All of our Virginia State Parks fall under the special spring burning restrictions required under state law between February 15 and April 30 annually. According to the Department of Forestry, fires are more likely in late winter and early spring because winds are higher, relative humidity is lower, and the fuels on the forest floor are dry due to having had no shade all winter. Winds usually calm down after 4 p.m., and relative humidity levels rise, making it less likely for debris or open-air fires to escape.

Obey the law when it comes to burning restrictions to help prevent wildfires.

Charcoal or wood fire in a fire ring at one of our cabins or in the picnic area is not allowed during burn restriction times.

Open fires, which include charcoal and wood fires, are prohibited between midnight and 4:00 p.m. each year from February 15 through April 30 in all of our parks. Open fires are allowed after 4 p.m. and until midnight.* The burn restrictions apply to the entire park, including the picnic areas and cabin area (even cabins with grills or fire rings).

Gas grills or propane stoves are permitted during that period, and visitors are encouraged to bring them to use while camping or picnicking.

Personal grills may only be used in designated picnic areas, campgrounds and at your reserved cabin (outside of this time period, some parks have personal grill restrictions, so please check with the park before making plans to bring one).

ONLY EXCEPTION: DEVELOPED CAMPGROUNDS WITH CAMP HOSTS

After much discussion with the Virginia Department of Forestry, we were able to receive an exception for our campgrounds that have a camp host in residence during this time. Campgrounds will post signage as to whether a host is on duty or not.

Open fires are allowed before 4 p.m. at parks with camp hosts if the fire is maintained within a designated campfire ring or circle. It must be under constant supervision until it is completely extinguished. All flammable material should be cleared from a 20-foot area around the fire, and campers must also have ready access to water, rake and shovel.

Having a camp host resident in the campground does not permit open-air fires in the other parts of the park.

You can contact the park directly to ask about the camp host status in our developed campgrounds. Our primitive campgrounds (meaning those without bathhouses) do not have hosts.

*Open fires are never allowed at False Cape State Park.
**Grayson Highlands' camping is operated as primitive until May 1. There is no host, so open fires are not allowed.