Here’s an update from Virginia State Parks:

Virginia State Parks are open, and being outdoors in nature is a great way to get much-needed fresh air and exercise. As always, we have the safety and well-being of our visitors and staff in mind. We continue to monitor the situation with COVID-19, and this page will be updated as needed when new information becomes available.

While we encourage park visits, we do ask that if you are sick and/or experiencing symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 infection that you please refrain from visiting. Guests are also encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines during all visits by keeping a distance of 6 feet or more between you and other guests.

Parks are Open

Your nearby state park is open and providing outdoor recreation opportunities.

Important Update: In adherence with federal guidance, as of March 17, all Virginia State Parks visitor centers will close to the public. Park staff will report for work as usual and be available by phone if assistance is needed. Overnight facilities and outdoor spaces remain open and a great alternative for social distancing in a natural environment. Self-check-in guidance will be emailed to overnight guests.

We are taking the recommended precautions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to maintain clean and sanitary indoor public spaces (visitor centers, restrooms, etc.) and will have hand sanitizer available at heavily-trafficked areas. It is important to remember, however, that any public facility is only as clean as the last person who touched it. Therefore, a good portion of your safety relies on you. You should also be aware that our sanitizing and disinfection protocols do not include outdoor surfaces, play equipment or picnic tables.

Parking Fees

If contact stations are not staffed, which is typical at this point in the season, self-pay is available, and we recommend you bring cash or check for the daily parking fees.

Programs and Events

All in-person programs and events are canceled through March 31 as well as any event of 100 or more people that is scheduled through April 13.

In order to comply with CDC recommendations on social distancing, Virginia State Park staff will not provide shuttle service for recreation activities. If you intend to participate in activities that have different starting and ending locations, you will want to prepare to have transportation available at your start and end points.

Camping

Camping is open. We have increased disinfection and sanitizing procedures in bathhouse facilities but remind visitors to follow hand washing and disinfection procedures recommended by the CDC as a companion to our enhanced cleaning.

Cabins

Cabins are available. We have enhanced disinfection and sanitizing procedures in our cabin cleaning routine with an emphasis on areas most often touched (e.g., door handles, counters and other surfaces, light switches, window latches). All bed linens and towels in every cabin and lodge are laundered after every guest reservation.

Guests should bring disinfecting/sanitizing products for use during their stay. We recommend that all dishes, glassware and cooking equipment be re-washed before use.

Reservations

If you have concerns or questions about your upcoming reservation, please call our Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please be sure to call before your reservation is scheduled to start.

Transfer and Cancellation Policy

Last Updated: March 18, 2020. For all reservations, overnight and day use, scheduled to start within the next 30 days:

• Reservations may be canceled and refunded less the $5 transaction fee up until midnight before the scheduled arrival date.
• Reservations may be transferred to a different date or park up until midnight before the scheduled arrival date.

For all reservations, overnight and day use, scheduled to start beyond 30 days from today:

• At this time, transfers and cancellations for reservations starting more than 30 days in advance will incur normal cancellation fees and the normal transfer policies will apply.

Any private event occurring between now and April 13, and estimating more than 100 people in attendance, must be canceled per the Governor’s guidance. A full refund will be provided.

What You Can Do

Keep in mind that you are recreating in a public facility. While we are making increased efforts toward sanitation, each surface is only as clean as the last person who touched it. Therefore, you should take steps to protect your health by following these guidelines provided by the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
• Avoid touching your face.
• If you’re sick with any ailment, stay home. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• When in public, maintain a social distance of at least six feet.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, use your elbow.
• Clean surfaces you touch regularly.