Summer's not over yet, so let's make the most of this fun in the sun and head out for a few night's under the stars at a Virginia State Park. You wanted to try camping this summer, but didn't own an RV or tent? No problem. 

Let's make the most of these firefly nights and make hay while the sun still shines...back to school is just around the corner.

Spend a few nights in the great outdoors

Here are two ways to camp in Virginia State Parks without pitching a tent, or backing an RV into a site and hooking up the water and sewer. These might be less stress, but still as much fun.

If summer's not your thing, then make plans for a fall escape to one of these beautiful parks. When the parks are less crowded and cooler temperatures roll in, these are perfect for those little autumn getaways.

CAMPING CABINS

You won't even need to pitch a tent if you choose to stay in a camping cabin

About Camping Cabins, like above at Shenandoah River State Park:

Camping cabins are generally one-room wooden buildings with two sets of bunk beds, a table, a ceiling fan and an electrical outlet. They have no heating or air conditioning. Guests use nearby bathhouses' rest rooms and showers.

The camping cabins have a picnic table and a fire ring, grill or both. Guests must bring their sheets, pillows and towels. A minimum two-night stay is required for camping cabins. Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 10 a.m.

• Check-in is 4 p.m.; check-out is 10 a.m.
• No heat.
• Linens not provided.
• Sleeps up to four; no extra bed rentals
• Two-night minimum.
• Week-long stay not required during prime season.
• No bathroom, kitchen, fireplace, air conditioning or heat.
• Four walls, a roof, two sets of bunk beds with mattresses, a table, four chairs, small porch, screened windows, electrical outlets, one lighted ceiling fan, an outside picnic table, a fire-ring, grill and a lantern post. One cabin is handicap accessible.
• No tents, campers or other camping equipment allowed at sites.
• Use campground bathhouses for bathroom and showers.
• Parking for two cars.
• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. through 8 a.m.

The transfer deadline policy, cancellation and pet fees for camping cabins are the same as those for cabins.

Camping Cabins are available at:

Lake Anna, Pocahontas, Shenandoah River and Westmoreland state parks. Those at Westmoreland have two small rooms with two single beds in each room. 

YURTS

Enjoy the extra privacy and outdoor space in your very own state park yurt

About Yurts, like pictured above at Pocahontas State Park:

Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter. Functionally speaking, it's a cross between a tent and a cabin. They'll be in the main campground, but tucked neatly into wooded area for privacy and extra shade. Each yurt has a large wooden deck with patio tables, a picnic table and a fire ring with cooking grate. Reservations are required. Parking for two vehicles allowed. Those with additional vehicles must pay a daily parking fee and park in the overflow lot.

Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m. The rental season begins on the first Friday in March and ends on the first Sunday of December (except at Shenandoah which is open year-round). Cabin rental and cancellation policies apply. There is a two-night minimum rental during rest of camping season.

• Maximum occupancy 4. Sleeps 3 - One queen-sized and a twin-sized trundle pull-out. Guests must bring sleeping bags or linens.
• No smoking, no cooking inside.
• Due to the construction method, pets are not allowed in the yurt.
• Each yurt has no electricity or water of its own but there's a common-use water spigot and electric pedestal for battery charging near the parking area by yurts 3 and 4 (at Pocahontas).
• Dining table seats four.
• No heat or air-conditioning. (There is only one, older yurt has a/c and electricity at Kiptopeke State Park)
• Guests use campground bathhouse, a few hundred feet away
• One yurt at each park is ADA-accessible.

Yurts are available at:

• Chippokes 
• Claytor Lake 
• Fairy Stone 
• First Landing 
• Grayson Highlands 
• Hungry Mother 
• Kiptopeke 
• Lake Anna 
• Natural Tunnel 
• Occoneechee 
• Pocahontas 
• Powhatan 
• Shenandoah River 

CAMPING LODGES

Camping Lodges may accommodate your group of up to 14

Also, a few parks have camping lodges (bunkhouses). These two- or three-room pre-fab buildings have seven bunk beds, and each lodge accommodates up to 14. Check in is 4 p.m. and check out is 10 a.m. Guests must bring sleeping bags or sheets, blankets, towels and pillows. There is a two-night minimum stay.

Because these facilities are also used to house volunteers, unlike other overnight dwellings they are unavailable for rent 11 months in advance. Camping lodges are available at Belle Isle, Bear Creek, Claytor Lake, Fairy Stone, Grayson Highlands, Holliday Lake, James River, Kiptopeke, Occoneechee, Smith Mountain Lake and Staunton River state parks. Amenities vary by park so please see the given park’s Camping, cabin section for details.

How to make a reservation

Be sure to sign-up for the Customer Loyalty Program to earn points for free overnight stays. Learn more about camping and campgrounds of Virginia State Parks here, or by calling 800-933-7275.

If none of these work, but you still crave that outdoor experience, with indoor plumbing and electricity, then consider one of our 300 housekeeping cabins. That means you'll have real beds, with linens and most everything you need for a great stay, including air conditioning, heat and most likely a fireplace.

Learn more about Virginia State Park cabins here.

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You may also enjoy: Amazing places to stay overnight in the parks that aren't cabins, and What's your camping style?