The best camping in Douthat State Park, VA

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Top-rated campgrounds

Stoney Creek Campground

97%
(101)
37mi from Douthat State Park · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Bedford, VA
Learn more about this land: Located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian trail is a small camping area with a bathhouse that includes a toilet and hot shower. A mountain stream rushes through the campground providing a peaceful and tranquil stay. During the months of November through April I can stock the stream with rainbow trout during your stay. Book a stocking through the hipcamp app experiences for a paid extra experience for $55 a day 6 fish limit. Outside enjoy a shady relaxing nap next to the stream. At night enjoy a fire while looking at the stars up above. During the day, explore the Blue Ridge Mountains 5 miles away with very popular hikes and waterfalls. Sharp Top Mt and Flat Top trail heads are 5 miles away. Apple Orchard Falls trailhead 15 minutes away. The James River is 20 minutes away which offers canoeing and kayaking. 5 miles south of the campground is Bedford which has food, shopping and historical attractions. Wineries, orchards and national forest are just minutes away.
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$21
 / night

Ultimate private camping

99%
(97)
9.5mi from Douthat State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hot Springs, VA
Property description: Since Hipcamp called to clarify... we are indeed offering the entire property to only one group at a time. You read that right you can camp anywhere on the property, move around, and feel free to stay multiple nights. This 235.51 acre property has all of the most sought-after characteristics: close to the amenities of Hot Springs and The Homestead resort, total privacy and protection, beautiful trout stream, direct access to hiking and mountain bike trails on the adjoining 3000 acres of National Forest, and a 60-mile sunset view. It offers over 1,000 ft of vertical gain. The property includes a half mile of Cowardin Run. With generally mild winter weather, the property is perfect to experience the magic of the Allegheny Mountains. We offer the same low light level as the International Dark Sky Park in Millboro for excellent astronomy and night-sky viewing. *Note: During business hours construction ongoing at the center of the property as we build a home. *Note: During business hours Environmental Specialist, VDOF or USDA may visit to check in on the forest/structures/habitat. *Note: Game trail cameras in use - they are not hidden and are not for the purpose of video surveillance
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$51
 / night

Thunder BRidge

99%
(685)
27mi from Douthat State Park · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Natural Bridge Station, VA
Starting December 1, or first night below freezing we will be closing down Bath House and only access will be at outhouses. Only sites near outhouses will be open and there will be no access to water. Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. Most of the buildings out front are artist studios (currently for 16 artists). We like to share the camp with others and watch it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky. We want to share our property with those who want to stay for more than one night, so we do not accept inquiries of single night stays.
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$37
 / night

Love Ridge Mountain Lodging

95%
(52)
43mi from Douthat State Park · 24 sites · Tents, Lodging · Lyndhurst, VA
Love Ridge Mountain Lodging--NEAR SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARKExperience the beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. Take a dip at nearby Sherando Lake and stop in to some of the many local food and craft beverage hotspots. Then retreat to your own mountain cabin or campsite.Situated at 2,800 feet in the hamlet of Love, Virginia, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging borders the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 16. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat to the mountains or a jumping off point for exploring central Virginia, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging is the perfect choice.CABINSIndulge in a romantic getaway at one of our Blue Ridge Parkway Cabins, creating lasting memories with your loved one. 4 of our cabins are pet friendly.FAMILIESOur family cabins sleep 10+ and are the perfect place for kids to connect to nature and and an opportunity for busy parents to relax. PET FRIENDLYSelect from our four mountain cabins and campsites that offer a dog-friendly experience, ensuring a great space for both humans and their four-legged companions. View White Rock Cabin, Meadow Mountain Cabin, Sherando Cabin or Spy Rock Cabin for a pet-friendly cabins.HOT TUBSSome cabins offer a private hot tub, while a number of the smaller cabins offer jetted in-room tubs.GRILLS and FIREPITSGuests love the convenience of private outdoor grills for cooking and communal firepits.EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR STAY AND ONLINE STORERent an e-bike and cruise the parkway, take in the night skies around Love Ridge. Love Ridge has a variety of experiences to choose from. Our online store has a variety of food options. Advance notice may be needed for some items, so book early.
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$55
 / night

12 Gates Farms

87%
(152)
32mi from Douthat State Park · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Montvale, VA
This property was once a 300 acre plus tobacco farm. We are located within two miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian trail via a gated, public, forest road. Hikers should park at their campsite and walk up. The original log cabin was built in the 1850s and now serves as our dining room. The front portion of the house was completed in April of 1861 and the back in the early 1900s. We have plans to eventually turn it into a working farm which produces tinctures, salves and extracts of various native plants. Learn more about this land: Heavily wooded mountain side with flowing creek. Easy access (walking distance) to Jefferson National Forest, National Forest horse trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail. (Note: You cannot drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway as the path is an old forest road which has been gated, but you can walk up to it.)  We also have a tree house which has AC, heat and electrical connection.     You may camp anywhere on the property.  There is plenty of frontage on the creek and several tents can go up there. The toilets are flushing, camping toilets with sinks. There are currently no showers available. To find us easily, use what3words.com and enter the words wished.wobbles.shelves. That square is our driveway. The large white square to the right of it is our house. DO NOT USE WAYZ GPS SYSTEM!
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$14
 / night

Sweetwater Farm Trail Center

100%
(15)
44mi from Douthat State Park · 130 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sugar Grove, WV
With multiple campsites, car camping, and remote primitive sites, there are plenty of options for your next adventure. Located on 600 acres, we have developed the previously used agriculture land into a trail center in hopes of transforming the property from an underutilized farm into a facility that could support local outdoor recreation use and programming. Currently there are 14 miles of purpose built trails, with plans to install up to 30 miles of natural surface trails that will create access to and feature the natural beauty of the property, which includes open meadows, mature hardwood forests, rock outcroppings, an area of volcanic activity, seven freshwater springs, headwater streams (including Brook Trout habitat), and three distinct knobs. These features provide a rich and unique landscape for a trail system. With so much here, there is no need to leave the property. But if you’d like, we are sandwiched between the Monongahela and George Washington National Forests. An outdoor enthusiasts dream.
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$10
 / night

Arcadia Sanctuary

97%
(370)
37mi from Douthat State Park · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Buena Vista, VA
Welcome to Arcadia Sanctuary An 83-Acre Mountainside Retreat for Earth-Based Spirituality in Central Virginia Arcadia is our beloved sanctuary for earth-based spirituality, nestled on the southeastern slope of 4,000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia. Conveniently located near I-81, Arcadia offers a secluded, nature-immersed experience—just a short drive from the modern world, yet miles away in spirit. Please note: There is a town called Arcadia off I-81, but we are not located there. Be sure to follow our directions carefully. A Living Landscape of Forest, Water, and Wildness Our land features a flowing mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, and Witch Hazels leaning gracefully over the water. You'll encounter trout, crayfish, salamanders, snakes, and the full chorus of mountain wildlife. With nearly 2,000 feet of vertical mountainside, Arcadia offers trails to explore and camping options ranging from creek side convenience to secluded mountain hideaways. While most of our gathering areas are near creek level, higher sites are available for those seeking solitude—just be prepared for a bit of a hike to the bathrooms, showers, and fresh water. A Natural Amphitheater for Music and Gathering Arcadia is home to one of the finest private stages on the East Coast. Our natural amphitheater—shaped like a pie wedge carved into the mountainside—hosts live performances throughout spring, summer, and fall. With a top-quality sound system and stunning surroundings, it’s a magical venue for music, ceremony, and celebration. Stay With Us: Yurt Glamping, Tent Camping & More Our beautiful yurt is available for rent and offers a unique glamping experience surrounded by nature. For traditional campers, we offer multiple campsites near the creek, as well as more remote locations higher up the mountain. Every stay includes access to the shared amenities: bathrooms, hot showers, fresh water, and community gathering spaces. Meet the Arcadia Community Arcadia is alive with more than just trees and streams. You’ll share space with our free-roaming flock of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl, along with two friendly dogs, nine curious cats, and the human stewards who live and care for this land year-round.
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$23
 / night

Other options near Douthat State Park

The best camping in Douthat State Park, VA guide

Overview

About

The 50-acre Douthat Lake is the epicenter of its namesake state park, framed by the forested slopes of the Allegheny Mountains. Take to the water to cruise or kayak, rent a hydrobike or stand-up paddleboard, or fish for bass, trout, and crappie in the lake and streams. There’s plenty for landlubbers to explore, too, with more than 40 miles of wooded trails ready to hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride. Spending the night? Choose from four campgrounds dotted throughout the park, including equestrian camps with stables, rustic cabins, and plenty of RV/tent sites, some right by the lake.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for family campers: Whispering Pines Campground has 23 sites with electric and water hookups, space for up to 50-foot RVs, and a playground nearby. 
  • Best for horse lovers: Beaver Dam Campground has equestrian camping with covered stalls available for rent.
  • Best for water activities: Lakeside Campground has 19 RV/tent sites with gravel pads and electric hookups.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve a cabin or a campsite at one of the park’s four campgrounds online.
  2. Campsite reservations open 11 months in advance and must be made at least one day before arrival.  
  3. Campsites can book up fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book a minimum of six months in advance.

When to go

Peak season at Douthat State Park is April through October, and this is the most popular time for hiking, camping, and water sports. Outdoor activities are enjoyable year-round, but summer visitors have the added bonus of a swimming beach (open from Memorial Day to Labor Day) and trout-stocked waters (twice weekly through the high season). Whispering Pines is the only campground open year-round, but cabins are also available for winter rentals.

Know before you go

  • Douthat State Park is just over an hour’s drive north of Roanoke.
  • Day-use parking fees and camping reservation fees are charged at Douthat. State fishing licenses and equestrian permits are also required.
  • Facilities include a visitor center and gift shop, camp store, restaurant, restrooms, and picnic areas. Cell phone service is patchy throughout the park, but free wifi is available near the bathhouse.
  • You can bring your own non-gasoline-powered boats to Douthat, and boats and watercraft are available to rent in season. Swimming is only permitted at the swimming beach.
  • There are accessible campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas at Douthat State Park. The swimming area is also accessible.
97%
17 ratings · 2 reviews