Hungry Mother State Park
Marion, VA
A wooded lake with a sandy swimming beach, boat rentals and a trail up Molly’s Knob, a few miles north of I-81 at Marion. One of Virginia’s six original state parks from 1936, with cabins and campgrounds.
Hungry Mother State Park is a state park of 3,334 acres (about 1,350 hectares) in Smyth County in southwest Virginia, near the town of Marion. Its centerpiece is a 108-acre (44-hectare) lake with a sandy beach. From I-81 (exit 47), drive about a mile on Route 11 toward Marion, then four miles north on Route 16.
The Civilian Conservation Corps built the park in the 1930s, and it opened on June 15, 1936, as one of Virginia’s first six state parks; it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The name comes from a legend: Molly Marley and her child escaped, Molly collapsed on the mountain now called Molly’s Knob (3,270 feet, about 1,000 m), and the child could only say “hungry mother.” It is a legend, not established history.
The park has more than 17 miles (about 27 km) of hiking and biking trails, boat rentals from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and 80 campsites, 25 cabins, a lodge and yurts. Check reservations and the current swimming season before you go.
- Nearest town
- Marion, VA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.8845, -81.5245
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Creekside CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Hungry Mother State ParkTentsCaravans
- Royal Oak CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Hungry Mother State Park · 12 pitchesTents
- Camp BursonCampsite1 mi from Hungry Mother State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking water
- Hurricane CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Hungry Mother State Park · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Comers Rock Recreation AreaCampsite19 mi from Hungry Mother State Park
- Laurel Creek RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Hungry Mother State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hungry Mother State Park?
Hungry Mother State Park is in Marion, VA, at GPS 36.8845, -81.5245. It is about 23 mi from Damascus.
Can you camp near Hungry Mother State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Creekside Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Hungry Mother State Park?
Hungry Mother State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southwest Virginia highlands: Grayson ponies to the Breaks.
What is there to see near Hungry Mother State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Grayson Highlands State Park (17 mi), Abingdon Historic District (28 mi), Breaks Interstate Park (51 mi) and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (52 mi).
When is the best time to visit Hungry Mother State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)