Virginia State Parks Campgrounds to Reopen March 7, Reservations Now Available

Virginia State Parks will reopen its campgrounds for the season on Friday, March 7, with sites now available for reservations.

Visitors can book campsites online through reservevaparks.com, with options available up to 11 months in advance to secure preferred dates and accommodations.

According to an article published by Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer, operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the state park system offers more than 1,800 campsites.

Accommodations range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV sites with electric and water hookups, catering to various outdoor enthusiasts.

Full-service campgrounds, which include bathhouses, will be open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December. 

However, four locations—Douthat, Hungry Mother, Pocahontas, and Shenandoah River state parks—maintain year-round camping options.

Several parks will undergo campground upgrades in 2025, leading to full or partial closures at Claytor Lake, Fairy Stone, Grayson Highlands, and Bear Creek Lake state parks. Visitors can find updates on specific park closures by visiting virginiastateparks.gov.

Campers making reservations should be aware that Virginia’s 4 p.m. Burning Law is in effect from February 15 through April 30.

This law prohibits open fires, including those using wood or charcoal, between midnight and 4 p.m. in all areas of the parks. The restriction is intended to reduce wildfire risks during peak fire season.

Exceptions to the burning law apply to campgrounds with an on-duty camp host, where signage will indicate if fires are allowed before 4 p.m. All fires must be contained within designated campfire rings and supervised until fully extinguished.

Campers using designated fire areas must clear a 20-foot radius of flammable materials and keep water, a rake, and a shovel nearby for safety. 

Gas grills and propane stoves are permitted during the burn restriction period, though some parks may have restrictions on personal grills. Campers should check with park management before bringing additional cooking equipment.

For those planning equestrian camping, specific policies apply. Visitors traveling with horses should review the state park website for regulations and accommodations related to equestrian sites.