ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Virginia State Parks have announced that its campgrounds will reopen March 7, however with certain restrictions.
On the first Friday in March, full-service campgrounds and bathhouses will open through the first Monday in December. However, Douthat, Hungry Mother, Pocahontas, and Shenandoah River state parks, have full-service campgrounds open year-round.
Campers should be aware of the 4 p.m. Burning Law that will be in effect from February 15 through April 30. This prohibits open fires such as charcoal and wood fires between midnight and 4 p.m. To learn more about the Burning Law click here.
Some campgrounds will go through upgrades and sites including, Claytor Lake, Fairy Stone, Grayson Highlands, and Bear Creek Lake, will encounter partial or full closures during the 2025 season. Some campgrounds will have an on-duty amp host that will allow fires before 4 p.m. if the fire is maintained within the campfire ring and supervised. To learn more about these closures click here.
Burning materials should be cleared from the 20-foot area near the fire. Campers should also have access to water, a rake or shovel. However, during this period, gas grills and propane stoves are allowed, but some parks have personal grill restrictions. Make sure to ask the parks about their restrictions before brining one on the site.
Visitors can book their reservations for the campgrounds but burn restrictions will take place through April 30. It is encouraged to plan and make reservations up to 11 months in advance to ensure you secure desired dates. To make reservations click here.
Virginia State Parks offer more than 1,800 campsites which are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. There are camping options along with RV sites with electric and water services.
For more information about reservations click here.
(Photo Credit: Smith Mountain Lake State Park)