Lake Anna State Park cabins open next month, but campground delayed until next spring

By RUSTY DENNEN

Date published: 6/8/2005

Tucked under the trees near the water at Lake Anna State Park are eight brand-new cabins that will be open for rentals beginning July 1.

The two- and three-bedroom cottages--built with some of the proceeds of a 2002 statewide bond issue--have all the amenities of home, including air-conditioning, fireplaces and even their own boat docks.

"I saw a report from the reservation center last week and there are about 10 reservations already," Doug Graham, manager of the park in Spotsylvania County, said yesterday.

Historically, cabins have been among the most sought-after spots in Virginia's parks. Some, such as the ones in Westmoreland State Park near Montross, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, bringing back loyal renters year after year. On choice weekends, cabins at many parks are often rented months in advance.

Rental rates are standard: For example, during the prime season--Memorial Day through Labor Day--a two-bedroom cabin rents for about $617 a week.

The Lake Anna cabins--the first at the park--were supposed to have been available last summer. But construction delays, combined with a lack of money to operate and maintain the cabins, deferred their opening.

Two other new cabins intended for rental are being used to store things such as linens and supplies.

Also, a camping loop, which was to have opened this season, is expected to open next spring, Graham said. Outside contractors are being used to do the construction work, but park staffers will likely pitch in this winter to help move the project along, he said.

There will be 54 camp sites--half with water and electricity--six rustic camping cabins, two bathhouses with showers, and a dump station. Graham said he's not sure when campsites will be available on the park reservation system.

The cabins and campground are major improvements to the park, which has been open for daytime-use only since it opened in 1983.

Voters in 2002 overwhelmingly approved the $119 million bond issue for improvements to the 44 state parks and natural areas.

According to Gary Waugh, spokesman for the Department of Conservation and Recreation, 21 major projects are ongoing in 13 state parks.

Date published: 6/8/2005