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Submission
Cabins
To camp at Douthat State Park you must have with you either your reservation number(s) or confirmation letter at check-in. If you've arranged for someone else to check in for you, make sure that person has your reservation number as the number is needed to enter the cabin. All cabins are pet-friendly; there is a fee per pet per night. Camping and cabin guests should be prepared to show a valid ID if requested. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m.
Camping
Douthat is known for delightful, inviting campsites and makes great camping near Richmond. Some offer a splendid view of Douthat Lake. Camping is available year-round in Whispering Pines campground. (Note: Water is unavailable at individual campsites from November through March because of freezing weather. As hot water is still available in the bathhouse, camping fees are not reduced.) The campgrounds are pet-friendly. Generators may not be used in any campgrounds.
Lodges
Please note that the cancellation fee for Douthat Main Lodge, Creasey Lodge and Beard's Mountain Lodge is higher than it is for cabins.
Douthat Lodge (atop mountain): Six-bedroom, rents Saturday - Saturday
This log lodge overlooks the park. It was built by the CCC. It sleeps 13 and allows 15. There are six bedrooms: one queen bed, one queen bed, one queen bed, four twin beds, two twin beds and one twin bed. It has a fireplace, two bathrooms, a washer and a dryer.
Creasey Lodge (behind park's main office). Five-bedroom. Weekly rentals start on Friday when a week-long stay is required. Fully universally accessible.
This one story wood-frame lodge is next to the park office. It accommodates up to 18 guests. There are five bedrooms: one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds. It has a fireplace and three bathrooms.
Beards Mountain Lodge: Six-bedroom, maximum occupancy is 16. Weekly rentals start on Sunday when a week-long stay is required.
This frame-built facility is midway up the mountain and is universally accessible. It accommodates up to 16 guests. There are three bathrooms and six-bedrooms; queen, queen, two twins, two twins, two bunk beds, two bunk beds.
From I-64, take Exit 27 in Clifton Forge. Turn North onto State Route 629 (highway at exit ramp). Travel north three miles to the park entrance sign and another two miles to the park office.
We just got back from our first time visiting Douthat State Park.
Upon arriving, we stopped at the guest check-in to pickup our reservation confirmation and other park info.
The desk attendant was friendly and helpful.
When I asked her about certain trail details, she highlighted the trails on a map as she showed them to me.
When I asked about elevation details, she showed me another map with elevation info.
We talked about our different Appalachian Trail exposure and experience.
From the check-in, we went to our campsite.
We tented in White Oak Campground.
We were able to get on site before 4:00pm, which may explain the noise around our campsite, as they were mowing and weed-eating.
We set up our tent and electric supply.
The bathhouse was very clean, as was the whole campground.
We, and, possibly one other, were the only tent campers in White Oak Campground.
During our stay, rv's of various types and sizes were definitely the majority.
The campground was extremely quiet at night.
Campers had fires, went to shower, etc. and then I could not even hear other campers conversing from their campsites; very quiet, tranquil, and peaceful.
We hiked around Douthat Lake our first day in after setting up.
It was a nice, leisurely walk.
The grounds were clean; we enjoyed the sights.
The next day we hiked from White Oak Campground up Tobacco House Ridge Trail to Blue Suck Falls Trail, and on to Tuscarora Overlook.
It was 8.37 miles with 2,049 elevation gain according to my stats.
Blue Suck Falls had a little water flow. It was a nice spot to rest, sitting on the rock chair.
Tuscarora Overlook was worth the trek. The view was tranquil.
We hiked back the way we came and were glad to be back at our campsite.
We enjoyed showers and grilled hotdogs.
We definitely look forward to coming back and have already reserved a cabin for October.
Douthat State Park is a lovely park.
Stayed in one of the refurbished cabins that was built in the late 1930s. The cabin was small but nicely furnished and equipped. Outside was a fire pit, grill, and picnic table. The cabins are not too close to each other. Boating on the lake was fun. There's also plenty of hiking opportunities or times to just relax and do nothing. The camp store is well equipped and the cheese sticks were fantastic - homemade, not frozen. Everyone we met was friendly. Brought our dog along as well. Dogs are welcome with a $10 add on fee.
Kitchen had pots and pans, silverware, glasses, plates, a pitcher, microwave, full oven/stove, full size refrigerator, coffee maker, casserole dishes, and mixing bowls. No dishwasher 😊
If you like firm mattresses you'll love these. If not, bring a mattress topper.
Bathroom has a nice shower, sink, and of course toilet. Nice hot water. Took four showers in a row and still had hot water.
Fireplace in living area.
Camped three nights. Park is another Virginia gem. I have a pretty high bar for parks and this one does not disappoint. The lake is beautiful, the grounds are well kept, and the camp store was very well stocked. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the trails but will need to schedule more time.
Beautifully tucked away in the mountains and forest. Campground I stayed in was quiet, bathrooms and showers cleaned daily. Would recommend to anyone wanting a nice park to stay in, and trails to hike in the mountains. Also pet friendly! A+A+A+
5 STARS X TWO = EXCELLENT STATE PARK!
Douthat State Park is clean, user-friendly, peaceful, and beautiful! The trails are well marked and inviting. While we didn't fish the lake, other folks were pulling stringers up filled with trout and other types of fish. The lakefront has easy access, and the kids and / or the dogs can wade at the edge without standing in the weeds.
Douthat is by far our favorite Virginia State Park yet, and we can hardly wait to go back and explore more.
We 💗 Douthat State Park!
