RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – Get ready for adventure! The countdown to camping season has begun! Virginia State Parks will kick off another thrilling season as they reopen their campgrounds on Friday, March 7.

Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing weekend in nature or an action-packed escape, now is the perfect time to start planning your getaway.

To ensure you snag your ideal spot, remember that reservations can be made 11 months in advance to 2 p.m. on the day of arrival. Don’t miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories under the stars. Mark your calendars and secure your place in the great outdoors!

Managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia State Parks offers more than 1,800 campsites, ranging from primitive camping to RV sites with electric and water hookups.

Full-service campgrounds with bathhouses are open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in Dec., with the exception of Douthat, Hungry Mother, Pocahontas, and Shenandoah River state parks, which have full-service campgrounds open year-round.

Due to campground upgrades, Claytor Lake, Fairy Stone, Grayson Highlands, and Bear Creek Lake will experience full or partial campground closures during the 2025 season.

Visitors can learn more about these closures by visiting here.

Before you dive into those exciting camping plans, understanding Virginia’s 4 p.m. burning law is essential for every adventurer. This rule is crucial for ensuring safety and preserving the beauty of natural landscapes.

Familiarizing yourself with this law will equip you with the knowledge to enjoy your adventure without unexpected setbacks.

This law prohibits open fires, including charcoal and wood, between midnight and 4 p.m. This restriction applies to all park areas, including picnic and cabin areas with grills or fire rings.

For more information about the 4 p.m. Burning Law and fire prevention, visit the Virginia Department of Forestry’s website. Gas grills and propane stoves are permitted during the burn restriction period, but some parks have personal grill restrictions.

Visitors should contact the park directly before bringing any such items.

An exception to the 4 p.m. burning law exists for campgrounds with an on-duty camp host. In these cases, signage will indicate that open fires are allowed before 4 p.m. if maintained within a designated campfire ring or circle.

Campfires must be under constant supervision until fully extinguished, with all flammable materials cleared from a 20-foot area around the fire. Campers must have ready access to water, a rake, and a shovel. To check the camp host status, contact the park directly.

For details on reservations, cancellations, and severe weather procedures, go to virginiastateparks.gov/camping.

Horse travelers should consult the equestrian camping page for specific policies regarding horses while camping.

Campsites are available for booking online at reservevaparks.com or by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) and choosing option 5.

Start planning your next adventure today.