Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.
Read Our Blogs
Give your Christmas tree a second life
Posted December 30, 2025
Hungry Mother and Fairy Stone state parks can help you get rid of your live Christmas tree after the holidays and help the fish!
5 Favorite Cozy Cabins for Winter
Posted December 18, 2025
A winter getaway is a great way to mentally clear out the year-end junk and prepare for a bright new year ahead. Fortunately, we have hundreds of cabins at Virginia State Parks for that needed escape.
Holiday shopping at Virginia State Parks
Posted November 18, 2025
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of finding the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. If you want to avoid crowded malls and generic presents, consider a trip to one of Virginia's state parks.
Where to see holiday lights at Virginia State Parks
Posted November 12, 2025
Whether you want to see colorful lights on a bridge or a tunnel, from the comfort of your car or in a cozy museum, we have spectacular events for you to enjoy holiday lights and decor at Virginia State Parks.
Is There Glamping at Virginia State Parks? How About a Yurt
Posted October 15, 2025
Experience the park from a new perspective when you stay in a Virginia State Park Yurt.
Top 5 things to do at Fairy Stone State Park this fall
Posted October 01, 2025
Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect place to make memories this fall, here is our list of the top five things to make it happen.
The future of Virginia’s Mayo River State Park
Posted September 15, 2025
Along the Virginia–North Carolina border, the Mayo River winds through a landscape rich in natural beauty and cultural history. This scenic waterway is now the centerpiece of a growing conservation and recreation effort that spans two states.
Seven September adventures
Posted August 27, 2025
Summer isn't over yet and there is still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors at a Virginia State Park. Cooler temperatures mean more outdoor activities for all so check out these seven activities you won't want to miss this September.
7 places to park your RV at Virginia State Parks
Posted June 17, 2025
Take your RV to any of these seven Virginia State Parks for a great time!
5 parks to explore within an hour of Roanoke
Posted 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.
Kid-friendly programs: Q&A with kids who love Virginia State Parks
Posted February 28, 2025
Ever wonder what activities your kids or grandkids may enjoy during a Virginia State Parks visit? Hattie (age 12) and Cam (age 11) share their favorite experiences over the years. Spoiler alert: there are fun opportunities for all ages!
A group camping conversation: How to organize a trip that everyone will love
Posted August 12, 2024
Interested in planning a camping trip for a large group but not sure where to begin? This conversation with a group leader who recently organized a James River State Park trip may inspire you to pull off an epic outdoor adventure for your group.
10 summer bucket list parks for family adventure
Posted May 15, 2024
Are you planning a summer bucket list of activities for your family? Set a goal of experiencing fun outdoor adventures together and find something the whole family can enjoy at these ten Virginia State Parks!
Lodges: Virginia State Parks' best kept secret
Posted May 07, 2024
Get inspired to book a lodge for a group at Virginia State Parks. Avid visitor and writer Jenna Conner-Harris gives you all the information you need to know for a group getaway.
How to make the most of a yurt stay at Virginia State Parks
Posted March 13, 2024
Staying in a yurt is a unique experience. At Virginia State Parks, we offer them as an alternative to camping, to immerse yourself into nature while enjoying some comforts of a cabin – some call this glamping.
A conversation with James, The Ethnic Explorer
Posted February 15, 2024
James, The Ethnic Explorer, joins us for a conversation about diversifying the outdoors, Black history, his favorite Virginia State Parks and more!
Winter Hiking Tips: Enjoying the off-season at Virginia State Parks
Posted January 09, 2024
Hiking offers challenges and opportunities to enjoy the off-season at Virginia State Parks!
December Kayaking at Fairy Stone State Park
Posted December 12, 2023
Guest blogger Glen Mitchell shares the view from his kayak during a trip to Fairy Stone in December, 2019 with his wife.
Follow the Fall Foliage Report
Posted September 15, 2023
In our annual Fall Foliage Report you'll find information about leaf color changes that participating parks share each week in October.
2 Virginia State Parks complete phase 1 of cabin renovations
Posted May 31, 2023
Douthat and Fairy Stone State Parks have reopened 29 cabins to the public after completing the first phase of their nearly three-year renovation project.
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