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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More than 20 Virginia State Parks offer RV spots in their campgrounds. Here I'm highlighting seven great parks to book your next getaway at.

1. Where the forest meets the farm: Chippokes State Park 

This park is on the James River across from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Virginia. Find 12 miles of mixed use trails in a mix of riverfront, wooded and grassy landscapes. I highly recommend paddlers bring their kayak or canoes to paddle down College Run Creek in the warm months. This creek is lined with beautiful Bald Cypress Trees and marshlands that make it feel very secluded. Be prepared to spot diverse wildlife from your watercraft! 

You will notice as you approach the park, there are farm fields all around and within. In fact, this unique park is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country, with a working farm since 1619. Take the opportunity to visit the free, incredibly educational Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. I had no idea how peanuts (one of the local crops) grew or were harvested until I visited! 

Chippokes State Park campground with an RV at it with trees surrounding it and a sandpad with a bug net on it

Details for your RV/camper:
  • Campground seasonality: open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December
  • RV size accommodations: up to 50 feet long 
  • Scope out your perfect site: site specific photos & chart with site specs 
  • Accessible sites: site 16 is ADA-compliant and close to an ADA-accessible bathhouse
  • More info

2. A peaceful escape: Powhatan State Park

This park is less than an hour from Virginia's capitol, but you'll feel much farther from the city with the tranquility of this park in Powhatan County. Paddlers and anglers will find ideal access to the historic James River here. There are three car-top boat slides accessing the river. The park has about 12 miles of mixed use trails through various habitats, including field edge, upland pine forest and mature hardwoods. Pack your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife here.

An open paved road running through Powhatan State Park shows rolling fields with the sun shining through the trees and a blue sky with fluffy clouds

Details for your RV/camper:
  • Campground seasonality: open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December
  • RV size accommodations: up to 60 feet long
  • Scope out your perfect site: site specific photos & chart with site specs 
  • Accessible sites: site 13 is paved and closest to the bathhouse
  • More info

3. Solitude in Shenandoah Valley: Shenandoah River State Park 

This park runs along the Shenandoah River for 5.2 miles within the Shenandoah Valley. Find scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. A large riverside picnic area, picnic shelters, trails, river access and a car-top boat launch make this a popular destination for families, anglers and paddlers. With more than 24 miles of mixed use trails, the park has plenty of options for adventures. A must-do for first-time visitors, is to go to Culler's Overlook at sunset! 

Two long RVs are parked in adjacent campsites with trees lining the backside

Details for your RV/camper:

4. A family favorite: Douthat State Park

This is a family favorite place to camp! It is known for delightful, inviting campsites. Some offer a splendid view of the 50-acre Douthat Lake. All are in the breathtaking mountain scenery. You could stay busy your whole trip exploring the trails, with 43 miles to explore. Blue Suck Falls is not to miss, with cascading falls rewarding you after a 3 mile challenging route. 

There are some lakeside spots, but you must book in advance, they are popular! 

a boy and girl sit facing each other talking at a campfire with rv in background

Details for your RV/camper:
  • Campground seasonality: year-round 
  • RV size accommodations: up to 50 feet long in select sites, most up to 40 feet long
  • Scope out your perfect site: site specific photos & chart with site specs 
  • Accessible sites: Beaver Dam, White Oak and Whispering Pines campgrounds have accessible campsites with bathhouse accessibility
  • More info

5. Horse around here: Fairy Stone State Park

Take your RV to this park with a 168-acre lake in the mountains, just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Stuart, Virginia. While you're there, you must look for the legendary Fairy Stones that the park is named after. This park has more than 10 trails, all are either moderate or difficult, so plan accordingly. Or take it easy lakeside! Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. The lake is also great for fishing, boating and paddling. 

Want to bring your horse along? You'll be happy to find equestrian trails and overnight facilities here. Check out the camping info below! 

horse stalls at Fairy Stone State Park with fall foliage turning on the leaves of the trees surrounding the stalls

Details for your RV/camper:
  • Campground seasonality: open from the first Friday in March until the first Monday in December.
  • RV size accommodations: up to 30 feet long
  • Scope out your perfect site: site specific photos & chart with site specs 
  • Equestrian camping: 10 sites, 10 stalls, up to 50 feet long camping units, no individual picnic tables or fire pits, common campfire area with three picnic tables and a fire ring at each end
  • Accessible sites: all equestrian campsites and the associated common area are ADA-accessible 
  • More info

6. Take a holiday at this hidden gem: Holliday Lake State Park

Deep in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. The lake offers great fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Swimming at the park's beach and the "Critter Hole" play area are visitor favorites. The park has several hiking trails, including a 6.7-mile loop around the entire lake. No paddling gear? No problem. The park rents canoes, kayaks, jon boats, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats for you to explore the lake. 

Holliday Lake at sunset with two paddlers in a canoe near the shore and a golden hue across the landscape and sky

Details for your RV/camper:
  • Campground seasonality: open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December
  • RV size accommodations: up to 40 feet long 
  • Scope out your perfect site: site specific photos & chart with site specs 
  • Accessible sites: no designated universally accessible sites, but the park can, on request, arrange to place guests with disabilities near the restrooms. Roadways are paved, and sidewalks to the restroom are paved.
  • More info

7. Where you can forget about your worries: Westmoreland State Park

On the Potomac River's Northern Neck, this park is a beautiful place to wind down at the campfire. Six miles of trails lead you through the forest to stunning views of the Potomac River next to impressive cliffs. Offshore breakwaters are great for fishing. Birding enthusiasts, like myself, find the park an excellent site for spotting American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, green herons and gulls, as well as wintering waterfowl. 

truck and RV set up at campsite with a blue pop up tent next to it, with blue recliner chairs and a person laying in a hammock strung between two trees among many trees surrounding the site

Details for your RV/camper:

  • Campground seasonality: open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December
  • RV size accommodations: up to 50 feet long 
  • Scope out your perfect site: site specific photos & chart with site specs 
  • Accessible sites: campground A offers reserved parking with accessible restrooms and showers
  • More info

Book your campground reservations here or by calling 800-933-7275.

Curious to see where else you should take your RV? You can also read this blog for seven other great parks for your RV. And find the full list of RV accommodations here

See you at the campground! Be sure to share your adventures with us by using #VaStateParks online. 

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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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