Divided into five distinct geographic regions, Virginia is a diverse state covered in rugged mountains, wooded foothills and humid lowlands. Much of Virginia's open space is preserved in its 35 state parks, which are scattered throughout the state. Popular for outdoor recreation, many of Virginia's state parks feature cabin-style accommodations, often with numerous amenities and access to hiking trails, fishing and boating.
Hungry Mother State Park
Located in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, Hungry Mother State Park is one of the state's six original state parks. Founded in 1936, it is named for a local legend telling of the death of a local woman following a massacre. Covering 2,435 acres, the park features a small lake, hiking trails, fishing, boating and seasonal hunting. Cabins are of log or cinderblock construction and include a fireplace, bed linens and a fully equipped kitchen with all standard amenities, as well as pots, pans and dishes. All cabins are fully furnished.
Hungry Mother State Park
2854 Park Blvd.
Marion, VA 24354-9323
276-781-7400
dcr.virginia.gov
Occoneechee State Park
Situated in the Piedmont region of south-central Virginia, Occoneechee State Park is a 2,698-acre facility on Buggs Island Lake, the largest lake in the state. Featuring more than 18 miles of trails and 48,000 acres of fishing, boating and swimming, the park houses guests in 13 cabins a short walk from the water. Each cabin includes rustic mission-style furniture, a fireplace, a wrap-around deck and a fully equipped kitchen. One set of linens is provided per bed. Televisions, laundry facilities and telephones are not provided. Pets are allowed for a fee.
Occoneechee State Park
192 Occoneechee Park Road
Clarksville, VA 23927-9449
434-374-2210
dcr.virginia.gov
Fairy Stone State Park
Named for the fascinating mineral deposits found at the site, Fairy Stone State Park is a 4,537-acre parkland featuring a small lake and extensive trails. Popular with outdoor enthusiasts, the park allows fishing, boating and swimming in Fairystone Lake, a 168-acre body of water. Accommodations at the park include lodges and cabins, each with rustic furniture, basic kitchen amenities, a fireplace, a picnic table and bed linens. Cabins are a short walk from the lake. Pets are allowed in cabins if kept leashed and indoors at night. A visitor center and gift shop is near the entrance of the park and sells light provisions and souvenirs.
Fairy Stone State Park
67 Fairystone Lake Drive
Stuart, VA 24171-9588
276-930-2424
dcr.virginia.gov
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Smith Mountain Lake State Park covers 1,248 acres in central Virginia along the shores of the second-largest freshwater lake in the state. Located 40 miles from Lynchburg and Roanoke, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With 19 cabins, guests have a choice of two- or three-bedroom lodgings, as well as lake or forest views. All cabins come equipped with furnishings, a wood stove, a kitchen with basic amenities, bed linens and climate control. Television rental is available. Pets are allowed for a daily fee, and all cabins forbid smoking inside.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
1235 State Park Road
Huddleston, VA 24104-9547
540-297-6066
dcr.virginia.gov
Tags: State Park, fishing boating, Fairy Stone, Fairy Stone State, Hungry Mother