Hitting old man winter square in the face with a snowball!

We are a family of winter celebrations, our wedding anniversary and both of our daughters birthdays are in the dreary cold winter months.

We have learned the secret to success no matter what old man winter throws our way is to throw it right back at him square in the face when we visit a Virginia State Park Cabin.

Winter fun at Claytor Lake State Park

The key to beating old man winter at his game is to pick a cabin not too far from home or major highways so ensure access in inclement weather. Then reserve it in advance, allowing the family to get all excited about the getaway so that nothing can stop you.

Or if you want to wing it, by all means keep an eye on the Virginia State ParksFacebook page for the Thursday last minute cabin deals to find an available cabin for that upcoming weekend at 25% off the regular off-season rate!

We chose Claytor Lake State Park for our wintertime fun

Located just a couple miles from Exit 101 off I-81 these waterfront cabins at Claytor Lake State Parkmakes a perfect scenic getaway year-round, which includes those colder curl-up in front of a fire wintery months.

We quickly learned that fun can be found anywhere! Claytor Lake State Park

We quickly learned that fun can be found everywhere

Fun is Virginia State Parks middle name! Claytor Lake State Park was no exception

You can't argue with this smile

What fun

Having four girls with us in the cabin we had plenty of games, baking, make-overs, and even a scavenger hunt outside in teams. As the snow softly fell outside our windows the fun was ramping up inside the cabin.

The cabins at Claytor Lake State Park are climate controlled and have a nice wood burning fireplace for inside fun!

The cabins at Claytor Lake State Park are climate controlled and have a nice wood burning fireplace with plenty of space for inside fun!

Virginia State Parks cabins are pet friendly (all cabins except the Yurt at Kiptopeke State Park allow pets for a small nightly fee)

Virginia State Park cabins are dog friendly, so for a $10 nightly pet fee our four-legged family member enjoyed the weekend getaway with the rest of us

Dogs just wanna have fun too at Claytor Lake State Park

Dogs just wanna have fun too!

The cabins at Claytor Lake State Park have a dock, but alas not really fishing or boating weather

We loved the view of the frozen lake from cabin 13

Virginia State Parks offers comfortable and economical overnight accommodations. There are more than 300 cozy, climate-controlled cabins of various sizes throughout the state. Many cabins are available year round like our favorite cabin 13 at Claytor Lake State Park.

Please Click here to check on availability and to reserve online or call 800-933-7275 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Why we chose Cabin 13

Three-bedroom, two-bathroom, wood-framed cabin with waterview; universally accessible.

• Maximum occupancy: eight. There is a 2-night minimum stay in the off-season.

• The kitchen, dining area, living room, one bedroom and one bathroom are universally accessible.

• Cabins have rustic furniture and have heat and air conditioning. Bring food, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, board games or cards, extra bath towels, washcloths and dish towels. The cabin has no dishwasher, phone, TV, washer or dryer.

• Cell phone service is available in most of the park.

• Kitchen: refrigerator, stove, drip coffeemaker, dishes, dish cloth, dishwashing liquid, dish towel, silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, oven mitt, pot holder, microwave oven and toaster.

• Living area: sofa, chairs and dining table.

• Bedrooms: nightstand, clock radio, sheet, bedspread, pillows, pillowcases and blankets.

One bedroom has a queen size bed.

One bedroom has two twin size beds.

One bedroom has two sets of bunk beds (this room sleeps four people).

One towel and one washcloth per person are provided for eight people.

• Cabin has a fireplace. The park provides one bundle of complimentary firewood. Extra firewood is available for a nominal fee.

• No smoking.

• Wrap-around deck; open porch with rocking chairs. We could sit outside and look out on the lake in our cold weather gear and a hot cocoa.

Another really good reason we choose Virginia State Parks

PRICE! This three-bedroom 2-bathroom cabin in the off-season rents for just $110 per night. Let me do the math: 6 guests is just $18.33 per person per night.

DON'T LET OLD MAN WINTER WIN – FUN IS VIRGINIA STATE PARKS' MIDDLE NAME!

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