Virginia State Parks hosted a star-spangled holiday weekend with increases over last year in visitation and revenue.
Despite intermittent rainy weather in some parts of Virginia, attendance increased by 74,816, a 36% increase over last year’s holiday weekend.
Overall revenue for the weekend was up 43%, with increases in cabin rentals, swimming fees, merchandise sales and nearly every other category of visitor spending.
“We’re really pleased,” said State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “It was a great weekend despite sporadic rain events throughout the state. The weekend of the 4th is our traditional mid-point to the summer season, and guests took advantage of the many recreational opportunities available in their state parks to include fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking and mountain biking to name a few.”
Overall attendance is up 16% in 2016.
“More than half of our operating budget, 56%, comes directly from revenue—money spent in state parks stays in state parks,” Seaver said. “We hosted 280,273 visitors over the four-day weekend this year, up from 205,457 last year. State Parks continue to be a popular choice for outdoor recreation opportunities.”
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 make a reservation for one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 cabins, call the Customer Service Center at (800) 933-7275 or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
