Many park goers do not realize that there is an "other" category for more upscale overnight accommodations at Virginia State Parks. What I am calling other is not official, and probably not what they would be known as at the Customer Service Center when you call them. But there are a few options that don't fit under the category of cabins or camping, so let's explore those options. 

Picture yourself here

Bel Air House offers a comfortable library that looks out on the lawn and Deep Creek of the beautiful Rappahannock River from Belle Isle State Park

Overnight Accommodations

First of all let's discuss the cabins at Virginia State Parks. You can go to this page to read all about them, or call 800-933-PARK Monday through Friday. Alternatively you can visit a park's webpage specifically and click the cabins, camping link on the left sidebar. This will bring up information about overnight facilities, or will tell you there are no overnight facilities like York River State Park:

               "None at this park (day-use park)"

Virginia State Parks offers overnight accommodations with more than 300 comfortable, climate-controlled (read HVAC) cabins of various sizes and layouts across the state, with many cabins available year-round. The cabins vary in size and number of bedrooms, from the one room efficiency (read honeymoon) cabins at Douthat State Park, to the larger lodges of Claytor Lake State Park. They all have one thing in common, a wonderful way to escape the madness and mayhem of the daily grind and spend time with the ones you care about. 

Cabin rates can be found here.

POPLAR HILL COTTAGE AT SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM STATE PARK

Poplar Hill Cottage is within walking distance for special events at Southwest Virginia Museum State Park in Big Stone Gap

Poplar Hill Cottage has three cozy bedrooms and sleeps up to six

In the heart of Appalachia the Poplar Hill Cottage may be rented year-round and has a two night minimum stay

Tucked away around the corner from the Historic Southwest Virginia Museum State Park is the quaint Poplar Hill Cottage. Located in the town of Big Stone Gap Virginia, this is an ideal mountain getaway. This garden-themed cottage, located in historic Poplar Hill, is furnished with reproduction furniture. It has three bedrooms, two full baths, a kitchen and an ample living area. The cottage sleeps up to six people.

Since this is the only Virginia State Parks lodging available in this location, we can also recommend a cabin at Natural Tunnel State Park if going to Southwest Virginia Museum State Park for a special event, or touring Big Stone Gap.

The only way to reserve this cottage is by calling directly: Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance in person or by calling the park at (276) 523-1322 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Learn more here about the Poplar Hill Cottage at Southwest Virginia Museum State Park.

BEL AIR HOUSE AND BEL AIR GUEST HOUSE AT BELLE ISLE STATE PARK

Bel Air House (Mansion)

Bel Air House is rightfully called a mansion and is available year-round for special events and overnight accommodations at Belle Isle State Park

Bel Air House has a beautiful formal dining room to enjoy meals together

A modern kitchen for guests at Bel Air House

Living room with fireplace to make fond memories

Deep Creek Room is one of 4 bedrooms on the second floor

Bel Air House was built in 1942 is a Colonial reproduction house was designed by Thomas Tilson Waterman, an architectural historian with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in its early years. So while it is not historic itself, it lends itself to the feel as the construction of the house included using interior materials from other notable historic buildings in the local area. Those planning a wedding or family reunion should be aware that both houses must be rented for the event.

• Two canoes and four bicycles for adults are available
• Outdoor propane grill and fire pit

Bel Air Guest House

Privacy abounds at this secluded waterfront escape along the Rappahannock River from Belle Isle State Park 

You can enjoy kayaking just outside the guest house at this park or enjoy the scenery from inside through the picture windows

Spacious and comfortable for a family or friend getaway at Bel Air Guest House

On a cove, the smaller Bel Air Guest House is just 15 feet from Deep Creek. Picture and bay windows allow for amazingly scenic views of sunsets over the Rappahannock River. The Guest House can sleep up to eight.

• Two canoes and four bicycles for adults are available
• Fire ring and charcoal pedestal grill

Those planning a wedding or family reunion should be aware that both houses must be rented for the event (more about that here).

Learn more here about Bel Air House and Guest House at Belle Isle State Park

POTOMAC RIVER RETREAT AT WESTMORELAND STATE PARK

The spacious master bedroom at the Potomac River Retreat has access to the deck and beautiful river views

One of the three comfortable living room areas at the Potomac River Retreat

Another living room areas with wood burning fireplace and views of the river

Window walls to let the view in from the Potomac River outside your door 

Two dining rooms are great for your group, or to play board games and puzzles

An epic location along the river at Westmoreland State Park

The spacious Potomac River Retreat accommodates up to 16 overnight guests with five bedrooms and five bathrooms. It's great for small meetings, retreats and family reunions. There are two kitchens, two dining rooms, outside areas with grill and patio furniture and deck. Located not far from the swimming pool and dock fronting the Potomac River, there is also a privacy fence. Learn more here about the Potomac River Retreat at Westmoreland State Park.

MORE "OTHER" OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

While not quite as luxurious as those listed above, these other accommodations have a unique charm all their own.

Yurts (Kiptopeke State Park and being built right now at Pocahontas State Park and opening for guest rentals soon). Click here and here for a sample photo.

Camping Cabins (Shenandoah River State Park, Lake Anna State Park and Pocahontas State Park). Click here and here for a sample photo. At least one of these at each park is ADA accessible and has a ramp from the parking area.

Bunkhouses (Many Virginia State Parks have bunkhouses). Bunkhouses may be available to rent on an irregular schedule as many host park volunteers for various projects throughout the year. Click here and here for a sample photo.

Bookmark or save this article as it is a one stop shop for other overnight accommodations at Virginia State Parks, or call 800-933-PARK.

 

*There may be special rental periods or requirements for these "Other" overnight accommodations, be sure to ask when you call. Yurts are not pet friendly.