Shared by Jenna Conner-Harris, as Guest Blogger.

Psst! Have you got a moment to hear a really good secret? I mean, it is a mystery to me why more people are not privy to this information, but this information... well, is really too good NOT to share.

Fact: The lodges at Virginia State Parks are, by far, one of the most under-used, undiscovered treasures for adventurers in Virginia.

“Typical” lodge and six-bedroom floor plan used with most Virginia State Park lodges; this one is at Shenandoah River State Park. Photo by Jenna Conner-Harris.

Now hear me out: By “lodge”, I mean a “well-designed place of shelter for a large group of up to 16 family or friends.” Throughout Virginia State Parks, there are 14 of such lodges, which provide safe, well-appointed, ideally-located large spaces with full beds, showers, AC and heat, and even outdoor firepits and indoor fireplaces. Nestled amongst several thousands of acres, these lodges come with neighbors that do not care about how late you make a bonfire, or how loudly you laugh in your rocking chairs, when hanging out in your expansive front or back deck.

Perfect for hosting group activities

Picture this: You host a reunion weekend with some former friends from school with a 1920’s Gatsby-inspired murder-mystery party by the fireplace, with a thematic buffet served in your full kitchen and adjacent dining room. Just imagine journaling intently with your group in your large private retreat in one of six bedrooms. (I did this with a group at Lake Anna State Park.)

Sunrise at Lake Anna State Park. Many lodges are on the water and come with private docks. Photo by Jenna Conner-Harris.

Or envision your group going hiking with an articulate, affable park ranger, after having a s’mores buffet in your lodge. (I did this recently at Shenandoah River State Park.) It really is quite fun, after a day of hiking, not having to commute home sweaty, but instead continuing the fun on site in the park with loved ones.

The solution for large gatherings

Not all parks have the same kind of lodges, either. Did you know you can rent out your own private mansion and guest house in Belle Isle? (I highly recommend playing flashlight tag on your own private peninsula and exploring their library, full of antique books.)

You may not know that there is lodging for large groups at Bear Creek Lake, Belle Isle, Claytor Lake, Douthat, Fairy Stone, Hungry Mother, James River, Kiptopeke, Lake Anna, Natural Tunnel, Occoneechee, Pocahontas, Shenandoah River and Twin Lakes.

Thoughtful amenities for a comfortable stay

No matter which lodge you stay in, the people at Virginia State Parks have thought carefully about your needs, such as including a full washer-dryer in their lodges, having open-floor concepts (most come with high, vaulted ceilings); they even sanitize their lodges between guest stays. Unlike Airbnb, Virginia State Parks even go the extra mile, giving an additional 24-hour “rest day” before their next booking.

Inside Douthat State Park's spacious Creasy Lodge.

The parks prefer a six-night rental, beginning on a Friday-Monday, depending on the lodge and the park. (Information on cabin and lodge rentals can be found here.) However, all lodges have more flexibility during off-seasons, and the bonus is, prices drop then, too.

A variety of lodging to meet your needs

So, say you have a birthday coming up, or a family reunion, or even a winter holiday, when you honestly do not think your teens will have their rooms clean enough for your future house guests (yes, the struggle is real, lol); Virginia State Parks has your solution. These beautiful lodges are ready to provide a place of respite for you and your gang. Most lodges follow the same six-bedroom floor plan, but there are special accommodations, like the Bel Air House (sleeps 5) and the adjacent guest house in Belle Isle, which have antique furnishings. Walnut Valley House in Chippokes State Park (sleeps 8) has unforgettable, Instagrammable sunrise and sunset views.

Bel Air Mansion at Belle Isle State Park, available for rent.

If your group is even larger, there is Cove Ridge Center at Natural Tunnel State Park (sleeps 48). For a quiet getaway, there is the beautiful Poplar Hill Cottage at Southwest Virginia Museum (sleeps 8).

Great options for the budget-conscious

As you explore the link for cabin rentals, check out their lodge rates, and pay attention to how the rates dip significantly during off-seasons. For super thrifty folks, there are even huge discounts given for last-minute bookings that are not currently filled.

View from a lodge at Claytor Lake State Park during off-season (taken in February).

Spread the word and book a lodge

You know, these locations should not be secret, but they seem to be that, not to mention under-used. I am thinking most people just don’t know about such options. After all, we all have moments where we hunger for adventure with other like-minded, curious humans. Admit it: If you’ve read this far, you are probably hungry now and again for a weekend getaway with your besties.

You’ve probably already explored many of Virginia State Parks, but now I have you thinking who would be your fellow lodge crusaders. Why not take this idea a step further, oh hopeful connector, and try some of these out! I dare you to book a lodge and make some memories with your favorite family members, your students, your friends, your youth group, your church... why not level up when you explore out.

Author Jenna Conner-Harris is a Virginia Master Naturalist and a travel writer, educator and blogger. She loves sharing stories and photos of her adventures with curious people of all ages. She has had her photos published with many state parks and has written blogs for magazines such as National Geographic. Follow her adventures on Instagram @jlconner9