Douthat and Fairy Stone State Parks have reopened 29 cabins to the public after completing the first phase of their nearly three-year renovation project.

The two Southwest Virginia parks were part of the state’s original six, which means their log and cinder block cabins were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and 1950s.

Civilian Conservation Corps 1936

Given the age of the cabins, making improvements to ensure guest safety and structural longevity was a top priority. Another important part of the renovations was preserving the structures’ historic character while incorporating modern touches, which PMA Architecture, the firm that won the project bid, accomplished in every cabin.

“We are so excited to welcome guests into these refurbished CCC-era and 1950s cabins which offer 21st-century conveniences with all of the charm and historic character of the originals.” said Visitor Services Director Nancy Heltman.

Douthat State Park

While constructing Douthat State Park, the CCC tested different cabin designs and floor plans, which means each of the park’s CCC log cabins, now more than 80 years old, is truly unique.

Ten of the original log cabins and five cinder block cabins were renovated in phase 1 of the project. Work included:

• Repairing and rehabilitating exterior and interior walls (log cabins)
• Updating exterior cladding and interior finishing (cinder block cabins)
• Upgrading kitchens and installing new stainless steel appliances
• Upgrading bathrooms
• Replacing windows
• Upgrading plumbing, HVAC and electrical
• Replacing furniture

Renovated Log Cabin

The cabins also received new roofs, complete with composite shakes. They were designed to look like the original cedar shakes installed by the CCC in the 1930s and will reduce the need to replace the roofs as frequently.

The composite shakes will last more than 50 years, while the cedar shakes have a lifespan of 15 years. They are also more resistant to mold and moss and will hold up better against harsh conditions.

Park Manager Adam Bresnehan spearheaded this sustainable roofing initiative and received the Virginia Green Travel Alliance’s Green Travel Star Award for his work. These awards are presented annually to the state’s greenest tourism operators and partners for their commitments to sustainability and contributions to green tourism in Virginia.

Green Travel Star Award

“We worked hard to source sustainable materials for this project,” said Heltman. “So, we are proud to be recognized for our sustainability efforts and are a proud supporter of the Virginia Green Travel Alliance.”

Phase 2, currently in progress, is scheduled for completion in May 2024 and includes the remaining 15 log cabins. After phase 2, Douthat Lodge, another CCC structure, will receive updates.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to preserve these historically significant cabins at Douthat State Park, which will continue to foster new and lasting experiences for our visitors,” said Bresnehan.

Log Cabin Living Room

Fairy Stone State Park

Fairy Stone State Park, the largest of the original six state parks, opened in 1936. During phase 1 of renovations, crews overhauled seven log and seven cinder block cabins, including:

• Repairing and rehabilitating exterior and interior walls (log cabins)
• Updating exterior cladding and interior finishing (cinder block cabins)
• Upgrading kitchens and installing new stainless steel appliances
• Upgrading bathrooms
• Replacing roofs and windows
• Upgrading plumbing, HVAC and electrical
• Replacing furniture

Cinder Block Cabin Living Room

While all 14 cabins received significant upgrades, Cabin 1, one of the park’s most popular lakefront cabins, had the biggest transformation. It was converted into an ADA cabin, making it the only ADA-compliant log cabin at Fairy Stone. This required changing the bathroom and kitchen layouts and building an elevated sidewalk leading to the front porch and entry door. In addition, the porch is now covered, allowing guests to enjoy their view of the lake, rain or shine.

Exterior of Cabin 1

“We are extremely excited about the cabin renovation project here at Fairy Stone, and while this has been a major undertaking, the results so far prove the value of this project,” said Park Manager Adam Layman. “The restoration of our cabins will help maintain them for future generations while greatly improving our guests’ experience. Maintaining the historic charm of our cabins was a priority, and blending that with more modern amenities has really made our cabins special. We’re excited for guests to see the upgrades.”

Phase 2 of the Fairy Stone cabin renovation project, which includes two log and nine cinder block cabins, is underway. Work is expected to be completed by May 2024.

Log Cabin Queen Bed

What the guests are saying

“My wife and I have been coming to Douthat for over 30 years and usually twice a year. We are absolutely thrilled with the cabin renovations. Our deepest appreciation to the leadership of the Virginia State Parks and the decision-makers in the state government that budgeted the renovation. Likewise, hats off to the design and implementation team and the contractors. The quality of design, workmanship, materials and furnishings are outstanding. Douthat is something the state and its citizens should be very proud to have.”

“Cabin was gorgeous! We rented this cabin in 1982, and the makeover is phenomenal. Thank you for the great renovation. Douthat is such a beautiful park to visit.”

“The renovated cabin was amazing! It had everything we needed for our stay at Fairy Stone!”

“The refurbished Cabin 1 at Fairy Stone was amazing. We thought it struck a pretty good balance between rustic charm and modern amenities.”

Book now 

Experience the renovated cabins for yourself! Make reservations at reservevaparks.com for cabins and other rental options at Douthat and Fairy Stone State Parks.