Douthat State Park

Douthat State Park is beautiful! We thoroughly enjoyed our time there on New Year’s Day. While we weren’t able to join any of the planned First Hikes, we enjoyed walking around the lake, dam, amphitheater area, as well as other parts of the park.

Cabins from 1930s were updated recently and had most things needed for a stay. Modern amenities like centralized heating and AC, but no dishwasher, washing machine etc. But then it is a cabin and quite comfortable otherwise. No wifi or cellular services except at the camp store. The 2 bedroom is just about a good size for 3 people since the rooms are very small. One bedroom had a chest of drawers but not the other, but this seemed cabin specific. Good hiking trails starting next to the cabin, and beach for swimming. The water was very clear but the lake was low on fish at this time of the year. Most things like boat rentals shut at 5 even though they were supposed to be open till 6. The park is dog friendly. The camp store carried many things (we forgot foil and marshmallows), but the Kroger which is just a 15 minutes drive at Clifton forge is very convenient. Other than some road work happening right next to our cabin when we were trying to have a bbq at 6PM, it was a relaxing unplugged vacation. Cabins 10, 12 are quite secluded compared to other cabins, 1-9 are close to the lake but next to a road with traffic.

We REALLY ENJOYED our stay at Douthat!!! The park was amazing. Plenty of hiking trails. They were marked so clearly that we as beginners were able to navigate. Our cabin was so quiet and peaceful. Completely unplugged, no phone service and no wifi. (Unless near camp store) All of the staff we met were so friendly and helpful! We absolutely loved it here and will be back!!!

Very pretty place. Not crowded in the picnic areas, but the lakefront campground looked full. Will definitely go back.

This is a great park. We stopped overnight on the way from DC to KY. It’s not too far off of I-64 and it’s a very pretty drive. There are three campgrounds in the park, and we chose the Lakeside location. All sites are either waterfront or with a view of the small lake. The only site available when we booked was #19, which we feel is pretty nice. Very level, next to bath house (but not noisy) and directly facing the lake from passenger side. There are lots of trails in the park, and we walked the Blue Heron trail down to the dam and back. The bath house was extremely clean and well maintained, with good water pressure and very hot water. Each site has electric and water. Since there are only 19 sites, no problem dumping on the way out the next morning. Only downside was absolutely zero reception with T-Mobile.