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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Ready, Set, Cook-off

By Amy AtwoodPosted February 26, 2016

 

Every once in a while our parks plan an event so unique that you need to make plans early to participate. You are invited to be a part of our weekend long inaugural Campsite Cook-off at Douthat State Park in September 2016.

This is no ordinary cook-off and it will put our creativity to the test.

Campfire cooking is one of the highlights of camping at Douthat State Park
Ready, set, cook at the Campsite Cook-off

What makes this cook-off any different from the chili cook-offs that are held every year in every community? Actually there are several things that make this one different. This is how it works:

1) The Campsite Cook-Off registration fee is not only an entry fee but also includes two nights of camping in Whispering Pines Campground and includes all the meat you will be cooking for this challenge. That is right, all the meat will be provided by Douthat S.P.E.E.D (State Park Environmental Education).

2) You will not know what type of meat you will be given to create your own prize winning dish until the contest begins. You will have to bring your own spices and secret ingredients to make it your own.

3) Each night, Friday and Saturday, teams will be given the meat to prepare overnight; tastings will follow the next day.

Although the date of the event is September 16-18, 2016 registration opens on March 1, 2016. Space is limited (22 registered contestants) so don’t wait! There is a $120 registration fee.

Fall is one of the best times to visit Douthat State Park
Fall colors make it a great destination for a family trip

There will be over $1,000 in cash and prizes awarded. Live music will be available throughout the weekend for both participants and spectators to enjoy. To register or for the rules and regulations, please call the park at (540) 862-8114.

Douthat has 32 cabins and three lodges available for rentThe cabins at Douthat State Park are cozy and relaxing

Spectators are welcome to join in the fun (and maybe even some tasting). Douthat State Park has 32 cabins, three lodges, and four campgrounds. Why not make a weekend of it and stay in one of the campgrounds or cabins located in the park? 

Hurry as registration is limited to just 22 participants and opens March 1, 2016!

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

COMMENTS

Virginia State Parks (March 29, 2016 10:56:14 PM): The rules are not available on line but I will check to see if we can add them.

Kelly (March 29, 2016 09:14:44 PM): Can I view rules on line?

Richard (March 21, 2016 09:08:56 AM): Gonna be hard to do this and Rhythm & Roots :(

Virginia State Parks (March 14, 2016 05:40:35 PM): You have to do all the cooking at a campsite. So you could rent a separate cabin and sleep there but you have to pay the full entry fee and the full cabin rental fee.

Jim (March 14, 2016 04:54:54 PM): Can we enter contest and stay in a cabin?

Virginia State Parks (February 26, 2016 02:50:49 PM): It cannot be used for the $120 registration fee. It is a package deal that is part of a fundraiser so we can't divide out the camping fees from the registration fee. You can camp in one of the other campgrounds or stay in a cabin and use loyalty points.

peter (February 26, 2016 02:46:33 PM): can we use our points to book that weekend for the contest?

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