RICHMOND, Va. -- Governor Ralph Northam announced Wednesday that campgrounds, cabins and bathhouses at Virginia State Parks will be closed through April 30 in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Effective Friday, March 27, all Virginia State Parks will only be open for day use and activities such as hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and exercise.
“This is in line with what other states are doing, as well as some National Parks.” Northam said at a press conference Wednesday.
The closure includes all overnight facilities such as cabins, yurts, as well as restrooms and bathhouses.
If you have already reserved a facility, the reservation will be cancelled and reservation holders will automatically receive refunds.
Officials say stay will still be available by phone if assistance is needed.
State officials released these guidelines for day-use visits:
• Stay close to home.
• Guests should bring their own soap and hand sanitizer to use during day-use visits.
• Groups and gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited and these restrictions will enforced by park staff.
• Guests should keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others at all times. While on trails, alert others of your presence and step aside to let others pass at a safe distance.
• Parking fees remain in place. Guests should be prepared to self-pay with cash or check at the contact station.
• Visitor centers already had been closed to the public because of the outbreak. In-person programming and events are cancelled through April 30.
• Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
For more information about Virginia State Parks during the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.