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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Taking your sweetheart out for a romantic getaway shouldn't have to break the bank. If he or she is high maintenance and wants to fly to France for a romantic weekend, then so be it, but for many of us just being the center of their attention equals love.

Virginia State Parks offers the perfect romantic backdrop. Allow me to share a few of my favorite places to schmooze that apple of your eye.

Six Cheap Romantic Getaways at Virginia State Parks

Why do I use the term cheap? Because at Virginia State Parks you can cook all your own meals and the parks are not for profit. Have you ever totaled up a bill of wining and dining for a weekend away, or even coffee and pastry? When you look at it all together you end up with a lump in your throat and learn why they often use the term "buyer's remorse." This list is to help you be more eco-friendly, in other words economic, and keep more green in your pocket, and less remorseful.

THE BEACH GETAWAYBeach camping at First Landing State Park in Virginia

If you have ever stayed at the beach you know how costly it can be, high rise hotels, resort fees and so on. Consider camping at First Landing State Park which is the ideal way to wake up to the beautiful sight of a sunrise, and the sound of sea birds. 

Highlights:

  1. Geocaching
  2. Explore the Bald Cypress Swamp
  3. Biking
  4. Beachcombing
  5. Birdwatching

Learn more about First Landing State Park here.

 

THE GREAT LAKE ESCAPE

This is cabin 9 at Claytor Lake State Park, a waterfront 2 bedroom cabin in Virginia

Claytor Lake State Park has 13 waterfront cabins, and three lodges. This means that you can park your kayak or canoe out front and enjoy sitting outside with your loved one and morning coffee each day at a waterfront cabin. If you wanted to save money you could get a few couples together to rent a lodge and save even more $. All three lodges are also waterfront, and all cabins/lodges have shared access to docks so you can bring your own boat or just have fun fishing off the dock.

Highlights:

  • Fishing
  • Paddling
  • Swimming
  • Boat Rentals

Learn more about Claytor Lake State Park here.

 

THE RUGGED APPALACHIAN ADVENTURE

Grayson Highlands State Park is the perfect backpacking destination in Virginia

Grayson Highlands State Park not only has some of the most scenic views of all Virginia State Parks, but it also has wild ponies, wild blueberries and wild weather. Mount Rogers is the highest point in Virginia, and the Appalachian Trail crosses through this state park. Many love the rugged rocky outcroppings for bouldering and rock climbing. Load up the backpack and bring him/her out into the wilds of Grayson Highlands State Park. Remember to prepare for changes in weather, anything is possible at this fantastic Virginia State Park. There is a proper campground at this park if you don't wish to rough it on the A.T.

Highlights:

  • Hiking
  • Wild Ponies
  • Bouldering
  • Festivals
  • Photography
  • Primitive Camping

Learn more about Grayson Highlands State Park here.

 

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH US GETAWAY

James River State Parks offers

This gorgeous park is not only situated on one of Virginia's most recognizable rivers, but James River State Park has a canoe livery that rents tubes, bikes and kayaks. They will even pick you up after you have floated 8 miles of the river. If you prefer to bring your own kayak or tube then you can pay a small fee to be shuttled back to the park. And while there is no official swimming beach here, you can get in the water as much as you like to cool off.

Highlights:

  • Paddling
  • Tubing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Scenic Overlook
  • Bridle Trails (byo horse)
  • Riverfront primitive camping (and other camping and cabins)

Learn more about James River State Park here.

 

A PICNIC IN THE PARK 

Westmoreland State Park has a large lawn area high above the cliffs of the Potomac for special events like the music on the cliffs every summerWestmoreland State Park is located on the historic Potomac River, and they offer some unique programs like Music on the Cliffs each summer. They invite you to bring a chair or blanket and a picnic along to enjoy live music. Music on the Cliffs is presented every 3rd Saturday from June until September. This park also boasts some of the most amazing sunrises and sunsets.

Highlights:

  • Shark Tooth Hunting
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hiking
  • Proximity to Historic Sites
  • Bald Eagle spotting
  • Fishing

Learn more about Westmoreland State Park here.

 

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE

Two lakes offer plenty of recreation at Twin Lakes State Park in Virginia

A freshly renovated campground and two lakes to enjoy make Twin Lakes State Park a great Virginia State Park destination. Have fun while you paddle, fish or hike around Goodwin and Prince Edward Lakes. They offer a guarded swimming beach and even a fun ice cream parlor called "The Spot" where they invite you to conquer the famous Avalanche. You get to enjoy the park with both lakes, and it is an awesome jumping off point to visit other nearby Virginia State Parks. Bring your bikes and ride High Bridge Trail as an outing from Twin Lakes State Park, if you don't want to haul them then rent one near the main trail head/parking lot for High Bridge Trail State Park in Farmville.

Highlights:

  • Fishing
  • Programs
  • Events
  • Swimming
  • The Avalanche

Learn more about Twin Lakes State Park here.

This list is just a small sampling of ways to bring your sweetheart outside to a romantic Virginia State Park. For the lovebirds, you already know we offer a sunrise and sunset every day at a Virginia State Park for you to enjoy, from the Chesapeake Bay all the way to the Cumberland Gap, we hope you plan to get outside soon. 

Did you know that Virginia State Parks

Offers last minute cabin deals?

Cabin 18 is a 2 bedroom cabin at Fairy Stone State Park in VirginiaCabin 18 is a 2 bedroom cabin at Fairy Stone State Park

Every Thursday the Reservation Center releases those unbooked cabins for that upcoming weekend with a 25% discount. You just have to call and mention the last minute special and they will put your name on it, call 800-933-PARK.

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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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