By: Kim Wells, Virginia State Parks
Have you stayed in a cabin or camped at a Virginia State Park? Campgrounds opened on March 1, so now is a great time to make reservations at Westmoreland State Park’s newly renovated campgrounds.
Westmoreland State Park, located in Montross, VA, is one of the six original state parks created in Virginia and provides wonderful views and access to the Potomac River. Enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, ranger-lead programs and even fossil hunting at the beach. This park has something for everyone to enjoy so consider staying overnight to better enjoy this scenic and historic park.
What was renovated?
Virginia State Parks that offer lodging or camping usually have projects that involve upgrades as building and materials get a lot of use during the years.
The campsites in Campground B at Westmoreland have been completely redesigned to provide guests more functionality and comfort during their stay.
“All sites now have water and 50-amp electric hookups,” said Westmoreland State Park Manager Steven Davis. “Campground B now has 33 sites. While this is a decrease in sites, we are confident that the existing sites are better quality and more functional than the old sites.”
To make the sites more easily accessible to guests, B1 through B23 are now pull-thru sites and sites B24 through B33 are back in sites. B29 is a buddy site which has 4 individual campsites surrounding a central fire ring. It will primarily cater to Scout and church groups but could be used for family and group camping as well.
The bathroom was also replaced and upgraded to include two family shower bathrooms and four individual shower rooms. There is a separate men’s restroom and women’s restroom in the middle part of the facility.
How do these changes affect campers?
Campers will notice that many trees have been removed, but rest assured—work is underway to plant many native trees that will provide shade for future campers and a habitat for the park’s wildlife.
“The campground will be a big change for the park’s repeat campers,” said Potomac District Manager Ken Benson. “We know that guests will realize that the camping experience has changed for the better. Virginia State Parks is proactive in planning and anticipating changes so our guests will have a positive experience in the campgrounds now and for many generations.”
The renovation of campground B is the first of many modifications that Westmoreland State Park is undergoing. Guests will see a cliff stabilization project being conducted along the area past the picnic area. This project will consist of the creation of breakwaters and a living shoreline to help minimize the wave action at the base of the cliffs.
“Guests are asked to observe this project from a distance and stay out of the work areas,” said Davis. “Other projects are still in the planning stages, but people can still expect a great outdoor experience when visiting Westmoreland. We are excited to share our new modifications with guests.”
Reserve your stay at Westmoreland
Westmoreland offers cabins and camping for individuals or groups. You can reserve your stay up to eleven months in advance and be sure to check out one of the many cool park programs during your visit. Check the park’s event web page for more details.
To reserve your stay at Westmoreland State Park, visit the park’s webpage.
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
