Whether you’re looking for a night of solitude or a place to camp with the whole family, there’s a Virginia State Park out there to fit your needs. More than half of the state’s 41 parks feature some type of lodging, from tent and RV sites to cabins, lodges, and yurts. Find your spot by the water or amongst the trees today.
For the Tent Fanatics
Known for its old growth forest and sightings of American bald eagles, Caledon State Park offers a quiet getaway just off the Potomac River. With its six hike-in and paddle-in primitive campsites, you’ll need to pack all of your supplies with you, including water for drinking and cooking. Hungry Mother, one of the original six state parks, is a great spot for the whole family. Three campgrounds offer a number of tent sites, plus access to miles of trail, swimming in the lake, and fishing for bass. With three miles of beautiful shoreline, James River State Park is an excellent option at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend your days paddling, floating, and fishing the river before curling up by the fire at night. For a multi-day adventure, camp along New River Trail State Park as you hike or bike the 57-mile linear park.
For the RV Explorers
Pack the rig and hit the road to Claytor Lake State Park for a weekend of fun on the water. Your campsite offers the perfect home base as you explore the 4,500-acre lake. Surrounded by forest, Bear Creek Lake State Park is an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful getaway. Follow the 15.7-mile Cumberland Multi-Use Trail or go for a relaxing float on the Willis River. Head out to Virginia’s Eastern Shore where Kiptopeke State Park is the go to spot for fun on the Chesapeake Bay. Experience this unique coastal habitat from the extensive boardwalk system or by boat. Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Fairy Stone State Park features activities for families of all ages. Search for the legendary fairy stones, swim or fish in the lake, and navigate 10 miles of trails.
For the Cabin and Yurt Lovers
Find a spot to sit back and relax at Shenandoah River State Park as the water winds through the valley. The cabins and yurts feature modern amenities that make for a cozy night’s rest as you hike and paddle your way through the park. Access Virginia’s largest lake from Occoneechee State Park. With boat rentals, a splash pad, and record-setting catfish, this is a great summer destination with plenty of sleeping options for your stay. Carved out over thousands of years, Natural Tunnel State Park is a towering limestone formation best viewed from the ridge or the tunnels floor. A quiet campground amongst the mountains is an ideal place to unplug and rest. Rent one of the yurts at Powhatan State Park just off the historic James River. View wildlife from the trail or the water before enjoying a meal on your yurt’s deck.
This is just a small sampling of what the Virginia State Parks have to offer travelers from all over the region. Discover even more opportunities for camping by the ocean or refreshing mountain lakes—with friends or on your own—as you experience a wide variety of landscapes across the commonwealth.
Hot Spots!
- Bobcat’s Bait & Tackle – All your fishing needs at Occoneechee State Park.
- Downriver Canoe Company – Shenandoah River canoe, kayak, and tube rentals.
- Wooden Pickle Food & Spirits – American Pub near Hungry Mother.
