Just one more day!

If you have ever stayed at a Virginia State Park cabin you would probably have uttered those very same words "Just one more day!"

After this can you blame me?

I just wanted one more sunset like this one at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

I found myself akin to our dog when I bring her into the veterinary office, digging her toenails in and cutting a path through the linoleum. That was me, as my husband said "okay we have to go" while standing outside cabin 9 at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

A deep rooted affection for Virginia State Parks in the off season

If you only go to our parks in the peak season when the warm breezes ripple across the water and the children can be heard playing freeze tag near on a lawn in the distance or yelping as they splash into the lake, then you have missed so much. I bet you didn't know that?

The parks in the off season offer something totally different, and for me that is a good thing. While I love to hike, paddle and explore the great outdoors I also love to see the birds in the trees, hear the ducks on the river and catch the sunsets in full glory. When I am busy doing all those activities in the summer time I miss the small things, the things that really touch my heart. With all those busy people home snug in their beds I can enjoy Virginia State Parks even more!

Scenery to the max in front of cabin 9, who said winter is not beautiful?

CABIN 9 OFFERS

The forest through the trees

If I were here in the summer time the leaves, bless their hearts would be totally in the way. Don't get me wrong I am just as much a leaf peeper as the next person, but when the leaves are gone you can see. You can really see! Cabin 9 may not have had a water view in the peak season, whereas the water view is fabulous in the winter months. I can peer out and see any waterfowl that may be paddling past. I can see the owls and other large birds of prey as they take flight or land on the trees around the lake. I can see the reflection of the setting sun and demand we race down there to catch the sunset together! (The very same reason I was able to take these photos and enjoy the sunset this past weekend).

The boat docks

While these docks are awesome for boaters in season, giving cabin guests a place to moor up and zip into the cabin, or tie them up each evening. These docks were perfect for quiet moments with the one I love. While the bass fisherman used the launches and main dock, we had this little cove all to ourselves. They are pretty much right in front of cabin 9 and there is a trail that meanders down to them.

Everything you need: inside amenities

Tile floors, a large wood stove, water views with plenty of windows. Kitchen with bench seat table, all kitchen appliances and utensils.

Master Bedroom: a nice water view from master bedroom looking out double windows (which is unusual as we have found many of the cabins may have a view but the bed faces the closet or away from the view) this queen bed faces the water so you can look out from the bed, also has a dresser, one nightstand and closet.

Second bedroom: Have two twin beds – not bunks which is great for friends, or anyone not wishing to bunk. It offers two windows and one has a water view as well.

Both bedrooms are carpeted and beds come with all linens.

They got it going on: well maintained

Freshly painted, new tile, new blinds, wainscot, has a large super-efficient heat pump, decent sized shower enclosure, a vanity (with space below), and no shelves. Pantry, table with benches and 1 chair. Porch has three rockers overlooking the two community docks on cove for cabin area.

Weather permitting: outside amenities

Very rural, we saw a large owl near our cabin flying over the cove and landing in tall trees. Huge area outside cabin 9 great for ball, frisbee, dogs, etc.

There is only one other cabin on our no-turn-around dead end. That is cabin 10 and it also has a water view, not as nice as ours. There is not a big outdoor space for that cabin like there is for cabin 9.

Picnic table, fire ring and pedestal charcoal grill (or wood if you like to cook over wood).

Cons

Tight steep parking, loose surface. I would not recommend this descent for anyone who is not sturdy on their feet. The sunset would be magnificent on other water front cabin loop, our goes behind hill. It is still amazing, but cabin 17 or 16 would probably knock your socks off!

If this were the peak season, I would not choose cabin 9 or 10 due to the dock as it would be a hub of activity and if I didn't have a boat it would probably get old real quick. If I did, however have a boat I would love to have it moored right out front!

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is open year-round for overnighting in the cabins and day use

The fishing is fine in the off season (the Striped Bass don't seem to mind the cold)

The fine print

The good news is this is fine print you will like! This Facebook on a Thursday for the coming weekend) you can save 25%!

Let me break that down (I am a person who needs to see the end result for it to click):

$93.00 less 25% = $69.75 per night

($34.87 per person for double occupancy or $17.43 per person for four)

You can cook all your own meals, and sleep four people, wait I lied I just remembered there is also a sofa bed in this cabin so you can add a couple more people to that (if they don't mind a sleeper sofa). This is a bargain!

More photos

You know, I took a heap of cabin photos but they aren't that exciting, they are just cabin photos. I would rather give you a feel for this cabin at this park, so the sunset, water, coffee cup holding photos did that better. You really should try these cabins with their cozy wood stoves, this park rocks!

Cabin 9 is 2 bedroom water front cabin with a great location for privacy and romance

Please here.

So what do you say does coffee for two at sunset sound about right for your next getaway?Take my advice and stay just one more day!

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