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We Want to Lodge You

By Shellie AnnePosted October 04, 2017

 

If you have been going to Virginia State Parks for years and never had the opportunity to see inside one of the family lodges, then we're glad you are reading this now.

Most assume lodges at Virginia State Park are completely out of reach and totally unaffordable, but in actuality they are good bang for your buck. The good news is that with off-season rates you can save up to $100+ per night on some lodges! 

Let us lodge you at Virginia State Parks

Let us lodge you at Virginia State Parks

IT'S AFFORDABLE

Having a group weekend or midweek get-together at a lodge in a Virginia State Park can be affordable, especially when the cost is shared. Let's do some simple math to see how it plays out:

The lodge in the photo above is at Occoneechee State Park and is waterfront on Buggs Island Lake. In the off-season the rate for this lodge is $276 per night, plus tax. So let's divide $276 x 16 occupants = that's just $17.25 per person, per night plus tax. A two-night stay would be a total of $34.50 each, plus tax. Or if you pay half of $276 that is just $138 for eight people per night, plus tax. 

Also you pay less tax at a Virginia State Park vs a hotel room/rental as there is no additional occupancy tax, which can be pretty steep in some localities. For example: In Virginia Beach the total tax rate is 14% (6% state retail tax and 8% local lodging tax) plus $2 per night local occupancy tax.

If you plan on cooking all your meals in the lodge kitchen, which adds to the fun, then it is a shoe-in. By preparing large meals together you add to the whole getaway experience, and it helps you bond and enjoy each other even more.

Twelve parks offer lodges, and Occoneechee State Park has two of these  

ABOUT THESE LODGES

  • Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, dishcloth, dish towels, silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, microwave oven, toaster, electric can opener, clock radio.
  • Bring food, dish detergent, extra dishcloths, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, soap, extra bath towels, etc.
  • No smoking
  • No dishwasher or phone
  • A TV-Blu-ray player is available; no TV reception in the park.
  • Furniture is rustic
  • Front and back decks have rocking chairs
  • Maximum occupancy: 16; no bed rentals
  • Maximum six cars, including trailers, per lodge. The maximum number of vehicles allowed to park at the lodge proper varies. A daily parking fee is charged for additional vehicles and all vehicles must be parked in designated areas, at the lodge or in the overflow parking area.
  • Six bedrooms: One set of bed linens per bed and one set of towels per person; these are not changed daily. You may wish to bring your own pillow as well as a comforter for chilly nights.
  • Two bedrooms have queen size beds, two have two single beds, and two have two sets of bunk beds each
  • Three bathrooms
  • Next to the lodge are a picnic table, a charcoal pedestal grill and a campfire ring
  • The boat launch is free to overnight guest. (There are no designated swimming areas.)
  • universally accessible: kitchen, dining area, living room, two bedrooms and one bathroom
  • Climate-controlled
  • Linens provided; one set per week (additional linens available for a fee)
  • Gas logs
  • Washer and dryer
  • Pets are allowed. There's an extra fee per night per pet plus tax.

Click here to view a Flickr slideshow that includes interior and exterior photos of our family and group lodges. Click here to see which parks offer lodges.

HOW TO RESERVE

Are you looking for group lodging? A place for a family reunion, informal business session or any group get-together? Virginia State Parks can help. You'll find plenty of room to spread out in our well-equipped, reasonably priced five and six-bedroom family lodges. While some are thoroughly modern and others are rustic and comfy, they're all in quiet, natural settings. Twelve parks throughout the Old Dominion, from the Eastern Shore to the heart of Appalachia, offer such lodging.

Cabins and lodges are open year-round and may be reserved up to 11 months in advance. There is only a two-night minimum stay in off-season and mid-season, but a one week stay is required in prime season.

Now is the time to reserve a lodge to take advantage of these huge off-season savings, call 800-933-7275 to inquire, or check availability online here

IT'S ONLY NATURAL,

WE'VE GOT CABIN FEVER

 

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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