Park Lodges Virginia

Wake Up Some Place Special!

Monday, August 23, 2010 by Shellie Anne

You will always wake up some place special at a Virginia State Park!

Have you ever stayed at a cabin or lodge at a Virginia State Park? Rates are very reasonable and even includes in-state discounts to Virginia residents. Consider a cabin or lodge for your next family getaway or girls weekend out. Let me show thee the ways...

Modern Amenities and Comfort at a Cabin at a Virginia State Park

Virginia State Parks provide comfortable and economical overnight accommodations, with 260 climate-controlled cabins. Many cabins are available year round, they range from rustic to elegant.

Climate-controlled cabins are available at Bear Creek Lake, Chippokes Plantation, Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, First Landing, Hungry Mother, James River, Lake Anna, Occoneechee, Staunton River, Smith Mountain Lake, Twin Lakes and Westmoreland state parks. Cabin sizes and sleeping arrangments vary by park. One bedroom cabins, two or three bedroom cabins, many with bunkbeds so bring the whole family and some friends too!

All cabins have kitchens and bathrooms. Furnishings and equipment include rustic furniture, microwave, refrigerator, oven, dishes, cooking utensils, silverware, kitchen towels and glassware. Bath towels and bedroom linens, including mattress covers, pillows, blankets, sheets and pillow cases, also are included.

All cabins except those at Chippokes Plantation State Park and Twin Lakes State Park's Hill Lodge and Martin Cottage have fireplaces. Cabins at Smith Mountain Lake have wood stoves.

The parks also have Handicap Accessable cabins with ramps and large open bathrooms.

Reserve your cabin online - pick the park, pick the dates, pick the actual cabin you would like! You can view locations with in each Virginia State Park. Search here for amenities.

Don't forget Fido. Fido is welcome to stay with you in your cabin at nearly all Virginia State Parks. (Following all park leash regulations of course.) There is an additional nominal rate of $10 per pet per day (hey this is less than boarding Fido) and look at all the fun Fido will have with the family!

You can reserve your cabin or lodge up to 10 months in advance. So now is your chance to book your cabin for next Spring, Summer or Fall!

Relax at a cabin at a Virginia State Park

In addition to cabins and family lodges, special facilities include:

Bel Air Mansion and Guest House - These two upscale, overnight facilities in Belle Isle State Park are perfect for family reunions or picturesque weddings. Furnished with antique reproductions, the mansion comfortably sleeps six, and the simply furnished guest house sleeps eight.

Cove Ridge Center at Natural Tunnel State Park - Available for reunions, conferences or business meetings, the two attached dormitories can accommodate up to 30 each. Overnight guests have free use of adjacent swimming pool during normal operating hours. Reservations are handled by the park at (276) 940-2696.

Poplar Hill Cottage at the Southwest Virginia Museum - This quaint, garden-themed cottage is the perfect getaway in the mountains. Furnished with reproduction furniture, the charming cottage is in the historic Poplar Hill neighborhood, adjacent to other fine homes. The cottage comfortably sleeps six and two full baths. Pets are not allowed. Reservations are handled by the park at (276) 523-1322.

There is so much to love at Virginia State Parks! Well, what are you waiting for?

How Do YOU Spell Fun?

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Shellie Anne

There is so much to love at Virginia State Parks!

Virginia State Parks are all abuzz with recreational activities, from history, culture, outdoor competitions, to arts, crafts, fishing, natural history, geocaching, workshops and festivals!

There are 35 State Parks in the VA Department of Conservation & Recreation System. There is something for everyone at a Virginia State Park, from the mountains to the seashore. Here is an abbreviated list of activities currently happening at your Virginia State Parks:

Can you Canoe?
Camp Chat
Prim-Tech to Hi-Tech
Music from the day
Geocaching
Tracks and Scats - Signs of the Times
Astronomy with a NASA Space Embassador
Invert Alert
Birding by Boat
Marsh Madness Canoe Trip
Walk in the Woods
Fish Printing
Family Play Day
Make a Hiking Stick
Full Moon Canoe Trip
Tall Tales Campfire
Full Moon Kayak Trip
Hayrides
Wild about Wetlands Canoe Trip
Sunset Kayak Trip
Eagle Tours
Kayak with the Eagles
Owl Prowls Hayrides
Wagon Ride
Ask a Ranger
Let's Go Fishing
Jones-Stewart Mansion Tours
Fossil Walk
Evening Paddle
Junior Rangers
Drowned in the Past
Crayfish Crawl
Campground Scavenger Hunt
Going Batty
Night Hike
Skin and Bones
Tree Cookies
Snake, Rattle and Whoa
Quest for Cache
Animal Bites
Leave it to Beavers
Mystery Box
Frog Hop
Bat Kapers
Bear Kapers
Roost in Peace
Appalachian Antic
Flyfishing 101
The Scoop on Poop
Owle Pellet Adventure
Campfire Cookery
Toad Abodes
Basic Twionometry
Frog Slog
Butterfly Kapers
Railroad Tales
Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Sandy Shorts
Fairy Stone Hunt
Rock n Rockets
Canoeing with Ghosts
Salamander Meander
Quicksand!
Gnome Homes
Luma Plena: Full Moon
Swamp Stomp
Seaside Creatures
Staying Found
Night Hike
Crabbing
Young Naturalist
What's in the Nets?
Geoquest
Scales to Tales
Wonder Bugs
Moonlight Movies
Talons of Terror
Relay on the Beach
Touch of Nature
Predators and Prey
Owl Call Canoe Tour
Civil War Campfire
Nature's Nocturne Hike
Critter Crawl
Made in the Shade
Owl Wisdom
History Flows Through it
Feeding Frenzy
Panning for Gold
Storytime in the Woods
A Stitch in Time
Creepy Crawlies
Pond Play
Lovely Ladybugs
Make Tracks for Home
Majestic Eagles
Cherokee Run
1175 Frontier Life
Fishing at the Falls
The Bear Facts
Aquatic Insects
Roving Reptiles
River Float
Gone Batty
Owl Prowl
Snakes Alive
Toad Abodes
Gyotaku (Fish Printing)
You too Can Canoe
Stump the Ranger
Civil War Kids
Mystery in the Mountains
Ugly Bug Contests
Natures Paint Brush
Corn Husk Dolls
Tree ID
Catch 'em in the Creel
Pirates, Privateers and Patriots Trip
Going N Seine
Roaming Ranger
Pick your Paddle

Do I have your attention yet? How do YOU spell Fun? There is so much to love at Virginia State Parks.

Rent a cabin, rent a lodge, rent a tent site for a night or a week, or full hook-up site or a shelter for a family reunion or church picnic (you know how we all love Sunday chicken!) Some Virginia State Parks even have conference centers available for your use. Book the conference center and a "canoogle" of canoes, guaranteed you will have a blast!

You can reserve online TODAY or see what is available here. Search for specific amenities for the park that is just right for you or view a PDF amenities grid comparing all Virginia State Parks at once.

Virginia State Parks Rock!
I am tellin’ ya they roolly do!

Nature Trek 360˚

Friday, July 30, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

By Megan France, Natural Tunnel State Park Chief Ranger Interpreter

Nature Trek 360˚ is a partnership with the Cove Ridge Center Foundation, Scott County Schools and Natural Tunnel State Park that offers a 3 day 2 night camp for middle school students with the goal of introducing the students to the natural and cultural history of their region. The program has been offered as part of Scott County’s summer school curriculum.

The program addresses standards of learning in science and social studies for students entering 5th – 8th grades, while also providing a framework to allow the students to discover the outdoors through exploration.

Over the past four years, results have been tremendously popular and generated a great deal of excitement in students, teachers, administrators and park staff. Each day has a theme with a focus on different aspects of the natural or cultural history of the region. The following sections offer a brief synopsis of the theme and programs offered each day.

Day One offers an overview of the park as well as focusing on technology and the natural history of the region. Students start their day off with a GPS activity that will allow them to explore several locations through out the park. Later in the day the students will spend time hiking through Natural Tunnel via Stock Creek, discussing the geological processes that formed the tunnel and an introduction to the karst topography of the region. While on the hike, students will have the opportunity to participate in an invertebrate study along Stock Creek.

That evening the students will have the opportunity to view the night sky at an astronomy program.

Day Two focuses mainly on the cultural history of the region. During the morning students will have the opportunity to step back 200 years ago with a few programs at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse. There they will meet a couple of frontier women making clothing from wool and linen. Students will experience the steps that go into each process and the hard work that goes into each step.

In the afternoon students will learn how to canoe and snorkel. Snorkeling expedition introduces the students to the biological diversity and importance of the Clinch River to Southwest Virginia. That evening students will enjoy a hayride along Fincastle Road followed by a campfire at the Blockhouse.

Day Three will focus on Southwest Virginia’s natural environment. Students will spend a day at Falls of Little Stoney exploring sandstone bluffs, wildflowers, wildlife and the Falls.

The Nature Trek 360° program in 2010 ran three sessions serving 54 students. All program fees, supplies, meals and lodging were included in the fee paid by the school system. One male and one female teacher are provided by the school system as overnight chaperons. Students stay in the lodges at the Cove Ridge Center. The meals are cooked by Cove Ridge staff, and students are responsible for setting up meals and snacks, as well as cleaning up afterward and taking out trash.

The response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive over the past 4 years. Students ask if they could come back the next summer, the superintendent has received calls from several parents to let him know how much their children enjoyed the program, and teachers told park staff they overheard the students talking about the program when school began in the fall. One parent said her son came home from the park and immediately went to the creek on their property to see what animals he could find. Our goal is for the Nature Trek 360° program to provide a student’s first step towards the “nature medicine” needed to begin curing today’s children of Nature Deficit Disorder.

Cabin, camping photos are top draws

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 by Steve Hawks

The conventional wisdom in tourism marketing is to appeal to potential customers' emotions. What could be more charming than happy, smiling kids floating down the James River in brilliantly colored tubes, a beautiful deep blue sky overhead? Or perhaps a cheerful family enjoying a fresh picnic - and each other's company – in the great outdoors with, naturally, a rustic hand-hewn cabin or tidy campsite in the background?

Our park users, however, may be more practical than most folks. Our most popular web page, for example, is about prices and fees. While useful, the page isn't emotionally appealing. And on our Flickr site, the most commonly viewed photos are of cabins, campsites and lodges. In fact, 12 of the 14 most popular photos feature cabins. This photo of a cabin at First Landing State Park is the most viewed shot of DCR's State Parks Flickr collection.

So, evidently, state park guests are a sensible bunch. Let's face it - an interior shot of a cabin's kitchen isn't as evocative as is a picture of a beautiful sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay. Judging by web traffic statistics, however, it appears that state park customers are more interested in images of the camping facilities, cabins and lodges they've rented than shots of cute bunnies and fawns.

Go figure.

Record high visitation for Independence Day weekend

Monday, July 12, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

An official Department of Conservation and Recreation Press release by Jim Meisner, Jr. Public Relations Specialist

Virginia State Parks continued the year-long trend of record attendance with an Independence Day weekend attendance of 266,739, a 22 percent increase over last year’s previous record-high of 218,889.

The record-high visitation follows another record setting holiday weekend when visitation increased 15.9 percent on Memorial Day weekend.

The 35 award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

DCR Director David Johnson attributes the significant increase to a number of factors. “The weather across Virginia was simply incredible all weekend long,” he said. “The warm dry weather made state parks, and state park swimming facilities, immensely popular. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a steady rise in attendance as we’ve responded to visitors' requests for more cabins, campsites, lodges and staff-led programs and activities. Simply put, more people are coming to Virginia State Parks because our parks are better than they have ever been.”

Tracking the first six months of 2010 compared to the same time last year, overall state park attendance is up 8 percent.

“Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia’s economy and Virginia State Parks are one of our best assets to attract visitors,” said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Families from around the country, and especially from the East Coast, travel to Virginia to enjoy the pristine beauty of our state parks.”

The estimated economic impact of Virginia State Parks was $175 million in 2009.

The Independence Day weekend saw a 70 percent increase in swimming over last year. Other significant gains over 2009 included a 19 percent increase in camping deposits, a 6 percent increase in cabin rentals, and a 36 percent increase in food and beverage sales.

Overall sales for the weekend increased 27 percent over last year.

“We are excited to see Virginia State Parks continue their record setting year with another outstanding holiday weekend,” said DCR’s State Parks Director Joe Elton. “Visitors have come to our parks for nearly 75 years to find therapy for the mind, body and spirit as they enjoy our unspoiled natural resources. More than 266,000 people visited our parks over the holiday weekend, and they returned home with cherished family memories that will last a lifetime.”

Virginia State Parks offer dozens of festivals and concerts and thousands of seasonal nature and history programs across the state.

For more information about state park activities and amenities, or to make reservations in a campsite, cabin or family lodge, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at (800) 933-PARK or visit our website.

Family picnic at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Photo by Bill Crabtree Jr., Virginia Tourism Corporation

Virginia State Parks Receives 101 Outdoor Awards

Friday, July 2, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

Official Department of Conservation and Recreation Press Release by Jim Mesiner

For the eighth consecutive year, the 35 Virginia State Parks operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation have been recognized by ReserveAmerica as among the nation’s best.

Virginia State Parks was honored with 101 awards in 17 categories. A dozen parks were named in the Top 100 Family Campgrounds: Chippokes Plantation, Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, First Landing, James River, Kiptopeke, New River Trail, Occoneechee, Smith Mountain Lake, Staunton River and Westmoreland state parks.

Chippokes Plantation State Park Campground - one of the Top 100 in the nation

“In the past few years, we’ve hosted record numbers of visitors as more and more people recognize the beauty and affordability of our parks, as well as the many activities our parks have to offer. We are honored to have Virginia State Parks recognized again this year by ReserveAmerica,” said DCR Director David Johnson. “I know park employees take great pride in their work, and it’s rewarding to have their dedication nationally recognized.”

James River State Park Campground named on of the top 100 Family Campgrounds in the country

A part of the Active Network, ReserveAmerica is North America’s leading camping reservation and campground management solutions provider. ReserveAmerica manages the Virginia State Park electronic reservation system.

To determine the top campgrounds and locations, over 3,000 parks were evaluated based in part on testimonials from park rangers, regional park management and campers, as well as specific family-friendly criteria including kid-friendly parks, scenic views, hiking trails, children’s activities and more.

Staunton River State Park Campground selected as one of the top 100 Family Campgrounds in the country

“Our parks play an important role in the lives of our visitors,” said DCR State Parks Director Joe Elton. “Virginia State Parks are a tonic for the mind, body and spirit, and they are places people return to year after year, generation after generation.”

In 2009, 7.5 million people visited Virginia State Parks. Attendance through May 31 of this year was 2.2 million, 8.8 percent more than the same time last year.

Other award categories (and the number of winning Virginia State Parks) include: Top 25 Amazing Spots (seven parks), Top 25 Biking Trails (five parks), Top 25 Bird-Watching Spots (three parks), Top 25 Canoeing Spots (seven parks), Top 50 Educational and Historical Facilities (five parks), Top 50 Fishing Spots (nine parks), Top 50 Hiking Trails (11 parks), Top 25 Horse-Friendly Parks (two parks), Top 25 Kid-Friendly Parks (six parks), Top 25 Park Beaches (three parks), Top 25 Picnic Areas (five parks), Top 25 Romantic Spots (four parks), Top 50 Scenic Views (four parks), Top 25 Tours and Events (seven parks), Top 25 Unique Cabins (six parks), and Top 25 Water Recreation Parks (five parks).

Douthat State Park selected as one of the Top 100 Family Campgrounds in this country

For the complete list of specific winners, click here. Click here for the Virginia State Park winners by park.

For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,600 campsites or 220 cabins and lodges, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at (800) 933-PARK or visit our website.

Plenty of Fun Activities at Twin Lakes State Park

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 by Zoe Rogers

Surrounded by two lakes in the heart of Central Virginia, Twin Lakes State Park is an ideal setting for a variety of lakefront activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, camping, fishing, biking, canoeing and six miles of hiking trails along the Prince Edward Lake, Goodwin Lake and neighboring trail in Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest.

Well-appointed cabins and lodge, featuring an English Tudor exterior, are furnished with the comforts of home. Three have a view of Prince William Lake. Each cabin features a screened porch with rocking chairs, deck, picnic table, pedestal grill and kitchen.

The park has thirty-four campsites many with electric and water hookups. Each campsite has a fire ring with grill cover and a bathhouse is available.

Goodwin Lake offers a beach with a bathhouse and “The Spot” a 1950s theme snack bar featuring premium hand-dipped ice cream and gift shop. Rowboats and canoes are available for rent year-round.

Nature hikes, canoe trips, stargazing, campfire and children programs are just a few nature and environment programs offered during the summer. During the month of June, park visitors will have the opportunity to learn how to prospect for gold and try their hand at panning for gold. If you’re into stargazing, the Crewe Astronomy Club will be at the park on Saturday, June 19th to offer a program on astronomy.

Outdoor Enthusiasts Love Holliday Lake State Park

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 by Zoe Rogers

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love Holliday Lake State Park. The park is nestled in the heart of Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. The scenic 150-acre Holliday Lake is complete with boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and swimming beach. A 12-mile loop in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest offers exploration for hikers, bicyclers, horseback riders and nature observer.

Thirty campsites are equipped with water and electric hookups. Each site has a grill, lantern post and picnic table. The park has a camping lodge with bunk beds, a refrigerator, a deck, fire ring with cooking grate and a small picnic shelter with two tables. A campground host is available at most times in campground. Swimming and boat launching are free for overnight campers.

The beach at Holliday Lake offers a life guarded beach where the “Critter Hole” play area is a favorite. Beach goers can enjoy a hot shower at the bathhouse and sandwiches, snacks and drinks at the concession operation.

Along with five hiking trails, Holliday Lake offers a self-guided water adventure on the Sunfish Aquatic Trail. Canoe tours, conducted hikes, campfire programs and specialty workshops are just a few nature programs offered on the weekends. During the month of June, park visitors will have the opportunity to explore Holliday Lake during a Canoe Tour that is offered on Thursdays, June 17th and 24th from 5 to 6 p.m. Cost is $6 per paddler and advance registration is required. Or they can take the Owl Call Canoe Tour where they’ll explore the lake at night to call the “Warriors of the Night.” Owl Call Canoe Tours are offered on Saturdays, June 19th and 26th. Cost is $6 per person and advance registration is required.

Virginia State Parks kicks off summer season with record high visitation

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

An official press release. Click here for a link to the release on our website.

Virginia State Parks had a record-setting Memorial Day weekend with new highs in attendance and revenue, and even website traffic.

The May 28-31 attendance of 271,683 was an increase of 15.9 percent over Memorial Day weekend 2009. The previous spring holiday weekend record was 269,552 visitors in 2007.

“For many families, Virginia State Parks are a tradition handed down from generation to generation. Parents share childhood memories with their children and make new memories enjoying the beauty and splendor of a state park,” said David Johnson, Director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. “Each year more and more people see that there’s so much to do and so much to love in Virginia State Parks. Attendance over the holiday weekend demonstrates just how important and popular our state parks are.”

The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The Pocahontas State Park Pool was a popular destination

The record-setting weekend built upon last year’s record-high annual attendance of 7,534,960 visitors, a four percent increase over 2008. Attendance through May 31 was 2.2 million, 8.8 percent more than at this time last year.

“We view the increase in attendance as yet another indicator that people continue to rely on Virginia State Parks as affordable and comfortable vacation destinations. Our parks are the natural choice for activities as varied as walking, biking, or spending an enjoyable afternoon around the pool or on the beach,” said DCR’s State Parks Director Joe Elton. “The holiday weekend continues the trend we’ve seen over the past four years. Visitors from all around the country have discovered that Virginia State Parks are special and they make our parks primary vacation destinations.”

The unofficial start of summer is the first weekend swimming pools and beaches are open in state parks. Warm weather and clear skies across the Commonwealth made swimming a popular attraction.

Lines at some pools didn’t dampen the spirits of visitors, as state parks swimming revenue increased 70 percent over last year. Merchandise sales were up 31 percent, and food and beverage sales jumped 56 percent.

Swimming beach at Claytor Lake State Park

“Total revenue for Memorial Day weekend was $539,778, 17 percent over last year,” Elton said. “If we have good weather this summer, more records will be set as even more people visit for a few hours, a few days or a few weeks.”

The holiday weekend record-setting began May 28 on DCR's state parks website.

"DCR had the greatest single-day traffic ever with 40,489 pageviews and 11,571 visitors,” said DCR Webmaster Steve Hawks. “From Friday through Monday, we had 144,985 pageviews and 41,224 visitors.”

Website visitation is up 21 percent over this time last year, he said.

While Virginia State Parks are primary vacation spots for millions of people from around the country, the parks also are an economic stimulant to local economies. The estimated economic impact of Virginia State Parks in 2009 was $175 million.

Throughout the year, Virginia State Parks offer dozens of festivals and concerts and thousands of educational programs across the state.

For more information about state park activities and amenities, or to make reservations in a campsite, cabin or family lodge, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at (800) 933-PARK or book online.

WSLS10 in Roanoke did a news piece on the crowds at Smith Mountain Lake State Park over the holiday weekend:

Get Outside and Play at Occoneechee State Park

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 by Pat Eastwood

There are a lot of fun things to do at Occoneechee State Park throughout the upcoming weekend. Hike through the woods, ride a bike, visit the museum, have a picnic, and enjoy these great programs along with many others:

Friday June 11^th

3:00 PM – Adventure Rangers. Fishing 101. Participants will learn how to bait a hook and practice casting, then go fishing on Boat Ramp #2. Bait will be provided, and the park has a limited supply of fishing poles to borrow. Outdoor activities are rewarding for kids of all ages. Join our Park Interpreter each Friday afternoon this summer for a series of outdoor skills workshops. Attend 8 different programs (including other interpretive programs offered at Occoneechee) and earn an Adventure Ranger badge and certificate. All ages are welcome and parents are encouraged to participate with their child. Program fee is $3.00 for one program, or $10 for an Adventure Ranger pass that covers all 8 programs. Meet at the Visitor Center.

6:00 PM – Hayride. Join the Park Interpreter for a fun hayride tour of the park. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you ride through the open air, and learn about the history of the park, the story of the Occoneechi, and the wildlife that call the park home. Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Seating is limited so sign up in advance at the Visitor Center.

8:30 PM – Campfire 101. Do you know how to make a one match campfire? How about a no match campfire? It's not as tricky as you may think. Join us as we build our campfire and we'll show you the basics. Then you can stick around and join us for the Welcome Campfire program. Parking fees apply, but there is no additional fee for this program. Meet at the Indian Hut near Boat Ramp 2.

9:00PM – Welcome Campfire. Gather around a comfortable campfire and let us welcome you to Occoneechee State Park. Lear the fascinating story of the Occoneechi Indians for whom the park is named, listen to campfire stories and share your own favorites, and enjoy roasted marshmallows. Parking fees apply, but there is no additional fee for this program. Indian Hut near Boat Ramp 2.

Saturday June 12^th

3:00 PM – Discover the world of squirrels in Gone Nuts. In this children’s program, participants will learn about the life of squirrels and make a neat craft to take home. Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Meet at the Visitor Center to participate in this fun craft.

6:00 PM – Canoe. Go canoeing around the shoreline of the park and the wildlife that call the park home. Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Seating is limited so sign up in advance at the Visitor Center. No flip-flops please. Bring water. Life Jackets will be provided but you are welcome to provide your own.

9:00PM –Creatures of the Night. The forest at night is alive with activity, and these nocturnal creatures experience the darkness much differently than you and I. Join us as we experience their nocturnal world and conduct a few activities to understand how the senses of nocturnal animals allow them to live in darkness. Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Meet us at Terrace Gardens near Campground B.

Sunday, June 13^th

9:00 AM—Birding Canoe Trip. Go canoeing along the shoreline of the park and discover what birds call the park home. Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Seating is limited so sign up in advance at the Visitor Center. No flip-flops please. Bring water. Life Jackets will be provided but you are welcome to provide your own.

11 AM—Bird Feeders. In this children’s craft program, participants can make their own bird feeders with pinecones and peanut butter. (For guests that are allergic to peanuts an alternative craft is available). Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Meet at the Visitor Center to participate in this fun craft.

4 PM—Plantation Tour. Walk the Plantation Trail (1.2 moderate hike) and discover the interesting history of the Occoneechee Plantation. Parking fees apply, but there is no additional fee for this program. Meet us at Terrace Gardens near Campground B.

The whole family will enjoy getting outside and exploring the natural world, and learning about Native American history here at Occoneechee State Park. You will find camping, cabins and family lodges, and ample boat launching facilities here on Kerr Reservoir, Virginia's largest lake. For more information or to make reservations call (800) 933-PARK (7275) or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

HOLLIDAY LAKE STATE PARK IS GETTING MORE CAMPSITES!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 by Verna McNamara

According to Sarah Lankford, Office Manager at Holliday Lake State Park, exciting things are happening at the park!

Seven new campsites are under development. The campsites are spacious to accommodate larger camping equipment that is becoming more popular, with plenty of room to relax and enjoy nature. Each site will accommodate equipment up to 40 feet long, have a gravel drive, picnic table, lantern post, campfire circle, 30 and 50 amp electrical service and water hook up. The sites are situated in a quiet, wooded area with plenty of space between campsites. None of the campsites at this park are waterview or near the lake, however this is a beautiful park that offers hiking, camping, lake swimming in summer, fishing, as well as paddleboat rentals.

Conveniently located near the new campsites will be a new bathhouse. It is the new design with separate showers, a dishwashing station, and a drinking fountain. Also under construction is a new dump station. Later on, we’ll add a tent camping area with five campsites that can be reserved for groups. The construction is due to be complete sometime in 2010.

Deep in the heart of Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake State Park is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing for largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie and bluegill is a popular activity in the 150-acre lake within the park. The nearby state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries delayed-harvest trout stream allows anglers to fish for brown and rainbow trout. The park also features excellent trails open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. Swimming is a popular summer activity at the park's life-guarded beach where the "Critter Hole" play area is a favorite of young visitors. Park facilities include a campground, a large shaded picnic area, two picnic shelters, two playgrounds, a boat ramp, a seasonal full-service concession stand, a camp store, and canoe, rowboat and paddle boat rentals. Interpretive and environmental education programs also are available for school and scout groups. This park is just minutes from the famous Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, the site of General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant in 1865.

Holliday Lake State Park can be accessed via State Route 24 between Appomattox and U.S. 60 and from Routes 626, 640 and 692. It is approximately 12 miles from the Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park, about 2 hours from Richmond, VA.

Reservations for all parks taken Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm ET at 1-800-933-7275. Reservations can also be made online by clicking here. Online reservations for cabins, the lodge, and camping are the responsibility of the web customers. Online customers are advised to read and print out all pertinent information prior to submitting their credit card payment.

Hannah Look: "I Had a Blast at Bear Creek Lake State Park!"

Wednesday, June 2, 2010 by Verna McNamara

Hannah Look, 15 (on left with her younger sister, Hope, 5), of Richmond, VA reports on her Memorial weekend cabin at Bear Creek Lake State Park with her family:

“I had a blast at the park! We swam, fished, and ate all weekend. I caught a fish but, sadly, it was the only one. :( I got a little sun which I hope will turn into a tan. I want to go back soon and hope we rent another cabin like this next time. The cabin was large and a great get away from civilization and the hot sun. I give the trip 7 out of 10 stars. Hope to go back soon.”

Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland, VA, about 1 hour west of Richmond on US 60, offers cabins (photo to left shows a 2-bedroom cabin at the park), Bear Creek Lodge, camping, a camping lodge (not a full service lodge as it's in the campground and you use the bathhouse-- more like a bunkhouse for 14 people with no linens -- just bunkbeds), fishing, picnic shelters, lake swimming in summer, as well as hiking trails and many other activities.

During prime season, cabins and Bear Creek Lodge are rented by the week beginning on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. A two-night minimum stay is required the rest of the year, however guests who wish to stay less than a week during prime season may call 1-800-933-7275, 30 days prior to desired arrival date, to see if there are any vacancies. The cabins and lodge are open year-round and reserved 11 months in advance. Extra beds are unavailable for these dwellings. Go to our website to find the park of your dreams!

Reservations for all parks taken Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm ET at 1-800-933-7275. Reservations can also be made online by clicking here. Online reservations for cabins, the lodge, and camping are the responsibility of the web customers. Online customers are advised to read and print out all pertinent information prior to submitting their credit card payment.

Last Minute Reservations

Sunday, May 23, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

It's a week before Memorial Day and you have no reservations for a camping or cabin stay at a Virginia State Park. I admit the prospects are bleak. I just looked through our whole inventory and found some group campsites at New River and First Landing. I did find one real prime site - one of our family lodges at James River State Park. That will probably go first thing Monday morning.

Of course, you can check yourself for availability at our parks on line.

But let me help you with some ideas. First, the system is real time and fluid. When the call center is open, folks can cancel or transfer their reservations and create availability. It might be helpful to realize that these changes will only happen during the center's operating hours - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We do not allow transfers or cancellations to be made on the web. So no use checking the web reservation site multiple times at night looking for a cancellation.

If you are looking for a cabin reservation, here's another tip. The last day to move a reservation to a future date for a cabin or family lodge is close of business Monday. So there may be some cabins available on Tuesday. You are probably thinking well, I will just jump on line and book one of those last minute cabins. Unfortunately not, as we enter the Memorial Day to Labor Day period the web reservation system requires week stays. Our policy relaxes that to two nights one month before arrivals but the ReserveAmerica reservation system is not capable of enforcing the two different rules (they are working on it - I'm hoping this will be fixed next year). So, you will have to call the Center first thing Tuesday.

Another good tip is that we require payment in full by close of business Wednesday if there were any reservations made in the last two weeks. You'd be surprised how much we cancel each Wednesday. So for campsites, check out the web reservations after we close on Wednesday, or for cabins call us first thing Thursday. For a big holiday weekend, most people booked pretty far in advance so there are a lot fewer payments still due at the last minute, but it happens.

People book very far in advance for the three summer holidays. Life happens so you can imagine things might have changed for people within the eleven months between when they booked their sites. Family members get sick, vehicles break down. When I used to help out with the phones, I remember telling canceling customers before a holiday that they were making someone else very happy!

If you are up for a spur of the moment departure for a Saturday stay, you can check online for camping availability Friday after we close. After 5 p.m. customers must call the park to cancel for Saturday or Sunday arrivals so that's the exception where on line availability will be showing after center operating hours.

Also keep in mind that we do not take same day camping reservations but do take walk-ins at the park IF there is inventory. We will try to take same day cabin reservations but we will first have to check that the cabin is clean and available. It is not guaranteed.

And remember, we are still doing our last minute 25% cabin discounts for reservations made Thursday or Friday for the upcoming weekend. You have to book through the call center by calling 800-933-7275. If you can make last minute plans, you can save!

It never hurts to review our transfer and cancellation policies as well as other important information before you visit our parks. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park to Host Bedford County Parks & Rec Youth Fishing Clinic

Monday, May 17, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

By Lana Obenchain, Bedford County Parks and Recreation

Bedford Parks & Recreation Departments will host their annual Youth Fishing Clinic on Saturday, June 5th at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston. Event is free and open to children ages six through fourteen. Pre-registration is requested. Parents are welcome to attend with their child or children.

Events include knot tying and bait selection, fish ID and habits, boat safety, ethics and rules, casting contest, fishing, and a ride on a fire boat. Lunch is included for children participating. Parents and other siblings may purchase lunch for $3.00 per person. If you are a Cub Scout or Girl Scout you will meet either all or most all of the requirements for your fishing badge.

Event starts at 10:00 a.m. and is finished by 4:00 P.M. Please allow plenty of time to park and get to the Visitor Center as parking is not allowed there. Transportation for children from Wal-Mart in Bedford is available with prior arrangements.

Other sponsors of this event include Bedford Walmart, The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Smith Mountain Striper Club, Bedford Resource Center, Bedford Moose Lodge, Bedford Outdoor Sportsman Association, SML Marine Vol. Fire Co., Smith Mountain Moose Lodge, Saunders Vol Fire Co., J&W Trophies, Regal Medical and Bedford Kiwanis Club.

To register or for additional info, contact Bedford County Parks & Recreation at 540-586-7682 or 7683.

Summer Wilderness Survival at False Cape State Park--FOR FAMILIES

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 by Staci Martin

Maybe you've been reading about Women's Weekends at Virginia State Parks, but can't seem to find the time to get away from your family obligations to enjoy the outdoors.

False Cape State Park has created a "Summer Wilderness Survival Weekend" program for families to be held on July 10-11, 2010. Of course the program isn't limited to just families, but this is really a unique opportunity for an family overnight adventure at False Cape State Park.

Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Cost is $100 per person payable in advance. (Children accompanying adults must also pay the $100 fee.) Registration must be completed through the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK. Registration is limited to 20 people. Registration is limited to children ages 5 and up. Children MUST be accompanied by a paying adult. Accommodations are in the park's Environmental Education Center that has bunk beds and shared bathrooms. A private room is not guaranteed.

Okay, now for the fun part... Vicky Shufer is the Park Naturalist at False Cape State Park and here is what she has to say about "Summer Wilderness Survival Weekend"

“What do you all do for your survival weekend?” is a question I keep getting. The very name conjures up images of hiking long distances in the hot sun with no water, sleeping in debris huts infested with chiggers, ticks, possibly even snakes, eating whatever food you can find raw because you can’t have a fire. When I tell them we stay in a lodge with central air/heat, completely furnished with fully equipped kitchen, beds and linens provided they then want to know why it’s called a survival weekend. As I tell people, we live in comfort while we practice survival skills. You don’t wait until you’re in a survival situation to learn how to survive.

One of the first things I introduce people to are the plants. They are, after all, at the base of the food chain. In the summer when it’s hot, sweet juicy berries provide us with fluids for hydration and sugar for energy. Blueberries, blackberries and cherries, easily identified, and readily available, became our treat last year on our ride in to False Cape for the summer survival weekend. After arriving at the lodge, solar stills were put in place while we headed to the beach to look for coquina clams for our evening chowder. A few leaves of sea rocket growing at the base of the dune line added some spicy seasoning, as well as the bay leaves growing in the understory of the forest. An afternoon kayak paddle turned up some clams in the bay plus a few other treats growing along the marsh edges.

Back at the center, our visitors had a choice: they could either join one of our resource persons to go out and practice tracking and awareness skills or they could stay at the center with me and prepare wild foods for our dinner. In addition to what we had found that morning, I also brought a wild assortment of edibles from my yard and garden. Dinner was a wild feast. Wild salad, stir-fries, clam chowder, bean cakes, blackberry cake for dessert served with yaupon tea, sumac ade and juice drinks were some of the items we prepared. After dinner we went out for a night hike and owl hoot.

Sunday morning activities were optional. One could either hike to the beach and watch the sun rise over the ocean, do yoga exercises, birdwatch, or help prepare breakfast, which had a wild side. After breakfast was clean-up time, followed by a time to reflect on the weekend.

Even though we stayed in a fully equipped lodge, everyone left with a sense of thinking survival, what it means, and realizing it’s not something you learn in one weekend. Feeling comfortable in the outdoors, becoming aware of what’s around you and knowing what your resources are, can help one survive if there ever is a need.

Remember you must pre-register through the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK and the program is limited to 20!

Get outdoors and play with us!

Visits to DCR Flickr collection top 1 million

Monday, May 10, 2010 by Steve Hawks

On May 8, the number of visitors to DCR's online photo collection topped 1 million. That's pretty good for what is essentially an ancillary element of DCR's website.

The collection of 1,291 photos isn't very large by Flickr standards. It is, however, very organized. Each photo is painstakingly "tagged" to make sure searches yield precisely the photos being sought.

Hungry Mother cabin - this is the #1 most viewed photo on the site

DCR's communications staff initially set up the collection to better field press requests for photos. The staff settled on Flickr because it's inexpensive and accessible from any Internet-connected computer. It also has superior search functions and highly flexible storage tools.
We uploaded a few "placeholder" photos in November 2007, but serious work didn't start until late 2008. That's when we had an epiphany: Why not also use Flickr to store sets of photos linked to Virginia State Park web pages?

Until then, we were stuck with a shabby collection of relatively few, unsearchable and low resolution photos. The move to Flickr enabled us to add many more photos of much greater resolution. It allowed us to give DCR website users a much better picture – pardon the pun – of Virginia's 35 state parks.

This photo of a First Landing cabin is the current front runner of most viewed photos

Eliminating duplicates takes a while but uploading the photos is easy. Far more time is spent cleaning up, organizing, backing up and meticulously tagging each and every photo. The tedious processing is necessary, however, to ensure accurate searches. It also enables us to generate customized URLs (a/k/a, web addresses) that lead to very specific types of photos.

By far, the most viewed photos are of the practical variety. They're photos of cabin exteriors and interiors, lodges, campsites, etc. In fact, eight of the ten most viewed photos are of overnight facilities.

Enjoy this slide show of photos in our collection:

You'll find the parks collection here. Also on the site is a much smaller and younger collection of photos taken at a few state Natural Area Preserves, also managed by DCR.

Reservations for New Cabins at Natural Tunnel State Park

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 by Nancy Heltman

The Virginia State Parks Reservation Center and on line system will begin accepting reservations for the new cabins and family lodge at Natural Tunnel State Park on Monday, April 19. Reservations will be accepted for dates beginning September 3, 2010 and later.

The cabin project has been delayed by weather and other issues and, while we hope to have the cabins open much sooner this summer, we never take reservations for new facilities unless we are 100% sure of the dates. The last thing we ever want to do is to have to call a paid customer to tell them, "Oops, your cabin isn't ready after all."

Natural Tunnel State Park is located in far southwest Virginia in Duffield. Cabins there will have great mountain views. The park will have a six-bedroom family lodge (sleeps 16), two three-bedroom cabins (sleep 8) and seven two-bedroom cabins (sleep 6). These cabins are our new cabin design similar to cabins we have at Bear Creek Lake, James River, Occoneechee, and Kiptopeke state parks as well as the new cabin and family lodges at Claytor Lake State Park.

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. The park also features a campground that will be augmented with new sites that open May 1. The Cove Ridge Center is an educational resource facility open year round that offers meeting space and overnight dormitory space for groups. The park boasts a swimming pool and multiple picnic shelters.

Reservations can be made for September 3, 2010 and forward by calling our Reservation Center at 800-933-7275 beginning April 19th at 9 a.m. We accept reservations up to eleven months in advance. Reservations can also be made on line beginning 9 a.m. on April 19th.

Early wildflowers and a surprise sighting at Mason Neck State Park

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 by Jodi Bucknam

After writing this morning's post about rain showers bringing spring wild flowers to Mason Neck State Park, I couldn't resist going to look for early flowers myself. The day was cloudy and (seasonably) chilly. Most of the flowers I found were furled up tight against the chill, or not yet out of bud, like this Cutleaf Toothwort.

I kept looking, and finally found a few stalwart blooms, like this little Spring Beauty poking out of a clump of grass. I think that's a violet leaf in the background-- they should be blooming in a few weeks too.

The flowers weren't the best part of my hike, though. I strolled through the marsh and up to one of the lookout spots on the Bay View Trail. First I spotted a freshly gnawed tree down near the water's edge.

I also admired the beaver lodge out in the marsh.

Then I noticed movement in the water nearby-- a beaver in broad daylight! What a wonderful surprise. Apparently the gray cloudy light was close enough to twilight for the normally nocturnal animal to feel safe. The beaver paddled around the marsh for about fifteen minutes as I watched. I had the sense it kept a wary eye on me the whole time. When the beaver finally dove to head home, it didn't slap its tail, just slipped quickly under the water. What a neat experience, to see a beaver in the middle of the day. Here are a few photos for you to enjoy.

You can really see the beaver's broad flat tail here.

There was a beaver there a second ago...

I guess that just goes to show that anything can happen here at Mason Neck State Park. Wildlife is plentiful but often not what you expect. And of course, that's often the best part! Come look for your own nature sightings in Mason Neck soon.

Muffy's Online Looking Up Virginia State Parks Information

Friday, March 19, 2010 by Verna McNamara

Hai! My name’s Muffy. I’m a tabby girl kitty and dis is my furst blog! My mommy is Verna McNamara, Manager of the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center. I’m online looking up all the information I can on Virginia State Parks! The web address is www.virginiastateparks.gov. There iz 35 parks. I’z can look up individual park information, prices, seasons for cabins, hunting, parking passes, and camping info too.

I luvs Virginia State Parks! It’s amazing how much information is available online about the parks. My brofurs Simeon (http://blog.virginiaparks.org/blog/dcr-virginia/0/0/simeons-tales-of-virgil-s-possum-wheres-virgil-the-call-center) and Tommy (http://blog.virginiaparks.org/blog/dcr-virginia/0/0/tommy-describes-shenandoah-river-state-parks-new-cabins-and-campground-coming-in-2010) blogged abouts the Reservation Center and new facilities at Shenandoah River State Park.

Mommy tolds me that I could not wide on a RV likes dey did to twavel to parks, as i’z too little and a girly-girl at dat. Mommy haz allowed me tho to go online under her watchful eye to show peoples all the ways dey can learn about our Virginia State Parks. We haz all dese web addresses:

internet reservations www.reserveamerica.com ,

blogs http://blog.virginiaparks.org ,

MySpace http://www.myspace.com/virginiastateparks ,

twitter http://www.Twitter.com/VAStateParks , and

facebook http://www.facebook.com/VirginiaStateParks …..wots of ways to see and learn….and oh yes!....there’s

flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/vadcr/ too for pixtures.

Here’s some gorgeous pixtures in our state parks:

Wilderness Road Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel State Park

Fall at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Log Cabin at Douthat State Park

Reservations are taken at 1-800-933-7275 (PARK) 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday or you can go online to www.reserveamerica.com to reserve online--just remember though that ReserveAmerica only provides our software. Once your web reservation is made all changes or questions are called into the Reservation Center's 800 number. During prime season, cabins and lodges require a 7-night stay from Friday prior to Memorial weekend through Labor Day when done more than 1 month in advance (reservations are available up to 11 months in advance). Prime season weekly cabins are assigned start days like Sat-Sat or Sun-Sun too….of course you can reserve less than a week during prime season with 2-night minimum required, by calling the 800 number 30 days (or less) prior to your arrival date to see if we happen to have any vacancies for the date you’d like. And the 2-night minimum is available up to 11 months in advance at 800 number or online AFTER Labor Day and up to Friday prior to Memorial weekend.

See you at a Virginia State Park soon! Tell’em Muffy sent ya!