Virginia State Parks are preparing for the autumn season, inviting visitors to experience fall camping and a variety of upcoming events. The parks are promoting their online reservation system for unforgettable autumn memories as fall approaches.
Several parks, including Machicomo, Chippokes, First Landing, Westmoreland, Holliday Lake, Smith Mountain Lake, Fairy Stone, Natural Tunnel, and Staunton River, offer the most availability for weekdays and weekends through October. Additional parks like Bear Creek Lake, Powhatan, Lake Anna, James River, Kiptopeke, Belle Isle, Shenandoah River, Hungry Mother, Twin Lakes, and Pocahontas also have weekday availability.
As Virginia State Parks celebrate 90 years, they encourage exploring historic sites such as Howe House at Claytor Lake State Park. The parks will also host events for National Public Lands Day on September 26, a nationwide volunteer effort.
Upcoming events include the "Girl Scouts Love State Parks" weekend from September 11-13. Other notable events are the Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival on September 6, 2026, at Natural Tunnel State Park, and a B.A.R.K. Rangers Guided Hike on September 4, 2026, at Twin Lakes State Park. Fossil Quest at Westmoreland State Park and Mulberry Hill Tours at Staunton River Battlefield State Park are scheduled for September 5, 2026. Smith Mountain Lake State Park will host Labor Day Weekend Activities from September 4-7, 2026, and Caledon State Park offers "Kayak with Monarchs" on September 5, 2026. Virginia State Parks are also seeking new team members for various roles.