The porch faced the woods from this 2 bedroom *CCC built cabin and that suited us just fine as we sipped our morning coffee and watched the rain gently fall, we contemplated the stories this cabin could tell from its 80 years working for Virginia State Parks.

Sitting in rockers in front of the dramatic stripes from the hand hewn log walls and white chinking with the rough rock porch beneath our feet, this cabin was our new home for the week and we didn't mind at all.

We were privileged to begin the day right here in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia

Master Bedroom has a queen bed and the second bedroom had one bunk bed with a tall-boy dresser

We move the table when it is just us or the whole family to suit our needs then move it back when we leave. There's plenty of space to play games and enjoy the living room.

About

This cabin was near the end of a loop (cabin 13 was at the end) and provided plenty of privacy and that great outdoors experience you want from a rustic CCC built cabin. We could tell it had recently been refurbished and the housekeeping staff did a fantastic job cleaning it for our check in. The cabin sleeps four. Boat launching is free for overnight guests. During prime season, a day of life-guarded beach swimming per night's stay is free to overnight guests (in other words you get to swim every day in the summer unless it rains, which is did to us). 

Highlights

The kitchen was extra great in this CCC cabin with newer enclosed cabinets, range hood, coffee maker, full sized fridge, stove with large oven, pots pans and cutlery. It also had a window that opened with screen to open for airflow while cooking. The only drawback was the microwave was in the living room on a stand, but we worked with it. We were happy to have a microwave.

Updated conveniences to prepare meals in this kitchen, and with the microwave in the living room we had that coveted counter space available.

Extra kitcheny tidbits

Because people are always asking about the kitchens in the cabins and what comes with a cabin when you reserve it? I took some extra time to photograph some of the things that were in this cabin for guests to use. This is not the same at every cabin at every park, but this is what I can show you from cabin 14 at Douthat State Park. 

Newer cabinets with a 2 slice toaster, coffee maker (bring your own filters), cups and glasses for 6 people. We used this cabinet as a pantry.

Cutlery drawer with steak knives and can opener

These things are at your disposal to whip up some great meals

What else?

All linens and one set of towels per person. There is one bathroom with a shower and sink with lower cabinet and medicine chest mirror. A towel holder/rack. A fireplace and first bundle of firewood. A picnic table, fire pit and pedestal grill. Two rockers on the porch with coffee table. Parking for two vehicles. You can ride your bike to the beach but will have a hill coming back up (so I wouldn't recommend it for younger kids).

How to reserve this cabin

To make a reservation for this or any other Virginia State Park cabin you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Cabin fees and seasons can be found here (PDF), and you can click here for more information about the cabins at this park. 

Total cabins of each type: One-room log efficiency: 5; one-bedroom log: 13; two-bedroom log: 7; two-bedroom cinderblock with cedar siding: 5; two-bedroom frame: 1; three-bedroom frame: 1; six-bedroom Douthat Lodge: 1; six-bedroom Beards Mountain Lodge: 1; five-bedroom Creasey Lodge: 1. Total cabins: 35

The living room, dining room and bedroom furniture are all new for 2016

A great place to start or end the day or sit and watch the rain fall outside the cabin

Overview

Would I rent this cabin again? Absolutely.

You can learn more about "everybody's favorite" Douthat State Park here, it is just a one hour drive from Roanoke, or three hours from Richmond. Be sure to take time to explore Clifton-Forge while you are there, it is just 8 miles away and it is a real Highlands treasure.

*CCC stands for Civilian Conservation Corps (more about that here)