There is nothing better than sleeping under the stars at a Virginia State Park. As a blogger and avid visitor to Virginia State Parks I have been privileged to see some of the most breathtaking scenery and spectacular places in Virginia. The best are often seen before the general populace even steps out of their sleeping bags.

Some of the parks have camping cabins, which is great if you don't own an RV, but prefer to not camp in a soft sided tent. Sometime I will tell you about Yellowstone...and the bear.

 Allow me to share a few of my favorite campgrounds of Virginia State Parks.

1. Douthat State Park has the Lakeside Campground and is one of the few waterfront camping locations at Virginia State Parks. It offers an oasis of 19 campsites, some near or adjacent to the shoreline of the lake, with the beautiful Allegheny Mountains as the backdrop. One of my favorite hiking trails traverses this campground.

There are other campgrounds at this woodsy park with full hook ups, but this is the premiere unplugged camping location. The photo I took above even looks like a Saturday Evening Post cover by Norman Rockwell. This campground really is Americana 101.

More about camping at Douthat State Park here.

2. Fairy Stone State Park is very rustic and has some nice private campsites available, and even a section set up for a group tent camp.

A former park manager told me that Fairy Stone was his favorite park, as it embodied the whole state park great outdoors thing. Do you remember the place you went as a beginner to cut your teeth on camping and hiking as a kid? This park is like a proving ground, or a coming of age for the future Everest climbers. I like that. I wonder if Sir Edmund Hlilary started out as a Park'r? Bring the kids here, let them explore.

"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves." -Sir Edmund Hillary

The Equestrian Campground is not close by, so the horses have their own part of the park away from any young kids or dogs.

Learn more about camping at Fairy Stone State Park here as you consider your next family expedition.

3. Occoneechee State Park has a handful of waterfront or waterview campsites at Campground C, most are under the trees at this park. But there are in fact 6 waterview with electric and water, and 6 without available for rent. In the heat of summer you may appreciate the shade, but waterview is always great eye candy when you go camping, especially if you want to fish from the shore.

Learn more about the campgrounds at Occoneechee State Park here, to plan your next camping getaway.

4. Kiptopeke State Park has a fun loop with all sorts of campers mixed together and a bathhouse right in the middle for easy access. I prefer a side campsite to spread out and hang towels etc without being an eyesore to the rest of the campground. This campground doesn't offer views of the Chesapeake Bay but is an easy walk or bike ride to the fishing pier, the two beaches and trails. There is a fun playground for the little ones not far from the campground as well.

This is the first Virginia State Park to have a camping Yurt available to rent, which is in the most ideal location with its own elevated platform, has scenic views and even stairs down to the beach. 

More about camping at this great Eastern Shore of Virginia campground here.

5. Grayson Highlands State Park has been nicknamed the crown jewel of the Virginia State Park system by those who love it. I happen to be one of those who do, and staying overnight in this park is just this side of heaven. Grayson Highlands State Park offers plenty of opportunity for a family adventure.  

You can reserve site specific spots at this campground, and you really have to stay in touch with the weather if you are planning on tent camping at Grayson Highlands State Park due to its elevation in early spring. A primitive group camp, and a bunkhouse can also be rented.

There is also very popular equestrian camping at this park, located at a separate site and primitive camping there as well.

Learn more about camping at Grayson Highlands State Park here.

DIVERSITY

What I love about Virginia State Parks is that there is camping at twenty-eight state parks, and has more than 1,800 campsites available. All the parks offer something a little different from mountains to seashore, which is a great incentive for a road trip.

SEASON

Most campgrounds are open from the first Friday beginning in March ending the first Monday in December; but if you are a rugged outdoor type (or married to one) primitive sites are available all year-round.

HORSES

Seven parks offer horse camping, and 19 have riding trails. These parks with equestrian campsites also mostly have horse stalls. You can see a list of those facilities here. 

ALTERNATIVE CAMPING

Yurts are basically camping but they are considered alternative camping facilities as are bunkhouses and camping cabins, since they do not have indoor plumbing, heat or kitchens. With a Yurt, they just pitch the tent for you and bring in some comfy furniture for your stay, how about that. You can cook outside on your own Coleman Stove like regular camping. They provide a picnic table outside under the trees for you. The only difference is that no pets are allowed in the Yurt.

RESERVATION POLICIES

There are policies when you reserve a campsite at a Virginia State Park, but the good news is they are not too stringent. Be sure to read them before booking your campsite online, or when you call the Customer Service Center (800) 933-PARK. 

BONUS SUPER COOL HINT:

Virginia State Parks offer an awesome Customer Loyalty Program where you can earn points that may be used for free overnight stays. Park'rs asked for this and now it is available, just click here to learn more.

BONUS EXTRA SUPER COOL HINT:

There is no charge for your dog when you camp at a Virginia State Park. As long as the dog is kept under control at all times and maintained on a leash no longer than 6 feet. This includes not being left alone at the site to bark and disturb other campers. More about pets in Virginia State Parks here.

Click here to learn more about campgrounds at Virginia State Parks, or call a Reservation Counsellor at 800-933-PARK.

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