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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So humans might not hibernate like bears, but even in a relatively temperate climate like Virginia's we certainly have a habit of trying to spend as much time in our "dens" as possible during the winter months. After a while, those dens get to feeling confining. Researchers have found that the reduced sunlight in winter also impacts serotonin levels, a natural anti-depressant.

These guys look like they could use a camping trip! - Photo courtesy MyFWCmedia, creative commons license
These guys look like they could use a camping trip!
Photo courtesy MyFWCmedia, creative commons license

So if you are climbing the walls with cabin fever - you can plot your escape as early as next week. Virginia State Parks will open its statewide campgrounds on Friday, March 1, 2013.

Camping at Bear Creek Lake State Park
Camping at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Whether you camp in a tent or a large RV, we are sure to have camping facilities to meet your needs. Twenty-four Virginia State Parks across Virginia offer camping from primitive to electric/ water/ sewer sites. Most sites have electric and water hookups (but be sure to check the park because amenities vary). No gear or camping experience? Check out our camping cabins at Lake Anna, PocahontasShenandoah River and Westmoreland state parks. 

Be sure to download our Virginia State Parks app before you head out to the park!

A camping cabin at Shenandoah River State Park
Camping cabin at Shenandoah River State Park

Planning your camping stay is as easy as 1-2-3.

1) Find a park with campsites and amenities you want. Use our park map to find a park in the location you want to visit or our amenity search tool to find the facilities you want. Camping fees can be found here.

2) Pick your dates.

3) Call our reservation center at 800-933-7275 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or book online.

Red Buds in bloom for spring camping at Hungry Mother State Park
Red Buds in bloom for spring camping at Hungry Mother State Park

Here are a few things to remember: (Click here for more information)

Campsites are designed for a maximum of 6 people per site.

Parks with "hardened" sites (where the site has a timbered border) require all camping equipment be kept in the confines of the bordered area.

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. We accept reservations on line up until the day before your planned arrival. When the reservation center is open we also accept same day camping reservations at most campgrounds up until 

If you book your reservation on line, you must pay with a credit card at that time. If you book through the reservation center you have up to 14 days to pay (unless you are planning to arrive sooner than that in which case you must pay at least by the day before or by Wednesday for a Friday-Sunday arrival).

Once you pay for the reservation, you can cancel the reservation for $15 or move the stay to another date. There is no charge for moving the stay but you must do so through the center and before the 4 p.m. check-in time. 

We charge a $5 per dog per night fee capped at $15 per dog per stay.

From February 15-April 30, state law prohibits open fires after midnight and before 4 p.m. but beginning this year, charcoal may be used in elevated grills but is still prohibited in the fire rings. Gas or propane grills are permissible. 

Natural Tunnel State Park's campground waiting for camping season to open
Natural Tunnel State Park
's campground waiting for camping season to open

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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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