With 36 Virginia State Parks across the Commonwealth, outdoor adventure isn't much farther than your backyard so we're a great destination to celebrate the National Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout.

Campout at Sky Meadows State Park. Photo courtesy of National Wildlife Federation

All of our Virginia State Parks are offering special programs for this annual event designed to get more families outdoors and enjoying nature through camping. We are classifying the offerings into three categories: parks offering overnight camping gatherings; parks that have a campground that are also offering special outdoor programming; and day use parks offering day programs on outdoor skills.

Fourteen parks are offering overnight group camping and activities (please note that Leesylvania State Park's overnight event is June 21). This is the best opportunity for families completely new to camping. Click here for a list that features details, information on how to sign up and prices. Some of these parks have a limited quantity of camping equipment and four of the programs are free.

An additional fourteen parks are parks that offer camping as a regular offering and have scheduled special programming for visitors who make a reservation for camping or those who just want to come out for the day. To make a camping reservation at these parks, call 800-933-7275 or book on line here. Click here for a list that features details and information on whether any of the programs require advance registration. 

Our remaining parks are offering day programs that will help hone your outdoor skills and prepare you for camping in the future. Find a list of those parks with descriptions here.

Whichever you choose, our staff will make you feel right at home. For a complete listing of all the programs offered by park click here. Can't make it June 28? Our parks offer great programming throughout the summer and on many weekends in the spring and fall. Use our search tool to find the kind of program you are interested in at a park near you.

Pitching a tent at Bear Creek Lake State Park

If you decide to participate by visiting one of our Virginia State Parks of just by camping outside in your backyard or neighborhood, won't you take the pledge to camp from the National Wildlife Federation?

It doesn’t matter whether you camp in your own backyard, with neighbors, in a local park or campground; or whether you’re an old pro or new to camping. What matters is that you spend an evening outside enjoying the wonders of nature! -- National Wildlife Federation