Reservations | Dorm use | Catering | Security | Alcohol
General Info: The center’s primary focus is outdoor education and adventure activities, but it is designed to be used as well for training workshops, meetings and retreats in the intimate and natural setting of a state park. The Cove Ridge Center Auditorium accommodates up to 100 and can be staged to meet the needs of your particular group. Also, the center features a classroom and a resource library that can be reserved for groups of up to 24. State of the art audiovisual equipment is included with the use of these facilities.
The climate-controlled center is open year-round. The great room contains a large stone fireplace and a registration desk/area. A 3,500 square foot deck overlooks Stock Creek Gorge and the northern portal of the Natural Tunnel. The deck can be used for dining and breakout space for meetings.
Adjoining the center are two six-room dormitories that can accommodate a total of up to 48 overnight guests. Each room has two sets of bunk beds, dresser, and two wardrobe cabinets. Restrooms and showers are centrally located within the dorm. Dorm guests can enjoy the convenience of a self-contained kitchen for the purpose of preparing meals. There are several hotels in the surrounding area if guests wish to have the amenities that they provide. (A list will be provided upon request.)
Other benefits the center offers are a Jr. Olympic size swimming pool (seasonal), a gazebo with a 360-degree mountain view, an outdoor activity shelter that can accommodate up to 200 people for outdoor events and cookouts, and an outdoor amphitheater for performances and presentations.
Reservation policies: To reserve the center, call Cove Ridge Center at (276) 940-2696. A deposit of 30 percent is required within 10 days of making the reservation. If your deposit is not received by then, the reservation is cancelled. Your deposit is refundable up to two weeks in advance of the event to be held. Because of demand for use of the center, cancellations after this time period are nonrefundable. Contact the park, (276) 940-2696, for details on fees. Payment in full is due upon arrival unless previous arrangements have been made. Checks are to be made payable to Treasurer of Virginia.
Dormitory use: Check in for the dorm is 3 p.m., and check out is noon unless previous arrangements have been made. Pillows are provided. If you use the dorm kitchen, please place your used dishes in the dishwasher and turn it on upon leaving. Operation instructions for dishwasher are affixed on the counter above the dishwasher. A clothes washer and dryer also are available for overnight guests. Arrangements for access to the washer and dryer can be made with center staff upon arrival.
Catering: You can arrange for outside caterers to provide food service in the center provided the caterer follows Virginia Department of Health guidelines for food service. Upon request, we will be glad to give you with a list of caterers willing to serve at the center. Responsibility for the cleanliness of the catering kitchen after use is the caterer’s, and ultimately, the sponsoring group. Center staff will be glad to work with your caterer to set up the requested area prior to the event. The center can provide minimal food service, such as coffee and light refreshments, for breaks for an additional fee.
Security: Park gates on the road to the center are locked at 10 p.m. each evening. If after-hours access is necessary, contact the park office for accommodation. The center complex is secured each evening at 10 p.m. Guests staying in the dorm are responsible for security of that building. Swimming is permitted only in season and under the supervision of a park lifeguard. The park can provide lifeguards for your event if prior arrangements for after-hours swimming have been made. Both the dormitory and center contain sensitive fire alarms for your safety. It is unlawful to tamper with these devices or cause false alarms to occur. Users are held responsible for such behavior and could face termination of use of the facility. A pay phone is on the breezeway for access to emergency numbers and park rangers.
Alcohol: Public use and display of alcoholic beverages is prohibited within Virginia State Parks. If you care to have alcoholic beverages at your event, you’ll need to obtain a banquet license from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Commission that will provide guidelines on the serving and use of alcoholic beverages within the confines of the center. Information on this procedure is available upon request.
The Cove Ridge Center is available and designed for public use. It is your facility, provided by your state park system. Please respect it and treat it as if it were your own. This will ensure that your and the next user’s visit is enjoyable. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve our offerings, facilities or services, please contact a member of the park staff. We look forward to your visit.
