Summer is now upon us, and there is no better way to enjoy the warm weather than by taking a road trip through the Commonwealth of Virginia. The RV vacation of your dreams awaits you in the beautiful terrain of Virginia, where stunning mountain ranges and serene coastal backdrops are only a few hours apart.
First Landing State Park
Virginia's state parks offer you unrestrained access to some of the most beautiful ecosystems of the state, and most provide complete amenities for RV lodging! Take advantage of this amazing state resource by planning a road trip through the best areas for adventure the state has to offer. Here are a few suggestions for making the most of your time on the road in Virginia.
Go Sea to Summit
Early summer is a great time to enjoy the variety of climates and natural features Virginia has to offer. I would suggest starting at the beach (see below), and making your way to higher elevations and cooler temperatures as the season heats up.
Beach
First Landing State Park, outside of Virginia Beach, is one of the most popular coastal parks in the state. With vast acreage to explore (over 2,500 acres and 20 miles of trails), and multiple water access points, there is no shortage of adventuring to be done. Spend the day swimming in the Chesapeake Bay, hiking through the maritime forest, exploring the tidal estuary by kayak- or do all three! Shorebirds and other beach critters abound at First Landing State Park, making this an absolutely remarkable location to observe coastal wildlife or take vibrant photographs of the scenery.
Foothills
As you make your way into the piedmont region, be sure to stay a spell in one of Virginia's lush interior forests. One of my favorite places to camp in the summer is at Lake Anna State Park. The massive oak trees here provide great protection and privacy among the secluded campgrounds. The Lake offers some great freshwater fishing, so don't forget your pole, and make sure to wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the wooded shoreline. This interior park, although popular in the summer, offers plenty of great spots to find refuge and quiet, as you rest along your road trip journey.
Lake Anna State Park
Mountains
Once you're ready to experience some altitude, I would suggest making a stop at Douthat State Park, which has been recognized as one of the best parks in the state for mountain scenery. The park is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and features some of the top hiking and biking in the state. Most of the 40+ miles of trails are open to hikers as well as mountain bikers. Take a day to explore Douthat's well-marked trails and be sure to make the trek up to Falling Springs falls, possibly the most beautiful waterfall in the state!
Douthat State Park
Wherever you decide to roam, be sure to enjoy the ride. Take the "scenic routes" when at all possible – and by that I mean avoid major highways and stop through a few of Virginia's quaint small towns to have a word with the locals. There are great local restaurants and businesses all over the state and Virginia offers some of the nicest park resources and friendliest people in the country, so enjoy your time on the road, and expect to be pleasantly surprised!
About the Author
Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for Virginia RV Rental locations for a luxury motor home for your Virginia road trip.