Shared by Louise Woolard, Office Manager, Pocahontas State Park, as Guest Blogger.

After nine years of Cousin Campouts in Virginia State Parks, we thought we were prepared for anything. But after this year, all I could think about was the phrase from my own childhood:

“We plan…God laughs.”

Woolard Family Cousin Campout at Bear Creek Lake State Park this past October

Chippokes State Park in Surry was our chosen destination this October. Four campsites, 19 people, neatly planned to perfection down to every meal, every activity, and every campfire. We scoped out the area with two visits ahead of time. We checked out the ferry ride. We paced off the distance to the new bathhouse building – just to be sure it was close enough for two potty training grandchildren. Nothing could stop this awesome cousin camping trip!

Enter Hurricane Matthew

Four days out, and I was nearly out of options. At that point, the storm looked to make a direct hit to the east coast of Virginia. Chippokes was definitely out of the question, but now what were we going to do?

The littlest cousins enjoy time around the campfire

And then, as if by divine intervention – I remembered a small bunkhouse we once camped beside, located at Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland. Certainly Cumberland – another 50 miles west of Richmond – would be safe. A quick email to Bear Creek Lake, and Office Manager Laura Moss had me calm as a sleeping kitten. (Okay, maybe not quite – but it was a start). Laura confirmed that the bunkhouse and one campsite we needed were still available, and another quick phone call to transfer our reservations at the Customer Service Center number (800-933-PARK) was all it took to save our annual trip.

I’m sure my sigh of relief could be heard by the migrating birds in the skies over Virginia.

After the storm passed, it was time for the outdoors and fishing

As it turns out, we needed the bunkhouse more than we could have anticipated. Saturday still brought a full day and night of heavy rain – but with extra awnings and creative cooking skills, we survived. Of course - we probably should also mention the group lunch in Farmville and a quick game of bowling that helped the kids forget about the rain for a while. We learned a long time ago that rain and puddles make for wet, soggy clothes, but that’s okay. The smiles and giggles of kids getting away with playing in the rain is always worth it.

Enjoying quiet time on the lake

Sunday and Monday both dawned clear and crisp – the kind of blue sky autumn days you see in picture books. Nine happy grandchildren explored, fished, and kayaked with their parents. We walked to the spillway of the lake, and roasted marshmallows on the large bunkhouse fire ring. Our annual Cousin Campout was saved. Special thanks to Charlie Whalen and the awesome staff at Bear Creek Lake for the last minute accommodations. They were all fantastic!

Cousins gather at the bunk house at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Bunkhouses can be found at several State Parks in Virginia. Most consist of two rooms, with a total of 7 bunk beds (sleeping 14 people). They also have refrigerators, microwaves and coffee pots, a water spigot, large grill and big fire ring outside. Check them out on the website. They are reasonably priced, and most are located close to the regular campground, so they can be used together, like we did.

The family voted for Westmoreland State Park in October of 2017. Once again – that’s in Eastern Virginia, right on the beautiful Potomac River.

I think I’ll call today and get information on the cabins - just in case!