Affordable Camping Cabins

Clarkson University Volunteering During Spring Break at Douthat State Park

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

Clarkson University Volunteers at Douthat State Park

Fourteen college students from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York are spending a week at Douthat State Park as an alternative spring break volunteering.

From Saturday, March 13 through Friday, March 19 these students will be volunteering around the park with campground clean up and helping the park get ready for opening on April 1.

The group of volunteers worked on White Oak Campground today with Douthat Park Ranger John Campbell.

The group of volunteers consist of: Guangtao Zhang from Acton, Mass.; Rama Yakubu from New Haven, Conn.; Dustin Nuhfer

Clarkson University Volunteer at Douthat State Park 2010

from Warren, Pa.; Jacob Ballard from Alburgh, Vt.; Alex Barr from Ithaca, N.Y.; James Davis from Kingston, N.Y.; Kevin Schnackel from Baldwinsville, N.Y.; Annalyn Gibson from Riegelsville, Pa.; Nicole Edwards from Weiser, Idaho; Augusta Collier from Somerset, N.J.; Khandaker Akter from Bronx, N.Y.; Tyler Arsenault from Portland, Maine; Audrey Keene from Hilton, N.Y.; and Chris Butchino from Norwood, N.Y.

The group consists of three freshmen, four sophomores, four juniors, and three seniors at Clarkson University.

Clarkson University Volunteer at Douthat State Park cleaning up White Oak Campground.

Anyone interested in volunteering at Douthat State Park needs to contact the main office at 540-862-8100 or you can sign up on line.

For general park information go to the State Park's website, contact the park office at 540-862-8100 or email Douthat State Park at Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov. Douthat is located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, Va. 24460.

Alternative Spring Break Volunteered at James River State Park

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

James River State Park Alternative Spring Break Group

Twelve college students from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan and seven college students from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia chose to volunteer at James River State Park from Saturday, March 6, through Friday, March 12, 2010, during their spring break vacation.

Their week consisted of a variety of work around the park including: installing a new amphitheater at Red Oak Campground and installing and repairing horse stalls at James River’s Canoe Landing.

Anyone interested in volunteering at James River State Park needs to contact the main office at 434-933-4355 or you can sign up as a volunteer on our website.

For general park information go to the State Park's website, contact the park office at 434-933-4395 or e-mail James River State Park at JamesRiver@dcr.virginia.gov. James River State Park is located at 751 Park Road, Gladstone, VA 24553.

Alternative Spring Break Group at James River State Park

Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking on line.

University of West Florida Volunteered at Claytor Lake State Park for Spring Break

Monday, March 15, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

College students from the University of West Florida spent their entire spring break volunteering at Claytor Lake State Park from Monday, March 8 through Sunday, March 14.

They did a variety of work around the park such as tree thinning, trailhead kiosk installation, shoreline cleanup, fire line placement, landscaping, prepping campgrounds for opening, and interior painting of campground and picnic area bathhouses.

WSLS Channel 10 news came our and interviewed the students. Below you can view the story.

Any one interested in volunteering at Claytor Lake State Park needs to contact the main office at 540-643-2500.

For general park information go to www.virginiastateparks.gov, contact the park office at 540-643-2500 or e-mail Claytor Lake State Park at ClaytorLake@dcr.virginia.gov. Claytor Lake State Park is located at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive, Dublin, VA 24084.

Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking on line.

Amanda Robinson, First Landing Maintenance Ranger Nominated for Tourism Award

Monday, March 15, 2010 by Staci Martin

National Tourism Week is May 8-16, 2010 and as part of the celebration, the City of Virginia Beach is hosting the Virginia Beach National Tourism Week Hospitality Awards on Friday, May 7th.

A premier hospitality event, this luncheon is to recognize the front-line hospitality employees and volunteers who consistently offer outstanding service to the visitors and local residents who support Virginia Beach's hospitality industry. First Landing State Park has nominated Park Maintenance Ranger Amanda Robinson for the "Hospitality Employee of the Year" award.

Amanda has worked at First Landing State Park for four season and says, "I love First Landing. It feels good to work for a place that lets me connect to the natural world and do something in the conservation field." Primarily responsible for cabin housekeeping and groundskeeping, Amanda works hard to keep the park and cabins looking great for visitors.

Congratulations, Amanda!!

Peaceful time

Friday, March 12, 2010 by Virginia State Park Visitors

A visitor post from Jeannie Westmoreland, Richmond, Virginia

New Years Eve we got away...My husband & I with Our yellow Lab (Chester) went to Bear Creek State Park.. First time there.. and it was beautiful...Snow still covered the ground and the peaceful mornings drinking hot tea over looking the lake was breathtaking. Our cabin overlooked the lake,which was beautiful every morning and evening. Just listening to the woods come alive every morning and seeing the sunrise was a moment I will never forget! Our Lab had a wonderful time walking the trails with his master. While I had time too read and do a little writing. Our long weekend was just beautiful,magical and something you would find only in dreams. The peaceful walks along the lake to the breathetaking sunsets. You will never find that in the city. If I can take one thing from this trip ..It would be "Life will never be able to exist without nature"....I can not wait to return for another wonderful vacation.

Bear Creek Lake State Park Waterview Cabin in the Snow

New Painting to be Unveiled at 10th Anniversary Raid at Martin's Station

Friday, March 12, 2010 by Michael Brindle

Plans are being finalized for a milestone event at Wilderness Road State Park. This year mark's the 10th anniversary of the Raid at Martin's Station, the park's annual signature event that has grown leaps and bounds since its humble beginnings.

In April of 2000, the first Raid at Martin's Station was held before a moderate crowd of spectators gathered along a split-rail fence. They watched as Capt. Ebenezer Titus and Capt. Joseph Martin commanded a small band of militia as they fought to save Martin's outpost from being burned to the ground by a scanty tribe of restless natives. That event featured less than 70 re-enactors, 12 vendors and 1 lonely cabin.

This May 7-9, 2010, more than 700 re-enactors and 40-plus vendors are expected to re-create the Raid at Martin's Station before a crowd that last year was estimated at over 3,000. Also, that 1 lonely cabin has now been joined by another small cabin, a blacksmith and gunsmith shop, a hunter's cabin, pig pen, spring house and of course the fort, which contains 6 cabins inside its palisade walls.

To honor the park, the Raid at Martin’s Station’s tenth anniversary and to those patriots who sacrificed their lives for liberty, Dann Jacobus is in the process of creating a painting of Joseph Martin’s return from the Cherokee campaign. The painting will be unveiled during the opening ceremonies of the Raid at Martin's Station.

"I started working with Dann just over a year ago to develop a painting that would depict Joseph Martin and his men returning from a campaign, worn and tired," stated park interpretive program manager Billy Heck. "This painting will pay tribute to the park staff and volunteers that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make the park and the fort such a success. I chose Dann for this project because I think his paintings are among the best I've seen and he has shown his support for the park and Martin's Station with his previous paintings of staff and volunteers."

Jacobus received his formal fine art education in New York. After his military service years, when he served as photographer and illustrator for the Army newspaper in Okinawa, Jacobus focused his artwork towards books and magazines on hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

History has always been of major interest for Jacobus, and his art moved in that direction when he began re-enacting and participating in living history events years ago. In creating his paintings, he draws from his research and outdoor experiences and blends them into his current work. He is a member of the NMLRA, the Contemporary Longrifle Association, the Honorable Company of Horners, the Lafayette Longrifles, the NRA and various other reenacting groups. He lives in Fuquay Farina, NC.

For more information on Wilderness Road State Park, the Raid at Martin's Station or Dann Jacobus, please call 275-445-3065.

Extreme Fishing

Friday, March 12, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

My father took me fishing some when I was a girl and I found it a nice, relaxing time spent with my dad in the outdoors. We made fishing poles out of a stick and string, added a hook and some bait, and stuck the pole in a small lake or pond. I was just as happy to not catch anything.

I have been to a bass tournament and I have seen videos with folks reeling in giant fish after a long fight with the fish. But, I never imagined fishing could be called "extreme." Well, that was before I discovered Kayak Kevin and kayak fishing. Kevin often uses Kiptopeke State Park as a base camp for his Chesapeake Bay Kayak Fishing. He recently spent a few weeks in December at the park finalizing his latest video: "Kayak Fishing the Chesapeake Bay."

Here is a piece Kevin did promoting our park and the fishing opportunities.

That video gives you a tiny taste of what kayak fishing is all about. This trailer for his new video gives you an even better idea.

This video is now out and it is amazing. You can order it right off his site. If you still doubt whether fishing can be extreme, you need to get this video. If the fishing was not extreme enough, Kevin and his crew are also doing all of the photography.

If you're ready for the challenge, contact Kevin at his website. If not, you can spend a lazy day fishing from our pier or launch your boat and motor around the concrete ships for some more tame pursuits.

I don't know about you, but I will never think of fishing the same way again.

Women’s Wellness Weekend Caters to Mind, Body & Spirit

Friday, March 12, 2010 by Zoe Rogers

Women are looking for affordable vacations where they can leave their hectic lifestyles behind. A three day weekend is just what the mind needs. Women’s Wellness Weekends at Virginia State Parks is just that place; we offer a picturesque setting where women can unwind and regain balance in their lives.

Our wellness weekends offer a wide variety of workshops and outdoor activities for women of all ages. Women participating in the upcoming weekend in April will enjoy activities such as fly fishing, yoga, aromatherapy, hiking, and kayaking.

The weekend begins on Friday, April 23rd with registration at 3 p.m. and ends Sunday, April 25th at noon. And it’s affordable. Share your stay with friends or make new ones. You can also bring you RV or camp in the campground. No matter where you stay you’ll have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and the scenic views of Fairy Stone State Park. So call your girlfriends and make your plans today. Call our reservation center at 800-933-7275, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit our website at www.virginiastateparks.gov.

If you’re unable to attend this weekend, our next Women’s Wellness Weekend will be held in October at Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland County.

Fairy Stone State Park - Magically Delightful

Friday, March 12, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

Sometimes I marvel at how I get my ideas for blog posts. I get an email with the "Lens of the Day" from Squidoo (neat stuff by the way). Today's title was "Purple Star Awards." I confess I haven't read the post yet but it made me think of Lucky Charms Cereal. Then I thought, "Hey it's almost St. Patrick's Day" and then I decided it was time to do a blog about Fairy Stone. Not sure what this says about my creative process.

The connection between St. Patrick's Day and Fairy Stone is a little more obvious. Fairy Stone State Park is located in Patrick County. Okay, so Patrick County has nothing to do with St. Patrick. Once in Virginia there was a giant county called Patrick Henry County named after that famous Virginia forefather. In 1791 they split the county into Patrick and Henry counties.

In addition to the tenuous "Patrick" connection, the story behind the park's name sake involves fairies and wee people right out of Irish folklore. Fairy Stones are naturally formed staurolite crystals that form cross-like shapes. The Captain John Smith/Pocahontas legend talks about Pocahontas giving Captain John Smith a necklace of lucky fairy stones. Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson as well as Charles Linberg and Thomas Edison reportedly carried the crosses for luck. If you have jewelry made out of the crosses (and we sell some at the park), a lot of work went into making the rough stones into crosses appropriate for jewelry.

While nothing beats a good fairy stone hunt, the real magic of Fairy Stone State Park is the more than 4,600 acres which makes this park an outdoor paradise. The park is situated on Fairy Stone Lake which was created by damming Goblintown Creek. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the park infrastructure and Fairy Stone opened June 15, 1936 as one of the six original Virginia State Parks.

A CCC Log Cabin at Fairystone State Park

Today the park features a campground with great views, twenty-five cabins with some lakefront, a family lodge that sleeps 16 people, Fayerdale Hall Conference Center, and a seasonal swimming beach. There are nine miles of multi-use trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding as well as about six miles of hiking only trail. The 168 acre lake offers great fishing (no gasoline powered boats allowed). The park rents rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks and canoes on a seasonal basis.

The swimming beach is loaded with fun for the kids

For camping and cabin reservations, call our reservation center at 800-933-7275 or book on line.

Your Next Family Reunion

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

Virginia's State Parks have always been fantastic family vacation spots. The parents can relax and unwind from their normally busy vacations while the kids enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking or a variety of programs offered at the park.

Many parks have water features for swimming and boating fun for the family

What's good for the immediate family is even better for larger family groups. We have families who come to a particular state park year after year or every other year to celebrate their annual family reunions. Twenty-four of our Virginia State Parks have campgrounds for families that enjoy the camping experience. Nineteen parks have comfortable cabins for those family members who prefer a bed, kitchen and bathroom all under the same roof. Thirteen parks now have our family lodges that have five to six bedrooms and sleep 15-18 people (most sleep 16). The family lodges offer large gathering areas where many family members can gather and prepare meals together.

The family sitting down for dinner at the Bear Creek Lake State Park family lodge

Photo by Bill Crabtree Jr., Virginia Tourism Corporation

In the summer, all of our parks offer special programming and events. We are all about catering to our customers, so for a large group you can arrange a special program just for your family group. Hungry Mother and Douthat state parks offer catering for your event and many other parks like Claytor Lake, Twin Lakes, Bear Creek Lake and Westmoreland have meeting facilities you can rent for an event.

Our cabins and lodges do require a week stay during the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period. We accept reservations up to eleven months in advance so if you have a big group coming, plan in advance. Normally we require payment in full fourteen days after making a reservation but for a large group with one coordinator, we will make special arrangements if you ask to speak to the Reservation Center or Assistant Manager. Reservations and information are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 800-933-7275.

Photo by Bill Crabtree Jr., Virginia Tourism Corporation

If you are not sure which park you want to visit, try our new park amenity search.

If you have been coming to Virginia State Parks for years with your family, tell us about it! Add your own blog here. If you have more than one picture, you can email me the others at nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov. If you post your own blog between now and August 31, 2010 you will be eligible for a drawing for a week cabin stay at any of our parks.

Family camping trip at Pocahontas State Park

Full Destination Wedding at Hungry Mother State Park

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by Amy Atwood

Your wedding will be a day to cherish forever. A celebration of love in the presence of your family and friends. Hungry Mother State Park is a perfect setting for a romantic, memory filled event. Our 108 acre lake surrounded by mountains and a white sandy beach are two of many locations to choose from. We can accommodate parties from 2 to 300.
Our park provides a full destination wedding site. We can assist you in making arrangements with local photographers, floral designers, and entertainment. Hungry Mother’s cabins and lodges ensure there is ample room available for any size wedding party.

With our full service catering staff, wedding parties can be assured that all of their expectations will be exceeded. Menus include food stations, buffets and elegant dinners. Chef Lisa Mullen’s ability to create and customize any menu just for you is our specialty.
Hemlock Haven Conference Center is a full service wedding destination site located with-in Hungry Mother State Park.

Experience the Beauty and Romance of a Mountain Wedding in Southwest Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

Get an early start and avoid
the last minute rush.
Contact John Stone at 1-276-781-7425
John.Stone@dcr.virginia.com

New Virginia State Parks Guide Available

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

Remember that scene in Steve Martin's movie The Jerk -- the one where he gets the new phone book (where he would be listed for the very first time) and runs around yelling "The new phone book is here - the new phone book is here?" As a kid I was always like that when the phone book came out - I just had to look up our listing. As an adult, I have gotten past the thrill of being listed in the phone book. But, I confess I still feel that excitement when our new Virginia State Parks Guide comes out each year.

A lot goes into this publication each year. We call it the #1 brochure in house. Once upon a time we had a #2 and a #3 but with the internet, the need for those publications declined over the years. We use our color brochure primarily for the Virginia Welcome Centers and various Tourism offices and libraries around the state. Our web content is far more thorough than anything we could ever print and distribute, so we use this brochure as a teaser publication to get folks inspired in learning more about Virginia State Park.

We are part of a larger agency, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and we share our graphic designed with the rest of the Agency. Esther Zabronsky is very talented and has, as usual, outdone herself with this edition. A lot of the credit also goes to Jim Meisner, our Public Relations Specialist, who serves as the project manager, works on theme ideas, edits the copy, and creates the copy for the middle four pages. He also holds our feet to the fire to meet the deadlines for content and review.

Facebook and Twitter followers - you may recall that sometime last fall I asked for you to share the reasons you love Virginia State Parks. Throughout this year's Guide you will see some of the comments we received from this request.

We are already planning for next year's guide. Since it's our 75th anniversary, the theme is pretty easy. What we need from you is some good content about how you have enjoyed Virginia's state parks over the years. The best way to share it with us is through posting your own blog by clicking here. You can even add a picture. If you have more pictures you want to add to your "post" you can email them to me at nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov. If you contribute to the blog before August 31, 2010, you will be eligible for a drawing for a week's cabin stay.

Have you Volunteered Lately?

Monday, March 8, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

I just read a story that in the toughest of times, Americans are volunteering at a record rate. Hearing this makes me very proud to be an American. There is something in us that wants to help those less fortunate or just to pitch in and make our community a better place to live in. I myself give a lot of time to the Boy Scouts and community service projects. Virginia State Parks has a great volunteer program and if you wish, you can work in some of the most beautiful places in the State.

Although most volunteers don't do it for rewards, the park system does have great benefits that range from parking passes to a weeks stay in one of their lovely cabins. So now that the weather is getting nice, why don't you think about getting out of the house and going down to your nearest State Park and become a volunteer. Go ahead make a difference, it will feel GOOD!

Don't Have a Camping Trailer?

Monday, March 8, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

I've done a lot of tent camping in my days and still do, but every now and then I want the camping experience without the tent camping part. Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore of Virginia has the solution for you. This beautiful park on the Chesapeake Bay offers 28 foot Prowler Camping Trailers for rent. They are already set up for you on site and have a shower, bathroom, kitchen, and even has the hookup for satelite television if you bring your own t.v.. Outside the unit is a picnic table and fire ring to grill our or have an evening campfire with the kids. If you are looking for an upgrade from this, about 20 parks, including Kiptopeke, offer delux cabins. The variety of cabins the Virginia State Parks offer is amazing, accommodating from 2-18 people. If you are looking to go on the road for a vacation, check out places like Roadtrip Rentals. Places like this will rent you a camper that you can then pull to your favorite Virginia State Park. Either way you go, you can't go wrong when you spend some time in our award winning park system.

Boy Scouts and Virginia State Parks

Monday, March 8, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

I use my vast knowledge of Virginia State Parks that I acquired since I started in 1986, to take Troop 340 out for fun and to learn about the great outdoors. I have taken the boys to several parks, but no trip compared to last May at Douthat State Park. Things started off good with a great campfire breakfast on Saturday morning, followed by a visit to the park's annual car show. Next came some fishing time so they could get their fishing merit badge, but it turned out I was the only one to catch fish. We then took a great hike up the mountain to Blue Suck Falls. The hike up there was beautiful and it helped get some of that energy out of the boys. It was at the top that the memorable moments of the trip began. One of the boys twisted his ankle and we had to carry him the whole way down, with looming thunderstorms developing rapidly. Upon return to campsite the skies opened up and some of the heaviest rain I ever saw fell in buckets for hours. Dinner on the fire was canceled and we fed the boys in shifts under a dining fly on a camp stove. In the middle of this incredible storm, one of the boys ran smack dab into a tree nearly knocking him out. Also, one of the tents became saturated with all the gear in them. The 3 boys from that tent ended up sleeping in one of the vehicles that night. It was nice to get home to my own bed and dry clothes, but it is wonderful trips like this that none of us will ever forget. If you have a Boy Scout or Girl Scout Troop, I strongly suggest utilizing a State Park for your next outing. They are affordable, safe and FUN!

New Cabins Go On Sale March 12

Monday, March 8, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

We are excited to announce that our brand new cabins at Shenandoah River State Park will be available for reservations starting March 12 at 9 a.m.

Since the cabins are still under construction, we will take reservations for July 15, 2010 forward. We hope they will be finished and ready for occupancy sooner and when we know a definite date we will back date the opening.

Shenandoah River State Park is located on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River approximately twenty minutes south of Front Royal, Virginia. The park will have a six-bedroom family lodge (sleeps 16), one three-bedroom cabin (sleep 8) and nine two-bedroom cabins (sleep 6). Cabins will offer a fantastic mountain view. Shenandoah River State Park is located near the start of the Skyline Drive, part of Shenandoah National Park.

See my previous posts, My Visit to Shenandoah River State Park (Parts One, Two and Three), or Cyndi's post Discover Shenandoah River State Park.

We are building new cabins at Natural Tunnel and Douthat state parks as well but the winter weather have set those projects back such that we do not have a comfortable date to use for future reservations.

These new cabins are part of the 2002 State Park and Natural Area Bond. While these cabins are not yet complete, they are our new cabin design. Bear Creek Lake, Claytor Lake, James River, Kiptopeke and Occoneechee state parks have similar cabins. The cabins also feature our Legacy Line of furniture designed in conjunction with Virginia Correctional Enterprises. Our goal was attractive, comfortable and long lasting furniture and comments from our guests indicate we were successful.

All Virginia State Park cabins have a two night minimum. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, we have a week stay requirement. If cabins are not booked for a week stay a month prior to the date of arrival, we allow the two night minimum. At this time you can only book for less than a week in the summer season through the reservation center.

Reservations will be accepted for these new facilities starting a 9 a.m. on March 12, 2010 through our Reservation and Information line at 800-933-7275 or on line.

Reservations Accepted for New Campgrounds Beginning March 12

Sunday, March 7, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

Thanks to the 2002 State Park and Natural Area Bond Referendum, we will be opening two new campgrounds this year. We will begin accepting reservations for these new campgrounds for future dates starting this Friday, March 12, at 9 a.m.

Natural Tunnel State Park is located in Duffield, Virginia in far southwest Virginia. The park is named for its naturally formed tunnel dubbed the Eighth Natural Wonder by William Jennings Bryant. A chair lift carries visitors down into the mouth of the tunnel in season. Natural Tunnel already has a campground but is getting ready to open it's second one. Lover's Leap Campground will open May 1, 2010. The park's existing campground will now be called Cove View. Lover's Leap Campground will have eighteen electric and water sites for equipment from tents to 50 foot RVs.

Shenandoah River State Park is located on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River approximately twenty minutes south of Front Royal, Virginia. Shenandoah River State Park is located near the start of the Skyline Drive, part of Shenandoah National Park. The park currently has hike-in and canoe-in campsites but their new campground will have thirty-two spacious water and electric sites for a variety of equipment from tents to 60 foot RVs. We will be opening this campground to reservations from July 15th and beyond. We hope to be able to open earlier dates as soon as we have a definite opening date in sight.

Reservations can be made starting 9 a.m. on Friday, March 12 by calling the Virginia State Parks reservation center at 800-933-7275 or by booking on line.

Future campground at Shenandoah River State Park

Winter Wonderland - Grayson Highlands State Park

Saturday, March 6, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

Located near the highest point in Virginia, Grayson Highlands State Park has a lot going for it. There are beautiful mountain views and in the summer cooler temperatures. The spring flowers bloom later and the fall colors turn earlier.

Most Virginians are pretty sick of snow this winter. We have had more snow than in many years. But I have decided that the reason we're sick of snow is more the living with the snow than snow itself. We are tired of shoveling walkways, digging out our cars, and crazy drivers who don't seem to have the sense to slow down when roads are icy. Oh, and then there is the mud and black yucky stuff that used to be snow. And let's not forget all the days of missed school which now have to be made up.

There is still lots of snow at Grayson Highlands State Park and I thought you might want to enjoy it without having to live with the bad parts of snow. Oh and if you like to primitive camp in Grayson in March and April, this will give you an idea of what to expect!

Sugarlands Overlook - notice the handicapped parking sign and the pine tree that gives you an idea of the depth

Another view that shows how deep the snow is (and what trail conditions are like)

Connecting Children with Nature

Friday, March 5, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

Technology has been great in many ways, for instance I'm using it this very moment to communicate to an entire audience of people I don't really know. There are so many cool games and interactive video games. There is a down side to all of this electronic fun, a disconnect of our children with the great outdoors. Do you remember growing up and going to the park with the family, or playing stick ball in the street, chasing lightening bugs, riding bikes, playing kick the can, camping, fishing, swimming or so many other great outdoor things? Virginia State Parks would like to connect your kids with those same things you had the chance to experience growing up. For the first time in our history our kids life span will be shorter than their parents. This is due in part to childhood diseases brought on by spending too much time indoors with technology and not enough time in the great outdoors. Don't let your children fall into the this trap, as the weather gets better get them outdoors. I think you'll both find something special.

First Rate Customer Service

Friday, March 5, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

I just came from a meeting with a representative from Virginia Tourism that teaches customer service to all kinds of businesses and government agencies. During her travels she stays in a vast variety of lodging and visits so many different places. So when she said, "...in all my travels I have never found any business that cares more about their customers than Virginia State Parks...", that meant a lot. Having worked for Virginia State Parks for nearly 24 years, I can tell you the level of dedication of our employees is second to none. Our staff is on a mission to make special memories for each and every person that visits a State Park. I may be a little bias in my opinion, so it was nice to hear it from one of the experts. I hope you will give us a chance to show you why we were voted, The Best Managed State Park System in the Nation. Call 1-800-933-PARK to make a reservation in a deluxe cabin or campsite.