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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You are invited to the inaugural Campsite Cook-off in September

By Amy AtwoodPosted August 18, 2016

 

Can you smell that? It is the succulent smoky scent of meat grilling over an open flame wafting through Whispering Pines Campground at Douthat State Park.

Ok, so it’s still a little early to smell those smells but it isn’t too early to make plans to attend the inaugural Campsite Cook-off on September 16-18, 2016. A fun weekend of barbeque, live music and even locally brewed beer if you want.

Chicken grilled over a campfire Each day participants will be given different meat to cook for the cook-off

Cooking over a campfire is part of the camping experience
Campfires are an integral part to the Virginia State Parks camping experience

This Campsite Cook-off is a bit different than most since the cooks won’t know what type of meat they will be cooking until they arrive. Each night, Friday and Saturday, teams will be given the meat to prepare overnight and tasting will be the following day.

You won't want to miss this as spectators will be able to walk to each campsite (team) and partake of samples Saturday and Sunday. If it just whets your whistle and you crave more bbq, there will be more bbq available for purchase.

Entertainment includes live music by Michael Armstrong, Chad Nickell & The Loose Change, and Faded Travelers. Devils Backbone Brewing Company will be at the event on Saturday.

There is a $5 fee to enter the campground but no parking fee at the gate for those attending the event. Not that there will be a re-entry to the event, so if someone leaves the event they will have to pay to return. 

The final judging of the competition will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, that’s when the prizes will be awarded. The brewery will only be here for Saturday.

Come on and enjoy the campfire.
You just can't beat a good campfire

You are invited to be a spectator at Douthat State Park's inaugural Campsite Cook-off on September 16-18, 2016, and sample some of the winning plates. Directions to the park can be found here.

Click here to for cabin or campground reservations, or call 800-933-PARK.

Thank you so much to our sponsors: Shawn Simmons AGLA Advisors, Boxley, Devils Backbone, US. Foods, Jenfab, Inc. Jackson River Community Credit Union, Dr. Aubrey Hall, Cucci’s Pizzeria. 

PARKS
Douthat State Park
CATEGORIES
Camping  |  Community  |  Get Outside  |  Kids  |  Volunteer Opportunities
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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 (August 31, 2016 09:41:05 AM): Cherie - You might try contacting the park at 540-862-8100. Ask for Katie Gibson.

Cherie Evans (August 30, 2016 04:35:10 PM): I do line dancing as an instructor. Would there be a need for such class there. I would like to be a spectator at the cook-off.

Virginia State Parks (August 30, 2016 04:30:11 PM): Come on down! Check the article for details on parking and fees for the event.

Cathy Carter-Hughes (August 30, 2016 04:26:11 PM): Would like to attend and be a spectator along with sister Cheryl.

Virginia State Parks (August 18, 2016 04:31:52 PM): On Friday and Sunday, guests will be allowed to park at Whispering Pines. Due to the alcohol permit and limited parking, Sat's parking will be at Immanuel Baptist Church with shuttles available. There will be signage to the area. So $5 per person every time you enter the Whispering Pines campground for the event.

Richard (August 18, 2016 02:56:18 PM): Are you saying there will parking available at the gate to Whispering Pines loop?

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