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GENERAL INFO: The Outside Family Vacation Guide named Virginia’s Douthat State Park one of the nation's 10 best. The park, which straddles Bath and Alleghany counties, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Douthat is one of the original six Virginia State Parks that opened June 15, 1936. It's nestled in the Allegheny Mountains and features some of Virginia’s most outstanding scenery. In addition, a 50-acre lake offers swimming, boating and seasonal trout fishing. |
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LOCATION: From I-64, take Exit 27 near 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. Drive Time : Northern Virginia, four hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, five hours; Richmond, three hours; Roanoke, one hour Directions: From Interstate 64 and Interstate 81 North of Lexington: Follow I-81 south to exit 56 and exit 191 onto I-64 west (signed, Clifton Forge). Follow I-64 west to exit 27, turn right onto Route 629. The park entrance is four miles farther; guest registration is another two miles. Register at the green-roofed building on right. Drive time from Lexington is 35 minutes. From Interstate 81 South of Roanoke: Follow I-81 north to exit 150B (signed, 220 North, Clifton Forge). Bear right onto U.S. 11 south, then turn right at first light onto U.S. 220 north. Follow U.S. 220 north. After passing through Iron Gate, take the first exit to the right (signed, Covington). Once on the three-lane road (Exxon on your right), continue under the interstate. This road becomes Route 629, which leads into the park. Its entrance is four miles farther; guest registration is another two miles. Register at the green-roofed building on right. Drive time from the intersection of I-81 and 220 north is 55 minutes. From U.S. 460 East or West of Roanoke: Follow U.S. 460 to U.S. 220 alternate, turn north at light. Stay on U.S. 220 north through Iron Gate. After passing through Iron Gate, take the first exit to the right (signed, Covington). Once on the three-lane road (Exxon on your right), continue under the interstate. This road becomes Route 629, which leads into the park. Its entrance is four miles farther; guest registration is another two miles. Register at the green-roofed building on right. Drive time from intersection of U.S. 460 and 220 Alternate intersection is 65 minutes. From U.S. 220 South of Roanoke: Follow U.S. 220 north to the Roy L. Webber Expressway. Follow the expressway to Interstate 581 north. Follow I-581 north to intersection I-81, exit right onto I-81 north. From here, follow I-81 north to exit 150B (signed, 220 North, Clifton Forge). Bear right onto U.S. 11 south, then turn right at first light onto U.S. 220 north. Follow U.S. 220 north . After passing through Iron Gate, take the first exit to the right (signed, Covington). Once on the three-lane road (Exxon on your right), continue under the interstate. This road becomes Route 629, which leads into the park. Its entrance is four miles farther; guest registration is another two miles. Register at the green-roofed building on right. Click here for a Google map. PARK MAP: Click here for a map depicting the park's facilities. Click here for a map of the park's trails. Both require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing or printing. OVERNIGHT FACILITIES: Cabins, camping, one group camping site in Beaver Dam Campground (maximum 24 people), Creasey Lodge, Douthat Lodge. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees. Click here for details on reservation cancellation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for overnight stays. CABINS: Warning: Three new overnight facilities - a two-bedroom cabin, three-bedroom cabin and six-bedroom lodge - are being built across from cabins 17-21. Construction will be from 8 a.m. until dusk Monday through Friday and occasionally on Saturday and Sunday. Those with cabins 12-31 should expect construction traffic from May 4, 2009, through June 2010. We apologize for the inconvenience. All weekly rentals begin on Saturday or Sunday. No cabins have a view of water. Note: You must have with you either your reservation number(s) or your 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. Camping and cabin guests should be prepared to show a valid ID if requested. Cabins have:
Total sites of each type: One-room log efficiency: 5; one-bedroom log: 13; two-bedroom log: 7; two-bedroom frame: 5; six-bedroom Douthat Main Lodge: 1; five-bedroom Creasey Lodge: 1 Site type:
Total: 32 Douthat State Park Lodges (two)
Douthat Main Lodge (atop mountain): Six-bedroom, rents Saturday - Saturday This log lodge overlooks the park. It was built by the CCC. It accommodates 13 or 15 with rental of two cots. There are six bedrooms: one double bed, one double bed, one double bed, four twin beds, two twin beds and one twin bed.
Creasey Lodge (bottom of mountain); Five-bedroom, rents Sunday - Sunday (fully handicapped accessible) This one story woodframe lodge is next to the park office. It accommodates up to 18 guests. No cot rentals are available here. There are five bedrooms: one double bed, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds
CAMPING: Douthat is well-known for its delightful, inviting campsites. Some offering a splendid view of placid Douthat Lake. (Note: Because of freezing weather, water is unavailable at individual campsites in March and November. As hot water is still available in the bathhouse, camping fees are not reduced.)
Total sites of each type: A StdLake, 19; B EW Beaver Dam and C EW White Oak, 55 Site type: StdLake - Various equipment. No hookups. Bathhouse and showers. Water faucets through campground. Lakeside Campground (A). B EW Beaverdam and C EW Whiteoak - Various equipment. Electric and water sites. Bathhouse and showers. Beaver Dam Campground (B) and White Oak Campground (C). No sewer hook-ups available, but there is a dump station in each campground. Total sites: 74 BuddyStd: Beaver Dam Campground (B) - Group camping Site type: BuddyStd. Group camp; no hookups. Flat gravel pads with four grills and four picnic tables. Tents only. Maximum of 24 people and six cars. There is a $30 fee for cancelling a group camping reservation. Total sites: 1 SWIMMING: Memorial Day to Labor Day - The beach area, complete with bathhouse and concession, is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Click here for park fees. In the summer, swimming is free for overnight guests in campsites, cabins and lodges, however it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances. TRAILS: Hiking, no bridle trails (no horses allowed), bicycle trails (mountain bikes only). There are more than 40 miles of wooded hiking trails to choose from throughout the year, ranging from easy to difficult. Many park trails are open to mountain bikers, however hikers have the right-of-way. Stop in at the park office for a trail map for hiking and mountain biking. FISHING, BOATING: Fishing - The 50-acre Douthat Lake and adjoining Wilson Creek are stocked regularly with trout on a seasonal basis. A valid Virginia fishing license is required in addition to a trout license or daily permit depending on the season. Contact the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for licenses and/or additional information at (804) 367-1000. No fishing is allowed anywhere in the park during the five days prior to the first Saturday in April. Special seasonal regulations apply at Douthat Lake. Those 16 and older (in-state) or 12 and older (out of state) need a valid Virginia fishing license. In addition, a Virginia Trout license or daily fishing permit is required, depending on the season. There is a daily creel limit of six trout with a seven inch minimum. One pole per person allowed, separate stringers required. Fishing hours are posted at the park. Anyone planning to fish will need a valid Virginia fishing license. In addition, the following rules may apply, depending on when the person will be fishing. Licenses and permits are available at the camp store.
Special fishing rules applying to children:
Call (434) 525-FISH to hear a recorded message listing the trout stocking activity by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Licenses and regulations are administered by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, (804) 367-1000. Boating: The boathouse is open from the first Saturday in April through the end of October. Jonboats with and without electric motors, canoes, paddleboats, hydrobikes and funyaks are available for rent during that time. A boat launch ramp is available for guests with their own non-gasoline powered boat. No launching fee is charged, but boats must be moored in designated areas. Year-round boat storage is also available from the park for a fee. No gas powered equipment is allowed on the lake. ATTENTION: Clean plant debris, insects and mollusks (snails) from your boat and accessories before arriving at the park. Invasive species harm the lake by out-competing native species. Your vigilance ensures a quality fishing and recreational experience for you and future users of the park’s waters. HUNTING: Click here to learn about this park's hunting opportunities. PARKS CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs. VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP: Located in the main office. NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS: Programs are offered seven days a week from mid-June through Labor Day and on weekends only in April, May, September and October. Offerings include guided hikes, canoe tours, children's programs, crafts, lectures and much more. For details, click here or call the park. Educational outreach program: During the school year, park staff members host environmental education programs in the park. They also visit schools in the six counties surrounding the park. Call (540) 862-8114 if you'd like to schedule such a school visit. Outreach opportunities are also available to scout groups, 4-H groups, civic organizations, church groups, senior groups and others. Each week during the summer season, the park offers Saturday Evening Showcase. The event may feature musical groups, magic acts or guest speakers. To help make the park's goal of establishing an environmental education center a reality or to learn about the park's friends group, visit the Douthat State Park Environmental Education Group's website. Easter weekend activities and Earth Day in April. The Douthat Lake Run Car Show is in May. National Trails Day in June. Fourth of July activities, and Arts and Crafts Fair in July. Labor Day Weekend and Odyssey Off-Road Ironman in September. Apple Day and Haunted Forest in October. Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: None. To help make the park's goal of establishing an environmental education center a reality, contact Douthat State Park Environmental Education Group. NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Within an hour's drive of Douthat State Park you will find: Alleghany County: Visit the Arts and Crafts Center, the Historic Stonewall Theater and the C&O Historical Society Archives in the Railroad Museum in downtown Clifton Forge. Further west is Virginia’s oldest standing covered bridge on Rt. 60, west of Covington. Travel Rt. 220, north of Covington and find Falling Springs, described by Thomas Jefferson as a "remarkable cascade . . . falling over a rock about 200 feet to the valley below." Bath County: Visit the Garth Newel Music Center, the Warm Springs Baths and the Bath County Historical Society Museum. Bath County is the home of The Homestead, a National Historic Landmark covering 15,000 acres. Horseback riding, skeet shooting, golfing and many other activities abound. Lexington: The home of Natural Bridge, one of the seven natural wonders of the world! While visiting Natural Bridge, be sure to tour the wax museum and factory. Nearby is the Natural Bridge Zoo. Lexington is also home to the Virginia Military Institute, Washington and Lee University, the Lime Kiln Outdoor Theater and the Virginia Horse Center. Civil War history abounds throughout this historic town. Staunton: Take a trip back in time and visit the Museum of American Frontier Culture. Also visit Woodrow Wilson's birthplace and historic Mary Baldwin College. Country and gospel music fans won't want to miss the Statler Brothers Museum complex. Also be sure to visit the museum of renowned artist P. Buckley Moss. Take in a fresh, energetic approach to Shakespeare at the Shendandoah Shakespeare Blackfriars Playhouse. Roanoke: While in Roanoke, visit the Science Museum, Center in the Square, the Planetarium, the Museum of Transportation, the Explore Park and the market area in downtown Roanoke. Also be sure to tour the Dixie Caverns. White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.: The Greenbrier, nestled in 6,500 acres of the Alleghany Mountains, features golf, tennis, horseback riding, mineral baths and spacious accommodations. PICNIC SHELTERS: Douthat has three picnic areas with shelters, grills and restroom facilities. All picnic areas available on a first-come, first-served basis with the exception of the shelters, which must be reserved by calling the Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK. Douthat State Park Picnic Shelters Three shelters are available for rent. Parking and swimming fees are not included in the shelter rental fee. Click here for park fees. Shelters can be rented from 8 a.m. to dark (all day). Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee. Camp Douthat Shelter 1: Large shelter can accommodate 100 people under the shelter and approximately 200 additional people around it. Has electric hookup and two fireplaces with both ends of the shelter closed in. Three horseshoe pits available (bring your own horseshoes). Water spigot and hiking trails close by. Camp Carson Shelter 2: Large shelter can accommodate 70 people under the shelter. Restroom is handicapped accessible via ramp approximately 100 feet from shelter. No electricity, but water is available. Horse shoe pit available (bring your own horseshoes). Hiking trails and playground nearby. Camp Malone Shelter 3: Small shelter can accommodate 50 people under the shelter (other picnic tables are not close to shelter area). Overlooks dam area and lake. Access to restrooms. Water spigot close by. Two horseshoe pits available (bring your own horseshoes). Hiking trails and playground nearby. Electricity is available. Amphitheater: Douthat's amphitheater is nestled on a point by Douthat Lake. Its bench seating accommodates up to 125 with room for blankets and lawn chairs. Electricity is available, and the facility may be rented for weddings, performances, etc., by calling the park office at (540) 862-8100. The cost is $100 per day.
CONCESSIONS: Douthat has a camp store next to Lakeview Restaurant and a concession at the beach. Concessions operate from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. They have a snack bar and rental facility for boats, floats and mountain bikes. LAUNDRY: Ten minutes from the park on Rt. 60 toward Clifton Forge. RESTAURANT: Douthat Lake View Restaurant, an original CCC facility, is a full-service restaurant that overlooks the lake and has recently been renovated. It features a glass enclosed porch overlooking the lake, and central heat and air. The restaurant is open on weekends only from Easter through Memorial Day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturdays and Sundays for brunch, lunch and dinner from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Labor Day through October, the restaurant is open weekends only: It's open Saturdays for brunch, lunch and dinner, and on Sundays for brunch and lunch. The restaurant is available year-round for special catering needs. Adjacent to the restaurant is a camp store with convenience items, camping goods and fishing necessities. It's open from the first Saturday in April through October 31. Operating hours are 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. unless posted otherwise. The gift shop, located in the main office complex, opens at 8 a.m. each morning and closes when the park office closes. The shop offers gifts, crafts, books and clothing for your selection. HISTORY: Douthat was one of six state parks planned by the Commonwealth in the early 1930s. The initial 1,920 acres of the present-day park was donated by the Douthat Land Company, a consortium of Virginia businessmen. The rest of the land was purchased with a portion of the $50,000 in funds allocated by the General Assembly in 1933 for park land acquisition. The establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of the emergency Conservation Works by President Roosevelt in 1933 provided the means for development of the parks. An estimated 600 men lived and worked at the three camps responsible for building Douthat's facilities. Between 1933 and 1942, these men cleared trails, built a dam and spillway, cabins, a guest lodge, a restaurant, an information center, superintendent's residence, swimming beach, picnic areas and maintenance building, hinges, as well as hand-wrought iron hardware, light fixtures and door and shutter latches. The built and natural features of the park have remained virtually unchanged since construction. In 1986, the 50th anniversary of Douthat State Park and the Virginia State Park System, Douthat was recognized as a Nationally Registered Historic District. In 1998, Douthat won the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association award for best operated and maintained dam for its Douthat Lake Dam. In 1999, Douthat received the Centennial Medallion from the American Society of Landscape Architects. |
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