Posted December 8, 2014 | Updated July 8, 2017

WHY VIRGINIA?

After staying a couple nights in a cabin at Staunton River State Park, I can answer that question: Because she is so dang adorable. I am not just saying that as a Virginia State Parks blogger, like every mother thinks their baby is the cutest.

That's her, cabin 2 way back there behind the beautiful leafy trees at Staunton River State Park

Cabin 2 at Staunton River State Park - everyone sings her praises

Cabin 2 is a 2 bedroom cabin with wood burning fireplace and water views

Main bedroom looks out onto the deck and water

View from other window in the main bedroom overlooking the trees and cabin 1

Ample space to gather and enjoy the scenery

Plenty of privacy and outside space at Cabin 2

Scenic picnic and cook out area overlooking the water

Staunton River State Park provided the perfect respite from our busy lives. When all the leaf peepers across the state had gone home, we headed out. Knowing that the leaves turn later in the Piedmont of Virginia helped us to choose this southside Virginia State Park.

FAVORITE FEATURES

I cannot overstate how fabulous these cabins at Staunton River State Park really are in person. There are only a handful of them, and they run along the edge overlooking the water. There is not a bad one in the lot. For privacy and space you cannot go wrong at any of these cabins.

• Cabin 2 has such an amazing view that only gets better when the leaves fall
• Cabin 2 has an awesome deck and cookout area adjacent
• There is a large picnic table, a grill and a fire ring. Some cabins we have been to don't have both, so for us that was a huge perk
• The views from inside the cabin were just as lovely as when you sat outside the cabin 
• The row of old growth trees outside could know your socks off. One of the oak trees was massive and felt like an old friend keeping secrets and telling tales
• The open field was directly across from the cabin area where the deer and other wildlife frequent, a great place to kick or bat the ball 
• There is easy access to the water just a few hundred feet down the trail to the point

Cabin 2 features a ramp vs stairs onto the deck and has two entries (front and kitchen)

STANDARD FEATURES

1. 2 bedrooms (this cabin has also has a sofa bed in the living room Updated: Had all new furniture in 2016. There is no longer a sleeper sofa)
2. Bathroom with shower
3. Kitchen fully equipped with tons of pots and pans and cooking utensils.
4. Comfortable living room with table and chairs and lounging furniture
5. Full HVAC so you can be as cool or warm as you like in any season
6. Deck with table and chairs, bistro set and chairs and two lounge chairs
7. All linens provided
8. First set of wood provided for fireplace or campfire outside (you can purchase more for just .50 cents a piece on the road outside of cabin 3)

HELPFUL HINTS

This beautiful state park was hit by an F2 tornado in the spring of 2011, you can still see some of the damage if you look closely. Use this as part of a scavenger hunt idea for your hikes/walks.

Don't miss the River Bank Trail that can easily be joined from behind the visitor center and leads down to the Dan River and around to the point. There is also a fantastic group picnic area there with breathtaking views. If I were a group, which is exactly where I would have my Sunday picnic.

Seasonally: There is a large swimming pool, there are events and programs, self-guided and more at this park. For us, getting away in the so-called mid to off season November 8-10 was the perfect escape from our busy lives. 

Great trails for walking, most of them flat (which worked nicely for an old dog - ahem, not me but our dog who was having joint problems.)

Nice level paved roads for riding your bicycle (down to the river or boat launch or just around)

Sunsets - if you don't catch a sunset over both rivers as they merge into Buggs Island Lake you will miss a great experience. Bring your camera, these are Kodak moments.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tucked neatly into the heart of Virginia, about 25 miles from the North Carolina border, Staunton River offers much to families and outdoor enthusiasts. The 2,400-acre park offers woodlands, meadows and shoreline along the Dan and Staunton rivers. Cabins built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and a campground offer overnight lodging. The equestrian campground offers large campsites and horse stalls. Access to Virginia's largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, offers freshwater fishing and boating, along with water skiing and many other aquatic activities.

The park also has Olympic-sized and wading pools, picnic shelters, three playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, several boat launches and more than 17 miles of multi-use trails. River Traders, just outside the park entrance, rents canoes, kayaks, jon boats and pontoon boats. Click here for a Google map for location information.

More information about Staunton River State Park can be found here. If you wish to stay overnight, which I hope you do, then click here for details on cabins, camping and reservations. You can also call to inquire about availability 800-933-7275 during business hours.

ISN'T IT TIME TO GET OUTSIDE AND MAKE SOME LASTING MEMORIES AT A VIRGINIA STATE PARK? WE THINK SO.

 

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Editor's note: Staunton River State Park has been a favorite to many park goers since it opened in 1936, as one of the original six Civilian Conservation Corp built parks to open simultaneously on the same day. Learn more about the unique history of Virginia State Parks here. We are sharing this article again as it is never too early to plan your fall getaway.

If you are looking for fall color, changing leaves, trails to wander, then this park has it in spades. For a few nights stay or a day visit, you can't go wrong.

Posted December 8, 2014 | Updated July 8, 2017