When you visit us you are more than a mere number, or a "head in a bed" you are family. The huge difference in Virginia State Parks to many other entertainment outlets available to you is that we are all about the memories. We plan our year around making you happy, our park goers. While a large part of our goal is conservation, we surely love the recreation part, especially when the experiences can enhance your lives and make you healthier to boot.

When we share on social media information and photos about cabins, events, things to see and do at our 36 Virginia State Parks it is with you in mind, and the experiences that will create fond memories for you and the ones you love. We do all we do in hopes that you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to a Virginia State Park.

When you flew through the canopy and let out a squeal of delight, we hoped you would do that.

Zip the Park at Shenandoah River State Park

When you gathered round the campfire and made s'mores, we hoped you would do that.

When you reeled in that trophy trout after baiting a squiggly worm on the hook, we hoped you would do that.

When your tent collapsed in the middle of the night and you giggled so hard your sides ached, we hoped you would do that.

When you hunted for fossils and discovered an ancient megalodon tooth, we hoped you would do that.

When you paddled faster because your little brother was in the other kayak and gaining, we hoped you would do that.

Paddling fun at Virginia State Parks

When you got up early to sit outside on the cabin porch with that steaming cup of coffee in hand, we hoped you would do that.

When you hiked straight up to Molly's Knob and checked out the views, we hoped you would do that.

YCC Hungry Mother State Park Crew hiked to Molly's Knob and enjoyed the view 

When you spotted a soaring American bald eagle and whipped out your cell phone camera, we hoped you would do that.

When you rode bikes with the kids, and they complained the whole way up the hill, but kept on pedaling, we hoped you would do that.

When you got to a scenic overlook and took a selfie, we hoped you would do that.

Group selfie at the Taskinas Creek Trail at York River State Park

When you made sizzling bacon and eggs on the Coleman stove that sat on the end of the picnic table in your campsite, we hoped you would do that.

When you built sandcastles with your cousins along the sandy shore at the beach, we hoped you would do that.

When you volunteered your own time to plant a garden or led a group of Boy Scouts on a hike, we hoped you would do that.

Daisy Scout Troop 915 volunteer for Spring Stewardship Day at Lake Anna State Park

In fact, here is a list of 80 Things we so hoped you'd do that we made it into a contest.

The grand prize is nothing to shake a stick at, how does a $500 Gift Certificate for an overnight stay sound? And check this out, per Nancy Heltman "The winner of the $500 gift certificate will be selected on January 8, 2017 by a random number generator from those participants that completed at least 40 activities." Visit the contest website here to learn more and get started.

Whether you spend the day, or a week at a Virginia State Park making memories,

We hope you do that!