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.

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Last updated on February 06, 2024

Technology may have made some positive changes in the world, but excessive use and its negative effects are also documented. Did you know 3 in 4 Americans spend 3+ hours a day looking at a screen? 

National Day of Unplugging is from sundown Friday, March 1, to sundown Saturday, March 2. Putting away all electronics for 24 hours seems doable. If you have forgotten what you can do without electronics, here are five ways to enjoy National Day of Unplugging (don't be surprised when they all involve Virginia State Parks).

Unplug in a cabin or yurt

Our full-service cabins are a great alternative if you don't feel the weather is quite right for camping. Camping cabins and yurts don't have heat either (and the yurts are really unplugged with no electricity), but they offer a more indoor experience for sleeping. You will need to commit to a two-night stay for these lodging options; click here to make reservations.

Bring your board games, card games and puzzles to your cabin since TVs are practically non-existent in Virginia State Park cabins
Bring your board games, card games and puzzles to your cabin.

Take a hike or bike ride.

With 600 miles of trails, Virginia State Parks offer an endless array of hiking and biking opportunities. From a leisurely stroll through the woods to an exhilarating mountain bike ride, we have it all. 

Four-legged family members are welcome
Molly's Knob Overlook at Hungry Mother State Park. Four-legged family members are welcome.

Find your adventure

Check out our program and events list and choose a self-guided adventure. Get a trail pack at a park office to take along with you. Our programs and events database lets you search by type of program, date or park.

three children laying on a grassy hill reading Jr. Ranger Handbooks while smiling
Check out our Jr. Ranger Handbooks and activity sheets

Volunteer

Get the whole family together and come out to one of our Virginia State Parks for a volunteer project. Call the park near you a few days in advance, and they will be sure to have some suggestions. You can sign up as a volunteer online here

There are always projects that need doing at a state park
There is always a need for volunteers at our state parks.

Come camping

There is something magical about the outdoors this time of year; immerse yourself in it at one of our campsites. Some of our campgrounds are open year-round for camping. All other campgrounds open on March 3. The seasonal transition offers some winter-like advantages (leaves off trees so you can see more wildlife) and the excitement of rebirth for spring. The cacophony of birds in our wide-open park spaces is amazing. For every shocking study about the evils of our dependence on electronics, there is a study on how time in nature helps us physically and mentally.

Camping ground
The primitive campground at James River State Park.

Wondering which park to choose? Use our park amenity search tool to find a campground, cabin park, or park to explore based on where you want to go in the state and what you would like to do. For camping and cabin reservations, call our Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) or check out our online reservations

The National Day of Unplugging is a wake-up call reminding us that there are many other things to do beyond staring at a screen. Maybe your family already has some electronics decompression time built into your daily life. If not, going cold turkey for one day is good practice!

National Day of Unplugging

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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