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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Over 40 million Americans go camping every year. The National Wildlife Federation aims to increase that number by promoting the Great American Campout each year on the fourth weekend in June.

Camping has existed since the dawn of time, but camping as a pastime traces back to the turn of the 19th century. British camping enthusiast, T.H. Holding, published his, The Camper’s Handbook in 1906, followed by the founding of the Boy Scouts in 1908 (1910 in this country) with the Girl Scouts two years later.  After World War II the economic boom coupled with the availability of more public outdoor space spurred more interest in this fun outdoor activity.

All thirty-seven Virginia State Parks will participate in the Great American Campout the weekend of June 23.

We can help with camping basics

Programs offer camping basics including trip planning,
setting up tents and gear selection

All parks will offer programming during the day on June 23 to teach the skills related to camping basics. Programs feature campfire cooking, fire starting, camping basics, gear suggestions and the camaraderie of a campfire program. Our parks with camping encourage guests to stay the night by making a reservation in one of our campgrounds but feel free to just come for the day to attend the programs. A complete list of the programming is available here.

Eight parks will offer special, overnight camping programs designed to provide unique experiences as well as help and guidance to those who want to find out what camping is all about. Check out the details for more information and reservation requirements. All campouts begin Saturday except High Bridge which starts Friday evening.

Camping on the lawn at Caledon

The Great American Campout at Caledon State Park. Camping where
we don't normally offer camping is a unique experience.

Caledon State Park has its traditional Great American Campout with the twist of a citizen science 24-hour BioBlitz. A $15 per family fee includes dinner over the fire and a continental breakfast.

Experience camping in the picnic area at Grayson Highlands State Park. Some gear is available for folks without and this is a free overnight event.

High Bridge Trail State Park offers the unique experience of camping actually on High Bridge. The $40 fee covers camping, parking and activities.

Hungry Mother State Park will hold its Great American Campout at the Camp Burson group campground.

First time campers are welcome to join staff at James River State Park to enjoy camping designed for folks interested in learning the basics.

Natural Bridge State Park has a primitive camping experience for their second annual Great American Campout. The park will also be offering its Sky Party that night with special stargazing opportunities.

Sky Meadows State Park has the longest tradition of offering a special Great American Campout. They offer a full day of activities including Saturday night dinner and Sunday breakfast for $30 per campsite.

Primitive camping at Wilderness Road State Park includes camping 101 basics, fire starting, campfire and a ranger guided evening hike for $10 per family.

Sky Meadows Great American Campout

Great American Campout at Sky Meadows State Park

Be sure to visit one of our parks and learn more about camping to celebrate the Great American Campout. Find out what you're missing!

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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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