Park Campgrounds Virginia

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

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

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!

Camping at Virginia State Parks

Thursday, March 4, 2010 by Tom Cervenak

I've been camping at a lot of Virginia State Parks, some by myself, some with a dozen or so Boy Scouts and leaders. There may not be a better experience for connecting with nature, although with a group of Boy Scouts cutting up, you may not see much wildlife. There is something about sleeping in a tent and cooking our meals on an open fire like some of our ancestors did. The stories told around the campfire are often ones we never forget and later share with others at another campfire. And nowadays what would a campfire be without marshmallows or the all out treat of s'mores.

Last year Virginia State Parks sold out Memorial Day and July 4th weekends the earliest they ever had in their 74 year history. And there were many other sold out weekends for various parks throughout the year. So if you aren't thinking camping yet, because there is still a little snow in your backyard, you may want to spend one of these cold evenings with a calendar and pick out some weekends for that trip. Shenandoah River State Park will be a new hot spot for camping when they will be opening a brand new campground later this spring. For reservations for any of the campgrounds with Virginia State Parks, call 1-800-933-PARK. Happy Camping!

Alternative Spring Break Group Coming to James River State Park

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

Volunteers at James River State Park during Fall River Clean Up in 2009

A trip to the beach or manual labor doing work around a Virginia State Park? That is the choice 19 college students are making for their spring break this year.

Twelve college students from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. and seven college students from Longwood University in Farmville, Va. will be traveling to James River State Park on Saturday, March 6, through Friday, March 12, 2010, to volunteer for a week during their spring break vacation.

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

“I am very happy and our staff is very excited to have this opportunity to be able to meet these young people that want to volunteer,” said JoAnne Absher, the volunteer coordinator at James River State Park. “I want these young people to know how much we appreciate their time and how thankful we are that they chose James River State Park.”

Any one interested in volunteering at James River State Park needs to contact the main office at 434-933-4355.

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

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

Alternative Spring Break Group Coming to Claytor Lake State Park

Monday, March 1, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

2009 Claytor Lake Volunteers (Youth Conservation Corps)

A trip to the beach or manual labor doing work around a Virginia State Park? That is the choice 11 college students are making for their spring break this year.

College students from the University of West Florida will be traveling to Claytor Lake State Park on Monday, March 8, 2010, to volunteer for a week during their spring break vacation.

The students will have a brief orientation starting Tuesday morning, March 9 and then hit the trails to start work. Their week will consist of a variety of work around the park which include: tree thinning, trailhead kiosk installation, shoreline cleanup, fire line placement, landscaping, prep campgrounds for opening, and interior painting of campground and picnic area bathhouses.

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

Why We Do the Things We Do - Campsite Assignments

Saturday, February 27, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

It has not been lost on us that many park systems have moved to reserving specific campsites with their reservation systems. We have that capacity in our software and actually choose to not have the sites reserved by specific site.

Spacious campsite at Chippokes Plantation State Park (campground B)

Why? In a nutshell the reason is that our current method provides us with a flexibility to control site usage to best meet the needs of campers.

We actually have a couple of primitive campgrounds that allow site specific reservations so customers know where they need to go. One thing that happens is that at a certain point customers can no longer make multiple night reservations on the same site. What this means is that there may be a site or sites available for each night a customer wants but no one site is available both nights. With non site specific reservations, customers are shuffled to sites to keep this from happening.

Not hard to understand why the Lakeside campground at Douthat State Park is so popular

In a perfect world all of our sites would be able to accommodate all of the different camping equipment customers bring. That is actually our current design standard. But many of our campgrounds were built many years ago when folks did not drive 40 foot RVs. We have expanded sites as much as possible but we would stand to lose a lot of really nice smaller sites that are still great for tents and pop-ups if we tried to make all the sites uniform. With site specific reservations there is nothing to prevent a customer with a tent reserving the largest site we have available in a campground which could needlessly prevent a camper with large equipment from enjoying the campground.

James River State Park's Red Oak Campground

We do understand that there are a variety of reasons customers want to reserve specific sites. The main reason is often so that multiple families or larger families that need multiple sites can be sure they can camp together. Actually it is in our best interest you can camp together because it reduces traffic in the campground if folks camping together are really together. The best way to be together is to have one person make all of the reservations for the group in the same name. Individuals can still call in an pay for their individual reservations but you tell the reservation counselor and the park that you want to be together. If you book on line, you can just call at your convenience to let us know at least a week before your arrival. The only restriction is that you will have to all arrive together and coming in on a Saturday will add complications. Holiday weekends can be a challenge too but the park will do its best to get you together.

Other campers may have equipment or a special access need. Again, if you make us aware of the problem, we will make every effort to accommodate you. The park can pre-assign sites to accommodate both groups and campers with special needs.

A smaller group of campers really like a special site. I'm afraid that is still the camper we can't promise to accommodate. However arriving earlier in the week or earlier on Friday will give you optimum choices. Since many of our customers do not have a preference or have never been to a particular campground, their selection of a specific site could easily result in them selecting one that they don't like. We do not have the staff, and often not a great internet speed, to be able to make complex site changes. When all the sites are sold out on a weekend, there is really no way we can help these folks. Again, the non site specific reservations give us more flexibility.

With the exception of our most popular campgrounds, the weekend is the sell out time. Park staff pull arrival reports and pre-assign sites for the campers with special needs. Many parks then allow customers to select their own sites. The exception is some of our smaller campgrounds who carefully assign sites upon arrival based on the size of the equipment.

Lakefront campsite at Bear Creek Lake State Park

We are working hard with our new campgrounds to design sites so that all camping equipment can be easily accommodated. We have opened such campgrounds at Lake Anna, James River, Chippokes Plantation and Belle Isle in the last few years. We have purchased former private campgrounds at Hungry Mother and Douthat to provide more campsites (Douthat's new campground should open next year). This summer we will be opening new campgrounds at Shenandoah River, Natural Tunnel and Holliday Lake state parks.

New campground under construction at Shenandoah River State Park

I would be remiss if I failed to brag about our wonderful new bathhouse design. If you have visited of our new campgrounds or a park that has gotten a new or substantially remodeled bathhouse, you will have seen our design. In addition to the rest room portion of the bathhouse, we have four family friendly shower rooms. Single parents camping with children of the opposite sex no longer have to worry about sending their children alone into a bathhouse.

Shower rooms in the new bathhouse at Belle Isle State Park

Winter Weather Wreacks Havoc on Spring Camping

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

At a time when we could sure use the revenue and our visitors sure could use an escape from cabin fever, the winter weather has conspired to put a damper on early spring camping.

Douthat State Park, one of our most popular campgrounds, is not going to be able to open for our traditional March 1 start of camping. While the park staff have done what they can to plow the roads in White Oak Campground, the turning radius will not accommodate large RVs. Top that off with the fact that the sites are snow covered, and there is just no way to accommodate campers. The site surface is such that traditional snow removal methods pretty much destroy the surface. Melting snow in the area will also likely cause flooding of the creek that the campground road crosses. Even in normal snowfall years, we have had campers stranded in the campground due to flooding. As soon as the snow melts and conditions improve, we hope to open the campground. For now, we have it closed until April 1.

The picnic tables give you an idea of where the actual sites are at Douthat State Park

Douthat's White Oak Campground on 02/23/2010

"Snowmageddon" in Washington DC received a lot of press. Westmoreland State Park due south of DC received record snow as well. Thanks to a nice weekend much of the snow has melted. However, some still remains. The campground is open but campers should be prepared for the conditions. The good news is that the gravel sites drain really well so as soon as the snow melts the sites should be fine.

Campground at Westmoreland State Park 2/23/10

Finally we have First Landing State Park. I know what you're thinking - "give me a break Virginia Beach didn't get that much snow." Snow is not the issue here. The problem at First Landing is the overwhelming rainfall since the fall. This isn't traditional flooding. The problem is the water table. After a while, the ground is saturated and there is just no place for the water to go. A lot of campsites are under water. To further complicate the situation the road to get to the campsites that aren't flooded is flooded so you can't get there.

First Landing Campground Road - our Park Ranger volunteered to give you some perspective

Another section of the campground loop road

Loop H, which is to the left of the contact station when facing the Bay, is the only loop we can open beginning March 1. Fortunately we have enough sites there to accommodate existing reservations through early May. Many customers may be getting free upgrades to larger sites or sites with electric and water in order to accommodate their reservations. We are cautiously optimistic about being able to accommodate other existing reservations including Memorial Day weekend. We will be following the situation closely. Once the roads are passable, we still expect to have a problem with a number of sites. We have had those sites blocked off. The end result will be fewer sites available for the immediate future.

Flooded campsite at First Landing - we're not talking a little bit of water

Another flooded campsite at First Landing State Park

Oh, and the picnic area and some trails are a problem as well. In this picture you can see our new water slide (joke). Another idea - we can deem some of the campsites as "waterfront" now and raise the fee (another joke). Sorry, sometimes you just have to laugh. Anyone building an Ark?

Support Friends of Pocahontas State Park and Enjoy a Night Out

Monday, February 22, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

Thanks to the generosity of Capital Ale House, the Friends of Pocahontas can get some needed financial help for their April projects at the park. Print out this flyer and take it to any Capital Ale House location on a Thursday in March. The Friends will get 25% of the value of the food purchased.

The Friends of Pocahontas State Park is a hands-on volunteer 501c3 organization dedicated to preserving and supporting the park. Their mission is to provide volunteer and non-profit assistance to Pocahontas State Park. Members work on a variety of projects in the park including:

Keeping Swift Creek Lake clean
Landscaping
Maintaining all of the single track mountain bike trail
Splitting wood for campground firewood sales

Friends of Pocahontas State Park gather for a cleanup on October 3, 2009

Tommy Describes Shenandoah River State Park’s New Cabins and Campground Coming in 2010!

Monday, February 22, 2010 by Verna McNamara

Helwo! Mai name’s Tommy and I’z Simeon Zorro’s brofur (a kittycat of course!) and only one year’s old. That’s my pixture to the left….a most hansome tuxedo kitty (if I does says so meself!) Simeon writ about the Virginia State Parks Reservation Call Center. I’s goings to wite about the new cabins and campground coming wery soon to Shenandoah River State Park in 2010. I’z sooo ‘cited! ‘Dere is two state parks dat’s goings to has cabins in 2010. Griffin the Cornsnake writ about Natural Tunnel’s cabins and campground wecently. Now’s my turn! Puleez pardon my English as Simeon’s still teachings me.

Griffin (the Cornsnake) showed me how to catch a ride to Shenandoah River State Park in Warren County, VA, near Bentonville. It’z a bootifull place! None of the cabins nor the lodge iz waterview, howsomever the views is awesome! Checks out the picture below sent by the Assistant Park Manager Andy Davis and Office Manager Donna Smith…..i tolds you it’z more awesome than you could imagine! WOW!!! (pictures are hard to do with so much snow during the winter)

There iz 10 cabins, including one 6 bedroom we in State Parks refer to as a Lodge. Also there are two 3-bedroom cabins (one handicapped accessible) and seven 2-bedroom cabins. The cabins and campground are located in the Culler's tract of the park. Da cabins are gorgeous inside! I wub the smell of new homes…..and these will be temporary homes for people on vacation in this park. Dese cabins and lodge are numbered 1 thru 10. I ‘pects dey will be quite popular too!!!

De campground has electric and water hookups….curwently there iz only tent only sites with no hookups, so we’s very excited about these new campsites: 33 electric/water back-in and pull-through campsites with 20, 30, and 50 amp plug ins, plus one camphost site! The entire electrical pedestal is 100 amps.

Oo! Oo!...almost forgots about the FOUR camping cabins (bunkhouses for 4 peoples each) being built in the campground. … The camping cabins are clustered two by two, so Camp Cabins 01 & 02 use the same driveway in the campground and Camp Cabins 03 & 04 are beside each other in the campground. Da camp cabins use the campground bathhouse too (no kitchens, bring your linens for the bunkbeds). Da new bathhouse in the campground will have laundry facilities,too!!! I’z not a shower/water wover myself, but peoples wuvs hot showers!

Well, dat’s alls i knows fur now…..i hopes my furriends will checks out dese new cabins and campground in 2010. More later…..Tommy.

Spring Wellness Weekend Planned for Fairy Stone State Park

Monday, February 8, 2010 by Zoe Rogers

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary spring fever is a listless, lazy, or restless feeling commonly associated with the beginning of spring. Over the past several weeks, I’m finding myself daydreaming about warmer climates and the upcoming spring season in Virginia. This anticipation of blooming flowers and temperatures above 60 degrees was shattered when I learned Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and we were told to look forward to six more weeks of winter! I’ve decided to take a different approach to this situation and look at it as only SIX MORE WEEKS TIL SPRING! I’m ready for spring fever and all the silliness that goes along with it.

I’m also ready for the upcoming Women’s Wellness Weekend hosted by Virginia State Parks this spring at Fairy Stone State Park in Stuart. This weekend is a perfect opportunity for women of all ages to treat themselves to a weekend of pampering and fun activities. Fairy Stone is a picturesque setting where you can unwind and regain balance in your life. For the entire weekend, a wide variety of workshops, programs and outdoor activities will be offered. The only decision you’re need to make is what programs to attend. Participants will enjoy choosing between hiking, fly fishing, canoeing, yoga, aroma therapy, searching for fairy stones and outdoor photography just to name a few. But don’t worry, there will be lots of time to socialize, relax and have fun.

The weekend begins on Friday, April 23rd with registration at 3 p.m. and ends Sunday, April 25th at noon. And it’s affordable. The commuter program is $149 and includes dinner on Friday, three meals Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. The full package includes meals plus two nights lodging and ranges in price from $180 to $332 depending on cabin size and the number of people in a cabin. You can also bring your RV or camp in the campground. So call your girlfriends and make your reservations today. Cabins go quickly!

If you are unable to attend this session, don’t worry the next Women’s Wellness Weekend will be held at Bear Creek Lake State Park the weekend of October 15th – 17th, 2010.

For more information or for reservation, call 800-933-7275 or visit our website at www.virginiastateparks.gov.

DOUTHAT STATE PARK ADDS TO ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR 2009

Thursday, February 4, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

Despite a struggling economy, Virginia State Parks set a new attendance record in 2009, with 7,534,960 visitors, a four percent increase over 2008.

Douthat State Park added to the increase in visitation with 205,654 visitors in 2009, up 10,090 visitors from 2008.

“Douthat State Park has seen an increase in local visitors for 2009,” said Douthat State Park Manager Charlie Conner. “We have seen more guests coming from Covington, Clifton Forge, Lexington and other local areas than we ever have in the past. Douthat is a reasonably priced quality vacation, and it is a trend catching on across Virginia.”

In 2009, 28,569 visitors stayed in a Douthat State Park cabin or lodge, and another 44,580 visitors spent the night in a state park campground.

While Virginia State Parks are a primary vacation destination for millions of people from around the country, state parks also are an economic stimulant to local economies.

The estimated economic impact of Douthat State Park in 2009 was $7.6 million. The estimated economic impact in 2008 was $7.4 million, and in 2007 the estimated economic impact was $7.3 million.

“The contribution of Virginia State Parks to state and local tourism is significant and can be especially important in the current economic climate,” said Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation State Parks Director Joe Elton. “Overnight guests in 26 of Virginia’s 35 state parks contribute to local economies, as well as to the state economy. Last year, more than 899,000 people stayed in cabins, family lodges or campsites located across Virginia,” he said.

For general park information go to www.virginiastateparks.gov, contact the park office at 540-862-8100 or e-mail Douthat State Park at Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov. Douthat State Park is located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, VA 24460.

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

NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK ADDS TO ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR 2009

Thursday, February 4, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

Despite a struggling economy, Virginia State Parks set a new attendance record in 2009, with 7,534,960 visitors, a four percent increase over 2008.

New River Trail State Park added to the increase in visitation with 960,096 visitors in 2009, up 8,104 visitors from 2008.

“We have seen an increase from the North Eastern states this year such as New York, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire,” said New River Trail Park Manager Mark Hufeisen. “We still have our local visitors and our visitors from South Carolina and North Carolina. I would say most of our visitation is from out of state. I think the impact for us has been adding more shows in the park and having more activities for guests.”

In 2009, 9,062 visitors spent the night in a New River Trail State Park campground.
While Virginia State Parks are a primary vacation destination for millions of people from around the country, state parks also are an economic stimulant to local economies.

The estimated economic impact of New River Trail State Park in 2009 was $15,896,194 million, up from $15,808,184 in 2008, which is $88,010 difference between the two years.

“The contribution of Virginia State Parks to state and local tourism is significant and can be especially important in the current economic climate,” said Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation State Parks Director Joe Elton. “Overnight guests in 26 of Virginia’s 35 state parks contribute to local economies, as well as to the state economy. Last year, more than 899,000 people stayed in cabins, family lodges or campsites located across Virginia,” he said.

For general park information go to www.virginiastateparks.gov, contact the park office at 276-699-6778 or email New River Trail at NewRiverTrail@dcr.virginia.gov. New River Trail is located at 176 Orphanage Drive, Foster Falls, VA 24360. The park is four miles off Exit 24 from Interstate 77. Follow the brown park signs.

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

CLAYTOR LAKE STATE PARK ADDS TO ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR 2009

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 by Jaimie Lomasney

Despite a struggling economy, Virginia State Parks set a new attendance record in 2009, with 7,534,960 visitors, a four percent increase over 2008.

Claytor Lake State Park added to the increase in visitation with 268,472 visitors in 2009, up 19,450 visitors from 2008.

“Our strong support from our local communities, leaders, and park visitors continues to make Claytor Lake State Park one of Virginia’s most visited and appreciated state parks,” said Park Manager David Collett. “The 2009 figures show that conservation and recreation can go hand in hand and can still provide important economic growth for our local area.”

In 2009, 18,856 visitors stayed in a Claytor Lake State Park cabin or lodge, and another 41,301 visitors spent the night in a state park campground.

While Virginia State Parks are a primary vacation destination for millions of people from around the country, state parks also are an economic stimulant to local economies.

“We are truly honored to play such an important part of the area and will keep striving to provide enjoyable and affordable recreation opportunities for the New River Valley,” said Collett.

The estimated economic impact of Claytor Lake State Park in 2009 was $7.8 million. The estimated economic impact in 2008 was $7.5 million, and in 2007 the estimated economic impact was $7.1 million.

"The contribution of Virginia State Parks to state and local tourism is significant and can be especially important in the current economic climate," said Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation State Parks Director Joe Elton. " Overnight guests in 26 of Virginia's 35 state parks contribute to local economies, as well as to the state economy. Last year, more than 899,000 people stayed in cabins, family lodges or campsites located across Virginia," he said.

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

Camping at Laka Anna State Park

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 by Annette Bareford

For those of you that grew up camping, do you remember how good food tasted cooked outside over a campfire? Wasn’t it the best? My family spent many seasons camping at Virginia State Parks. I can still taste the peanut butter toast my father made. He would toast the bread over an open flame on a long fork turning it over until it was crisp and brown. It was so good! Just time spent with family was so much fun. Waking up to the birds singing and the sun rise over the water was incredible. Memories like that last forever. I will never forget those wonder filled days spent swimming, hiking, canoeing and wildlife watching. No television (and in those days no cell phones) just magical times created by the magnificent surroundings and our imagination.

In our own “back yard” there is an excellent campground at Lake Anna State Park. The campsites and bathhouse are the best Virginia State Parks has to offer. Water and electrical sites as well as pull through sites for large RV’s are available. If you don’t have a tent or camper and would still like to experience “camping out”. Lake Anna has six new camping cabins. The cabins have four beds (two sets of bunks), tables and chairs. Each cabin has a great front porch complete with rocking chairs. The camping cabins are a unique way to introduce your family to camping without actually pitching a tent! The cabins are very basic, they do have electricity but no running water. The modern fully equipped bathhouses have hot showers and a laundry room. There is a picnic table, fire ring and a pedestal grill for cooking outside. There is even a ceiling fan to help cool down warm summer days.

To make your experience even more memorable, the park offers seasonal swimming and paddling. There are a variety of things to do through the year. Hiking, geocaching, orienteering, biking, fishing, birding and wildlife watching. The park also offers exceptional educational programming year round. So grab your family and get outside and play!

For reservations call 1800-933-PARK or visit the website www.virginiastateparks.gov For more information on the park call (540)-854-5503

Rivers Flood

Friday, January 29, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

In the last two weeks, we have experienced some flooding at two of our river parks.

New River Trail State Park had flooding and accumulated ice that forced us to close Baker Island and Double Shoals primitive camping. When I last spoke with Park Manager Mark Hufeisen on January 19th, staff couldn't even get through the ice to see the damage.

On January 26th, the Shenandoah River flooded with impact to Shenandoah River State Park. I'm glad our new facilities are up on the ridge.

As many of you may recall, I stayed at Shenandoah River State Park this summer. Here are some side by side shots showing the impact of the flood.

Brown Cabin and shoreline September 2009

Nature happens. Development along the river calls for planning based on flooding history and that's one thing we do well. The few campgrounds we have along the rivers in Virginia are designed so when they flood, we can build them back. We do not put any elaborate infrastructure within the 60 year flood plain. My favorite picture from the Shenandoah River flood this week shows one of our trails.

Kiptopeke State Park Campground Road Project

Sunday, January 24, 2010 by Sam Sweeney

Kiptopeke State Park closed its campground early this past fall much to the chagrin of our fall patrons. Work is progressing with most of the drain pipe installation complete and road grading work starting soon.

Gerald Moore and Sons of Exmore, VA were awarded the contract and have moved towards improving our campground roads. Funding for this project came from the 2002 Government Obligation Bonds voted and approved by 70% of Virginia voters.

Surprised guests will be intrigued by the changes they see and the smooth ride they’ll find. The work is centered on the first two roads in the electric and water area of the campground. Paving should take place in early spring with the campground re-opening in April 2010

2009 Marks Record Virginia State Park Attendance

Sunday, January 10, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

One aspect of the recession is that tight pocketbooks send families looking for lower cost vacation alternatives. In 2009 Virginians and visitors to Virginia found trips to state parks were a great value for the money and visited in record numbers.

Joe Elton reported in his Annual Report for 2009, "Visitation is up 4% over last year, camping is up 8%, volunteerism is up slightly to more than 235,500 hours with a total value of more than $5 million placed on that labor. Revenues are up 11% over last year. Total Reservations for the year are up 5% over last year bringing total revenue to more than $8 million for the first time in history [for camping and cabins]."

Family gathering at Bear Creek Lake State Park's family lodge

Photo courtesy of Bill Crabtree, Virginia Tourism Corporation

The extra revenue came in handy since budget cuts for FY2009 and 2010 exceed $3.4 million. Dedicated park staff and volunteers worked hard so visitors would not notice the impact of those cuts despite of the loss of 19 full time positions and the need to keep another 25 vacant positions unfilled. There has also been a reduction in part time staff who support park operations.

Many state parks offer pool or beach swimming like Staunton River State Park

Virginia State Parks will receive a little over $15.7 million for fiscal year 2010 which ends June 30, 2010. In calendar year 2009, the 7.5 million visitors contributed in excess of $175 million dollars to the state and localities, or eleven times the expense to the Commonwealth. In addition to being a tonic for the mind, body and spirit, our state parks are an excellent investment for our tax dollars.

High Bridge State Park - the 35th State Park - opened in 2008

New cabins and campgrounds at Shenandoah River and Natural Tunnel state parks and three additional cabins at Douthat State Park should boost revenue and economic impact in calendar year 2010. These facilities are the result of the 2002 State Park and Natural Area General Obligation bond which was designed to increase the revenue capacity of our state parks. The bond also funded new cabins at Kiptopeke, Claytor Lake, Occoneechee, Bear Creek Lake and James River state parks and campgrounds at James River, Belle Isle and Lake Anna state parks which are already open.