Lakeside Campgound

For residents across the Commonwealth, **Douthat State Park** stands as one of Virginia’s most cherished natural and historical treasures. Nestled deep within the scenic Alleghany Mountains, Douthat was one of the original six Virginia State Parks opened in 1936, a lasting testament to the incredible work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The **Lakeside Campground** represents one of the park’s most desirable camping areas, distinguished by its prime proximity to the 50-acre, trout-stocked Douthat Lake and the exceptional mountain scenery that surrounds it.

This campground is highly recommended by fellow Virginians for those seeking a true blend of rustic outdoor immersion and essential modern comfort. It perfectly caters to a variety of campers, from those pitching a tent beneath the towering hardwoods to those parking a large RV. Reviews consistently highlight the well-maintained facilities and the refreshing breeze that carries across the lake—a simple pleasure that truly enhances the relaxing mountain retreat atmosphere. Lakeside Campground serves as a professional, centrally-located base camp for tackling Douthat’s celebrated network of hiking and mountain biking trails, making it a factual and friendly choice for any family or adventurer from the Roanoke, Charlottesville, or Richmond regions.

It is important to note that the campground is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) as part of the Douthat State Park system, ensuring a consistent standard of professional maintenance and service.

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The Lakeside Campground is located within Douthat State Park, accessible via the designated park roads. The official address for Douthat State Park, which hosts the campground, is: **12786 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460, USA**.

**Accessibility Information:**

• **Mountain Drive:** The park is located in a rural, mountainous area, accessible via I-64 near Clifton Forge/Covington. While roads within the park are navigable, travelers should proceed slowly due to the mountain terrain and winding turns, especially when driving a large RV.
• **Central Park Location:** The Lakeside Campground is centrally situated, typically near the park’s main activity hub, which includes the lake, boat launch, park office, and the historic Lakeview Restaurant (seasonal).
• **Campground Layout:** Lakeside Campground is known to be smaller and more intimate than the park's other campgrounds (like Whispering Pines), offering a great mix of heavily wooded and more open sites, some of which boast direct lake views.
• **Trail Access:** Many sites offer direct or immediate walking access to the extensive trail system, including the path leading toward the famous Blue Suck Falls Trail.

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As a premier Virginia State Park campground, Lakeside offers essential services and comfort features designed for a highly enjoyable camping trip, running seasonally from approximately early March through early December.

Services and facilities generally include:

• **Electrical Hookups:** All sites within the Lakeside Campground are equipped with electrical hookups (ranging from 15 to 50 amp service) and water hookups, providing convenience for RVs and tent campers alike.
• **Modern Bathhouses:** The campground features clean, modern bathhouses with flushing toilets and, notably, **hot showers**, which are highly valued by visitors, especially after a long day of hiking or biking.
• **Sanitary Dump Station:** A dedicated dump station is available within the park for RVs to dispose of wastewater.
• **Camp Store and Concessions:** The park features a camp store near the lake area for purchasing essential supplies, snacks, firewood, and gifts.
• **Picnic and Fire Amenities:** Every campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and often a lantern hook. Firewood is typically available for purchase on-site.
• **Boating/Fishing Passes:** Overnight guests often receive complimentary access to boat launching and can purchase necessary daily fishing passes or licenses on-site.
• **Accessibility Features:** The park strives for accessibility, with specific ADA-compliant campsites available.

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The unique features of the Lakeside Campground and Douthat State Park are rooted in the natural beauty of the Alleghany Mountains and the historic development by the CCC.

• **Douthat Lake:** The 50-acre, man-made lake is the centerpiece, offering stunning views and being heavily stocked with trout by the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), particularly during spring and fall.
• **40+ Miles of Multi-Use Trails:** The park boasts one of the most celebrated trail systems in Virginia, providing over 40 miles of terrain suitable for hiking and, especially, premier mountain biking.
• **Water Recreation:** Guests enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and rowboating on the lake (no gas motors permitted). Rentals for paddleboats, paddleboards, and funyaks are available seasonally near the swimming beach.
• **Swimming Beach:** A dedicated, sandy swimming beach area is open seasonally (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day), complete with a bathhouse and snack bar, offering a perfect place to cool off.
• **Historic Lakeview Restaurant:** The full-service restaurant, with its excellent views overlooking the lake, operates seasonally and provides a welcome dining option.
• **Ample Shade and Privacy:** The campground is situated in a heavily wooded area, providing natural shade, privacy between sites, and ideal spots for setting up hammocks, as noted by local visitors.
• **Wildlife and Birding:** The mountain environment is extremely active with wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birding, nature photography, and spotting deer and other forest animals.

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For general park inquiries, reservations, and information specific to the Lakeside Campground, Virginia residents can use the following contact details for Douthat State Park:

**Address:** 12786 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460, USA (Note: Park Office is at 14239 Douthat State Park Rd)
**Phone (Park Office):** **(540) 862-8100**
**Reservations (Virginia State Parks):** **1-800-933-PARK (7275)** or via the official Virginia State Parks online reservation system.

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The Lakeside Campground at Douthat State Park is an excellent choice for Virginians looking for a classic mountain vacation with a strong focus on water-based and trail-based recreation. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons:

• **Superior Fishing:** The continuous, twice-weekly stocking of trout in the lake and stream during the season makes it a top-tier destination for anglers across the state.
• **Mountain Biking Destination:** Douthat is consistently ranked among the best mountain biking parks in Virginia, offering a huge variety of trails right outside your tent or RV door.
• **Historic Value and Beauty:** Being one of the original CCC parks, it offers beautifully constructed, historic architecture and facilities that enhance the natural beauty, providing a unique sense of place that is rare in modern camping.
• **The Best of Both Worlds:** The Lakeside location provides the peaceful ambiance and stunning views of the lake (including the refreshing breeze often mentioned in reviews), while still offering modern comforts like electricity and hot showers—a perfect balance of wilderness and convenience.

Lakeside Campgound

12786 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460, USA