Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

Camp Burson Campground, near Marion, Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a mix of comfort and adventure. The campground offers spacious sites that are perfect for tents, RVs, and even cabins, making it a versatile choice for all types of campers.

You'll find clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms and showers, which visitors have praised for their cleanliness. Many campers have highlighted the friendly staff and camp hosts, who go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. One visitor noted, “The real stars were the camp hosts, The Viles. The sweetest couple. So friendly and helpful.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Hungry Mother State Park is a treasure trove of activities. Hiking trails start right near the campground, leading you through beautiful landscapes and offering stunning views. Plus, the lake is just a short drive away, perfect for fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water.

While some campers mentioned that the sites are a bit close together, the overall atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly. With amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and easy access to nature, Camp Burson is a solid choice for a memorable camping experience. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained and relaxed.

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Some designated sites in this park have site specific reservations available. Site specific designated campsites may be occupied by site specific reservations only. These sites are available for a one night stay after 4:00 p.m., if they are not tagged.

The renter is responsible for any damages or excess cleaning created during their visit. The renter agrees to being charged the full cost to cover such damages and / or excess cleaning. A letter will be mailed giving details of the damages / cleaning and break down of the cost involved to rectify the problem. Should a credit card be on file, it will be charged. If not, an invoice will be included with the letter for immediate payment.

Guarded lake swimming is generally available at the designated swimming beach during scheduled hours between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. One day of swimming is free for each night reserved for overnight guests. During this time period the weather and other issues beyond our control may reduce the availability of guarded swimming. No refunds will be given if guarded swimming is not available. Outside of guarded swimming times, park guests may swim at the designated beach within marked areas. Swimmers using these areas do so at their own risk. Swimming anywhere else in the park at any time is prohibited.

Reservations only guarantee the facility or site being rented. Programs and park amenities may be cancelled or closed for various reasons and do not constitute a refund.

Pursuant to the Code of Virginia, all open fires (including wood and charcoal) are prohibited between February 15 and April 30 annually (except between the hours of 4PM to midnight). Camping stoves that are self-contained are permitted (ex. Coleman Stove). We have received permission from the Department of Forestry to allow open fires between midnight and 4 p.m. in our campgrounds if we have a camphost. Failure to observe the burning law could result in a fine of up to $500.00.

As part of your trip planning, before you arrive at the park, check out our events database to see the programs scheduled at your park. You can find the database here: http://bit.ly/vspevents. The events are sometimes added as late as the start of the month they will occur, so check back right before you leave. Another way to keep in touch with programs and offerings is to subscribe to our weekly enewsletter. It takes just a few minutes to sign up here: http://bit.ly/vspenews. You can also follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/virginiastateparks) and Twitter (@VAStateParks).

Campers cannot be assured of access to reserved sites before 4 p.m. on their arrival date, but early check-in is often available. Camping check-out is 1 p.m. Generators are not permitted in the campgrounds.

Cabin/Lodge/Camping Cabin/Camping Lodge/Trailer/Yurt check in time is 4:00 p.m. Check out is 10:00 a.m.

State law prohibits state employees from accepting gratuities. If you are so inclined, you may direct gifts or donations to: The State Park Projects Fund, c/o The Department of Conservation and Recreation, 600 E. Main St., 16th Floor; Richmond, VA 23219. These funds will be used for the development, maintenance, and operation of Virginia State Parks.

Customer satisfaction is a priority with State Parks and our Reservation Center. Please feel free to call the Operations Director, Nancy Heltman, with your compliments or concerns regarding your treatment by our staff. Nancy can be reached at 1-800-933-7275 (786-5057 if local Richmond). For changes to your reservation, please call 1-800-933-7275 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Please tell us what you think. Fill out our online survey for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate and other prizes in our monthly drawing. http://bit.ly/surveyvsp

Virginia State Parks offer numerous opportunities for volunteers. If you are interested, please contact vspvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov.

Cancellations must be made by calling the Park or Customer Service Center by the day prior to your reservation. Cancellations can also be made online for most sites. If you choose to cancel your reservation, the reservation service fee will not be refunded and, once a reservation is paid for, a cancellation fee will be charged. Depending on the facility and/or the length of the advance notice, this fee may be a significant portion of the amount paid. Cancellation fees are as follows:

Standard campsites (up to 6 occupants): $10 per reservation, includes horse stalls.

Group campsites (sites that allow 7 or more occupants): $30 per reservation

Camping Cabins: $10 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $10 per night within the last 30 days.

Yurts and Bunkhouses: $30 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last month.

Cabins and Kiptopeke's EW Yurt: $30 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last 90 days.

Lodges: $60 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $60 per night with the last 90 days.

Picnic Shelters: $10 up to 14 days prior to the start of the reservation, no refund within 14 days of the scheduled arrival.

Please verify cancellation fees for other facilities on our website before making your reservation. Once the official check-in time is reached or after a customer checks in (whichever comes first), any reduced stay constitutes an early departure. For camping there is a one night penalty for early departure. For cabin stays, there is a $30 per night penalty ($60 per lodge night) for early departure and the two night minimum is enforced regardless. Due to the week discount for cabins, reducing the stay down from a week will result in a higher nightly fee.

Transfers can be handled by the Customer Service Center or online (most sites). For cabins, lodges, yurts, camping cabins, and bunkhouses, transfers can be requested up until 4 days prior to your reservation start date. Camping transfers can be handled up until the day prior to check-in. Shelter transfers can be handled up until the day before your reservation, or the last day the Customer Service Center is open before your arrival. All transfers are free, but different seasons and sites may incur additional fees.

Our parks are strictly enforcing honor parking rules. To avoid any inconvenience, overnight guests who arrive when the contact station or office is closed are asked to register promptly the next day so park staff will not ticket your vehicle(s) in error. Campers and cabin guests are allowed two vehicles per site. Additional vehicles and visitors are subject to the daily parking fee. If you receive a parking ticket in error, please be sure to report the error to park staff immediately so the ticket can be canceled before it is processed.

Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter. Functionally speaking, it's a cross between a tent and a cabin. Hungry Mother has one yurt in the Camp Burson campground. The yurt has a large wooden deck with outdoor rocking chairs, a picnic table, lantern post and a fire ring with cooking grate. Parking for two vehicles allowed. Those with additional vehicles must pay a daily parking fee and park in the overflow area of the campground .

Notice for Campers and Cabin Guests:

We're hiring! dcr.virginia.gov/jobs

Linens are not provided, so guests will need to bring their own sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, washcloths and dish towels.

Portable showers that do not drain to wastewater storage tanks are prohibited by state law. Collected wastewater must be disposed of properly.

There is a per night per pet fee for cats and dogs in all cabins and lodges (pets are not allowed in the yurts). Customers making reservations via the web are responsible for visiting the park office to pay all applicable pet fees. Customers may also call the reservation center at 800-933-7275 to pay the pet fees in advance.

Play it safe - Leave your firewood at home.

One of the most important things we can do to protect Virginia's trees and forest diversity is to stop moving firewood. New infestations of tree-killing insects and diseases are often first found in campgrounds and parks. Why? Because people have accidently spread invasive species when they brought firewood along with them. In Virginia, there are numerous counties under quarantines issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to an invasive insect pest or disease. These quarantines restrict the movement of firewood or wood by products from certain tree species. For more information on areas under quarantine, go to http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/firewood-quarantine. Virginia State Parks recommends that you do not bring firewood from home but buy it at the park or in the parks locality. Any wood brought to the park should be fully burned before leaving.

Late Cabin/Lodge/Yurt/Camping Cabin/Bunkhouse Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.

Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Address

2854 Park Boulevard
Marion, VA 243549323

Coordinates

36.86887698788802 N
81.52540978216233 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 9 users
    Last on 3/8/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 11/19/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 9 users
    Last on 3/8/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 11/19/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the large, level sites and immaculate facilities at this well-maintained state park campground. Numerous guests pointed out friendly staff and excellent lake access, though some noted limited privacy between sites.

Reviewed Oct. 22, 2025

Camp Burson

The road in is steep, winding and has a very sharp turn. I made it with 38' RV with toad. The park is well keep with lots of hiking trails. Beautiful place.

SiteBurson Camp site 15
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2025

Hungry Mother Trails & Lake

Clean sites Stayed in Brunson Site 44 by creek Some shade Water and electricity on sites Main camping is Creekside / tent platforms at Royal Oak All facilities super clean , laundry and lake for a cool dip. Lots of hikes from moderate to 5 mi hard.

SiteBrunson 44
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Michelle J., August 5, 2025
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Michelle J., August 5, 2025
Reviewed May. 26, 2025

Great park!

We spend one night here and had a great time!

Guests and camp hosts were very friendly would definitely recomend!

We stayed in site 8 and it was one of the few sites that did not have much shade cover but other wise no complaints! Bathrooms were clean and maintained!

Site8
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Shane T., May 26, 2025
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Shane T., May 26, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2024

Awesome experience

We absolutely loved Camp Burson at Hungry Mother. The camp was clean and friendly. The spaces were somewhat close together, but they were large, so it didn’t bother us. There was a hiking spot just across the road, a camp store with ice and firewood, and a nice bath house with flush toilets and showers. The beach was a short drive away. The staff there was very nice and the beach was well maintained. The real stars were the camp hosts, The Viles. The sweetest couple. So friendly and helpful. They made our stay so much better. Highly recommend this campground. If there was a playground here, it would be 5 stars. There was one by the beach, but not within walking distance.

Site41
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Kelsey R., June 8, 2024
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Kelsey R., June 8, 2024
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Kelsey R., June 8, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Feb. 14, 2024

Espectacular

I wonderful place for fishing and hiking. The lake is beautiful and the Camp is clean and quiet. We love it.

Site24
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2023

Wonderful hiking

We had unseasonably warm temperatures in October. Fall colors were just past peak. Our site was clean, spacious, level. Easily accommodated our 25 foot RV. Trails started close to our site and were just beautiful. Bath house was ok. There is a washer and dryer available. Plenty of grass for the pups to enjoy.

Site12
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Rosa J., November 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Rosa J., November 1, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2023

Out in the woods, beautiful ride in!

We just spent the night, did not get to use any of the facilities. Beautiful ride in, drove by so many deer on the side of the road. Very clean, well organized, sites are almost level on their own. Not a lot of privacy, but plenty of room. We will have to come back and spend more time.

Site51
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2023

Very easy

Easily accessible with a large RV. Has multiple pull through sites, bath house and laundry close by. We were there during off season so some of the park was closed and they collected payment through honor system. We did some great hikes and walked around the beach area which was very nice. Would love to revisit during warmer months.

Site28
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Casey L., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Casey L., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Casey L., February 16, 2023
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2022

Hungry Mother SP is great!

Camp Burson is a nice campground with large sites. The other campground, Creekside, is nice and secluded but no sewer hookups and road in is narrow for large rigs. The town of Marion has what you need and nearby towns, like Saltville, with its museum, are fun to explore.

SiteB29
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Ron W., October 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Ron W., October 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Ron W., October 22, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2022

Beautiful State Park with Lots to Do

This was our first visit to a Virginia State Park and we were impressed. The campground was really nice as our site was very long, had a huge patio, was level, and water and electric were well-placed. Our site (#43) was on the end of a row with our patio facing a hillside next to a stream that made for a very pleasant rushing water sound. The weather was great for the first few days of our visit so we made the most of being outside and exploring the park. We went for a few hikes which offered great views of the surrounding mountains, gave Spirit plenty of time to swim in the lake, and I paddle boarded around the lake. 

The park itself is over 3,334 acres and packed with recreational opportunities with the centerpiece being Hungry Mother Lake. There is a swim beach, boat launch, hiking trails, restaurant, boat rentals, fishing piers, convention center, nature center, and plenty of camping. The campgrounds are divided into three sections– Creekside, Burston and Royal Oak. All campsites in the Creekside section are reservable while only some in other sections are reservable. The Burston Campground has the largest sites and offers some full hook-up sites and water and electric sites (50 amp) with pull thrus and back-ins. Sites are level and can fit big rigs but the only problem we had were that some of the trees need to be trimmed back and scratched the upper sides of our coach. The Royal Oak section is for tents only (no hookups are provided) and has really cool wooden pads that give you the feeling of hanging over the hillside. 

The restrooms and shower house were very new and really clean. Each shower is in an individual room which makes for nice privacy. There is a laundry with two washers and two dryers costing $1.50/load. Also located here is a dish washing station with two big deep sinks and hot and cold water. There is free wifi at your site that worked fairly well and we were able to get about six over the air antenna television stations (albeit none were from major networks).

Site43
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Nancy W., September 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Nancy W., September 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Nancy W., September 29, 2022
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2022

4.4 stars

This full hookup section of the park looks like just an rv park at first glance, but once you pull in it is different. The sites are clean and spacious (except for the row of pull through sites in the middle, which have less space), the grass is green and soft, and everything is in excellent order. Our site was very large and well situated, though not shaded or private. The park staff were suoer friendly. All of the campers were nice, classy folks who seemed to have been here before. There were lots of kids riding around on bikes having fun. The creek was right next to our site, and the boys enjoyed playing in it. The trail around the lake leaves right from the campground at the dam, which is really pretty. It's a mile and a half to the beach, which has nice sand but not the clearest water. The trails and grounds are very nice and have some good history. There are lots of family activities and programs. Overall, a very nice place to camp.

Site31
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Greg S., July 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Greg S., July 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park by Greg S., July 16, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 25, 2021

Nice sites, clean bathrooms

We stayed here overnight on the way to see family. The sites are a good size, very level and easy to access. The bathhouse was immaculate. Easy trail access. Nearby road is a bit noisy because you are in a valley and the sound reverberates but fortunately the traffic is not too heavy. Not a lot of tree cover to provide privacy in the sites.

Site34
Month of VisitDecember

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Camp Burson Campground located within Hungry Mother State Park?

Camp Burson Campground is located in a separate section of Hungry Mother State Park, situated in a valley area. It's easily accessible with well-maintained roads leading to the campground. The campground sits near a creek with hiking trails just across the road. Camp Burson is somewhat distinct from the main camping area (Creekside), offering a more developed camping experience while still providing access to the park's natural features, including the lake and multiple trail systems. The location offers beautiful scenery with hills surrounding the valley.

How do I make camping reservations at Camp Burson?

Reservations for Camp Burson Campground can be made through the Virginia State Parks reservation system online or by phone. During the main season, advance reservations are recommended as the campground can fill up, especially for the popular pull-through and creek-side sites. In the off-season, the park sometimes operates on an honor system for payment. The campground offers both water/electric sites and full hookup options. For the best experience, specify your preferences when booking, such as shaded sites or locations near the creek.

Is there a map available for Camp Burson Campground?

Yes, maps for Camp Burson Campground are available. While at the park, you can obtain physical maps at the camp store or from park staff. The map will show the campground layout, including the various site numbers (such as sites #8, #43, and #44 which are mentioned by campers), the locations of amenities like the bathhouse and laundry facilities, and access points to nearby trails. For planning purposes, check the Virginia State Parks website for downloadable maps of Hungry Mother State Park that include the Camp Burson section.

Are there cabins available at or near Camp Burson Campground?

While Camp Burson itself is primarily an RV and tent campground with no cabins directly within this section, Hungry Mother State Park does offer cabin accommodations in other areas of the park. These cabins provide an alternative lodging option for visitors who prefer more amenities than traditional camping. The cabins are separate from the Camp Burson area, so you would need to check availability and make specific reservations for these facilities through the Virginia State Parks reservation system.