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.

Read Our Blogs

 

Posted June 23, 2014 | Updated June 04, 2019

She is a much sought after cabin for a few key reasons of which I am about to divulge to you in this article. Forgive me park goers who adore this cabin and sing her praises in the cabin journal, but I must. 

Meet Cabin 11 at Occoneechee State Park

Cabin 11 is a two-bedroom cabin tucked away at the end of the cabin loop at Occoneechee State Park, Virginia

Cabin 11 is a two-bedroom cabin tucked away at the end of the cabin loop

Enjoy your morning cup from the porch with waterviews from Cabin 11 at Occoneechee State Park, Va

Enjoy your morning cup from the porch with water views

Coffee for two on the porch at cabin 11 - The cabin is the perfect place rekindle the romance and spend quality time together at Occoneechee State Park, Va

The cabin is a perfect place rekindle the romance and spend quality time together

ACCESSIBLE

Cabin 11 is universally accessible. 

For those with physical limitations this means there is a nice ramp up from the parking area. This is also nice for hauling armloads of things in and out of the cabin, as we are all known to do. Inside the cabin the layout is more suited for wheelchair access like in the kitchen, bedroom and shower.

Click here to view a map showing the cabin area. Click here to see interior photos of the cabins at this park.

SETTING

Grilling and chilling area outside cabin 11 at Occoneechee State Park, Va

Grilling and chilling area outside cabin 11

Grilling outside cabin 11 at Occoneechee State Park, Va

One of the best parts of a state park stay is the cooking out

There is plenty of privacy at this cabin, from the parking to the deck and grilling area. It is an oasis in the woods at Occoneechee State Park in Southside Virginia. The inside and outside space is ideal.

Location Location Location

This beautiful state park has the most amazing real estate as it is situated on the shores of John H Kerr Reservoir (aka Buggs Island Lake).

This park is a boater and angler's paradise. There is no swimming beach or community area near the water other than near a point at the playground, and the amphitheater. But there is a new splash spray ground, I will detail that more below. So if you want to get out on the water you need to bring your own vessel, or rent one. The boat launch is free for cabin guests.

Occoneechee State Park has 11 cabins, two lodges 48 campsites for tents and RVs, and 11 equestrian campsites. A few of the cabins are waterfront/water view and both of the lodges are waterfront/water view, so how do you know which are or aren't? Here is a map showing the location of each, and be sure to ask if you call to make a reservation: 800-933-7275.

Cabin 11 is at one end of the cabin loop and has a water view. Directly behind cabin 11 is a trail that leads you out to a point on the lake, and overlooks a cove. This is the perfect spot for putting in your kayaks or canoe and spending the day.

Now cabin 11 doesn't own this point of course, so anyone is welcome to come out there and plop down their chairs and a hammock and enjoy it. 

Relaxing near the lake at Occoneechee State Park, Virginia

Relaxing near the lake at Occoneechee State Park

Inside Information
Cabins at all Virginia State Parks require a minimum weekly rental in peak season, but here is the inside information: You can rent them less than a week within the same month if there is availability. So in other words if you called today and Cabin 11 is available for 2 or 3 nights, you can reserve it.  

How much does it cost to rent Cabin 11

Cabin fees can be found here. We have often said that we pay the same to stay in a crummy hotel room with two beds, and in this cabin, you get 2 bedrooms, large living room and a fully outfitted eat-in kitchen.

And remember, any available cabin for that coming weekend is always 25% off if you call and mention the last-minute cabin discount (800-933-7275). Be sure to sign up for the Customer Loyalty Program to earn points that may be applied to future overnight stays.

Our family has made lifelong memories in this cabin at Occoneechee State Park, Va

Our family has made lifelong memories in this cabin

Cabin details  
  1. Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, dishcloth, dish towels, cutlery, cooking utensils, pots, pans, microwave oven, toaster, can opener. (Hint: Bring a big fry pan if you are cooking for a group)
  2. No smoking indoors
  3. No dishwasher, phone, TV, washer or dryer
  4. Rustic furniture; mission style
  5. Deck
  6. Wood burning fireplace (you get the first bundle free, you can purchase more near the office)
  7. Bedrooms: Bed(s), nightstands, dresser, closet, clock radio. One set of bed linens per bed and one set of towels per person; these are not changed daily. You may wish to bring your own pillow as well as a comforter for chilly nights. 
  8. Climate-controlled (this means a/c and heat if you need it) plus plenty of windows that open
  9. Boat launching is free to overnight guests. There are no designated swimming areas.
  10. Picnic table and a charcoal pedestal grill in the yard beside the cabin
  11. Wrap-around deck; open porch with rocking chairs and end tables
  12. Two vehicles, including trailers, are allowed per cabin. A daily parking fee is charged for additional vehicles. 
  13. Pets are allowed. There's an extra fee per night per pet, plus tax.  
Family fun kayaking at Occoneechee State Park from Cabin 11

 Easy water access is a key feature of cabin 11

Mother-daughter outdoor fun (if you rent a kayak you must wear your lifejacket at all times) Virginia State Parks

Mother-daughter outdoor fun (if you rent a kayak you must wear your lifejacket at all times)

Splash Spray Ground 

Cool off in the splash spray ground at Occoneechee State Park, Va

Cool off in the splash spray ground this summer 

When it's hot outside, you'll really love this new spray ground. The spray ground area also has a playground, two charcoal grills, a picnic shelter, restrooms and parking spaces. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, it's open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. It’s also open on Saturdays and Sundays in May prior to Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is included in daily parking, camping and cabin fees. This is such a great add on for this park.

What else is there to do nearby?

Families love exploring nearby Clarksville (click here for the Clarksville Chamber website with a listing of events). There are restaurants, quaint shops and even a nice little produce stand in Clarksville to visit.

If you want to have a family day out on the water (with the option of being undercover if you get too much sun) you can rent a pontoon at the main boat ramp #1 from Clarksville Marine Rentals, Inc. It's open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. by reservation. Boats must be returned by 6 p.m. Thirty gallons of gas are included in the rental. Call (434) 374-2525 to make reservations.

You can reserve this cabin or any cabin at Occoneechee State park online here, or call 800-933-7275


Editor's note:  If you can't escape for a summer getaway, you can always book one of these cabins in the fall, or even for a winter break and enjoy the wood-burning fireplace. Virginia State Parks has hundreds of cabins that are available year-round, learn more here. If you can get away midweek you have a good chance of staying in most of these cabins, plus less people in the park.

Posted June 23, 2014 | Updated June 04, 2019

PARKS
CATEGORIES
SHARE THIS PAGE

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

By Park