All 37 Virginia State Parks will participate in the Great American Campout the weekend of June 23.

Parks will offer activities that day to teach basic skills related to camping, including programs about campfire cooking, fire starting, camping basics, gear suggestions and the camaraderie of a campfire.

A complete list of programs is available at https://vasp.fun/GAC.

Eight parks will provide special, overnight camping programs offering experiences, help and guidance. All campouts begin Saturday except at High Bridge, where the campout starts Friday evening.

Caledon State Park in King George will have its traditional Great American Campout with the twist of a citizen science 24-hour BioBlitz. A $15 per family fee includes dinner by the fire and a continental breakfast.

Experience camping in the picnic area at Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson. Some gear is available for this free overnight event.

High Bridge Trail State Park near Farmville offers the unique experience of camping on High Bridge. The $40 fee covers camping, parking and activities.

Hungry Mother State Park in Marion will hold its campout at the Camp Burson group campground.

First-time campers are welcome to join the staff at James River State Park in Gladstone to enjoy camping designed for folks interested in learning the basics.

Natural Bridge State Park in Rockbridge County has a primitive camping experience and a special Sky Party with stargazing opportunities.

In Delaplane, Sky Meadows State Park has the longest tradition of the Great American Campout. The park offers a full day of activities including Saturday night dinner and Sunday breakfast for $30 per campsite.

Primitive camping at Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing includes camping 101 basics, fire starting, a campfire and a ranger-guided evening hike for $10 per family.

For a day trip or a more extended stay in a cabin or campground, Virginia’s award-winning state parks offer more than 1,800 campsites and 300 cabins.

For more information about Virginia State Parks, including overnight accommodations, visit www.VirginiaStateParks.gov or call the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

– Submitted by Jim Meisner Jr., Senior P.R. & Marketing Specialist