Richmond, VA – Six state parks from across Virginia have joined the Virginia Campground Association. This is the first time that individual state parks have become members of the association and will provide opportunities for state parks and private campgrounds to better promote all of Virginia’s camping opportunities. The award-winning state park system is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

“We have long worked with state parks to promote camping across Virginia and we welcome the first state parks as full members of the state association,” said VCA Executive Director David Gorin. “Having these individual state parks join as members participating in the industry’s association and on our board was the next logical step in strengthening our relationship to better promote all of the commonwealth’s outstanding camping opportunities.”

Claytor Lake (Pulaski County), First Landing (Virginia Beach), Holliday Lake (Appomattox County), Kiptopeke (Northampton County), Natural Tunnel (Scott County) and Westmoreland (Westmoreland County) are the six member state parks.

“Camping is part of a recession resilient outdoor recreation industry that is critical to our struggling economy,” said DCR State Park Director Joe Elton. “I personally believe it is essential that public and private campgrounds work collaboratively to promote their mutual goals and the value of camping.”

Increased promotion of all Virginia campgrounds is expected to be a result of this partnership. Joint appearances at Camping and Recreational Vehicle shows and marketing national camping events like the Great American Backyard Campout held each June are examples. State park staff will also explore taking their nature and history programming from their parks to nearby private campgrounds.

The Virginia Campground Association represents 76 campgrounds across the state. You can find more information on the association and private camping opportunities at www.virginiacampgrounds.org. For more information on Virginia’s 35 award-winning state parks go to www.virginiastateparks.gov.