Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
Severe Weather Policy
The safety of our visitors and staff is our top priority. Virginia State Parks follows an official policy to determine when it is necessary to close facilities and ask guests to leave due to severe weather.
How We Make Decisions
When a hurricane or significant weather event is forecasted, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management coordinates conference calls with federal, state and local officials, as well as major utility providers, to discuss preparedness. Based on these discussions and official warnings, we decide if closures are needed.
Closure Conditions
The state parks director or designee will close all facilities under the following conditions:
- Tropical Weather Events
A park will close whenever it is under any of the following NOAA alerts:
- Hurricane Force Wind Warning
- Tropical Storm Warning
- Hurricane Watch
- Hurricane Warning
Closing early ensures visitor safety and reduces congestion during broader evacuations. It also allows staff to focus on protecting facilities and ensuring the safety of resident staff and their families.
Similar policies apply for river flooding and winter storms.
Cancellations and Transfers
- If a park closes, all fees are waived for cancellations.
- Before an official closure, standard cancellation policies apply.
- When severe weather is possible, we offer a liberal transfer policy for reservations, especially for cabins that normally require advance notice.
Please note: A Governor’s State of Emergency declaration does not automatically trigger fee waivers—it is issued to mobilize statewide preparedness and does not mean conditions are immediately dangerous.
Communication and Alerts
We strive to provide timely notifications and alert guests before arrival whenever possible. Please ensure we have your email and multiple phone numbers for updates.
For real-time information:
- Check the NOAA weather site.
- Visit our park websites for alerts (look for the red alert box under the park photo and the Know Before You Go section in green).
Find a park’s website here.
Our Commitment
We understand that closing a park can disrupt plans, especially for trips booked months in advance. However, our decisions are always based on safety. While forecasts can change, we err on the side of caution—because nothing ruins a vacation like a tree falling on your tent or cabin, and nothing is more important than preventing life-threatening situations.
