Camp Burson Campground Review (Hungry Mother State Park Campground)

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If you’re looking for a family-friendly camping spot in Virginia, Camp Burson Campground at Hungry Mother State Park is a solid choice—especially for families traveling with kids, campers, or pop-up trailers.

In the summer of 2024, we took our dog and four kids on a popup camping adventure. We started in South Carolina and worked out way up to Virginia, before heading back home to the Midwest.

Where Is Camp Burson Campground?

Camp Burson is one of the campground loops inside Hungry Mother State Park, located near Marion, Virginia.

How far is Camp Burson from Hungry Mother State Park?

Camp Burson is inside the park itself, so you’re already in the heart of the action. Most main attractions—like the lake, beach, and visitor areas—are just a short drive (about 5–10 minutes) from the campground.

Our Experience at Camp Burson Campground

We gave Camp Burson 4 out of 5 stars, and here’s why.

Campsites: Spacious but Close Together

The campsites are:

• Large enough for families, even with a camper setup
• Slightly close together, but not uncomfortably so, thanks to the extra space at each site

For a family with kids running around, the layout worked well and didn’t feel cramped.

Cleanliness & Facilities

One of the standout features was how well the campground is maintained.

• Clean campground overall
• Bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers
• Easy access to essentials

Everything felt well-kept, which makes a big difference when camping with kids.

Camp Burson Campground Hookups (What to Expect)

One thing that makes Camp Burson Campground at Hungry Mother State Park stand out is that it offers a mix of hookup options depending on your site.

Full Hookups (Electric, Water, Sewer)

• About 30 sites have full hookups (EWS: electric, water, sewer)
• These are ideal for RV campers who want a more convenient setup
• 20, 30, and 50-amp electric service is available

Electric + Water Only Sites

• Around 20 sites offer electric and water only (no sewer)
• These work great for:
  • Pop-up campers
  • Smaller trailers
  • Families who don’t mind using the dump station

Dump Station

• A dump station is available within the park for sites without sewer hookups

What This Means for Your Trip

If you’re booking Camp Burson, it’s important to check your specific site type when reserving.

• Want convenience? → Look for full hookup (EWS) sites
• Traveling lighter (like we were with a pop-up)? → Electric/water sites work just fine

For our stay at Site 41 with a pop-up camper, the electric hookup was easy to use and reliable.

Camp Store & Convenience

There’s a camp store nearby where you can grab:

• Ice
• Firewood
• Basic camping supplies

It’s convenient without needing to leave the park, which is a big win for families.

Things to Do Nearby

Hiking

There’s a trailhead right across the road from Camp Burson, making it easy to get outdoors without loading everyone into the car, which is important when hiking with kids.

Beach Area

The lake and beach area at Hungry Mother State Park is a highlight:

• Short drive from Camp Burson
• Well-maintained beach
• Family-friendly swimming area

There’s also a playground at the beach, which kids will love—but it’s not within walking distance from the campground.

Thrift Stores and Coffee Shops

If you’re like us, we like to head into town and check out local thrift stores and coffee shops. You’re only about 10 minutes from town, which is great if you’re camping far from home or need to stock up fresh groceries.

Camp Hosts: A Huge Highlight

One of the best parts of our stay was the camp hosts, The Viles.

They were:

• Extremely friendly
• Helpful and welcoming
• A big part of what made the stay memorable

Great camp hosts can make or break a trip, and they definitely made this one better.

What Could Be Better?

The main downside:

• No playground within the campground loop

For families with younger kids, having a playground within walking distance would easily push this campground to a 5-star experience.

Who Camp Burson Campground Is Best For

This campground is a great fit for:

• Families with kids
• Tent campers and pop-up campers
• Anyone who wants easy access to hiking and a lake
• Campers who don’t mind a short drive to main attractions

Is Camp Burson Worth It?

Yes—Camp Burson Campground at Hungry Mother State Park is absolutely worth visiting, especially for families.

You get:

• Clean facilities
• Spacious sites
• Easy access to hiking and the lake
• A welcoming campground atmosphere

While it’s missing a playground in the immediate campground area, the overall experience is still strong—and one we’d gladly repeat.