Posted Sep 24, 2011 l Updated May 15, 2017

Playing checkers in the comfortable family room we occasionally gazed over the plantation ripe with puffy white bolls of cotton, to spot a Bald Eagle suddenly drop down to catch its prey near the tree line.

We felt as if we just stepped back in time, and were living in another era on this farm.

Step back in time when you stay in cabin 4 at Chippokes State Park

You may encounter amazing wildlife from your cabin at this park

This is the fourth part in this series where I actually name names, and by that I mean I am sharing a specific cabin at a specific park. It was super helpful for me as a Park'r (state park goer/visitor) to know the specifics when I wanted to book a cabin, as I did for this one.

I don't want you to miss out on these great "bed and breakfast like" cottages with insight from someone who has stayed in this cabin at Chippokes State Park, and hope to stay there again in the future. Put this on your "Best of" list for Virginia State Parks.

Wait for the end of this article where you can check availability and plan your next getaway to this awesome state park located along the historic James River and to get outside and get some fresh Virginia peanuts.

Cabin #4 is a 2 bedroom cottage with a comfortable living room

Queen bed in the master bedroom, it's a fully renovated cottage

A spacious kitchen to cook family meals and play cards at the table

Cabin #4 sits out on the farm, deer and turkey can be seen outside your windows

ABOUT

Cabin #4 also called Price House, it was built around 1920 and is a 2 bedroom 1 bath colonial cottage at Chippokes State Park. Like all the cottages there, they are located out on the plantation. This is a fully renovated quaint cottage that sits out amongst the peanuts and soybean fields. You have a long driveway into the cabin from the park road, which is great for bicycling.

Don't worry about fragile antiques as the cabin has reproduction furniture and a fully functioning eat-in kitchen. There is a full-size refrigerator, stove with oven, coffee maker and a microwave. There is no fireplace like typical Virginia State Park cabins due to the age of the structure, but there is a TV and DVD player (no cable or satellite so bring some DVD's to enjoy if it rains). Click here to see a Flickr photoset of all 4 cabins at this park.

Outside you will find a picnic table and grill (bring your own charcoal and burgers). The cabin is very comfortable for 4 people, but can sleep 5.

Chippokes State Park is an historical park, as it has been a working farm since 1619. You will love exploring this park. 

There are only 4 rental cabins at this state park, and they are fairly remote, which can be fun for your family if they ride bikes and want space to run around outside. But it is on a farm so that means insects, and wildlife outside the cabin. If you prefer to stay closer to other campers, then this is not the place for you, unless you enjoy camping, there is a fantastic campground.

HELPFUL HINTS

HINT #1: You can visit the farm and forestry museum on this plantation. There are farm animals and living historical exhibits. Chippokes is one of the oldest working farms in the United States, so take time to really see everything. Take a tour of the Historic Jones-Stewart Mansion, which is a stunning example of an antebellum plantation house, built in 1854. 

HINT #2: You can hunt for fossils along the beach on the James River. Hunting is probably not the right term, as you can just bend down and pick them up. This state park also has a large swimming pool open in season, but you can also cool off right in the James River itself. It is very shallow so bring a float or just plop your chair into the water.

HINT #3: There is a free car ferry to take you from just up the road directly to the Historic Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg. You can spend the day in the Historic Triangle, or at a theme park. There are also unique and historic small towns to explore on this side of the river like Historic Smithfield. 

Cabins at Chippokes State Park are open year-round, they are a ton of fun in the off season, play board games, charades, have inside fun and then bike around and explore. They have festivals, nature and history programs at this park you won't want to miss, click here to learn more.

Old fashioned family fun on the farm

Spend more than a couple nights, there is so much to see and do (yes it is pet friendly)

Chippokes State Park 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, Virginia. Phone: (757) 294-3625. Learn more about this park and its amenities by calling 800-933-PARK. Drive Time: Northern Virginia: 2 - 3 hours; Richmond: 1.5 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: 1.5 hours; Roanoke: 4 hours. Click here for a Google map. 

Check availability online for this cottage here. 

We hope to see you soon meandering along the James, touring the Jones Stewart Mansion or at the farm and forestry museum. 

 

Editor's Note: We are replaying this blog from our featured cabin series in case you missed it, way back in oh...2011. As always feel free to ask any questions or discuss this blog on our Virginia State Parks Facebook page here.

Posted Sep 24, 2011 l Updated May 15, 2017