From after Labor Day through early spring, Hungry Mother Lake will be lowered 10 to 12 feet. This will impact boating, boat rentals, fishing and the lake's appearance. There will also be extensive truck and equipment traffic and noise. The area nearest the cabins and Campground B will be most affected; the area by the dam and spillway will be less so. Cabin 2 will be most affected. If your visit depends on full water activities, we suggest you reschedule for after March 1, 2009. No refunds will be made because of the dredging.
GENERAL INFO: Hungry Mother State Park in southwestern Virginia is noted for its woodlands and lake. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, this park has folklore and history, swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking and the park system’s first conference center, Hemlock Haven.
Much of the land for Hungry Mother State Park was donated by local landowners to develop a new state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek. The park is one of the six original CCC parks that opened in June 1936.
The Legend of Hungry Mother
Legend has it that when the Native Americans destroyed several settlements on the New River south of the park, Molly Marley and her small child were among the survivors taken to the raiders’ base north of the park. They eventually escaped, wandering through the wilderness eating berries. Molly finally collapsed, and her child wandered down a creek until the child found help. The only words the child could utter were "Hungry Mother." The search party arrived at the foot of the mountain where Molly collapsed to find the child's mother dead. Today that mountain is Molly’s Knob, and the stream is Hungry Mother Creek.
Hemlock Haven Conference Center: (276) 781-7425 - Reserved by Hemlock Haven.
This in-holding of Hungry Mother State Park, long serving as an Episcopal Church camp, was purchased by the state in 1986. After considerable refurbishing, the facility opened in 1989.
Facilities include meeting rooms, cabins, a sports complex and picnic area. Packages and fees vary. Call the conference center at (276) 781-7425 for more information and reservations. Cabins are reserved through the State Parks Reservation Center, 1-800-933-PARK. Catering is available through the Hungry Mother Restaurant.
LOCATION: Hungry Mother
State Park is in Smyth County. To get there, take Exit 47 from Interstate
81. Travel approximately one mile on Route 11 toward Marion. Turn right on
Route 16 north and travel four miles to the park Register at the Discovery
Center.
Directions to Hemlock Haven (within the park): Use the above, general directions to find Hungry Mother State Park. Once within Hungry Mother State Park, follow signs for Hemlock Haven Conference Center. Stay on the main road and follow the loop. The first six cabins are named: Chestnut, Hickory, White Oak, Scarlet Oak, Red Oak and Sycamore. Stay on this road to The Pines, which are near the fork in the road. The Pines are numbered 21-25. Register at the Discovery Center.
Directions to Camp Burson (formerly known as Hungry Mother Family Campground): Before reaching the main entrance to Hungry Mother State Park, you'll see Camp Burson on the right off Park Boulevard. Campers who've rented sites with electric/water/sewage hook-ups register at Camp Burson. Do not register at the Discovery Center, which is inside the park proper.
Drive Time : Northern Va., six hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, six hours; Roanoke, two hours.
Click here for a Google map.
PARK MAP: Click here (PDF).
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES: Cabins, camping, and Hungry Mother Lodge (Reservation Center).For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.
Click here for details on reservation cancellation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for overnight stays.
Those interested in the Hemlock Haven Conference Center should call (276) 781-7425.
CABINS: Weekly rentals start on Saturday or Sunday. The Hemlock Haven weekly rentals start on Friday.
Cabins have:
Total sites of each type: CLEF, 1; CF1B, 1; CL1W, 1; CL2B, 3; CF2B, 7; CS2B, 7; LGHM, 1
Site type:
Total cabins: 20
Hemlock Haven cabins
All cabins at Hemlock Haven are rented by the week during prime season under Hungry Mother State Park. The Pines and other cabins at Hemlock Haven require weekly stays, Friday to Friday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. A minimum two-night stay is required otherwise, and sometimes such shorter stays can be arranged during prime season by calling 30 days in advance. All cabins at Hemlock Haven are priced the same as two-bedroom cabin rentals.
Directions to Hemlock Haven: Use general directions to get to Hungry Mother State Park. Turn into Hungry Mother State Park and follow signs for Hemlock Haven Conference Center. Stay on the main road and follow the loop. The first six cabins have particular names - Chestnut, Hickory, White Oak, Scarlet Oak, Red Oak, Sycamore. Stay on this road to the Pines, which are near the fork in the road. The Pines are numbered 21-35.
The Pines Cabins at Hemlock Haven: Site type, CP2B (cabins 21 through 25): All five cabins are cinderblock with cedar siding, two bedrooms (two sets bunk beds in one, double bed in other bedroom, each sleeps six, no bed rentals). Amenities are the same as those listed above for cabins in Hungry Mother proper.
Other cabins in Hemlock Haven: There are three cabins in Hemlock Haven that offer amenities that differ from those in other cabins at the park. These three cabins, in fact, also differ somewhat from each other. Each one sleeps eight, have no kitchens (no utensils, no dishes, have small cabinets, etc.) and no fireplaces. All have decks, small refrigerators, heating-AC and microwave ovens. These cabins are designed for outdoor grilling. The cabins have names rather than numbers.
Hungry Mother Lodge
LGHM - Six bedroom lodge (Sleeps 15 maximum). It's a great place for a get-together. (There are no bed rentals for lodge.) Saturday - Saturday weekly rental. This log lodge offers a view of the park. It was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Handicapped accessible. Interior logs have been stained in a light finish.
Six bedrooms: Master bedroom with a double bed, three bedrooms with queen size beds, one with two sets of bunk beds (making four beds), and one bedroom with a single bed and a set of bunk beds (making three beds).
Sleeps 15. Allows 15; No cots for rent.
TV-VCR in living area with DIRECTV service that covers main network channels.
Total sites of each type: TENT, 11; REWA, 32
Camp Burson Camping (This campground is located before the entrance to Hungry Mother State Park proper.)
Camp Burson guests register at Camp Burson, not at the Discovery Center. The entrance is on the right side of Park Boulevard just before you reach the park's main entrance. Camp Burson guests will need to drive to the park's main gate to gain access to all other amenities at the park - swimming, restaurant, concessions, gift shop, cabins, other campgrounds, Hemlock Haven, etc. All Virginia State Park rules, regulations and policies pertaining to reservations apply to Camp Burson guests.
Site types
TENT - Tent only. Bathhouse. Tent must be on pad, which is 20 by 20 feet. No hookups.
REWA - Various equipment, electric and water hookups; tents, popups and RVs up to 35 feet; back-in sites; accept outlets for 20 and 30 amp current, 50 amp current available at Camp Burson.
REWS (Camp Burson only - not near other Hungry Mother campgrounds) - Various equipment, electric, water, sewer hookups; tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 35 feet; back-in sites; accept outlets for 20, 30 and 50 amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring air mattress. (Carefully read the info above regarding Camp Burson sites; the campground is not in Hungry Mother State Park proper. It's adjacent to the park, and check-in is handled separately during the main camping season.)
Total campsites: 118 total in the park; 75 are in Camp Burson
Open during the summer, the swimming beach is complete with a bathhouse and concession area. From Memorial Day through Labor Day only, the beach and snack bar are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Click here for park fees. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and the lodge, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.
TRAILS: Hiking, bicycle trails; no self-guided trails. More than 12 miles of trails are open year-round.
FISHING, BOATING: Hungry Mother is well-known for fishing. A valid Virginia fishing license is required.
Boat launching is available for non-gasoline powered boats. A boat launching ramp and handicapped accessible fishing pier have been developed. In addition, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats are available for rent during the summer. Boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and electric powered Jonboats operate Memorial Day through Labor Day 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and weekends through October (weather permitting).
HUNTING: 500 acres on Walker Mountain are open to deer and small game hunting annually.
PARKS CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.
VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP: This park has a Discovery Center with gift shop.
NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS: Regular weekly interpretive programs at Hungry Mother are available mid-June through Labor Day and include canoe tours, nature hikes, night hikes, Critter Crawl (aquatic sampling), guest evening programs, campfires, storytelling, music, and wee and junior naturalist programs. The park offers more programs on weekends in May, September and October. Guests may call the park at (276) 781-7400 for specific programs and dates.
Hungry Mother State Park summer programs
Other special programs scheduled for summer (tentative)
Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: None.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Grayson Highlands State Park is one hour away, as well as Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area and Historic Saltville (archaeological digs each summer and site of restored Civil War salt factory). Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum, Bastian, Va., offers a reconstructed Native American village, museum, museum store and picnic area; phone (276) 688-3438. Also in the area is the Museum of Middle Appalachians, Saltville, Va., and the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Va. Also in Marion you'll find the Historic General Francis Marion Hotel and Black Rooster Gallery. And be sure to check out the Virginia Heritage Music Trail.
In nearby Abingdon are the Barter Theatre, State Theater of Virginia, and the five-star Martha Washington Inn. Wytheville offers antiques and outlet shopping, and Bristol hosts the Bristol Motor Speedway. The William King Regional Arts Center has galleries in which art of Southwest Virginia and the world is featured.
PICNIC SHELTERS: This park offers three shelters for rent through the Reservations Center at 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees. They can be rented from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (all day). Shelter 3 is large and can be rented in two separate sections. The park's amphitheater can also be rented (see below under "special offerings"). Parking and swimming fees are not included in shelter or amphitheater rental. All shelters are available April 1-October 31; at other times they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelter amenities include charcoal grill, picnic tables, electical outlets, fireplace, lights and access to restrooms.
Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.
Shelter 1 - This handicapped accessible shelter is a favorite because it's closest to the beach, playground, boat rentals, restaurant and handicapped accessible restrooms. It overlooks the lake and accommodates 75. Amenities include electrical outlets, a fireplace at each end, a large Texas size grill and 12 picnic tables. Around the shelter are tables not for rent; they're taken on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Shelter 2 - This secluded shelter accommodates 75. There are tables located around the shelter that are not reserved and are take on a first-come, first-served basis. This shelter, near parking lot 5, is tucked in the woods just past the restaurant and near the boat rental area and the amphitheater. It is often used along with weddings held at the amphitheater. It features electrical outlets, fireplaces at each end, a large Texas-sized grill and 12 picnic tables.
Shelter 3 - Shelter 3, the largest, accommodates 40 on each of its two sides (a & b - but it can be rented in whole). There are tables located around the shelter that are not rented and are take on a first-come, first-served basis. There are electrical outlets on each side of the shelter; brick fireplaces separate two halves of shelter. This shelter is not handicapped accessible. It has a large Texas-sized grill and six picnic tables at each end of the shelter. It is near parking lot 6 and the restrooms. The restrooms are not handicapped accessible.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Amphitheater - The amphitheater, popular for weddings, can be rented from noon to 10 p.m. (full day). Those renting may access the amphitheater before the start time if desired. Call 1-800-933-PARK to rent. The natural surroundings of the park's amphitheater provide a beautiful, outdoor setting for many activities, including weddings. As it's on an island, it's accessed by footbridge from the main park area. The structure has one electrical outlet and is near parking lot five. Up to 60 can be accommodated on the uncovered wooden benches. Standing room can accommodate another 40. You're welcome to bring more chairs if you like, but be sure to remove them when leaving. No park equipment, such as a microphone, is provided.
Cancellation Policy: No refund within a week before the date reserved. Before then, there's a cancellation fee
Amphitheater rules: Please read carefully! Just so there are no surprises on your special day. . . The reserved area includes the entire island. No pinning, gluing, thumbtacking or nailing of decorations to the amphitheatre stage or seats is allowed. Other decorations used on the island must be removed promptly after the event's occurrence. All park rules and regulations, including the prohibition of alcoholic beverages, must be followed. (Please note . . . those planning more extravagant events must submit a special use permit at least 30 days in advance for approval by the park manager and state park central office staff. Call the park, (276) 781-7400, for the form.)
CONCESSIONS: Operated during the summer season, they include a swimming beach, snack bar and paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, fishing boats, bicycles.
LAUNDRY: The closest laundromat is half a mile from the park.
RESTAURANT: During your visit, be sure to enjoy one of the original CCC facilities, the park's full-service, park-operated The Restaurant. Hours vary seasonally. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the dining room is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It's also open for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The dining room is closed mid-November through April 1. The rest of the year, dining room hours are Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The restaurant is available for parties and catering year-round even when the dining room is closed. As with all state park facilities, circumstances may require deviation from this schedule so please call (276) 781-7425 first.
A gift shop is located adjacent to The Restaurant. The shop offers a variety of crafts, books, gifts and novelty items. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
HISTORY: John D. and Mildred Lincoln donated 1,881 acres to the state for the establishment of a state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek in 1933. Later that year the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began construction of Hungry Mother and five other state parks. Roads, trails, picnic areas, cabins, a restaurant, bathhouse, dam and sanitation system were all built by the 600 CCC men at the park between 1933 and 1941. On June 13, 1936, the six-park Virginia State Park System was officially dedicated with public opening ceremonies at Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County. More than 5,000 turned out to see the park as Governor George Peery and State Park Director Robert Burson officiated.
