We're all cut from a different cloth, and yet when the summer season rolls around so many of us favor one thing in particular, camping.

Tent, RV or other

Park'rs, what's your Virginia State Parks camping style?

IN A TENT OR ON A BUNK BED? 

Your Virginia State Parks camping style might be dictated by your current lifestyle, or preference. When you were young maybe you had so much fun tent-camping, even with using a park bathhouse, but those memories keep you going back to the old fashioned pup tent. Or maybe now that the kids are all grown you may want your own self-contained RV that you just hook up and go. It could be financial, or that you prefer the plain old getting back to nature in the great outdoors, and keeping it simple, sweetie. 

Maybe tent-pitching is family bonding time, and cooking a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs on a Coleman camp-stove outdoors is the best way to make breakfast (in your my opinion).

Whatever the reason we all have different preferences in how and where we like to "rough it," but we all agree that Virginia State Parks offers some great campgrounds.

WE'VE GOT YOUR CAMPGROUND

Did you know that twenty-eight state parks throughout the state offer camping? There are more than 1,800 campsites available to rent for a few nights or longer.

SHAPES AND SIZES

Site sizes, configurations and amenities vary. Some parks provide sites with electric and water hook-ups, which tend to be larger to accommodate recreational vehicles and campers. Kiptopeke and Hungry Mother campgrounds offer sewer hook-ups. Most campgrounds are open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December; primitive sites are available year-round.

Unless otherwise specified, up to two camping units are allowed per campsite; only one axle camper is allowed per site. In designated high-impact areas, all camping units, equipment and vehicles must be within the defined area's borders. With few exceptions, campsites accommodate only up to a given maximum equipment size. All equipment smaller than that maximum is allowed on that site type. Large sites are not restricted to only RVs, but campers should be aware that parks have few large sites so campers should select an appropriately sized site. Here is a list of campgrounds with RV sites.

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE?

Park'rs check out this short video below to help define your Virginia State Parks camping style, a combination of one or more may apply:

CAMPING CABINS, BUNKHOUSES AND YURTS

Some parks offer alternate camping facilities. Camping cabins are generally one-room wooden buildings with two sets of bunk beds, a table, a ceiling fan and an electrical outlet. They have no heating or air conditioning. Guests use nearby bathhouses' rest rooms and showers. The camping cabins have a picnic table and a fire ring, grill or both. Guests must bring their sheets, pillows and towels. A minimum two-night stay is required for camping cabins. Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 10 a.m. Camping cabins are available at Lake Anna, Pocahontas, Shenandoah River and Westmoreland state parks. Those at Westmoreland have two small rooms with two single beds in each room. Check for details on the given park’s web page under Cabins, camping.

Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter that combines a beautiful wood frame and with durable, electronically bonded architectural fabric. It's a cross between a tent and a cabin. 

Learn more about Yurts, Bunkhouses and Camping Cabins here, or ask when you call 800-933-PARK.

EQUESTRIAN

Horse and equestrian camping info here.

CAMP HOST

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer camp or park host, click here to get the details. Some say it is one of the most rewarding jobs in our parks. Campers love their hosts, and there are a few neat benefits from volunteer hosting like free camping after you clock your volunteer hours.

POLICIES

Loud music and other noise and disturbance that can be heard beyond the campsite are prohibited during quiet hours, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., at all parks. Generators are not allowed in campgrounds. There is no charge for dogs overnighting in the campground with the family, with one exception, click here to see the pet policy. 

Click here for park rates, and here to learn more about our policies. 

SITE SPECIFIC

It’s always a good idea to reserve a site as early as possible. At the moment, nine parks offer campsite-specific reservations; about half the system’s campgrounds with bathhouses offer such reservations. Remaining campsites are assigned first-come, first-served. This hybrid reservation system will be fully in place by 2018. Learn more about that here.

HOW TO RESERVE

You can visit the Reserve America site to reserve campsites, cabins, lodges and picnic shelters 24/7, or call 800-933-PARK during business hours. Click here to learn more. Here is the page for Frequently Asked Questions that may help answer some of yours without calling the Customer Service Center.

CUSTOMER LOYALTY PROGRAM

Be sure to sign up for the Customer Loyalty Program to earn points that may be used for free overnight stays.

Happy campers have been making memories and enjoying the great outdoors at Virginia State Parks for over 80 years. We have thousands of campsites to pitch your tent. Learn more about camping at Virginia State Parks here.

PARK'RS, WHAT'S YOUR CAMPING STYLE?

Whatever your outdoorsy style, we're glad to have you share your preference and fond camping memories with us. Join the discussion on Facebook here. Styles may be a combination of more than one, styles can be as unique as you are.

FIND A PLACE

TO PITCH YOUR TENT HERE (OR PARK YOUR RV)