When the temperatures drop, it signals the perfect time for camping in my book. If you're like me, we love to say bye-bye to the heat of summer, the insect repellent and sunscreen. 

Overlooking the dock and Lakeside Campground at Douthat State Park.

Another view of the delightful Lakeside Campground at Douthat State Park.

Here are six of my favorite campgrounds for fall camping at Virginia State Parks. It was hard to narrow it down to just six, but these have some of the most idyllic scenery for hiking and daydreaming from a hammock that I have found. Be mindful that all of the listed amenities may not be available year-round, and as a camper, that is a-ok as it means fewer people and equals more serenity.

1. l DOUTHAT STATE PARK

A traditional family park since 1936, it sits among some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery. Visitors enjoy interpretive programs, four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with a snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, tent and trailer camping, and a seasonal restaurant overlooking the lake. The park also has 32 cabins and three lodges that accommodate 15, 16 and 18 guests each. Learn more about the camping available at Douthat State Park here.

2. | HUNGRY MOTHER STATE PARK

Long a family favorite known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains, Hungry Mother has a sandy beach with a bathhouse, boat rentals (fishing, canoe, kayak and paddle), a boat launch and a universally accessible fishing pier. Guests also enjoy campgrounds, cabins, gift shops, a visitor center, a six-bedroom family lodge that sleeps 15, hiking and biking trails, and a seasonal restaurant. Hungry Mother is also home to the Hemlock Haven Conference Center, available for retreats, conferences and special events. Learn more about the camping available at Hungry Mother State Park here.

3. | SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE STATE PARK

On the second-largest freshwater lake in the state, this picturesque park is the water enthusiast's paradise. There are numerous water activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier. Families can also enjoy picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheater, special programs, camping, miles of trails and cabins with boat docks. Learn more about the camping available at Smith Mountain Lake State Park here.

4. | SHENANDOAH RIVER STATE PARK

This park is on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and has more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline. The park opened in June 1999. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. A large riverside picnic area, picnic shelters, trails, river access and a car-top boat launch, make this a popular destination for families, anglers and canoeists. Ten riverfront tent campsites, a campground with water and electric sites, cabins, camping cabins and a group campground are available. With more than 24 miles of trails, the park has plenty of options for hiking, biking, horseback riding and adventure. Learn more about the camping available at Shenandoah River State Park here.

5. | CHIPPOKES STATE PARK

Just across the James River from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Chippokes State Park is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. A campground and four overnight cabins allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds. The park has a visitor center with a gift shop. It also provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback and picnic. Chippokes also offers wedding packages and meeting facilities. Learn more about the camping available at Chippokes State Park here.

6. | HOLLIDAY LAKE STATE PARK

Deep in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill is popular. Swimming at the park's guarded beach and the play area are visitor favorites. The park has several hiking trails, the Lakeshore Trail, which is a 6.7-mile hiking trail that loops around the lake and the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, passing through a hardwood forest, wetlands and managed pine plantation. Carter Taylor Trail, a multi-use trail in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, can be reached by hikers from Lakeshore Trail. Visitors enjoy campgrounds, picnic shelters, playgrounds, seasonal concession stand, gift shop and boat ramp. The park rents canoes, kayaks, jon boats, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. Holliday Lake is just minutes from the famous Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.  Learn more about the camping available at Holliday Lake State Park here.

BONUS

Rent a yurt at a Virginia State Park.

If you don't have a camper or tent, you can rent a yurt and enjoy being outside in the great outdoors, taking in the fall scenery and the crisp cool morning.

Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter that combines a beautiful wood frame with durable, electronically bonded architectural fabric. It's a cross between a tent and a cabin. Kiptopeke State Park has the system's only "deluxe" yurt. It offers a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay, and has a large wooden deck, picnic table, fire ring with cooking grate, exterior floodlight, food preparation table and water spigot. Smoking, cooking and pets are not allowed in the yurt. It has electricity and air conditioning and sleeps six; guests must bring sheets, blankets, towels and pillows. 

Yurts are being built in other state parks, too. The new yurts will be the same as the one at Kiptopeke except for lacking electricity and climate control. There's a two-night minimum stay requirement for these basic yurts, and the rental season is the same as normal campgrounds.

MORE THAN 1,800 CAMPSITES

Fall is a favorite camping season at Virginia State Parks, and it's easy to see why.

Twenty-nine state parks throughout the state offer camping with a total of more than 1,800 campsites. 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. (See park rates).

Most campgrounds are open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December; primitive sites are available year-round. Douthat, Hungry Mother, Pocahontas and Shenandoah River state parks have full-service campgrounds open year-round. 

Visit our online reservation site to reserve campsites, cabins, lodges and picnic shelters now.

REWARDS

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

Learn more about camping and overnight stays, or call 800-933-7275 during regular business hours. See a map of all Virginia State Parks to help plan your visit.

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