GENERAL INFO: Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and lake. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, this park has folklore and history, swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking and the park system’s first conference center, Hemlock Haven.
Much of the land for Hungry Mother State Park was donated by local landowners to develop a new state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek. The park is one of six original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) parks in Virginia that opened in June 1936.
The Legend of Hungry Mother
Legend has it that when the Native Americans destroyed several settlements on the New River south of the park, Molly Marley and her small child were among the survivors taken to the raiders’ base north of the park. They eventually escaped, wandering through the wilderness eating berries. Molly finally collapsed, and her child wandered down a creek until the child found help. The only words the child could utter were "Hungry Mother." The search party arrived at the foot of the mountain where Molly collapsed to find the child's mother dead. Today that mountain is Molly’s Knob, and the stream is Hungry Mother Creek.
Hemlock Haven Conference Center: (276) 781-7425 - Reserved by Hemlock Haven.
This in-holding of Hungry Mother State Park, long serving as an Episcopal Church camp, was purchased by the state in 1986. After considerable refurbishing, the facility opened in 1989.
Facilities include meeting rooms, cabins, a sports complex and picnic area. Packages and fees vary. Call the conference center at (276) 781-7425 for more information and reservations. Cabins are reserved through the State Parks Reservation Center, 1-800-933-PARK. Catering is available through the Hungry Mother Restaurant.
Park size: It's 2,435 acres. The lake is about 108 acres.
Current weather: Click here to visit the Weather Channel's website.
AT-A-GLANCE: The pictographs directly below show park offerings. Click on those of interest or read below for more detail. Mouse-over the image for a short text description or click here to view a legend in which each pictograph's meaning is expressed.
LOCATION: Hungry Mother
State Park is in Smyth County. To get there, take Exit 47 from Interstate
81. Travel approximately one mile on Route 11 toward Marion. Turn right on
Route 16 north and travel four miles to the park Register at the Discovery
Center.
Directions to Hemlock Haven (within the park): Use the above, general directions to find Hungry Mother State Park. Once within Hungry Mother State Park, follow signs for Hemlock Haven Conference Center. Stay on the main road and follow the loop. The first six cabins are named: Chestnut, Hickory, White Oak, Scarlet Oak, Red Oak and Sycamore. Stay on this road to The Pines, which are near the fork in the road. The Pines are numbered 21-25. Register at the Discovery Center.
Directions to Camp Burson (formerly known as Hungry Mother Family Campground): Before reaching the main entrance to Hungry Mother State Park, you'll see Camp Burson on the right off Park Boulevard. Campers who've rented sites with electric/water/sewage hook-ups register at Camp Burson. Do not register at the Discovery Center, which is inside the park proper.
Drive Time : Northern Va., six hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, six hours; Roanoke, two hours.
Latitude, 36.882561. Longitude, -81.533867.
PARK MAP: Click here (PDF) for a map of the park's trails. Click here (PDF) for a map depicting the park's facilities.
View all Hungry Mother photos.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES: Cabins, camping, and Hungry Mother Lodge (Reservation Center).For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.
Click here for details on reservation cancellation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for overnight stays.
Those interested in the Hemlock Haven Conference Center should call (276) 781-7425.
Visit a Flickr photoset of typical cabins and lodges at Hungry Mother. Cabins and lodges vary. Dwellings may not match what's shown in the photos.
CABINS: Weekly rentals start on Saturday or Sunday. The Hemlock Haven weekly rentals start on Friday.
Cabins have:
- Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, dishcloth, a few dish towels, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, microwave oven, toaster, clock radios. Also includes rustic furniture and linens (one set per person for four people). Cabins are climate controlled (heat and AC). Bring food, dish detergent, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, extra dish towels, soap, extra bath towels, board games or cards. No dishwasher, telephone, TV, washer/dryer
- Living area: sofa, dining table
- Bedrooms: beds and nightstands
- No grills
- Fireplaces
- Picnic tables
- Swimming and boat launch are free for overnight guests when available.
- Two vehicles per cabin allowed. Others must park in parking area and pay parking fees.
- Firewood is available for a fee. Overnight guests receive one bundle at no charge.
- One set of linens provided per person; linens are not replaced daily.
- Cabins 17, 19 and 20 are handicapped accessible inside, offer wide doors and rest on level ground. Cabins 14-20 have handicapped accessible bathrooms.
- Cabin seven has largest floor area.
- These cabins have open porches: #1-5, 7, 9, 14-20.
- These cabins have decks: #6, 8, 9-20.
Total sites of each type: 1-rm log efficiency, 1; 1-bedroom frame, 1; 1-bedroom log waterview, 1; 2-bedroom log, 3; 2-bedroom frame, 7; 2-bedroom cinderblock, 7; Hungry Mother Lodge, 1
Site type:
- 1-rm log efficiency - Cabin 3. One room, allows two, sleeps two and no bed rentals. One-room log efficiency; one double bed.
- 1-bedroom frame - Cabin 9. Allows four, sleeps two and two bed rentals allowed. One double bed. One-bedroom wood frame.
- 1-bedroom log waterview - Cabin 2. Water-view, allows four, sleeps two and two bed rentals allowed. One-bedroom log; one double bed.
- 2-bedroom log - Cabins 1 & 4. Allows six, sleeps four and one bed rental allowed. The sixth guest must bring a sleeping bag or air mattress. Two-bedroom log; two single beds and one double bed.
- 2-bedroom log - Cabin 5. Allows six, sleeps four and one bed rental allowed. The sixth guest must bring a sleeping bag or air mattress. Two-bedroom log; one set of bunk beds and one double bed.
- 2-bedroom frame - Cabins 6, 8, and 10 through 13. Allows six, sleeps six and no bed rentals. Two-bedroom wood frame; two sets of bunk beds and one double bed.
- 2-bedroom frame - Cabin 7. Allows six, sleeps four and two bed rentals allowed. Two-bedroom wood frame; two single beds and one double bed.
- 2-bedroom cinderblock - Cabins 14-20. Allows six, sleeps six and no bed rentals. Two-bedroom cinderblock with cedar siding; two sets of bunk beds and one double bed.
- Rental beds are available for a fee per night - advance reservation required; call 1-800-933-PARK (7275)
Total cabins: 20
Hemlock Haven cabins
All cabins at Hemlock Haven are rented by the week during prime season under Hungry Mother State Park. The Pines and other cabins at Hemlock Haven require weekly stays, Friday to Friday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. A minimum two-night stay is required otherwise, and sometimes such shorter stays can be arranged during prime season by calling 30 days in advance. All cabins at Hemlock Haven are priced the same as two-bedroom cabin rentals.
Directions to Hemlock Haven: Use general directions to get to Hungry Mother State Park. Turn into Hungry Mother State Park and follow signs for Hemlock Haven Conference Center. Stay on the main road and follow the loop. The first six cabins have particular names - Chestnut, Hickory, White Oak, Scarlet Oak, Red Oak, Sycamore. Stay on this road to the Pines, which are near the fork in the road. The Pines are numbered 21-35.
The Pines Cabins at Hemlock Haven: Site type, 2-bedroom cinderblock (cabins 21 through 25): All five cabins are cinderblock with cedar siding, two bedrooms (two sets bunk beds in one, double bed in other bedroom, each sleeps six, no bed rentals). Amenities are the same as those listed above for cabins in Hungry Mother proper.
- Red Oak, White Oak and Scarlet Oak cabins: These cabins each sleep six, no bed rentals. It has two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two sets of bunkbeds. There's a full service kitchen, dining room and a living room that has a sofa. All other amenities are the same as those listed above for cabins in Hungry Mother proper, except that they have no fireplace.
Other cabins in Hemlock Haven: There are three cabins in Hemlock Haven that offer amenities that differ from those in other cabins at the park. These three cabins, in fact, also differ somewhat from each other. Each one sleeps eight, have no kitchens (no utensils, no dishes, have small cabinets, etc.) and no fireplaces. All have decks, small refrigerators, heating-AC and microwave ovens. These cabins are designed for outdoor grilling. The cabins have names rather than numbers.
- Chestnut (handicapped accessible cabin): This handicapped accessible cabin sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. Each bedroom has two single beds and a four-drawer chest. Linens are provided. It has a sitting room with wet bar for light snacks, a microwave oven and a refrigerator. Central heating-AC. There are two common bathrooms with handicapped facilities, a deck and an outdoor grill.
- Sycamore and Hickory cabins: Each of these two-bedroom cabins sleeps eight. Each bedroom has two sets of bunk beds, a closet, and a four drawer chest. Linens are provided. There's no kitchen (no utensils, no dishes, no stove, etc.). Each has a sitting room with wet bar for light snacks and a small refrigerator. Central heating-AC. Sycamore has a full bathroom, commode and sink in each bedroom. Hickory has a common bathroom with two showers, two commodes and three sinks. The cabins have a deck and outdoor grills.
Hungry Mother Lodge
Hungry Mother Lodge - Six bedroom lodge (Sleeps 15 maximum). It's a great place for a get-together. (There are no bed rentals for lodge.) Saturday - Saturday weekly rental. This log lodge offers a view of the park. It was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Handicapped accessible. Interior logs have been stained in a light finish.
Six bedrooms: Master bedroom with a double bed, three bedrooms with queen size beds, one with two sets of bunk beds (making four beds), and one bedroom with a single bed and a set of bunk beds (making three beds). The lodge sleeps 15; no cots are for rent.
- TV-VCR in living area.
- Kitchen: Refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, dishcloth, a few dish towels, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, microwave oven, toaster, clock radios. Also includes rustic furniture and linens (one set per person). Lodge is climate controlled (heat and AC). Bring food, dish detergent, extra dish towels, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, extra bath towels, bodywash/soap, board games or cards.
- Porch
- Large deck and picnic shelter
- Washer and dryer
- Gas grill
- Horseshoe pits (bring your own horseshoes)
- Gas fireplace
- Swimming and boat launch, when available, are free for overnight guests.
- Firewood is available for a fee.
- People visiting overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. and pay parking fees.
- Two vehicles per campsite in addition to camping unit allowed. Others must park in parking area and pay parking fee.
- Each campsite has a round fire ring on the ground which can be used for cooking and campfires.
Total sites of each type: Hungry Mother proper - TENT, 11; E/W, 31. Camp Burson - EWS, 30; E/W, 22.
Camp Burson Camping (This campground is located before the entrance to Hungry Mother State Park proper.)
Camp Burson guests register at Camp Burson, not at the Discovery Center. The entrance is on the right side of Park Boulevard just before you reach the park's main entrance. Camp Burson guests will need to drive to the park's main gate to gain access to all other amenities at the park - swimming, restaurant, concessions, gift shop, cabins, other campgrounds, Hemlock Haven, etc. All Virginia State Park rules, regulations and policies pertaining to reservations apply to Camp Burson guests.
Site types in Hungry Mother proper
A (Campground A E/W, 11 sites) - Various equipment, electric and water hookups; tents, popups and RVs up to 35 feet; back-in sites; accept outlets for 20 and 30 amp current (50-amp current available at Camp Burson only).
B (Campground B E/W, 20 sites) - Various equipment, electric and water hookups; tents, popups and RVs up to 35 feet; back-in sites; accept outlets for 20 and 30 amp current (50-amp current available at Camp Burson only).
C (Campground C - 11 TENT sites) - Tents only. Bathhouse. Tent must fit on 20 by 20-foot pad. No hookups.
Burson EWS (30 electric, water and sewer hookup sites in Camp Burson only, and not near other Hungry Mother campgrounds) - Various equipment, electric, water, sewer hookups; tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 35 feet; back-in sites; accept outlets for 20, 30 and 50-amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring air mattress. (Carefully read the info above regarding Camp Burson sites; the campground is not in Hungry Mother State Park proper. It's adjacent to the park, and check-in is handled separately during the main camping season.)
Burson E/W (22 electric and water hookup sites, no sewer in Camp Burson only, and not near other Hungry Mother campgrounds) – Various equipment; electric and water, no sewer; tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 30 feet; back-in sites; accept outlets for 20, 30, and 50-amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring air mattress. (Carefully read the info above regarding Camp Burson sites. The campground is not in Hungry Mother State Park proper. It's adjacent to the park, and check-in is handled separately during the main camping season.)
Total campsites: 94 total in the park; 52 of which are in Camp Burson
Open during the summer, the swimming beach is complete with a bathhouse and concession area. From Memorial Day through Labor Day only, the beach and snack bar are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Click here for park fees. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the lodge, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.
TRAILS: Hiking, bicycle trails; no self-guided trails. More than 12 miles of trails are open year-round.
Visit the Explore Virginia Outdoors website for enhanced maps and video tours of Hungry Mother's trails.
WILDLIFE: Virginia State Parks are great places to discover and reconnect with the wild world. Bring a camera and share your captures with the world. But please don't disturb or get too close to the animals. The park is, after all, their home. Here are a few recent natural encounters others have had at Hungry Mother.
View all wildlife encounter photos from Hungry Mother.
FISHING, BOATING: The 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake within the park supports a host of sport fish including largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, crappie, channel catfish, carp, sunfish, rock bass, muskellunge and walleye. The channel catfish, walleyes and musky are stocked every year.
A valid Virginia fishing license is required.
Boat launching is available for non-gasoline powered boats. A boat launching ramp and handicapped accessible fishing pier have been developed. In addition, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats are available for rent during the summer. Boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and electric powered Jonboats are available Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends through October, weather permitting.
HUNTING: 500 acres on Walker Mountain are open to deer and small game hunting annually.
PARKS CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.
VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP: This park has a Discovery Center with gift shop.
NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS: Regular weekly interpretive programs at Hungry Mother are available mid-June through Labor Day and include canoe tours, nature hikes, night hikes, Critter Crawl (aquatic sampling), guest evening programs, campfires, storytelling, music, and wee and junior naturalist programs. The park offers more programs on weekends in May, September and October. Guests may call the park at (276) 781-7400 for specific programs and dates.
Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: None.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Grayson Highlands State Park is one hour away, as well as Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area and Historic Saltville (archaeological digs each summer and site of restored Civil War salt factory). Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum, Bastian, Va., offers a reconstructed Native American village, museum, museum store and picnic area; phone (276) 688-3438. Also in the area is the Museum of Middle Appalachians, Saltville, Va., and the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Va. Also in Marion you'll find the Historic General Francis Marion Hotel and Black Rooster Gallery. And be sure to check out the Virginia Heritage Music Trail.
In nearby Abingdon are the Barter Theatre, State Theater of Virginia, and the five-star Martha Washington Inn. Wytheville offers antiques and outlet shopping, and Bristol hosts the Bristol Motor Speedway. The William King Regional Arts Center has galleries in which art of Southwest Virginia and the world is featured.
PICNIC SHELTERS: This park offers three shelters for rent through the Reservations Center at 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees. They can be rented from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (all day). Shelter 3 is large and can be rented in two separate sections. The park's amphitheater can also be rented (see below under "special offerings"). Parking and swimming fees are not included in shelter or amphitheater rental. All shelters are available April 1-October 31; at other times they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelter amenities include charcoal grill, picnic tables, electical outlets, fireplace, lights and access to restrooms.
Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.
Shelter 1 - This handicapped accessible shelter is a favorite because it's closest to the beach, playground, boat rentals, restaurant and handicapped accessible restrooms. It overlooks the lake and accommodates 75. Amenities include electrical outlets, a fireplace at each end, a large Texas size grill and 12 picnic tables. Around the shelter are tables not for rent; they're taken on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Shelter 2 - This secluded shelter accommodates 75. There are tables located around the shelter that are not reserved and are take on a first-come, first-served basis. This shelter, near parking lot 5, is tucked in the woods just past the restaurant and near the boat rental area and the amphitheater. It is often used along with weddings held at the amphitheater. It features electrical outlets, fireplaces at each end, a large Texas-sized grill and 12 picnic tables.
Shelter 3 - Shelter 3, the largest, accommodates 40 on each of its two sides (a & b - but it can be rented in whole). There are tables located around the shelter that are not rented and are take on a first-come, first-served basis. There are electrical outlets on each side of the shelter; brick fireplaces separate two halves of shelter. This shelter is not handicapped accessible. It has a large Texas-sized grill and six picnic tables at each end of the shelter. It is near parking lot 6 and the restrooms. The restrooms are not handicapped accessible.
- Discovery Center: Handicapped accessible parking, two spaces; interior easily accessible, both men and women accessible restrooms.
- Picnic shelters: All three shelters have adjacent, handicapped accessible parking. Shelters 1 and 2 are handicapped accessible; shelter 3 is not because there's a small step going down into it. The shelters' fireplaces are not accessible.
- Beach area: Handicapped accessible walkway with sidewalk around beach area. Currently there is no method for getting individuals who are wheelchair bound from the walkway into the water. Bathhouse/changing area is handicapped accessible with restroom facilities.
- Campground: Currently the only handicapped accessible site is campground A, site 6, however many of sites available in campground A are level. Bathhouse addition includes restroom/shower area for physically challenged.
- Cabins: Hungry Mother cabins 17, 19 and 20 through 15 are accessible. Cabins 14, 15, and 16 have a five-inch step outside and are accessible inside.
- Lodge: Handicapped accessible bathroom and master bedroom, with ramp for entrance.
- Amphitheater: Handicapped accessible by paved trail across wooden bridge and smooth mulched surface on Amphitheater Island.
- Trails: Handicapped accessible trail from beach area to parking lot six, approximately ¾-mile in length.
- Fishing pier: Handicapped accessible pier next to beach area and adjacent to parking lot one.
- Parking lots: All have handicapped accessible spaces.
- Restaurant: Fully handicapped accessible with elevator to second floor and restrooms available on both levels.
- Boat ramp: The dock at boat ramp is handicapped accessible, but loading into boats is up to the individual.
- All walkways along with parking areas from the beach to lot 6 are paved. Within this area are: three picnic shelters, "The Restaurant," picnic area with grills and tables, beach, playground equipment, fishing pier and the amphitheater.
- Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, electric powered wheelchairs and electric scooters that meet the federal definition for wheelchairs are allowed to enable people with disabilities to use the trails.
Amphitheater - The amphitheater, popular for weddings, can be rented from noon to 10 p.m. (full day). Those renting may access the amphitheater before the start time if desired. Call 1-800-933-PARK to rent. The natural surroundings of the park's amphitheater provide a beautiful, outdoor setting for many activities, including weddings. As it's on an island, it's accessed by footbridge from the main park area. The structure has one electrical outlet and is near parking lot five. Up to 60 can be accommodated on the uncovered wooden benches. Standing room can accommodate another 40. You're welcome to bring more chairs if you like, but be sure to remove them when leaving. No park equipment, such as a microphone, is provided.
Cancellation policy: No refund within a week before the date reserved. Before then, there's a cancellation fee
Amphitheater rules: Please read carefully, so there are no surprises on your special day... The reserved area includes the entire island. No pinning, gluing, thumbtacking or nailing of decorations to the amphitheatre stage or seats is allowed. Other decorations used on the island must be removed promptly after the event's occurrence. All park rules and regulations must be followed. State law permits alcohol use only in private areas (inside a cabin or camping unit) or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Please note . . . those planning more extravagant events must submit a special use permit at least 30 days in advance for approval by the park manager and state park central office staff. Call the park, (276) 781-7400, for the form.
Weddings - Hungry Mother State Park is a popular venue for weddings. Click here to learn more about the park's fine wedding options.
CONCESSIONS: Operated during the summer season, they include a swimming beach, snack bar and paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, fishing boats, bicycles.
LAUNDRY: The closest laundromat is half a mile from the park.
RESTAURANT: During your visit, be sure to enjoy one of the original CCC facilities, the park's full-service, park-operated The Restaurant. Hours vary seasonally. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the dining room is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and open for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The dining room is closed from Labor Day through April 1. It's available for parties and catering year-round even when the dining room is closed. As with all state park facilities, circumstances may require deviation from this schedule so please call (276) 781-7425 first.
A gift shop is located adjacent to The Restaurant. The shop offers a variety of crafts, books, gifts and novelty items. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
HISTORY: John D. and Mildred Lincoln donated 1,881 acres to the state for the establishment of a state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek in 1933. Later that year the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began construction of Hungry Mother and five other state parks. Roads, trails, picnic areas, cabins, a restaurant, bathhouse, dam and sanitation system were all built by the 600 CCC men at the park between 1933 and 1941. On June 15, 1936, the six-park Virginia State Park System was officially dedicated with public opening ceremonies at Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County. More than 5,000 turned out to see the park as Governor George Peery and State Park Director Robert Burson officiated.
FRIENDS GROUP: The mission of the Friends of Hungry Mother is to identify and promote activities that conserve and enhance recreational, cultural, historical and natural resources of the park and the adjoining highways and byways. Click here for more information about the group or to join it; click here to email the group.
CONTACT INFO: Hungry Mother State Park,
2854 Park Blvd.,
Marion, Va. 24354-9323;
phone, (276) 781-7400; email hungrymother@dcr.virginia.gov.
Learn more about park offerings by calling 1-800-933-PARK or email resvs. Be sure to specify the park of interest.
This park was supported by the Land and Water Conservation Fund: Helping states and communities provide outdoor recreation and open space for all Americans.
Visit Explore Virginia Outdoors for virtual tours of state parks' trails and more.