Virginia State Parks to host Great American Campout June 25

June is Great Outdoors Month and Saturday, June 25, is the opportunity to learn about the outdoors during the Great American Campout in Virginia State Parks.

For first-timers, camping can sometimes be intimidating. “With more than 1,800 campsites across the state, Virginia State Parks are the ideal venue for a first trip or repeat visit,” according to a news release from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

State Parks near the Greater Prince William area are Leesylvania off US 1 in Woodbridge, Lake Anna State Park off VA 208 in Spotsylvania County, Mason Neck State Park off US 1 in Lorton and Sky Meadows State Park off US 17 in Delaplane.

Sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, the Great American Campout is an opportunity for novice campers to get expert assistance at a campout or by attending outdoor skills workshops, including programs on campfire building, animal identification, basic wilderness survival and more.

Some parks offer a free experience and provide equipment. Other parks offer reserved campsites where you bring your own equipment. All-inclusive pricing for camping experiences is available in some parks. Skills-based programs are offered during the day at other parks. Many programs require pre-registration.

A complete list of parks and programs can be found at: http://bit.ly/2016GAC  .

A campsite can be reserved online anytime at http://bit.ly/vspreserve or Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 800-933-7275.

Time is running out on the Virginia State Parks Get Outdoors! Challenge. Guests who visit five parks between May 21 and June 30, 2016, can earn an annual park pass. Find details here: http://bit.ly/GetOutdoorsChallenge.

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make a reservation for one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or visit http://www.virginiastateparks.gov