Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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As I sat near the spillway at Douthat State Park, watching the water cascading over the dam and listening to the bullfrogs croaking I couldn't help but think "Wow, look at what $3 can buy you at this fantastic Virginia State Park."

Kids playing in the creek below the spillway at Douthat State Park

There is nothing quite as fun as playing in the creek on a warm day

The ultimate eco experience

Being a Mom, when I say eco I mean "economic" of course. The economic value found at a Virginia State Park is immense. I have read complaints on Trip Advisor about the parks nickel and diming you and cannot understand those comments. When I pass through the gate at Douthat State Park and pay the parking fee of $3, or $4 (price for the weekend) I am then free to enjoy the whole park at my leisure. If I choose to use the swimming beach, then I will pay an additional charge per swimmer (which pays for the lifeguards hired to help keep an eye out on the kids), so I gladly pay that. 

Midweek wonder

I wonder how many people have yet to understand the incredible beauty and solitude found at a Virginia State Park midweek? While on the weekends the park may play host to occasional events like fishing tournaments, mountain bike races,  and car shows, on a weekday you can have the place virtually to yourselves.

And for just $1 you get even more bang for your buck!

What $4 can buy you

If you want to spend an additional dollar and go on a weekend, as we also like to go on weekends when we can, since our work and school schedules may not permit weekday visits, for just $4 you can get the same plus more. Many weekends offer family friendly events like ranger led hikes and nature programs, so you can search the parks event database here for a specific park or event, or all parks and all events. The majority of these events are free, and included in your parking pass fee.

Life's a picnic

There are three great picnic areas at Douthat State Park for you to choose from:

  1. Camp Malone which is closest to the dam and spillway
  2. Camp Carson which is below the dam and spillway, and gives you creek frontage
  3. Camp Douthat which is woodsy and located on the hillside above the lake

Click here for a park facilities map.

Park Fees

You can see the park fees for all Virginia State Parks for camping, boat launches, swimming and more here. Douthat State Park is just $3 for a midweek day parking pass, and $4 for a weekend-day/holiday parking pass which is good for up to 8 passengers (and this is the same price for out-of-state visitors).

Click any image for a better view

This spot is just a few feet from the Lakeview Restaurant and leads you along the shore to the dam and spillway at Douthat State Park Virginia

Follow this trail from the Douthat Lakeview Restaurant along the shore

Douthat State Park Virginia has some lovely places to take in the scenery around the lake - this bench, bridge, and fishing pier are along the CCC trail

There are some lovely places to take in the scenery around the lake

Springtime is a fabulous time of year to visit a Virginia State Park

Springtime is a fabulous time of year to visit Virginia State Parks

Playground at picnic area with view of spillway and dam at Douthat State Park Virginia

Camp Malone picnic area is the perfect place for the whole family

Camp Malone picnic area provides tables and charcoal grills at no extra charge at Douthat State Park Virginia

The park provides picnic tables and charcoal grills at no extra charge

The Spillway below the dam at Douthat State Park is the kids only fishing area

The historic dam and spillway are beautiful year-round

Father helping son trout fish in the kids only fishing area near the spillway at Douthat State Park Virginia

Bonding time as father helps son trout fish at the kids' only fishing area

As I was completing this article an email comes into my inbox boasting a great deal of $4176 for a guided tour for two to visit Munich and Venice. There was also a huge deal being offered for a family to visit an Anaheim Theme Park. I almost laughed out loud when I read back over what I had wrote, what you get for $3 at Douthat State Park, and that $3 would be considered a lousy tip to any one of the umpteen people you need to tip on a trip like that. Thank you for keeping it real Virginia State Parks, 

Virginia State Parks is my theme park

With 36 Virginia State Parks to choose from, I hope you can pack up a picnic and the ones you love and visit your favorite Virginia State Park soon.

 

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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