Virginia’s state parks continued their return to normalcy Thursday with the announcement that reservations are once again being accepted at cabins and lodges.
Reservations for overnight stays are once again being accepted for cabins and lodges at Virginia state parks. The reopening comes with two notable changes in operations to ensure visitor safety related to the preventable spread of COVID-19: the discontinuation of linen services and the addition of a 24-hour rest period between bookings.
Linens will no longer be provided. Overnight guests in cabins and lodges will need to bring their own linens including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, washcloths, shower mats, kitchen towels and dishcloths.
Parks officials arrived at the decision to cease linen services to eliminate the possible exposure of COVID-19 to guests, staff and third-party laundry facility personnel from soiled linens. As an additional precaution, all mattresses and pillows have been fitted with special coverings that will be sanitized as part of enhanced cleaning protocols between guest stays.
Further, reservations are being scheduled with one vacant day between check-outs and check-ins to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19. A 24-hour rest period between check-outs and check-ins allows airborne particles time to settle onto stabilizable surfaces to be sanitized and provides additional protection to housekeepers.
These changes have no effect on camping cabins or yurts. For additional information on cabin operations, visit VirginiaStateParks.gov/covid-19-update-cabins.
Reservations may be made by calling 800-933-PARK (7275). Staff is working at capacity, and wait times will be longer than usual. Reservations can also be made faster through ReserveAmerica.com.
Before their visit, all park guests are encouraged to review the latest information on available recreational opportunities and park closures at VirginiaStateParks.gov/covid-19-update.
