White Oak Campgound

camping douthat state park

For those of us who cherish the stunning natural beauty and serene escapes that Virginia offers, finding a truly exceptional campground is key to making lasting outdoor memories. If you're a local resident looking for a pristine setting, comfortable amenities, and abundant recreational opportunities all wrapped up in one fantastic location, then White Oak Campground within the beloved Douthat State Park is a destination that perfectly embodies the best of our Commonwealth's natural treasures. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors while enjoying the conveniences that make for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

This article is crafted specifically for Virginia locals, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of White Oak Campground. We'll explore its picturesque location, the comprehensive services it provides, its unique features and highlights, and why it's ideally suited for Virginians seeking a peaceful, comfortable, and activity-filled outdoor adventure right here in our home state. From its spacious, shaded sites to its access to a beautiful lake and miles of trails, White Oak Campground promises a premier camping experience for all.

White Oak Campground is nestled within the historically rich and visually stunning Douthat State Park, located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, Virginia 24460, USA. This address places it within the embrace of the Allegheny Mountains, straddling both Bath and Alleghany counties, a region celebrated for its pristine natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. For Virginia residents, its location offers a fantastic balance of accessibility and a feeling of being genuinely immersed in a serene mountain environment.

Douthat State Park, and by extension White Oak Campground, is well-regarded for its accessibility from various parts of Virginia. From Interstate 64, visitors can take Exit 27 near Clifton Forge, then turn north onto State Route 629, which leads directly to the park entrance. While offering a peaceful and secluded feel, the park is not overly remote, making it a manageable drive for weekend trips or longer vacations from areas like Roanoke (approximately one hour drive), Richmond (about three hours), and even Northern Virginia (around four hours).

Specifically, within Douthat State Park, White Oak Campground is known for its beautiful, wooded setting. Access to the campground involves navigating a "one-lane low water bridge that goes across Wilson Creek." While campers should drive slowly and be aware that this bridge can occasionally "flood and be impassable" during heavy rains, it generally provides a unique and charming entry to this shaded camping area. Its proximity to Douthat Lake and various trails within the park means that once you've arrived, much of the park's appeal is just a short walk or bike ride away.

White Oak Campground, as part of Douthat State Park, provides a well-rounded set of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its guests, particularly catering to both tent and RV campers.

• Spacious Campsites with Hookups: White Oak Campground features 31 mostly shaded RV or tent sites with gravel pads. A significant convenience for RVers, these sites come equipped with water hookups (seasonal, typically April to October) and 30-amp electrical service. While individual sites do not have sewer hookups, the park provides a dump station for waste disposal. Each site also includes a picnic table, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a cooking grate for traditional camp cooking.

• Impeccably Clean Bathhouses: A consistent highlight in visitor reviews is the quality of the bathhouse. It is described as "incredibly clean and well stocked," featuring flush toilets and hot showers, often noted as "modern" and "very clean." Some reviews even mention individual showers with outside door access, enhancing privacy and comfort.

• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available within the park for RV and trailer waste disposal, ensuring proper sanitation.

• Potable Water: In addition to water hookups at sites, drinking water spigots are available within the campground area.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is conveniently available for sale from the camp host or park office, ensuring campers have access to suitable wood for their campfires. It is typically recommended to only use firewood purchased from the park to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

• Camp Host On-Site: Like other campgrounds within Douthat State Park, White Oak often has an on-site camp host (volunteer) who can provide assistance, answer questions, and generally enhance the camping experience.

• Pet-Friendly Environment: White Oak Campground is pet-friendly, allowing furry family members to join the adventure, though standard leash and clean-up rules apply.

• Seasonal Operation: White Oak Campground, along with other camping areas at Douthat State Park, generally operates seasonally, typically from early spring (around the first Friday in March) through late fall (around the first Monday in December).

White Oak Campground, situated within the expansive Douthat State Park, offers a wealth of features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination for Virginia locals seeking an immersive outdoor experience.

• Idyllic Lakeside Setting: While White Oak Campground itself is wooded, it's just a "short bike ride from the lake" (Douthat Lake) and within easy walking distance. The 50-acre Douthat Lake is a central feature, offering a swimming beach (with lifeguards in season), boat rentals (paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, jon boats), and excellent seasonal trout fishing. The lake is regularly stocked by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DGIF), providing opportunities to catch brown, rainbow, and brook trout, as well as bass, catfish, and crappie. There's even a special "kid-friendly fishing area below the dam on Wilson Creek."

• Shaded, Spacious, and Private Sites: White Oak is particularly noted for its "mostly shaded" and "wooded" sites. Campers consistently praise the "generous in size with long driveways" sites, which offer "plenty of space between site numbers allowing for added privacy, family activities, and sense of seclusion." The mature trees provide welcome shade during warmer months, creating a comfortable atmosphere.

• Impeccably Maintained Bathhouse: As highlighted under services, the "incredibly clean and modern bathhouse facilities" with hot showers are a standout feature, contributing significantly to a comfortable camping experience.

• Extensive Trail System: Douthat State Park boasts over 40 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. White Oak Campground offers convenient access to these trails, including some directly from the campground, like the Blue Suck Falls trail. The trails vary in length and difficulty, from easy beginner routes to more strenuous paths like Stony Run.

• Wildlife Viewing and Nature Immersion: The park's diverse habitats in the Allegheny Mountains are home to numerous mammals (deer, rabbits, raccoons, occasional bears) and birds (osprey, hawks, eagles), offering fantastic opportunities for nature observation and photography right from your campsite or on the trails.

• Low Water Bridge Charm: The unique "one-lane low water bridge" leading into White Oak Campground, while requiring careful navigation, adds a distinctive and memorable element to the arrival experience, further enhancing the sense of a secluded retreat.

• Historic Significance: Douthat State Park itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era design and development, adding a layer of historical appreciation to your visit.

As a Virginia State Park, Douthat State Park (including White Oak Campground) operates under the pricing and reservation policies set by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). While traditional commercial "promotions" with discount codes are less common, the park offers inherent value and several ways for Virginia locals to make their camping experience more affordable or accessible.

Current standard camping rates for a site with water and electricity at White Oak Campground are $35 per night for Virginia residents and $40 for out-of-state visitors. This resident discount is a direct benefit for locals.

Other potential "offers" or considerations include:

• Annual State Park Pass: Virginia State Parks offer an annual pass which can provide free day-use admission and parking at all state parks. While it doesn't discount camping fees, it can save money for locals who plan to visit multiple parks or use Douthat's day-use facilities frequently.

• Senior Discounts: Virginia State Parks may offer discounts for senior citizens on certain activities or facilities. It's always worth inquiring directly with the park office about any age-related benefits.

• Off-Season Rates: While not explicitly stated as a "promotion," camping rates can sometimes be slightly lower during the less busy shoulder seasons (early spring or late fall) compared to peak summer rates, though Douthat's rates are generally consistent due to its popularity.

• Booking in Advance: While not a discount, the ability to reserve campsites up to 11 months in advance is a significant "offer" of convenience, especially for popular campgrounds like White Oak. During summer, sites "go fast," so reserving at least 30 days in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred spot.

• Virginia.gov/state-parks Website: The official DCR Virginia State Parks website is the primary source for the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any specific seasonal programs or limited-time offers. Reservations are primarily made through the https://www.google.com/search?q=ReserveVA.com platform.

To get the most accurate information, make reservations, or inquire about specific details regarding your stay at White Oak Campground within Douthat State Park, please use the contact information provided below.

Park Address: 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, Virginia 24460, USA

Park Main Phone: (540) 862-8100

Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center (for reservations): 1-800-933-PARK (1-800-933-7275)

Email: Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov

Website for Reservations: https://www.reservevaparks.com

It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for popular times like summer weekends and holidays, as White Oak Campground and other Douthat State Park camping areas fill up quickly. Always check the park's official website or call directly for the most current information on operating hours, conditions, and specific campground rules, including the status of the low-water bridge leading to White Oak.

For us Virginians, White Oak Campground within Douthat State Park represents an quintessential outdoor escape, perfectly suited for those seeking both adventure and tranquility close to home. It offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to diverse interests, making it an ideal choice for a local getaway.

One of the most compelling reasons for Virginians to choose White Oak is the balance it strikes between rustic natural beauty and essential modern comforts. The spacious, shaded campsites with convenient water and electric hookups mean you can enjoy the serenity of the woods without completely roughing it, perfect for families and RVers. The consistently praised "incredibly clean and well stocked" bathhouse with hot showers significantly enhances the comfort level, a detail often highlighted by discerning campers.

Furthermore, the abundance of recreational opportunities within Douthat State Park is a major draw. From swimming and boating on the beautiful 50-acre Douthat Lake to challenging yourself on the over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, there's always something to do. Trout fishing, a beloved pastime for many Virginians, is excellent in the stocked lake and streams, offering a chance to reel in a fresh catch. The direct access to the lake from the campground and the unique charm of the low-water bridge add to the sense of a special, cherished location.

Beyond the amenities and activities, White Oak Campground provides a genuine opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature and loved ones. The privacy afforded by the spacious sites and the peaceful, wooded surroundings create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and reflection. As a well-managed Virginia State Park, Douthat also offers reliable service and a commitment to preserving the natural environment that resonates with locals who value "the outdoors and conserving." It's a place where you can create cherished family memories, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and truly appreciate the natural wonders that our beloved Commonwealth has to offer.

White Oak Campgound

Virginia 24460, USA