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

Read Our Blogs

Category "Camping"Clear, Search "document"Clear results in following blogs.

5 things to experience at Bear Creek Lake State Park

By Kim WellsPosted April 08, 2026
Bear Creek Lake State Park is ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The park offers seasonal programs that highlight nature and the wildlife that reside there. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this park, from the lake to the trails.
Bear Creek Lake sign in spring

10 ways to take on the Trail Quest challenge

By Christen McKeyPosted February 04, 2026
After seven years, my family recently completed our Trail Quest journey. Whether you are well on your way to the goal or have not yet joined the challenge, here are ten ways to get the most out of your quest.
Master Hiker ceremony at False Cape State Park

Top 5 things to do at Fairy Stone State Park this fall

By Guest BloggerPosted October 01, 2025
Fairy Stone State Park is the perfect place to make memories this fall, here is our list of the top five things to make it happen.
Fairy Stone

A Shenandoah road trip: Shenandoah River, Seven Bends and Sky Meadows

By Christen McKeyPosted July 29, 2025
With the Shenandoah River as a centerpiece and three state parks within an hour’s drive from one another, there are many reasons to make a trip to this northwestern part of the state. Learn how to enjoy all three of these state parks.
View from Cullers Overlook

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

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

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

Only 10 weeks left in camping season

By Shellie LeetePosted September 26, 2019
There's still time to enjoy nature and the great outdoors before the 2019 camping season draws to a close at a Virginia State Park.
Spending time together in the great outdoors is never wasted time (Image source: Kenton Steryous) this is Claytor Lake State Park

A Complete Guide to Horse Camping at Virginia State Parks

By Shellie LeetePosted September 01, 2019
Did you know that six Virginia State Parks offer horse camping?
Bring your horse to ride the bridle trails at Virginia State Parks (and stay the night too)

5 Things to Love About Westmoreland State Park

By Shellie LeetePosted June 03, 2019
Discover some of the fantastic features of Westmoreland State Park.
Escape to one of the three campgrounds including group camps at Westmoreland State Park


Older posts →

By Park