Posted August 25, 2013 | Updated May 16, 2019

A little planning and some last-minute luck can save you 25% off a great cabin stay at Virginia State Parks, but you have to be ready to jump on the deal.

Enjoy a getaway to a cabin at Natural Tunnel State Park

(Image courtesy: Bill Crabtree, Jr., Va. Tourism Corp.)

Typical interior open floor plan of the cabins at Natural Tunnel State Park

This is an adorable 2-bedroom cabin that sleeps six at Natural Tunnel State Park. It has a gas log fireplace and awesome views of the mountains and valley from the porch. Sit outside at the picnic table or roast a few marshmallows on the grill for s'mores. 

Cabins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are two-bedroom frame cabins. They sleep up to six and have parking for two vehicles. The cabins have one queen bed and two sets of bunk beds (sleep four) in a second bedroom. No extra bed rentals. The cabins have a full kitchen and  all linens are provided. Just bring the food/beverages and fun.

Gotta have a plan

1. Keep an eye on the last minute specials - to see a "Weekend Cabin Rental Discount of 25% off" post each Thursday morning on the Virginia State Parks Facebook page. If you don't see the special, just call the reservation center and request it, 800-933-7275.

2. Subscribe to the eNews  - find out about events coming up, and follow the blog. You may find a park piques your interest that you didn't know about. We highlight different park activities, programs and events. You can also search our events database here.

3. Plan ahead and prepare a couple bins - things you might want to bring along for an impromptu weekend cabin getaway (board games, flashlight, matches, odds and ends like this). Don't worry about bringing everything, you can make due. If you forget something there is always the park camp store or nearby big box or grocery.

4. Alert the family/friends - let them know that if a cabin is available in such and such part of the state, you will be booking it. Make it a group getaway by saving 25% off a lodge. Yes, you can save on those too.

5. Extend your stay - you can make it a long weekend with this same 25% off savings deal (only available for a new reservation). More about reservations and policies here, and FAQs here.

6. Go - relax...watch the sunset from the porch, explore the trails, listen to the birds at sun-up, walk along the beach or the lakes edge, breathe...that is what our cabins are all about. Oh, and Fido is allowed to stay with you in a cabin for a nightly fee. Learn more about that here.

Reproduction furnishings and comfy linens adorn the bedroom

This is an adorable handicapped-accessible one-bedroom Osborne cabin 3 at Chippokes State Park. It doesn't get any cozier and more comfortable than this.

Soft surroundings and decor make this more like a quaint country inn than a cabin

Cabins are available at Bear Creek Lake, Chippokes, Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, First Landing, Hungry Mother, James River, Lake Anna, Natural Tunnel, Occoneechee, Shenandoah River, Smith Mountain Lake, Staunton River, Twin Lakes and Westmoreland state parks. Cabin sizes and sleeping arrangements vary by park. Here is a map of all 38 Virginia State Parks.

If you want to check in advance which parks have available cabins for an upcoming weekend, watch this great little video Nancy Heltman put together for just that purpose:

Learn more about our cabins here, and by calling 800-933-7275 today.

Posted August 25, 2013 | Updated May 16, 2019