Lodge National Parks

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.

Historical Painting Adorns Visitor Center

Friday, March 12, 2010 by Zoe Rogers

When you enter the new visitor center at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park you’ll have the opportunity to see a magnificent painting by Virginian, Sidney E. King. The painting depicts the moment that Union General Frank Wheaton troops descend the hill and prepare to cross Little Sailors Creek while Major Andrew Cowan’s twenty guns bombarded Confederate General Ewell’s position from the yard of the Hillsman farm house. The painting was once displayed in the yard of the Hillsman farm house until it was placed in storage to await restoration. A few weeks ago, it found its permanent home in the visitor center.

Mr. King painted nearly 200 historical murals for National Park Service properties. He lived in Caroline County until his death in 2002 at the age of 95.

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.

Fight For Your Parks

Thursday, March 11, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

With shrinking budgets across our nation, one of the first things that is thought of to be cut is our parks. What's interesting though, is that these cuts amount to only a tiny portion of the overall budgets' of cities, counties and states and the benefits that we lose when closing a park are in measurable. Think about your childhood and where you went to play; think about some of the tougher times in our life and where you went to clear your head or to have a quiet cry; think about where you took your children to plan on the playground equipment; think about where you took your son to fish for the first time or where you had a family reunion or picnic. I would bet most of your answers were a "park", whether a city, county, state or national park, I would bet we all have gone to one for memorable times in our lives. Today now more than ever we need places to go. In these tough times you may find the answers during a walk in the park, or at least, you had a break from the pressures of life. Our parks are tonics for the mind, body and spirit of America. So when you hear someone talking about closing parks to save money where you live, go ahead and fight!

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.

American Hiking Society Volunteering at Douthat State Park

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

Eleven volunteers from the American Hiking Society are working at Douthat State Park this week and have started their first day of trail work.

The group of volunteers were split up into two groups to install new trail signs throughout the park. One group started at the intersection of Brushy Hollow Trail and Flat Run Trail and the other group started off of Guest Lodge Trail onto Mountain Side Trail. All volunteers will do an extensive amount of hiking this week.

Douthat State Park employees John Nicely and David Reynolds are leading the group this week through the volunteer projects.

Park Ranger John Nicely and Volunteer leveling trail sign

A lot of the volunteers have previously participated in American Hiking Society volunteer trips in the past. The group ranges from 21-years-old to 62-years-old.

Volunteers installing trail sign at Flat Run and Brushy Hollow Intersection

The group of volunteers consist of: Brad and Jeanie Newcomer from Hagerstown, Md.; Brian Merrill from Depew, N.Y.; Caroline Neff from Fairfield, Ill.; Dan Krull from Washington, Va.; Greta Steber from Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Sandra Hart from Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Jenna MacFarlene from Charlotte, N.C.; Thomas Jones from Hawley, Pa.; Libby Wile from Arlington, Va.; and Tina Temple from Owensboro, Ky.

Any one interested in volunteering at Douthat State Park needs to contact the main office at 540-862-8100.

For general park information go to www.virginiastateparks.gov, 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.

Finished trail sign - the first of the day!

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.

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

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.

Occoneechee State Park

Thursday, March 4, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

I recently visited Occonneechee State Park in Clarksville, VA and was "wowed" at the changes that have taken place since I last visited. The park has a beautiful new equestrian campground that includes some nice stables. From the campground riders can go on an enjoyable ride that takes them out to the point of a peninsula on the lake.

If you haven't seen the new cabins at the park, you are in for a treat. They are spectacular with plenty of water views as you rock on the front porch. The park also made several improvements to their amphitheater and is a great place to watch the Jazz Festival, interpretive programs, or even get married with the lake as a backdrop. The staff out there is great, led by WVU alumni Scott Shanklin. Go give Occoneechee a try, whether for an extended vacation or for their annual Native American Festival in May. When you see Scott tell him Tom sent you and you want a Welcome Kit from him. Enjoy your visit!

Great Shows!

Thursday, March 4, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

As Marketing Manager for Virginia State Parks, I get to go to a lot of shows during the winter months. My team and I worked Camping and RV Shows, Healthy Lifestyle Shows and Bridal Shows. We met so many great people on the road. Some were old friends that came up to us and said, "...we love the Virginia State Parks and use them all the time." Others were new to the area or never took the time to look us up so we shared some or the reasons why we were voted, "America's Best Managed State Park System." And then there were a few that tried us about 20 years ago and thought we never improved anything in all these years, and thus, we had to let them know over $200 million in improvements have gone into our parks in the past 2 decades. No matter what the circumstance, my job is easy because I have one of the easiest things to sell in life, memories at a Virginia State Park. Why don't you make plans today for your next memories by calling 1-800-933-PARK and plan a vacation in our cabins, campsites or just plan a series of day trips to get out and breath some good fresh air.

Time for Fishing

Thursday, March 4, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

Almost all Virginia State Parks have some sort of body of water associated with them. From small creeks that you can hop across with native brook trout at Grayson Highlands State Park, to the awesome Chesapeake Bay at Kiptopeke State Park, anglers can find their favorite spot for fishing various species. This year DCR/Virginia State Parks, DGIF, Virginia Tourism and numerous County tourism agencies, have teamed up and launched, Fish Virginia First. This effort is to promote a fishing trail through SW Virginia, which includes 20 of our State Parks. The interactive website will help you plan a trip based on species, location, or body of water and will also help with lodging, activites for the family in the area and even fishing tips. At the end of the month a fishing show will be filmed to air on one of the sports networks to promote this area and the quality fishing. Good weather is on the way, so get out and go fishing!

Star Spangled Banner Geotrail

Monday, March 1, 2010 by Sam Sweeney

Enjoy the outdoors and want to do something new? Now you can enjoy looking for treasures hidden within Kiptopeke State Park as part of the Star Spangled Banner Geotrail. Launched on February 27, 2010, the new Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail takes you on a unique journey through American history along the landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay commemorating the War of 1812. This multi-state initiative is sponsored by Friends of Chesapeake Gateways, the Maryland Geocaching Society, and the National Park Service. For more information on the Star Spangled Banner Geotrail, click here.

Chippokes State Park

Friday, February 26, 2010 by Kristen Uerz

Chippokes Plantation State Park located in Surry County is truly like stepping back in time. I hear there have been some renovations to the cabins, but when I was there it was a little different. We stayed in Cabin 1 and it looked like someone had just built little houses in a long stretch of fields. The cabin was really nice and it was the first cabin I had been to that had two floors and a television. You kind of figure that you wouldn't need a t.v. when you are staying in a cabin, but it is quite the opposite once you get there. Maybe it's just because we are so used to always having a t.v. around and when you don't you get a little nutty. Plus, you need some entertainment once the sun goes down.

The only thing that was a little bit of nuisance were the swarms of ladybugs. They seemed to be everywhere we went, but it was okay since they are said to be good luck.

One thing I have found quite entertaining is the Cabin Log Books that are in every Virginia State Park cabin. I enjoy passing the time by reading the entries from previous visitors as well as writing my own entry. The cabin we stayed in at Chippokes spoke of the ghost of a woman who most visitors had recorded. We were a little concerned, but after doing some research I found out that the "ghosts" were people there to tell the sotries of Chippokes history. We were still a little on edge not really sure if they were the "ghosts" referred to in the log book. So remember to log your cabin visits in the log books so everyone else can enjoy you trip as well.

We spent most of our time outdoors enjoying the nice weather. We walked down to the water to check out the scenery and to do a little fishing. Another wonderful sight you may want to catch is the park during cotton season. I can almost imagine looking out across a vast field of white in the warm summer months reminding yourself that it is not snow you are seeing. During some special events at Chippokes Plantation, visitors are allowed to help harvest the cotton.

If you are planning a trip to Chippokes Plantation during their off-season you can click here for more area attractions in Surry, VA to help prepare for your trip.

First Landing State Park

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 by Kristen Uerz

Editor's note: Our post from yesterday detailed the current flooding conditions at First Landing State Park. We will have camping there (and the cabins are unimpacted). However, we will likely have fewer sites than normal so if you want to visit First Landing, be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible!

One of my favorite parks is First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach. I have been camping and stayed in their cabins numerous times. If you plan on camping at First Landing be sure to ask for a spot closest to the beach because you cannot beat the ocean views, especially in the morning. However, I would suggest not setting up your tent in the sand. It may sound like a good idea at first, but trust me you will regret it later when the little bugs hiding in the sand are biting at your feet and the sand seems to be being dumped in your tent by the bucket. However, you really can't beat the views of the beach.

During our walk around the park we also discovered a campsite that may want to rethink leaving their food on the picnic table unattended. Well, at least the squirrel's got to eat too.

First Landing was also where I first learned that those little black sacks that wash up on the shore are actually shark eggs. It worried me a little in the beginning, but it got hot fast so I decided to take my chances.

The cabins at First Landing are also wonderful. They have the real feel and look of an old cabin hidden away in the woods and yet they are only a short distance from Virginia Beach's infamous boardwalk. I think that is why I like First Landing so much. They have everything you want when you plan a cabin or camping trip and yet if you don't like to be too far from civilization you can make your way to the beach for swimming or to the boardwalk for some shopping. You get the best of both worlds at First Landing State Park.