Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

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Starr Anderson

Starr Anderson

PR & Marketing Specialist for the Western region Virginia State Parks.


Blogger "Starr Anderson"Clear, park "Raymond R."Clear results in following blogs.

Field trip and homeschooling opportunities at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted August 05, 2025
Virginia is home to a diverse array of state parks, each offering unique natural landscapes, rich history and hands-on educational experiences, making them perfect extensions of the classroom.
Douthat State Park

Christmas in July: Top 5 Virginia State Parks gifts

By Starr AndersonPosted July 29, 2025
Christmas in July is the perfect time to beat the heat and get a head start on your gift list. Whether you're shopping for the outdoorsy type, a parks superfan here are our top 5 gifts at Virginia State Parks.
Virginia State Parks outline design

Saving the eastern hellbender and how to see one at a Virginia State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted July 14, 2025
The eastern hellbender is North America's largest salamander. Unfortunately, the future of the this aquatic giant is uncertain due to habitat loss from damming, sedimentation from logging and mining, agricultural runoff, pollution and flooding.
Hellbender

Everything you need to know about James River's Rooftop Tent Rally

By Starr AndersonPosted June 24, 2025
James River State Park is teaming up with Blue Ridge Overland Gear again for its annual Roof Top Tent Rally. The special event provides a unique opportunity to connect with fellow overlanders or explore the overlanding lifestyle for the first time.
Rooftop Tent Rally

Honoring lifelong campers: Johnny and Diane Hottle's love for Douthat State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted June 18, 2025
As one of the original six Virginia State Parks to open in 1936, Douthat State Park has long been a go-to destination for nature lovers, families and thrill seekers. Among its most loyal visitors are Johnny and Diane Hottle.
Johnny and Diane Hottle

Tapping for syrup at Clinch River State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted June 02, 2025
Over the winter, Clinch River State Park and community partners took to the woods to tap trees on Sugar Hill to produce syrup. The tapping event was more than just a sweet endeavor, it was the first to take place on Sugar Hill in roughly 70 years.
Sugar Hill

Discovering Natural Bridge State Park's visitor center

By Starr AndersonPosted May 27, 2025
Located just 2 miles off Interstate 81, Natural Bridge State Park draws visitors from near and far. While the iconic limestone bridge and breathtaking scenery are the main attractions, the visitor center is an essential part of the park experience.
Natural Bridge State Park

4 women in law enforcement at Virginia State Parks

By Starr AndersonPosted March 28, 2025
DCR's law enforcement rangers go beyond traditional policing; they serve to protect people and Virginia's natural and cultural resources. Among these professional are women breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated field.
Amanda Bishop

5 parks to explore within an hour of Roanoke

By Starr AndersonPosted March 17, 2025
In addition to its own opportunities for connecting with nature, Roanoke provides you with easy access to five Virginia State Parks: Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Smith Mountain Lake and Natural Bridge.
Virginia State Parks

5 must-do activities at Claytor Lake State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 12, 2025
Claytor Lake State Park is a go-to destination for water enthusiasts. Its 4,500-acre lake offers roughly 4 miles of lake frontage, including a sandy beach. While the water draws many people in, it's not all this park offers.
Claytor Lake


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