We spent 2 nights at the Camp Burson campground in Hungry Mother park for a little R&R. Check-in was quick, as we had reservations. We had a packet waiting for us, and proceeded to pick our on site after checking in. As mentioned before, this is the only one of the campgrounds in Hungry Mother with full hookups. There are 49 sites. There are eight pull through sites that are paved. The rest of the sites are gravel. It appears that the pull through sites were at one time two sites each, as they appear to be about 100 ft long, and have connections at each end. Some of the gravel sites have very nice pads with plenty of room for an extra tent and screened room. A few of the sites are a little more rustic. There are six sites with only water and electric hookups. They are expanding the grounds, and it looks like they are adding about 15 more sites. Included in the camping price is access to the park and the lake beach. The bathhouse is clean and functional, but way outdated. Most of the park is very shaded, and the trees are trimmed back for access. We found the free WiFi to be a pleasant surprise. It is provided by Friends of Hungry Mother Park. The campground was very crowded and almost full on Saturday night. On Sunday night there were only 8 campers in the park, including the hosts. We will stay there again for our quick getaways. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Hungry Mother State Park is located about 3 miles north of Marion, VA on the shores of Hungry Mother Lake and has four separate camping areas. Section A is located just outside the entrance to the park on Park Road (Highway 16) with gravel roads and campsites. The sites are suitable for medium size RVs and tents. The entrance drops sharply for about three feet and large RVs can drag their frame or landing gear as they enter or leave this section. Being right along Park Road can be noisy depending on the traffic. Sites are level and have water and 30 amp electric service. Section B is about 0.5 miles into the park with paved roads which are very narrow. Only about three sites are suitable for large RVs. There are several other pull-thru sites which are long enough to accommodate my 33’ fifthwheel but they curve around trees and other obstructions and I would hesitate to try and navigate into these sites. Sites are level and have water and 30 amp electric service. Section C is near Section B and contains only tent sites but they are some of the nicest I have seen. Each site has a large wooden platform that can accommodate the largest tents. These platforms are level and provide excellent drainage when it is raining. If you want to stay in one of these sections, you must check in at the Discovery Center (Park Office). Camp Burson is the fourth section and it is located about 1.3 miles from the entrance to the park, just downstream from the dam. It used to be a private RV park, Hungry Mother Family Campground, and was purchased by the Virginia Parks, upgraded and expanded, and can accommodate the largest RVs along with their vehicles. It has a small laundry and free Wi-Fi which provides a signal almost to the edge of this section. Most of the sites in this section have 50 and 30 amp electric, water, and sewer. The other sites have only water and 30 amp electric. Additional sites are being added to meet the demand for campsites at this park. All camper have access to the park and a very nice sandy beach. The beach includes a diving platform in deep water with both a 1 meter and 3 meter diving board. A boat dock near the beach offers paddleboat, canoe, and kayak rentals at a reasonable price. Rental cabins are also available and a restaurant is located in the park. The park contains over a dozen miles of trails. There is also a boat ramp that provides access to the lake but boat engines are either banned or limited to a small size. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Hungry Mother is an old park and shows it. The rest room facilities were old and run down, and as clean as they could be in their condition. Fortunately, a new building was under construction when we were there. The sites with sewer hook ups are outside of the main park, in a former private campground, which appears to be undergoing some level of remodeling. The Water/Electric sites are very close together with little privacy with the sites right on Hungry Mother Creek the nicest. Very large rigs (more than 35') are not allowed on the park road--for good reason. It is narrow with lots of sharp turns. All things considered we probably wouldn't stay here again. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
We have stayed here many times this summer. We spend more time in Camp Burson which is outside the park. It is connected to the rest of the park by trails and the road. Camp Burson is as far away from the lake and other amenities as the B campground in the park. One advantage Camp Burson has over the B loop is that it has a swingset. We will stay here many more times. We camped here in a Tent Trailer.
We stayed at Camp Burson, just outside of the main park area. Nice campground although the pull through sites are not exactly pull throughs. These are double sites and you can end up being back to back with other campers. Very friendly, helpful staff and campground hosts. The only drawback is the 1 mile drive into the park but after you get there there is plenty to do with a beach swimming area on the lake. Paddleboats, kayaks and fishing boats available for rent. Several hiking trails along the lake and beautiful scenery make for a nice get away. We will go back. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
We stayed in Camp Burson, which is on the main park road just before you reach the park entrance. Of 100 sites, 16 are hard-surface pull-throughs and another 30 are back-in onto gravel; the rest are grass. 30 amp service, water and sewer are available. Camping with your pet will cost an additional $3 per night. There is a small laundry room (3 washers and dryers), and the bathrooms are small and basic (2 stalls, 1 shower), but clean and well-supplied. Access to trails around the lake are at the spillway at one end of the campground. All sites were well-shaded and had a picnic table and fire-ring. Entry for swimming in the park's lake is included; there is a very nice sand beach with lifeguards and bathhouses. The park's restaurant was very good both for regular dining and the Sunday buffet lunch. Rentals of bikes, canoes, paddle boats and kayaks are available in the park. Gas/Walmart/fast-food/groceries are just a couple of miles away in the small town of Marion. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Agree with all of the above comments. This is one beautiful park. Please be aware that if you are over 35 feet long(total vehicle(s) length) then you will have some very intense moments maneuvering through the sites. If that kinda thing doesn't bother you, you will be fine but if it does then go to Camp Burson at the spillway. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Review Rating
[ 10 / 10 ]
October 2005
$21
Excellent park. All areas well maintained. Trails offer good opportunity to hike and bike ride (really popular at park). Swimming in the lake available during season - only wildlife (ducks and geese) swimming during visit. Canoe and paddle boat rental available. Did not eat at Restaurant. Had site on the stream (B19) and it was lovely spot. Will return to this Park if in the area. We camped here in a Motorhome.
What an absolutely beautiful park this is – almost pristine. The state of Virginia definitely knows how to take care of their campgrounds. We camped here for five nights in late September, in the “B” loop. There were never more than six other parties on any given night. It was very quiet and peaceful – just the sounds of birds, crickets, and the wind through the trees. Just what the doctor ordered. Though I imagine that on warm fall weekends and during the summer, this place is probably filled and bustling with activity. Though closed during our stay, there are canoe and paddle boat rentals on the lake, a very nice beach with a diving board, a concession stand, and a restaurant on-site. I understand that the restaurant serves a country buffet on the weekends during the off-season, but I’m not sure about their hours during the summer. There are about 30 sites in the “B” loop with a few pull-throughs and a few with long pads to accommodate big rigs. But since specific sites cannot be reserved here, area “A” and “Camp Burson” may be better suited for the big guys. We camped in one of seven sites which backed up to a creek which was very nice. The water level was very low due to recent drought conditions, but when the flow is greater I would think the sound to be very soothing if you like that sort of thing. The pads are level and paved, and though not too thickly wooded, there is still a good measure of privacy to be had. What a great facility this is. If you own a mountain bike, definitely bring it. The ride around the lake is very nice – scenic and well maintained. Though I didn’t do any hiking on this trip, I was told that the hike to “Molly’s Knob” is well worth the effort. There is also a paved walking path which connects the campground to the other areas of the park. Since many folks seem to make an issue out of the bathroom and shower facilities, here’s my review. Yes, the facilities could use some updating, but they were clean. The configuration was a little strange in that if someone was using the urinal, I could have shaken hands with them, (Well, maybe not!) Anyway, for what it lacked in aesthetics was made up with hot water and PLENTY of it. The pressure was high which made for a great shower. My wife went to shower one evening and another lady came in to use the second stall. My wife explains that this lady began moaning – whether it was in pain or pleasure she didn’t immediately know. The other lady eventually commented that it was the “best shower she ever had”. I wouldn't go that far, but it was quite refreshing. I guess the other good thing about Hungry Mother is that the town of Marion, only six miles away, has just about any services you could need. I counted three food stores, a laundromat, fast food joints and other restaurants, auto parts, and yes – even a Wall-Mart. I will definitely return to Hungry Mother at some point in the future. If you’ve never been here, you should give it a try. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
One of Virginia's original state parks built by the CCC. This park features a lake with a lifeguarded beach,canoe and paddleboat rentals, some lighted and paved walking trials through shaded woods covered with mountain laurel. There are two campgrounds, A & B, with water and electric and a separate area for tent camping on wooden platforms without hookups. Campground B features paved roads and pads while Campground A is gravel. There are activities for children and a nice restaurant. The bathroom facilities are clean and adequate but are in need of renovation. We camped here in a camper.