Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 25, 2006
Contact:
Virginia State Parks campgrounds open for 2006
RICHMOND - With the start of the 2006 camping season, Virginia State Parks kicks off a year-long 70th anniversary celebration of the award-winning Virginia State Parks, which are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, our campgrounds are now open and ready for business. said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. Our campgrounds are exceptionally popular, which is reflected in our attendance - last year we hosted nearly 7 million visitors, with more than 500,000 guests staying overnight in our campgrounds.
On June 15-18, 2006, Virginia State Parks celebrates its 70th anniversary by rolling back the admission fee to 1936 rates, - visitors will be charged 10 cents each, all weekend long.
All parks will also have free birthday cake Saturday, June 17, from 1-3 p.m. Individual parks will offer special programs, children's activities, educational programs, tours and historical vignettes reflecting the unique character of each park.
Twenty-five parks offer more than 1,600 campsites that range from primitive tent sites to recreational vehicle sites with electrical and water hook-ups. Virginia State Parks has something for everyone.
For 70 years, our visitors have known that Virginia State Parks are an affordable and safe alternative to interstate travel, and our cabins and campsites are designed for privacy and comfort, said DCR State Parks Director Joe Elton. Our Virginia State Parks really are a tonic for the mind, body and spirit.
Reservations for cabins and campgrounds are taken up to 11 months in advance, but good campsites are available nearly all the time. Nearly all Virginia State Parks campgrounds are open through Dec. 3, 2006.
Grayson Highlands State Park camping opens the first weekend in May, because of the parks high elevation and periodic cold weather.
For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,600 campsites or 200 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov .
EDITORS: The following Virginia State Parks offer campsites -- from primitive to fully developed sites with water and electrical hook-ups. Call the parks in your area for specific information. Information is also available at www.dcr.virginia.gov .
Bear Creek Lake State Park
(804) 492-4410
Chippokes Plantation
State Park (757) 294-3625
Claytor Lake State Park
(540) 643-2500
Douthat State Park
(540) 862-8100
Fairy Stone State Park
(276) 930-2424
False Cape State Park
(757) 426-7128
First Landing State Park
(757) 412-2300
Grayson Highlands State Park
(540) 579-7092
Holliday Lake State Park
(434) 248-6308
Hungry Mother State Park
(276) 781-7400
James River State Park
(434) 933-4355
Kiptopeke State Park
(757) 331-2267
New River Trail State Park
(276) 699-6778
Natural Tunnel State Park
(276) 940-2674
Occoneechee State Park
(434) 374-2210
Pocahontas State Park
(804) 796-4255
Raymond R. Andy Guest Jr.
Shenandoah River State Park
(540) 622-6840
Sky Meadows State Park
(540) 592-3556
Smith Mountain Lake
State Park (540) 297-6066
Staunton River State Park
(434) 572-4623
Twin Lakes State Park
(434) 392-3435
Westmoreland State Park
(804) 493-8821
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