We "fair weather friends" here in Virginia sometimes think summertime is the only time to go to a Virginia State Park. But in reality you can enjoy the parks from the inside by cabinning when the weather is less than ideal, and thereby still enjoying the park in any season. 

Savor a cup of coffee by a cabin fire when the weather outside is frosty

Celebrate 80 Years of Virginia State Parks

For the last 80 years Virginians and their neighbors have had the opportunity to get away from it all at Virginia State Park cabins, so for 80 years of four seasons the cabins have been occupied by guests who love to get away from it all. But some think winter is a no-go for cabin stays, let me enlighten you...

Virginia State Parks has gone from nice to nicer

With the addition of new cabins, lodges, camping cabins and yurts we can now enjoy state parks in 2016 more than ever before, as the parks are found in the mountains to the seashore.

16 really good reasons to stay in a Virginia State Park cabin or lodge in 2016

1. Star Gaze at a Dark Skies Park

Staunton River State Park was been named an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), becoming the first park in Virginia and only the 25th park in the world with that designation. 

2. Stay on top of a mountain (or close to it)

Hungry Mother State Park lodge has 6 bedrooms and has recently undergone extensive updates making it the ideal place for your family or small group to enjoy a mountain getaway. 

3. Get your Americana-on

Westmoreland State Park is not only the home to the American Bald Eagle, but neighbors to the birthplace of First President of the United States George Washington, Fifth president James Monroe and Commander of the Confederate Army Robert E Lee.

4. Observe bald swamp creatures

First Landing State Park is home to the place where English colonists first landed in 1607, and also to rare flora and fauna like the bald Cypress trees and knees. The northernmost known location to host Spanish moss and more gems (with the possibility of Black Beard's Treasure hidden in the area).

5. Geology rocks

Natural Tunnel State Park was once called the Eighth Wonder of the World with its more than 850 feet long and 10 story high tunnel which was carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. You may even get in on a caving expedition at this park.

6. A river runs through it

Shenandoah River State Park is home to more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Bring your own kayak, canoe or tube and fishing pole as direct river access and the car-top boat launch makes this a popular destination for families, anglers and canoeists.

7. Go Mountain Biking

Douthat State Park challenges you to get on your bike and ride. Mountain Biking groups have called the trails at Douthat "epic". A gem in the Appalachian Mountains, you will find more than 40 miles of back country trails to tackle.

8. Treat her like a lady

Belle Isle State Park has one ritzy overnight accommodation with you in mind. Bel Air house sits on a 33-acre peninsula of land at the mouth of Deep Creek in Lancaster County, on the Northern Neck of Virginia. Catch the beautiful sunsets together over the Rappahannock River and observe wildlife just outside these mansion windows. This is not your regular lodge, but an upscale lodging choice.

9. Get hooked

Smith Mountain Lake State Park sits on a popular lake celebrating its 50th birthday this year and has plenty of opportunity for the angler. From citation striper and bass fishing, you will be sure to reel in a big story of two here.

LET'S GO CABINNING!

10. Here birdie birdie

Kiptopeke State Park is located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and is a popular habitat for migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway. From getting up close to sea birds from the fishing pier to the nearby National Wildlife Refuge, you will agree this park is for the birds.

11. Magical mysterious stones

Fairy Stone State Park has a 168 acre lake, and plenty of hiking trails, but finding a mysterious magical fairy stone is the real treasure hunters target at this park. Fortunately the park can help and will give you the exact location of a secret hunting ground to find a fairy stone of your own. These unpolished stones can be turned into jewelry or just kept as keepsakes. 

12. Walk in the footsteps of history

Twin Lakes State Park is centrally located for day trips to nearby historical sites like Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park where nearly a quarter of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's army, more than 7,700 men, were killed, wounded or captured here in April 6, 1865 (that date may sound vaguely familiar).

13. Gold diggers need apply

Lake Anna State Park has a former gold mine and still offers prospecting for families, individuals and groups where you can learn how to pan for gold and how gold was mined in the late 1800's there.

14. Spend a day on the farm

Chippokes State Park is situated along the historic James River and is a ferry ride across to James Town, Williamsburg and York Town. This park is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country, a working farm since 1619.

15. A room with a view

Claytor Lake State Park has a unique cabin area layout wherein every cabin and lodge is waterfront and has a view of the lake. This lake is great for fishing, boating and exploring the coves by canoe or kayak. Many families and couples enjoy the privacy of the waterfront cabins to get away from mainstream life.

16. Horse Around

Occoneechee State Park offers a place to horse around, no really they do. There is a beautiful horse stall area to comfortably lodge your four legged friends overnight while you stay in the campground.

With this list of 16 above average reasons to stay in a Virginia State Park cabin in 2016 we hope you can make your plans today, call 800-933-PARK of click here to check availability online, they don't call it cabinning for nothing.

FIND YOUR PARK