready to get away from the hustle and bustle, then we have a few options for you at Virginia State Parks. To learn more about the pet policy, click here.

YURTS

Yurts are a great way to experience the great outdoors without having to pitch a tent at Virginia State Parks

Yurts are a great way to experience the great outdoors without having to pitch a tent 

While updating this article I was excited to add Yurts to the overnight accommodations listing. Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter that combines a beautiful wood frame and with durable, electronically bonded architectural fabric. It's a cross between a tent and a cabin.

Until 2017 we only had one yurt available at a Virginia State Park, but due to popular demand we have been yurt building like crazy at our parks and more are on the way. Learn more about them here, and another article here.

CABINS

Typical cabins at Virginia State Parks

A sampling of our cabins at our parks

Rustic legacy cabins built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the mid-1930's to more contemporary styled and even quaint historic cottages. The cabins come in many styles and sizes, but all of them are equipped with what you will need to stay for a weekend getaway or a week. At your cabin you will find one set of linens per person and per bed, towels, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans, and even a starter bundle of firewood.

Most all cabins of the have fireplaces (some propane/some wood burning and the cabins at Smith Mountain Lake great wood stoves. The nightly rental rates are affordable, and your pet can stay with you for just $10 per pet per night, which is less than a kennel fee.

There are a few exceptions to the 300+ climate control cabins I mentioned, those are camping cabins and camping lodges. These are alternatives to the regular lodging that have fully equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces, and you would utilize the campground bathhouse. If these interest you, I recommend you ask a customer service specialist about these unique variations to the standard cabins (and you can click here for a photo).

FAMILY REUNIONS AND GROUP GETAWAYS

I soon discovered that some of the parks have lodges for bigger groups that offer privacy and expansive outdoor areas to spread out and enjoy. With extra space to grill burgers and hot dogs, toss a Frisbee or just have all around fun.

The moon over a lodge at Kiptopeke State Park on Virginia's Eastern Shore

Some of the lodges are more rustic like the Douthat Lodge that is a CCC built lodge sitting proudly atop a hill with incredible views over the lake and mountains (Hint: if you go in the colder months the view is enhanced as the leaves have fallen). While other parks may also offer newer lodges conveniently located near park amenities like fishing piers and beaches like the circle of lodges on the Eastern Shore at Kiptopeke State Park

The lodges are typically 5 or 6 bedrooms with double beds and bunk-bed rooms. Some key things I love about some of the lodges are:

  • Washer and dryer
  • Large table and long area as counter seating
  • Extra space front and back with front and rear porches donned with rocking chairs
  • Picnic tables and oversized grills
  • Plenty of bathrooms
  • Ramps and accessible paths to the front door from the parking
  • Group extras like multiple coffee pots

Twelve Virginia State Parks offer family and group lodging: Bear Creek Lake, Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Hungry Mother, James River, Kiptopeke, Natural Tunnel, Occoneechee, Shenandoah River and Westmoreland and you can learn more about them here.

Please click here for cabin rental rates and here to check availability and to reserve online, or call 800-933-7275 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CAMPING

Camping in a waterfront campsite at Occoneechee State Park, Virginia (this is site 27 or 28)

Some campsites are woodsy or even lakefront  (this is site  27 or 28 at Occoneechee State Park)

Family fun abounds when you go camping at a Virginia State Park (this is Occoneechee State Park)

Camping is a fun way to explore a park, especially if you bring the bikes

Without a doubt there is no greater family bonding experience than to go camping. Camping is a rite of passage for many Americans, and brings with it adventure, team building and fits of laughter. You'll make many deposits in your memory bank when you go camping. 

a family roasting marshmallows over a fire at a campsite at Twin Lakes State Park, Virginia

Campsites vary at each park as some parks provide sites with electric and water hook-ups, which tend to be larger to accommodate recreational vehicles and campers. A few campgrounds even offer sewer hook-ups. Most campgrounds are open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December; primitive sites are available year-round. Douthat, Hungry Mother, Pocahontas and Shenandoah River state parks have full-service campgrounds open year-round.

There is no charge for Fido to stay with you at your campsite, well behave dogs are most welcome.

Some parks have equestrian campsites, most with horse stalls, you can find a list of those facilities here.

Be sure to sign up for the Customer Loyalty Program to earn points that may be used for free overnight stays.

Spend a few nights with us

To learn more about camping at Virginia State Parks, click here. To reserve campsites click here or call 800-933-7275 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This is another good reason to fall in love with Virginia State Parks, so I hope you will pack up the car, the kids and the family dog and discover a new Virginia State Park soon. Read part 1 of this series, "The People" here.

FIND YOUR PARK

 

Posted Dec 3, 2015 | Updated Aug 14, 2018

 

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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