Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., beginning Feb. 15 through April 30, per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Black history at Green Pastures Recreation Area and how to visit

By Amy AtwoodPosted February 25, 2025

Learn about the history of Green Pastures Recreation Area and how you can visit, thanks to the stewardship of Douthat State Park staff.

Guests at Green Pastures Recreation Area

Colorful winter woods at Virginia State Parks

By Guest BloggerPosted February 24, 2025

Master Naturalist Kelly Roach encourages you to embrace winter on the trail, challenging you to look for color along the way. Learn what evergreen plants to look for, what marcescence is, colorful birds you may see and why the sky is bluer in winter.

Rainbow swamp at First Landing State Park by Katherine Scott.

3 must-do activities at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted February 24, 2025

While every Virginia State Park is unique, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park stands out from the rest. It primarily focuses on history and culture; however, you don't have to be a history buff to fall in love with this park.

5 must-do activities at Grayson Highlands State Park

By Starr AndersonPosted February 19, 2025

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grayson Highlands State Park is a true gem. It’s adjacent to two of Virginia’s highest mountains, Mount Rodgers and Whitetop, so it offers unforgettable views, challenging trails and a serene atmosphere.

A resource management career at Virginia State Parks: Kerry O’Neil

By Amy AtwoodPosted February 11, 2025

Kerry O’Neil serves as the Piedmont Region Resource Specialist with Virginia State Parks. She initially dreamed of various careers but found her passion for resource management through her experiences visiting Virginia State parks.

Virginia is for Lovers – and so is Sky Meadows State Park

By Laura SchliesskePosted February 07, 2025

For outdoor enthusiasts, and for those seeking to try something new this Valentine’s Day, Sky Meadows State Park could be the romantic getaway you are looking for.

After taking in the scenery, it should be no surprise that the park has been the site of countless romantic stories including first dates, proposals and weddings.

What it’s like to do an adventure race at a Virginia state park

By Haley RodgersPosted February 04, 2025

Park regulars participated in an all-women’s adventure race at Occoneechee State Park. Read what an adventure race is, what it's like to participate, what you get out of it and how it helps you explore the park system.

Race team and longtime ”bike-buddies” Betty Saxman (left), Veronica Salazar (middle) and Incy Teoh (right). Photo courtesy of Incy Teoh.

Spring Burning Restrictions February 15 through April 30

By Nancy HeltmanPosted February 01, 2025

Per state law, open fires are prohibited in all Virginia State Parks from midnight until 4 p.m., February 15 through April 30. Find out about the one exception in this blog.

We obey the law when it comes to burn bans at Virginia State Parks to help prevent wildfires

A Virginia State Parks road trip for Black History Month

By Christen McKeyPosted February 01, 2025

February is Black History Month. Take a trip across the state with a focus on the history to learn, honor and celebrate Black Americans and their stories in Virginia State Parks.

Map of parks along the road trip for Black History

Volunteering can open doors for the future

By Amy AtwoodPosted January 13, 2025

Many of our park staff began their journey with us as volunteers. Check out some of our rangers' stories and why they chose to volunteer at Virginia State Parks.