Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.
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Winter Camping at Virginia State Parks
In some parts of Virginia winter doesn't necessarily bring snow drifts and freezing temperatures. And oftentimes we may have a splash of unseasonably warm weather granting us a nice reprieve in January and February that just scream out for a quick camping getaway.
While most of our campgrounds close for the colder months, we do have a couple options available, plus primitive camping is always available year-round if you're game.
Be prepared for anything if you camp in the colder months (Belle Isle State Park)
FULL SERVICE CAMPGROUNDS
Four parks with developed campgrounds have full service camping available with bathhouses and hookups year round - Shenandoah River, Douthat, Hungry Mother and Pocahontas state parks.
PRIMITIVE CAMPING
Year round primitive camping is available at False Cape, Belle Isle, Caledon, Powhatan, James River, Sky Meadows, Powhatan and New River Trail state parks.
RESERVATIONS
You can make a reservation by calling our customer service center. It is available Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. to help you find a camping experience in the winter or any time.
We accept reservations up to eleven months in advance. You can also book on line for most of our sites (False Cape campers must book through the Customer Service Center).
WEATHER
Before heading out for a winter park visit, check the park's individual web page. We will post if weather issues have forced us to close the park.
You may also enjoy this article from Virginia Backpacking: I Discovered Great Winter Backpacking at Belle Isle State Park.
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.
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