Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

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Category "Camping"Clear results in following blogs.

5 must-do activities at Claytor Lake State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted May 26, 2025
Claytor Lake State Park is a go-to destination for water enthusiasts. Its 4,500-acre lake offers roughly 4 miles of lake frontage, including a sandy beach. While the water draws many people in, it's not all this park offers.
Claytor Lake

Mother and daughter become Virginia Master Hikers and Master Naturalists together in 1 year

By Guest BloggerPosted April 22, 2025
Kelly and her daughter decided to take on Trail Quest with a goal of completing it in one year. Along the way they decided to both become Master Naturalists, too. Learn about their adventurous year, how they planned it out and her recommendations.
Left: Mother and daughter pose with their Master Hiker certificates after completing Trail Quest. Right: Daughter lays in between all their trail maps and car tags from park visits.

Welcome spring at Douthat State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted March 31, 2025
Spring is in the air, and adventure is calling! After the quiet of winter, Douthat State Park is coming back to life, offering visitors beautiful views, fresh mountain air and a range of outdoor activities.
Eastern Hemlock

Fishing at Virginia State Parks

By Kim WellsPosted March 20, 2025
Whether you prefer fishing in lakes, rivers, creeks, oceans or the bay, there are plenty of places to cast your line at a Virginia State Park. To enjoy more time on the water be sure to book your stay in a cabin, campground, yurt or lodge.
Kayak fishing at Bear Creek Lake

5 parks to explore within an hour of Roanoke

By Starr AndersonPosted 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.
Virginia State Parks

What's new at Sky Meadows State Park?

By Laura SchliesskePosted March 14, 2025
For a park that has been a part of the Virginia State Parks system for more than 40 years and a working farm for more than 200 years, Sky Meadows State Park is keeping things fresh with a new trail and an addition to the campground.
A trail with yellow-orange trees along a stone wall to the left of the trail and an open pastoral vista to the right under blue sky.

5 things to do in the forest for fall break

By Maggi TinsleyPosted September 19, 2024
Whether or not you are a student, taking a fall break is good for mind, body and spirit! And Virginia State Parks are filled with green spaces that can help you refresh and enjoy the autumn season to the fullest.
forest setting at Seven Bends State Park

7 campgrounds for beginner campers

By Christen McKeyPosted September 18, 2024
Whether you're a camping beginner or just beginning to consider camping, the pleasant fall season is a great time to give it a try. Check out these Virginia State Park campgrounds and learn how to make a first-time camping trip less intimidating.
Camping at Pocahontas State Park

A group camping conversation: How to organize a trip that everyone will love

By Christen McKeyPosted 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.
Group camping at James River State Park

5 things to experience when visiting Holliday Lake State Park

By Kim WellsPosted July 24, 2024
Holliday Lake State Park is a hidden gem in Appomattox that offers a variety of activities and scenery for all to enjoy. Whether you want a self-guided adventure or ranger-led activity, this park is a must visit destination.
Fishing at HL

A Tidewater road trip: Machicomoco, York River and Chippokes

By Christen McKeyPosted July 17, 2024
Whether you're working on your Trail Quest journey or ready for the next camping excursion, this three-park itinerary offers a “choose your own adventure” road trip. Summer is a great time to enjoy these state parks in the Tidewater area!
The interpretive area at Machicomoco State Park. Photo: Christen McKey

8 parks with waterfront campsites

By Christen McKeyPosted May 10, 2024
Pitch your tent or park your RV at one of these eight Virginia State Parks for a picturesque overnight stay. Campsites with water views provide a serene spot to relax after a day of outdoor adventure!
A campsite with a lake view in Lakeside Campground

Family-friendly tips for backcountry camping

By Christen McKeyPosted April 08, 2024
Planning a hike-in or bike-in primitive camping trip with kids doesn't have to be intimidating. Experience the unique features of these Virginia State Parks with a few backcountry camping tips for a fun family adventure!
Hiking and biking to the backcountry campground from the overnight parking lot at Sky Meadows 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.

5 things to do at Machicomoco State Park

By Kim WellsPosted October 24, 2023
Machicomoco State Park is Virginia's 40th state park and is truly a special place to visit. The park has a unique history and is surrounded by diverse wildlife habitats that provide a perfect place to anyone to enjoy.
Algonquin words on bench at Machicomoco

5 things to do at Chippokes State Park

By Kim WellsPosted October 17, 2023
Chippokes State Park is a beautiful location and contains the oldest continually farmed land in the country. The rich history and lovely views of the James River make for a perfect day visit or an overnight getaway.
Chippokes in the fall

Youngest Master Hiker to complete Trail Quest

By Kim WellsPosted July 19, 2023
At only 4 months old, Ezra Hernandez is the youngest person to earn his Master Hiker certificate for completing the Trail Quest Program. His mother Kaylee used her maternity leave to bond with her newborn son through outdoor experiences together.
Kaylee and Ezra with park staff and certificates

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

How to be prepared outdoors when severe weather happens

By Kim WellsPosted March 07, 2023
Camping and hiking are fun recreational activities on any regular day, but do you know how to stay safe when severe weather happens? Here are some safety tips that can help save your life if you encounter bad weather during your travels.
Wear long pants and long sleeves when hiking to protect yourself from ticks and other insects.

Getting Ready for the Frozen Foot Adventure Race at Sky Meadows State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted February 13, 2023
Sky Meadows State Park hosted an Adventure Race in the 2023 Virginia State Parks Adventure Series. Learn what it takes to prepare and hear from a participant on their experience in this blog.
The Virginia State Parks Adventure Series includes races of varying difficulty for beginners and experienced racers alike.


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