Hungry Mother State Park Virginia (VA) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Hungry Mother State Park is an ideal spot for RV camping, offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational activities. The park’s name has a fascinating origin, rooted in local folklore about a woman named Molly Marley who got lost in the wilderness while escaping from Native American captors. The only words her rescuers could understand from her exhausted cry were “Hungry Mother.” Today, the park stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

The park’s most striking feature is its 108-acre lake, which was formed by a hydroelectric dam in the 1930s. The dam’s construction created a stunning body of water surrounded by lush forests and picturesque mountain vistas. The park’s diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Hungry Mother State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Hungry Mother State Park.

RV Rentals in Hungry Mother State Park

Transportation

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When planning a trip to Hungry Mother State Park visitors have several transportation options available. The park is easily accessible by private vehicle with multiple entrances located along Route 16 and Route 614. RV renters should be aware of the park’s restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 40 feet for RVs and trailers. Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s shuttle service which operates during the peak season and provides transportation to various points of interest within the park.

Hungry Mother State Park offers limited parking options for RVs. There are no designated RV parking areas throughout the park and overnight parking is not allowed outside of designated campsites. It’s recommended to camp with an RV in the park and use alternative transportation methods for exploring such as biking or hiking.

Hungry Mother State Park provides public transportation options for getting around the park. There are shuttle buses available during peak season as well as walking paths for those who prefer to explore on foot.

Top Campsites in Hungry Mother State Park

1. Tipp’s Point Campground
Tipp’s Point Campground is the most popular reservation-only campsite within Hungry Mother State Park. Located on the eastern shore of the lake it offers 91 sites including 50 full hookups and 41 water and electric hookups. The campground is pet-friendly and open year-round. Activities include hiking fishing boating and swimming. Amenities include restrooms with showers a dump station picnic tables and fire rings. RVs and trailers up to 60 feet are permitted.

2. Elephant Rock Nature Park Campground
Elephant Rock Nature Park Campground is another popular reservation-only campsite near Hungry Mother State Park. Located just a few miles south of the park it offers 50 sites including 30 full hookups and 20 water and electric hookups. The campground is pet-friendly and open year-round. Activities include hiking fishing and wildlife viewing. Amenities include restrooms with showers a dump station picnic tables and fire rings. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

3. Cedar Cove Marina & Resort
Cedar Cove Marina & Resort is a popular reservation-only campsite located on the southeastern shore of  Hungry Mother. It offers 60 sites including 50 full hookups and 10 water and electric hookups. The campground is pet-friendly and open year-round. Activities include boating fishing swimming and hiking. Amenities include restrooms with showers a laundry facility a marina with boat rentals and a restaurant. RVs and trailers up to 60 feet are permitted.

4. Lake Murray RV Park
Lake Murray RV Park is a popular reservation-only campsite located on the western shore of the lake. It offers 50 sites including 30 full hookups and 20 water and electric hookups. The campground is pet-friendly and open year-round. Activities include fishing boating and swimming. Amenities include restrooms with showers a laundry facility a boat ramp and a convenience store. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

If you’re planning a trip to Hungry Mother State Park and looking for the best campsites that require reservations check out these top 4 options

Hungry Mother State Park Campground

This is the most popular campsite within the park offering 106 campsites and accommodating RVs up to 32 feet long. It’s open from March through November and amenities include hot showers flush toilets and a camp store. Pets are welcome and activities include hiking biking fishing and swimming in the park’s lake.

Woodsmoke Campground

Located just a few miles from the park Woodsmoke offers 100 campsites and can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet long. It’s open year-round and features amenities like a swimming pool playground and laundry facilities. Pets are welcome and activities include mini-golf fishing and hayrides.

Mount Rogers Campground

This campground is located about 30 minutes from the park and offers 35 campsites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet long. It’s open from May through October and features amenities like hot showers flush toilets and a camp store. Pets are welcome and activities include hiking fishing and horseback riding.

Fort Chiswell RV Park

Located about 45 minutes from the park this RV park offers 100 full hookup sites and can accommodate RVs up to 70 feet long. It’s open year-round and features amenities like a swimming pool hot tub and laundry facilities. Pets are welcome and activities include fishing mini-golf and basketball.

If you’re looking for first-come-first-served campsites in Hungry Mother State Park here are 3 options

Camp Burson

This campground offers 15 tent-only campsites on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s open from April through October and features amenities like picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. Pets are welcome and activities include hiking fishing and swimming.

Fall Creek Campground

This campground offers 10 primitive campsites on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s open from May through October and features amenities like picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. Pets are welcome and activities include hiking fishing and swimming.

Molly’s Knob Campground

This campground offers 6 primitive campsites on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s open year-round and features amenities like picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. Pets are welcome and activities include hiking fishing and wildlife viewing.

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If the campsites inside Hungry Mother State Park are full here are some alternative camping options nearby

Private Campgrounds – There are several private campgrounds in the area including Woodsmoke Campground Fort Chiswell RV Park and Mountain Lake Campground. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities and accommodations including full hookup sites cabins and tent sites.
Backcountry Camping – If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience consider backcountry camping in the nearby Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Permits are required and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. Activities include hiking backpacking and horseback riding.
Cabin Rentals – If you’re looking for a more comfortable camping experience consider renting a cabin in the area. There are several options available including cabins at Woodsmoke Campground Mountain Lake Lodge and Fairwood Farms Bed & Breakfast.

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Hiking Trails
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Hungry Mother State Park is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts with over 17 miles of scenic trails. The most popular trail is the Molly’s Knob Trail a 3.2-mile hike that offers breathtaking views of the park’s lake and surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located near the park’s campground making it easily accessible for RV campers.

Fishing
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The park’s 108-acre lake is a popular destination for fishing with a variety of species including bass catfish and trout. The park offers boat rentals or visitors can fish from the shore. The best fishing spots are near the dam and along the lake’s many coves.

Biking
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Hungry Mother State Park has over 10 miles of mountain biking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The most popular trail is the Lake Trail a 5.7-mile loop that offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding forest. The trailhead is located near the park’s beach area.

Swimming
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The park’s sandy beach area is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers lifeguard services during peak hours. The beach area also has picnic tables and grills making it the perfect spot for a family outing.

Paddleboarding and Kayaking
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The park’s calm lake is ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Visitors can rent paddleboards and kayaks from the park’s boathouse or bring their own. The best spots for paddleboarding and kayaking are along the lake’s many coves where visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Season-specific experiences in Hungry Mother State Park

Alternative Activities
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Sightseeing

Hungry Mother State Park offers many scenic overlooks and viewpoints that are perfect for sightseeing. The most popular spot is the Molly’s Knob Overlook which offers panoramic views of the park’s lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park’s winding roads.

Nature Watching

The park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer bears and birds. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the park’s trails or visit the park’s nature center to learn more about the local wildlife.

Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities

The park’s scenic beauty makes it the perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos. Some of the best spots include the Molly’s Knob Overlook the park’s beach area and the many picturesque bridges and waterfalls along the park’s trails.

Picnicking

The park has many picnic areas with tables and grills making it the perfect spot for a family outing. Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the park’s scenic beauty.

Campfire Programs

The park offers many campfire programs including ranger-led talks and movies under the stars. These programs are a great way to learn more about the park’s history and natural beauty.

Spring at Hungry Mother State Park is a magical time with an abundance of recreational activities for RV campers. One popular activity is hiking the Molly’s Knob Trail which offers breathtaking views of the park’s lush greenery and blooming wildflowers. The trailhead can be found near the campground making it easily accessible for campers.

Another must-visit spot is the Hungry Mother Lake where campers can rent paddleboats or kayaks to explore the tranquil waters. The lake is surrounded by picturesque mountains creating a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation.

For history buffs the park’s historic cabins are a must-see. These rustic cabins were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and offer a unique glimpse into the past. They are located near the park’s entrance and can be reached by foot or car.

Nature lovers will enjoy the park’s bird watching opportunities. During the spring many migratory birds pass through the area making it the perfect time to spot species like the scarlet tanager and the rose-breasted grosbeak. The park’s bird watching trail can be found near the campground.

Lastly campers can take part in the park’s annual Spring Wildflower Festival which features guided hikes workshops and educational programs about the park’s flora and fauna. The festival is held in late April and is a great way to learn about the park’s natural beauty.

Summer is the perfect time to visit Hungry Mother State Park for RV campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors. One popular activity is swimming at the park’s beach which offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The beach is located near the campground and features a designated swimming area as well as a snack bar and picnic tables.

Another must-do summer activity is fishing in the park’s Hungry Mother Lake. The lake is stocked with trout bass and other fish species making it a great spot for anglers of all skill levels. Boat rentals are available for those who want to explore the lake’s deeper waters.

For campers looking for a challenge the park’s 10-mile long hiking trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult but the breathtaking scenery is well worth the effort.

The park’s amphitheater hosts a variety of events during the summer months including concerts movies and educational programs. Campers can check the park’s event calendar for a list of upcoming activities.

Lastly the park’s annual 4th of July celebration is a must-see for campers. The event features live music food vendors and a spectacular fireworks display over the lake.

Fall is a fantastic time to visit Hungry Mother State Park for RV campers who love outdoor recreation and exploring historical sites. Here are five activities that are popular during this season

Hiking

With over 17 miles of trails Hungry Mother State Park offers hikers a chance to explore the beautiful fall foliage and enjoy the crisp autumn air. The Molly’s Knob Trail is a favorite among visitors offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Location

Trails are located throughout the park.

Fishing

The park’s 108-acre lake is stocked with trout bass and catfish making it a popular spot for fishing. The fall season is an excellent time to catch fish as they feed more actively before the winter.

Location

Hungry Mother Lake

Visiting the Historic Area

The park’s historic area features a restored 1930s-era CCC camp which offers visitors a glimpse into the past. The area also includes a museum and a visitor center with exhibits on the park’s history and natural resources.

Location

Near the park’s entrance

Birdwatching

Hungry Mother State Park is home to a variety of bird species including hawks owls and woodpeckers. The fall migration season is an excellent time to spot these birds as they pass through the park.

Location

Throughout the park

Geocaching

This modern-day treasure hunt is a fun way to explore the park and its surroundings. Visitors can use GPS devices to find hidden caches and learn more about the park’s history and natural resources.

Location

Throughout the park

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