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.

Winter camping at Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks are a great place for you to test out your cold-weather skills.

Camping at Shenandoah River State Park

Virginia’s topography and geography bring us a wide range of winter weather. While feet of snow may fall in the mountains, the tidal shores of the Potomac can remain dry and mild. Weather permitting, camping in the offseason can be a nice reprieve from the summer crowds and offers a unique opportunity to explore your parks and see them in a new light.

While most of our campgrounds close the first Monday in December and reopen March 1, we do have a handful of year-round, full-service campgrounds. If you’re feeling really adventurous, our primitive camps are available year-round, too.

Winter Camping Options

FULL-SERVICE CAMPGROUNDS

Four parks with developed campgrounds have full service, year-round availability:

Pocahontas State Park
Shenandoah River State Park
Douthat State Park
Hungry Mother State Park
- Exception: Camp Burson campground site numbers 21-36 do not have electric, water or sewer. Lower cost to book these sites.

The equestrian campground at Occoneechee State Park is open year-round but is not full-service.

PRIMITIVE CAMPING

All of Virginia State Parks primitive sites are year-round except for the seasonally available Chestnut Hollow sites at Grayson Highlands State Park, which are available from November through the first Monday in December and then again from March 1-April 30.

Primitive sites MAY NOT have access to a potable water source. All primitive sites have access to a privy or pit toilet and only allow tent camping. Contact the park for more information.

Year-round primitive camping is available at:

Belle Isle State Park
Hike-in or boat-in: 1.5 miles from the closest parking area
Caledon State Park
Hike-in, bike-in, or boat-in: 3 miles from visitor center
Only accessible during daylight hours
False Cape State Park
Hike-in or bike-in: 6.9 miles to 8.4 miles from Little Island City Parking Lot, depending on campsite
Boat-in: For experienced Back Bay paddlers only
Only accessible during daylight hours
James River State Park
Drive-up (rooftop tent friendly)
New River Trail State Park
Parking lot nearby, but no direct vehicular access: hike-in or bike-in
Powhatan State Park
Hike-in or boat-in: Parking lot 0.2 mile away
Sky Meadows State Park
Hike-in or bike-in: 1 mile on Hadow trail from overnight parking area

WEATHER

Before heading out for a winter park visit, check the park's individual web page. We will post a notification if weather issues have forced us to close the park.

It is essential to be prepared for any weather. Brush up on your winter camping tips before heading out.