Hungry Mother State Park

General Information

One of the original six Virginia State Parks, Hungry Mother has long been a favorite. It's known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains. The park has a sandy beach with a bathhouse, boat rentals (canoes, kayak, fishing kayaks, paddleboats, paddleboards and hydrobikes), a boat launch and a universally accessible fishing pier. Guests also enjoy campgrounds, cabins, yurts, gift shops, a visitor center, a six-bedroom family lodge, and hiking and biking trails.

The Hemlock Haven Conference Center, which is available for retreats, conferences and special events, is also here. Catering is available.

The Legend of Hungry Mother

The Legend of Hungry Mother takes many forms, and all have whispers of the truth. The one widely accepted by the people of Southwest Virginia goes like this…

Legend has it that a pioneer named Molly Marley and her small child were captured by a Native American tribe and taken to their mountain camp. Molly and her little one eventually escaped and wandered through the woods foraging for food and searching for shelter. One day Molly collapsed from exhaustion, and the youngster continued along the creek until help was found. The only words the child could utter were “Hungry Mother.” A search party later found Molly dead at the foot of the mountain near the creek.

The mountain went on to be called Molly’s Knob and the stream Hungry Mother Creek. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps developed the park, and the creek was dammed to form the lake. The name of the park is wrapped in its own mystery. Originally it was to be called Forest Lake. The name was changed to Southwest Virginia Lake and then to Hungry Mother State Park not long before the park opened. The debate over the legend and the park name continues to this day.

The Hemlock Haven Conference Center includes meeting rooms, cabins, a sports complex and a picnic area. Packages and fees vary. Call the conference center directly at 276-781-7425 for more information and reservations. Cabins are reserved through the Customer Service Center, 800-933-7275.

Hours

The day-use area is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The main office is open 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. with extended hours Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours are subject to change. Please check the “Know before you go” section for the most current hours or contact the park office at 276-781-7400.

Location

Hungry Mother State Park is in Smyth County. To get to the park, 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.

The park's address is 2854 Park Blvd., Marion, Va. 24354-9323; Latitude, 36.882561. Longitude, -81.533867.

Directions to Hemlock Haven (within the park): Use the general directions above to find Hungry Mother State Park. Turn right from Rt. 16 north to East Hungry Mother Drive. Continue for about one-quarter mile and then take the first left onto Hemlock Haven Lane. As you continue up Hemlock Haven Lane, you will find the interpretive office (fourth building on your left) and Ferrell Hall Meeting Facility to your right. Continue up the road to the fork at the top of the hill. At the fork in the road, Chestnut cabin will be on the right and Hickory cabin will be on the left. If you bear to your left at the fork, you will continue up the road to the ball field, shelter, tennis courts, and the trash/recycling receptacles for this area. If you bear to your right at the fork, you will find White Oak cabin and Red Oak cabin on your right and Scarlet Oak cabin and Sycamore cabin on your left. Continue down the hill to find Cabins 21-25 near the end of the loop. Hemlock Haven's office address is 380 Hemlock Haven Lane, Marion, VA, 24354.

Directions to Camp Burson (formerly known as Hungry Mother Family Campground): You'll see Camp Burson on the right off Park Boulevard before reaching the main entrance to Hungry Mother State Park. Campers who've rented sites for Camp Burson will check-in at Camp Burson. Guests may check-in at the Discovery Center if the Camp Burson office is closed. This office is at 2287 Park Blvd., Marion, VA 24354.

Drive Time: Northern Va., six hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, six hours; Roanoke, two hours; Bristol, Va., 45 minutes; Charlotte, N.C., three hours.

Park Size

3,334 acres. The lake is 108 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

Cabins, a lodge, yurts and camping. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK.
Park fees.

Details reservation cancellation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for overnight cabin stays.

Those interested in the Hemlock Haven Conference Center should call 276-781-7425.

Visit a Flickr photoset of typical cabins at Hungry Mother. Cabins vary. Dwellings may not match what's shown in the photos.

During prime season, a day of guarded beach swimming per night's stay is free to overnight guests. (Parks will not refund rental fees should guarded swimming be unavailable.) Read more about swimming in the park's Recreation section.

Cabins | Lodges | Yurts | Camping

Cabins

Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, all cabins and the lodge are rented for a six-night minimum beginning on a specified start date that varies by cabin. The six-night requirement is reduced to a required four-night stay three months out and dropped to two nights in the last month before arrival. A two-night minimum stay is required for the rest of the year. Some cabins located at Hemlock Haven Conference Center have different amenities than the other cabins (see specifics below).  Please read the description of the cabins carefully before reserving a cabin. Much of the cabin furniture was recently upgraded. Please call the park for details.

Guests arriving after hours must stop by the park office on Park Blvd. Late arrival packets will be located to the right of the office on a large wooden kiosk.  Each envelope will be marked with guests' names. The envelopes will include directions and information on cabin access. Late-arriving guests should return to the office the next morning to register.

Cabins have:

• Kitchen: Refrigerator, range/oven, coffeemaker, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, microwave oven and toaster.  No dishwasher, telephone, TV or washer/dryer. Please note that Chestnut, Sycamore, and Hickory do not have full kitchens. Please read the description for these specific cabins below. Cabins have heating and AC.
• Bring food, dish detergent, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, dishtowels, dishcloths, potholders, soap, bath towels, board games or cards.
• No linens are provided. Guests must bring their own sheets, blankets, pillowcases and towels.
• Living area: sofa, dining table, end table
• Bedrooms: bed(s), nightstand, chest of drawer, clock radio
• Bathroom: universally accessible shower, sink and toilet
• Charcoal pedestal grill - guest must supply charcoal
• Fireplace - Please note that Chestnut, Hickory, Sycamore, Red Oak, White Oak, and Scarlet Oak do not have a fireplace, but do have fire rings.
• Picnic table
• Two vehicles per cabin allowed. Others must park in lot #6 and pay daily parking fees.
• Overnight cabin guests receive one bundle of free firewood per stay. More is available for purchase.
• Cabins 17, 19 and 20-25 are universally accessible inside, offer wide doors and rest on level ground or have ramps at their main entrance. Cabins 14-25 have universally accessible bathrooms.
• Cabin 7 has the largest floor area.
• These cabins have open porches: #1-5, 7, 9, 14-25.
• These cabins have decks: #6, 8, 9-20.

Total sites of each type: 1-room log efficiency, 1; 1-bedroom frame, 1; 1-bedroom log water view, 1; 2-bedroom log, 3; 2-bedroom frame, 7; 2-bedroom cinderblock,12; Hungry Mother Lodge, 1

Site types:

• 1-room log efficiency - Cabin 3. One room, allows two, sleeps two. One-room log efficiency; one queen bed. Historic cabin built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
• 1-bedroom frame - Cabin 9. Allows four, sleeps two. One queen bed. One-bedroom wood frame. The third and fourth guests would need to bring a sleeping bag or air mattress.
• 1-bedroom log water view - Cabin 2. Water-view, allows four, sleeps two. One-bedroom log; one queen bed. The third and fourth guests would need to bring a sleeping bag or air mattress.  Historic cabin built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
• 2-bedroom log - Cabins 1, 4 and 5. Allows six, sleeps four. Two-bedroom log; one set of bunk beds and one queen bed. The fifth and sixth guests must bring a sleeping bag or air mattress.  Historic cabin built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
• 2-bedroom frame - Cabins 6, 8, and 10 through 13. Allows six, sleeps six. Two-bedroom wood frame; two sets of bunk beds and one queen bed.
• 2-bedroom frame - Cabin 7. Allows six, sleeps four. Two-bedroom wood frame; two twin beds and one queen bed. The fifth and sixth guests must bring a sleeping bag or air mattress.
• 2-bedroom cinderblock - Cabins 14-25. Allows six, sleeps six. Two-bedroom cinderblock with cedar siding; two sets of bunk beds and one queen bed. Please note cabins 21-25 are located in the Hemlock Haven Conference Center area of the park.

Total cabins: 25

Hemlock Haven cabins

Hemlock Haven has 6 named cabins with different amenities than the other cabins in the park. Please read the descriptions below carefully before making your reservation.

• Red Oak, White Oak and Scarlet Oak cabins: These cabins each sleep six. They have two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the other with two sets of bunk beds. There's a full-service kitchen, dining area, a living room with a sofa and table, and two bathrooms. All other amenities are the same as those listed above for cabins in Hungry Mother proper, except that they have no fireplace. Linens are not provided. Guests must bring their own sheets, blankets, pillowcases, bath towels, washcloths, kitchen towels, and dishcloths.

Other cabins in Hemlock Haven: There are three cabins in Hemlock Haven with amenities that significantly differ from those in other cabins at the park. Carefully read their descriptions below before booking them. Each sleeps eight and do not have a full-service kitchen but does have utensils, dishes and a grill kit. They have no fireplaces. All have decks, heating-AC, a coffee maker and a microwave oven. Chestnut and Hickory have a standard refrigerator; Sycamore has a mini-refrigerator. These cabins are designed for outdoor grilling; each has a deck and an outdoor gas grill. The cabins have names rather than numbers. Linens are not provided. Guests must bring their own sheets, blankets, pillowcases, bath towels, washcloths, kitchen towels, and dishcloths.

• Chestnut (universally accessible cabin): This universally accessible cabin sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. Each bedroom has two single beds and a chest of drawers. No linens are provided. It has a sitting room with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and toaster, and two common bathrooms with universally accessible facilities. No fireplace. Gas grill on the porch.
• Sycamore and Hickory cabins: Each of these two-bedroom cabins sleeps eight. Each bedroom has two sets of bunk beds, a closet, and a chest of drawers. No linens are provided. Each has a sitting room. Note that these cabins don't have a full kitchen. Hickory has a full-sized refrigerator and Sycamore has a mini-refrigerator. Each cabin has  microwave, toaster and coffee maker. Sycamore has a full bathroom, toilet and sink in each bedroom. Hickory has a common bathroom with two showers, two toilets and three sinks. No fireplace. Gas grill on the porch.

Lodges

Hungry Mother Lodge - Six-bedroom lodge (Sleeps 15 maximum). It's a great place for a family get-together. Rentals begin on Saturday when a six-night stay is required. This historic log lodge offers a view of the park. It was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Universally accessible. Interior logs have been stained in a light finish. Parking at the lodge is limited. Guests must park additional vehicles in lot 6.

Six bedrooms: Master bedroom with a double bed and private bathroom and tub, three bedrooms with queen size beds, one with two sets of bunk beds (making four beds), one bedroom with a single bed, and a set of bunk beds (making three beds), and two full bathrooms with a universally accessible shower. The lodge sleeps 15.

• TV-DVD in the living area. No cable.
• Kitchen: Kitchen: Refrigerator, dishwasher, range, coffeemaker, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, microwave oven, toaster, clock radios. Rustic furniture. The lodge is climate-controlled (heat and AC).
• Bring food, dish detergent, dish towels, dishcloths, pot holders, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, bath towels, body wash or soap, board games or cards.
• Linens are not provided. Guests must bring their own sheets, blankets, pillowcases, bath towels, washcloths, kitchen towels, and dishcloths.
• Porch
• Large deck and a picnic shelter
• Washer and dryer
• Gas grill
• Horseshoe pits (bring your own horseshoes)
• Gas fireplace

Yurts

Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter. Functionally speaking, they’re a cross between a tent and a cabin. Hungry Mother has three yurts, two of which are in Camp Burson campground. The other yurt is in the Royal Oak campground. Each yurt has a large wooden deck, a picnic table and fire ring with a cooking grate. Reservations are required. Parking for two vehicles is allowed for each yurt. Those with additional vehicles must pay the daily parking fee and park in available overflow spaces in the campground.

Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m. The rental season for yurts in Camp Burson begins on the first Monday in March and ends on the first Sunday in December. The rental season for yurts in Royal Oak runs from April 1 through October 31. Cabin cancellation policies apply. Yurts must be rented for Friday and Saturday on weekends, but one-night stays are allowed otherwise. During the summer season, check-in at the Camp Burson office for yurts in that campground and, for the Royal Oak yurt, check-in at the Discovery Center. Outside of the summer season, check in at the park’s Discovery Center for all yurts.

• Maximum occupancy four. Sleeps three. One queen-sized bed and a twin-sized trundle pull-out. No linens are provided. Guests must bring sleeping bags or linens.
• No smoking, cooking or pets are allowed in yurts, with the exception of service animals.
• Yurts have no inside electricity, water or lighting. An electrical pedestal and water hydrant are next to the Camp Burson yurts. The Royal Oak yurt has no water or electricity available at the site. 
• Each yurt has a sofa, chair, coffee table and dining table in addition to the bed and trundle bed. Dining table seats four.
• No heat or air-conditioning.
• Guests use the campground bathhouse, located a short walk from the sites.
• Yurt 2 in Camp Burson is universally accessible.

Camping

Camping is available year-round in the Camp Burson campground.

• Firewood is for sale.
• People visiting overnight guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. and pay parking fees.
• Two vehicles per campsite in addition to a camping unit allowed. Others must park in the parking area and pay the parking fee.
• Each campsite has a round fire ring on the ground which can be used for cooking and campfires.

Hungry Mother allows guests to reserve specific campsites. All reservations are made for a specific site. See the chart below for details on the sites.

Campsite details. 
Photos of the sites.

Total sites of each type: Hungry Mother proper - TENT - Royal Oak Campground,11; E/W - Creekside Campground, 19. Camp Burson - EWS, 30; E/W, 20.

Site map for Creekside and Royal Oak campgrounds.
Site map for Camp Burson.

Camp Burson Camping - This campground is 1 mile before the park's main entrance.

Camp Burson guests check-in at the Camp Burson office, open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day and weekends through October. Guests can check-in at the Discovery Center outside of Memorial Day through Labor Day. Camp Burson guests will need to drive or hike to the park's main gate to gain access to all other amenities at the park - swimming, concessions, gift shops, cabins, other campgrounds, Hemlock Haven, etc. (Carefully read the info above regarding Camp Burson sites.)

Burson EWS (30 electric, water and sewer hookup sites in Camp Burson only, and approximately 1.5 miles from other Hungry Mother campgrounds) - Various equipment, electric, water, sewer hookups; tents, pop-ups and RVs, most sites will hold 25 to 35 feet, but larger sites are available; back-in sites and limited pull-through sites; accept outlets for 20, 30 and 50-amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring an air mattress. Tents are not allowed to be set up on the grass. Equipment must be inside the marked site borders. Please double-check the site length when making a reservation to ensure the site will hold the camping unit.

Burson E/W (20 electric and water hookup sites, no sewer, and approximately 1.5 miles from other Hungry Mother campgrounds) – Various equipment; electric and water, no sewer; tents, pop-ups and RVs, most sites will hold 25 to 35 feet, but larger sites are available; back-in sites and limited pull-through sites; accept outlets for 20, 30, and 50-amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring an air mattress. Tents are not allowed to be set up on the grass. Equipment must be inside the marked site borders. Please double-check the site length when making a reservation to ensure the site will hold the camping unit.

Total campsites: 80 total in the park; 50 of which are in Camp Burson

Site types in Hungry Mother proper

Creekside campground (E/W, 19 sites) - No campers/RVs over 30 feet permitted - Various equipment, electric and water hookups; tents, popup campers and RVs up to 30 feet; back-in sites and limited pull-through sites; accept outlets for 20 and 30 amp current (50-amp current available at Camp Burson only). Bathhouse. All sites are paved. Guests with tents are encouraged to bring an air mattress. There's a very sharp turn in the road leading to the Creekside campground so guests with large RVs and trailers should take extra care.

Royal Oak campground (11 TENT sites, 1 yurt) - Tents only. Bathhouse. Camping equipment must fit on a 20 by 20-foot pad. No hookups.

Recreation

TRAILS

Hiking, bicycle trails and self-guided trails. More than 17 miles of trails are open year-round.

Hungry Mother offers self-guided programs for all ages and interests. The Kids in Parks Track Trail is a .6-mile paved trail that helps children and adults learn about various plants and animals in the park. The park also offers a geocaching program that takes guests on a “treasure hunt.” The Discovery Center has information about the program and geocaching in general. Guests may also visit the Discovery Center to check out one of four Park Packs for up to three days. Each pack contains supplies, equipment and games for learning about and identifying flora and fauna.

SWIMMING

Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. Weather and other issues may occur at times force suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.

The swimming beach has a bathhouse and concession area. From the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, guarded swimming and a snack bar are available 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Operating hours are weather-dependent.

Click here for park fees.

FISHING, BOATING

The 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake within the park supports a host of sport fish, including largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid striped and spotted bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, carp, bluegill, rock bass, muskellunge and walleye. The channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, walleyes and musky are stocked every year.

A valid Virginia fishing license is required.

Boat launching is available for non-gasoline-powered boats. A boat launching ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier have also been developed. Boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, fishing kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats and hydrobikes are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Rentals may be available on weekends weather permitting before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Please contact park for availability.  

HORSES

None at this park.

HUNTING

About 800 acres on Walker Mountain are open to deer and small game hunting annually. A valid Virginia hunting license is required. Check with the park office regarding specific areas that are open for hunting.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Click here for its general facilities guide.

Download (external link for use with Avenza App) the geo-referenced map

Download the geo-referenced map for this park

Nearby Attractions

Grayson Highlands State Park is one hour away, as well as Mount 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 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 a variety of shopping options, and Bristol hosts the Bristol Motor Speedway. The William King Regional Arts Center, also located in Abingdon, has galleries in which the art of Southwest Virginia and the world is featured.

Picnic Shelters

This park offers three shelters for rent through the Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK. See the 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 under "Meeting space and facilities"). 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, parking fees are required year-round. Shelter amenities include a charcoal grill, picnic tables, electrical outlets, fireplace, lights and access to restrooms. Electrical outlets are only available from April 1-October 31. If using the shelter outside the rental period, please contact the main office about electrical outlet availability. Guests must bring their own charcoal. Firewood is not provided but can be purchased at the park. Call the park at 276-781-7425 to discuss catering services and pricing. The Lakeview Event Facility, (formerly known as "The Restaurant") at Hungry Mother offers a full range of professional catering options.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before the reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

Shelter 1 - This universally accessible shelter is a favorite because it's closest to the beach, playground, boat rentals, Lakeview Event Center (formerly "The Restaurant") and universally accessible restrooms. It overlooks the lake and accommodates 75. Amenities include electrical outlets, a fireplace at each end, a large Texas-sized charcoal 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 taken on a first-come, first-served basis. This shelter, near parking lot 5, is tucked in the woods just past the Lakeview Event Center (formerly "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 charcoal 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 as a whole). There are tables located around the shelter that are not rented and are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. There are electrical outlets on each side of the shelter; brick fireplaces separate two halves of the shelter. This shelter is not universally accessible. It has a large Texas-sized charcoal grill and six picnic tables at each end of the shelter. It is near parking lot 6 and the restrooms. The restrooms are not universally accessible.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

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 a 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 Customer Service Center, 1-800-933-PARK. Catering is available. To discuss catering options, please call 276-781-7425.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

The park's Discovery Center has a gift shop that is open year-round and offers various crafts, books, gifts, novelty items and snacks.

The Camp Burson office has a camp store that is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends from Labor Day to the end of October. The store has snack food, gifts and general camping supplies. 

LAKEVIEW EVENT CENTER

The Lakeview Event Center (formerly “The Restaurant”) sits in the center of Hungry Mother State Park and is a beautiful location for a lake wedding or business retreat. The Lakeview Event Center is available for rent year-round and offers catering. Reservations and inquires can be made at 276-781-7425.

LAUNDRY

Seasonally available laundry facilities are at bathhouses in Creekside and Camp Burson campgrounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

Yes, the Discovery Center. Click "Other info" on the left side of this page to learn more about the park's nature and history programs.

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. Contact Hemlock Haven Conference Center at 276-781-7425 to reserve this facility. 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 a 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. The 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, so there are no surprises on your special day... The reserved area includes the entire island, not the footbridge leading to the island. The bridge cannot be closed or blocked. No pinning, gluing, thumb-tacking or nailing of decorations to the amphitheater 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 must be followed. State law permits alcohol use only in private areas (inside a cabin or camping unit) or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. 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. The rental fee does not include parking. All guests must pay the daily parking fee or a tally sheet can be set up prior to the event at the park office.

Weddings - Hungry Mother State Park is a popular venue for weddings. Click here to learn more about the park's fine wedding options.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY:

• Discovery Center: universally accessible parking, two spaces; interior easily accessible, both men and women accessible restrooms.
• Picnic shelters: All three shelters have adjacent, universally accessible parking. Shelters 1 and 2 are universally accessible; shelter 3 is not because there's a small step going down into it. The shelters' fireplaces are not accessible.
• Beach area: universally accessible walkway with a sidewalk around the beach area. The park has only one first-come, first-served beach wheelchair that's available when the beach concessions is open. The bathhouse/changing area is universally accessible with restroom facilities.
• Campgrounds: The Creekside, Royal Oak and Camp Burson campgrounds have universally accessible bathhouses. All bathhouses have universally accessible parking with paved sites that are near the bathhouse.
• Cabins: Hungry Mother cabins 17, 19 and 20 through 25 are accessible. Cabins 14, 15, and 16 have a five-inch step outside and are accessible inside.
• Hungry Mother Lodge: universally accessible bathroom and master bedroom, with a ramp for entrance.
• Amphitheater: universally accessible by a paved trail across a wooden bridge and smooth mulched surface on Amphitheater Island.
• Trails: universally accessible trail from the beach area to parking lot six, approximately ¾-mile in length.
• Fishing pier: universally accessible pier next to the beach area and adjacent to the parking lot one.
• Parking lots: All have universally accessible spaces.
• Lakeview Event Facility (formerly "The Restaurant"): Fully universally accessible with an elevator to the second floor and restrooms available on both levels.
• Boat ramp: The dock at the boat ramp is universally accessible, but loading into boats is up to the individual.
• All walkways along with parking areas from the beach to lot 6 are paved. Within this area are three picnic shelters, Lakeview Event Facility (formerly "The Restaurant"), picnic areas with charcoal grills and tables, beach, playground equipment, fishing pier and the amphitheater.
• Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, electric powered wheelchairs and electric scooters that meet the federal definition for wheelchairs are allowed to enable people with disabilities to use the trails.

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 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.
Download the Become a Junior Naturalist booklet for six self-guided activities in the park. Complete them and earn a Junior Naturalist patch.

Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

Operated during the summer season, they include a swimming beach, snack bar and boat rentals of paddleboats, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks.

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, a bathhouse, a dam and a sanitation system were all built by the 600 CCC men at the park between 1933 and 1941. On June 15, 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.

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 six original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) parks in Virginia that opened in June 1936. Partly because of the role the CCC played in the park's development and architecture, the park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

FRIENDS GROUP

The mission of the Friends of Hungry Mother is to conserve and enhance recreational, cultural, historical and natural resources of the park and adjoining highways and byways.

MASTER PLAN

Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here for this park's master plan.