2024 Volunteer of the Year Awards

By Amy AtwoodPosted April 23, 2025

Virginia State Parks received 221,132 hours of time from more than 8,000 volunteers in 2024. Every year parks have the opportunity to nominate volunteers for the annual Volunteer of the Year awards. Read who won this year and why.

A graphic stating Virginia State Parks 2024 volunteer hours: 221,132 Total hours donated in 2024; 88,655 Camp Host hours; 41,656 Volunteer group hours; 65,257 Individual volunteer hours

Lodges: Virginia State Parks’ best kept secret

By Guest BloggerPosted 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.

“Typical” lodge and six-bedroom floor plan used with most Virginia State Park lodges; this one is at Shenandoah River State Park.

How to make the most of a yurt stay at Virginia State Parks

By Haley RodgersPosted 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.

Yurt #1 at Machicomoco State Park in the fall. Photo by Haley Rodgers.

A conversation with James, The Ethnic Explorer

By Haley RodgersPosted 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!

A collage of three pictures showing 1) a Black man on a mountain biking going through a trail full of fall foliage, 2) a Black man facing the camera on a long bridge wearing a black sweater that says Virginia, and 3) a camper van open showing the set up and a paddle board leaning against the van.

3 state parks to see in south central Virginia

By Haley RodgersPosted March 30, 2023

An itinerary for you to see three state parks in three days in south central Virginia: Occoneechee, Staunton River and Staunton River Battlefield State Parks. Find out the best way to experience these parks and get closer to completing Trail Quest.

Photo collage of Staunton River trailhead with tall pines in background, a standup paddleboard at the shores of Buggs Island Lake at Occoneechee State Park, and a view of the Staunton River Battlefield Bridge while standing at the end

These Eight Reasons to Go Outside Will Put a Spring in Your Step

By Shellie AnnePosted April 03, 2019

Spring showers bring May flowers to the mountains, Piedmont, and coastal Virginia State Parks. Exploring our parks in bloom is sure to put a spring in your step.