Hungry Mother State Park is one of the original six Virginia State Parks, celebrated for its lush woodlands and the serene 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake, nestled in the mountainous terrain near Marion, Virginia. The park covers 3,334 acres and offers a variety of year-round outdoor experiences, including hiking, fishing, biking, swimming, and boating. Accommodations range from traditional campsites to cabins, yurts, and a large family lodge, making it a popular destination for families, groups, and individuals looking for recreation or retreat. Campsites are situated in several campgrounds—Camp Burson, Creekside, and Royal Oak—with options for tents, pop-ups, and RVs. Sites at Camp Burson offer electric, water, and sewer hookups for RVs up to 35 feet, with some sites accommodating even larger rigs. The park's venues are well maintained, offering universally accessible options, clean bathhouses, and scenic picnic areas.
Natural beauty is the heart of this park. The pristine Hungry Mother Lake provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and swimming with guarded and unguarded beach options in summer. Over 17 miles of trails traverse the park, ranging from gentle paths to more challenging hikes, with highlights including self-guided interpretive programs for all ages. Wildlife viewing and diverse flora make each visit unique. The park also serves as a gateway to nearby attractions such as Grayson Highlands State Park and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
Additional amenities include event facilities, picnic shelters, a visitor center, and a well-stocked camp store and gift shop. Boat rentals, concessions, and organized interpretive programs are available seasonally. Accessible features abound—parking, restrooms, trails, cabins, amphitheater, and fishing pier are designed to welcome all guests. The park hosts regular community and educational events, from clean-up days to guided nature walks. While fires are not allowed from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30, each campsite is equipped with a fire ring for permitted hours, and firewood is available for sale on-site.
The park has strong ties to local history and the Civilian Conservation Corps, with historic cabins and structures adding to the charm. Whether enjoying a secluded yurt, an accessible cabin, or a lakeside tent site, visitors can expect a blend of nature, comfort, and a sense of Virginia’s heritage at Hungry Mother State Park.
