Our 6 Favorite Spots to Camp in Virginia Just in Time for Memorial Day Weekend
At long last, warm weather is here! Many of us have spent the first five months of 2019 in a fast-paced haze, going from work to errand to work and back again, and this first long weekend of spring is the perfect time to give yourself a break. Our favorite way to spend this long weekend is to go out of town, disconnect, unwind, and reunite with nature.
If you’re looking for a place to hitch your tent, then you’re in luck! We’ve come up with a list of some of our favorite campsites in our home state of Virginia. Maybe we will see you on the trail!
Claytor Lake State Park
If you are looking for a place that offers a variety of water adventures, then this park is for you. In addition to hiking and camping, Claytor Lake State Park offers facilities boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Twelve cabins are overlooking the lake, and historic Howe House has an interactive exhibit that campers can check out for something a little different. Need refreshments and other supplies? They’re on offer at the marina.
Claytor Lake State Park is just off Interstate 81, near Dublin in Pulaski County.
Holliday Lake State Park
Outdoor enthusiasts refer to this park as “paradise” and rightly so. Holliday Lake provides hiking, camping, and picnic areas with provisions for biking and equestrian activities. There are also picnic shelters and playgrounds that the whole family can enjoy.
The lakeside is perfect for those who fish. The lake offers an ideal place for a refreshing swim and fishing for crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill. There are also paddle boats, canoe, kayaks, and rowboats that can be rented by visitors.
Holliday Lake is just a few minutes drive from Appomattox Court House, an ideal spot for those who enjoy American history.
Pocahontas State Park
Pocahontas State Park is spacious with 132 single family campsites, six cabins, four yurts, and six group sites. They offer an assortment of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, stargazing, hunting, and horseback riding. Pocahontas State Park also provides wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities. Boat rentals (rowboats, canoe, kayak, and paddle) are available during the summer.
Family-friendly outdoor amenities abound playgrounds, water slides, toddler pool, a museum, nature and biking trails, an amphitheater for live entertainment, to name a few. Pocahontas State Park is pet-friendly.
Pocahontas State Park is located in the forests of Chesterfield, Virginia. The site is open from March until December. Be sure to make your reservations early since this state park tends to get crowded on weekends.
James River State Park
Want to enjoy a sprawling and beautiful park with plenty to do in a relaxing and tranquil environment? If so, James River State Park is the site for you. James River offers 13 two-bedroom cabins, two three-bedroom cabins, and two six-bedroom lodges that are complete with heat pumps and decks.
The park offers endless hiking trails, numerous opportunities for bird watching, s a dazzling view of the night sky, and boating and fishing opportunities.
James River State Park is in Gladstone, Virginia.
Westmoreland State Park
Want to bask under the sun while enjoying a fantastic view of the Potomac River? If yes, then Westmoreland State Park is the place to be.
The park is situated on the banks of the Potomac River. One of the original six state parks in Virginia, it has a rustic and laid back vibe. The site offers a lot of opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. You can also take things easy and settle in front of your campfire while roasting marshmallows.
Westmoreland State Park lies within Westmoreland County, Virginia, near the birthplace of George Washington.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Bear Creek Lake State Park features 326 acres of land centered around a 40-acre lake, adorned with beautiful trails, camping and hiking, and playgrounds. The park offers a lot of activities for the happy camper- archery, boating, swimming, biking, horseback riding.
Bear Creek Lake State Park is an hour west of Richmond, snuggled in the heart of Cumberland State Forest.
No matter what you choose to do this Memorial Day Weekend, we hope you have a memorable and safe weekend with your loved ones.
