Campsites at Virginia State Parks slated to open March 6-with some exceptions

The opening day of camping season in Virginia State Parks is changing. Campgrounds will open Friday, March 6.

“In years past, we opened campgrounds on March 1, regardless of the day of the week,” said State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “To better serve our visitors, we will open on the first Friday in March this year and in the future.”

Managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia State Parks offers more than 1,800 campsites, ranging from primitive camping to RV sites with electric and water hookups.

Exceptions to the new schedule include Lake Anna, Pocahontas, Smith Mountain Lake, and Staunton River state parks, where camping will open on March 1 this year.

Campgrounds at Fairy Stone and Twin Lakes state parks are scheduled to reopen May 1 after bathhouse renovations in those parks.

Because of elevations of more than 5,000 feet, Grayson Highlands State Park opens primitive camping March 6 and full service camping May 1.

Full-service camping is available year-round at Douthat, Shenandoah River and Hungry Mother state parks.

Also new this year, site-specific reservations are available for some sites in six campgrounds. Campsites are normally available on a first-come basis. For more information about the pilot reservation program, visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/site-specific.shtml.

Reservations are recommended and can be made 11 months in advance and until 2 p.m. on the day of arrival at nearly all locations by booking online at http://www.virginiastateparks.gov or by calling the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.