At Virginia State Parks: the Camping Lodge. It’s a step up from camping, but not quite as luxurious as the cabins in some other parks.
The Camping Lodge is a rustic, simple place to stay in a scenic setting. It sleeps up to 14 people in seven bunk beds. It’s ideal for scout groups, but some large families and groups of friends have enjoyed it too. There is no kitchen or bathroom (the campground bathhouse is very close). Inside you’ll find three rooms with seven bunkbeds, a full-size refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee pot. The rooms are set up as follows: middle room has refrigerator, microwave, table and one bunkbed; back room has two bunkbeds; front room has four bunkbeds.
Outside you’ll enjoy a screened-in picnic shelter with two picnic tables and a sink (water is available seasonally), and a large firepit. There is an electrical outlet inside the shelter.
This Camping Lodge is used when the park hosts a Youth Conservation Corps. The young men or women stay at the Camping Lodge while performing various jobs in the park for three weeks. They usually enjoy these rustic accommodations. Most the photos here are from YCCgroups. While they work hard during their stay, they sure look like they are enjoying the Camping Lodge.
If you plan to stay at the Camping Lodge, you’ll need to bring your own bedding (sleeping bags work great on the bunkbeds) and any kitchen supplies you will need. Think of packing for a camping trip without the tent.
When we began renting this to the public, we placed a Virginia State Parks Cabin Journal inside. It’s always interesting to see what our guests have to say about the park and the Camping Lodge. Here is a sampling of the entries from 2010:
May 9, 2010: Thanks for a beautiful weekend Holliday Lake! Loved being here…the cabin was amazing!
June 6, 2010: It was awesome. Wonderful time!
July 17-August 7, 2010: For the past three weeks a crew of nine girls and three supervisors for the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) stayed at the cabin. It was truly a lovely space to live…the air-conditioning was certainly appreciated! We thank all the staff at Holliday Lake for a wonderful time. You’ll be missed!
The YCCgirls
P. S. To future cabin residents, check out our work around the park…we built the dumpster blinds and the welcome fence, and cleared all the trails!
October 22-24, 2010: Had a great time. The park is beautiful.
November 13-15, 2010: Incredible weekend surrounded by beauty and friendly people. It was soooo cold at night (28 degrees) that this cabin was a blessing to our family of six. Thank you so much. We’ll be back!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA
November 21, 2010: A wonderful place to stay and enjoy Virginia in the fall (or anytime)! Love the feeling of “escape” that Holliday Lake provides, along with all those nice amenities like hot showers, a coffee maker, toilets.