White Oak Campgound

Virginia is renowned for its diverse natural beauty, and for local users in the Commonwealth, few destinations embody the mountain retreat experience quite like **Douthat State Park** in the Allegheny Mountains. Nestled within this historic park is the beloved White Oak Campground, a haven for campers seeking a blend of rustic charm and essential amenities. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s your base camp for exploring one of Virginia’s original six State Parks, listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) design and development.

White Oak Campground provides a tranquil, woodsy setting that truly feels like an escape. It is particularly popular for its generous, shaded sites, making it a favorite during the warm Virginia summers. While the park as a whole is a major destination for its beautiful lake and expansive trail network, White Oak offers a specific kind of secluded atmosphere that appeals to RV and tent campers alike. Its location deep within the park ensures quiet evenings and dark night skies, perfect for enjoying the serenity of the Allegheny Highlands.

The White Oak Campground is specifically designed for families and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate being close to nature without entirely giving up modern conveniences. With only 31 sites, it maintains a cozy, intimate feel compared to some of the larger camping areas, allowing for a more peaceful experience surrounded by the park's majestic scenery.

Location and Accessibility

The White Oak Campground is located in the heart of Douthat State Park, which sits primarily in Bath and Alleghany counties of Western Virginia. The physical location is:

14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460, USA.

Access to Douthat State Park is typically gained from Interstate 64, taking Exit 27 near Clifton Forge. Once inside the park, White Oak Campground is one of four distinct camping areas. It is important for potential visitors, especially those with larger recreational vehicles, to note the unique characteristic of the access road leading to White Oak: there is a narrow, low-water bridge. While passable, it requires careful navigation, and during periods of heavy rain, this bridge can occasionally become impassable due to flooding. Campers should always check park alerts before arrival.

The campground is situated away from the main hub of the park's 50-acre lake area, providing a more secluded feel, though all of Douthat’s primary attractions—the lake, the beach, the park office, and the historic restaurant—are all within a short, scenic drive. Its location is a gateway to the mountains, offering immediate access to some of the park's most popular hiking and mountain biking trails.

Services Offered

White Oak Campground provides essential services that ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for campers exploring Douthat State Park.

• Campsites: 31 sites total, primarily shaded RV and tent-friendly sites with gravel pads.
• Electric and Water Hookups: Sites are equipped with 30-amp electric service and water hookups. *Note: White Oak Campground sites do not offer sewer hookups.*
• Comfort Station (Bathhouse): A clean, modern bathhouse provides restrooms and hot showers for all campground guests.
• Dump Station: A central dump station is conveniently located within the park for RV users to dispose of gray and black water waste.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for cooking and enjoying a classic campfire.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Like the rest of the Douthat campgrounds, White Oak welcomes pets, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet and are properly attended to.
• Firewood and Supplies: Firewood is typically available for sale at the park’s Camp Store or registration building.

Features / Highlights

Choosing White Oak Campground means choosing the best of Douthat State Park’s legendary offerings, emphasizing nature and outdoor adventure.

• Proximity to Trout Fishing: Douthat Lake is famous throughout Virginia for its seasonal trout fishing. It is one of the Commonwealth's premier trout streams, and a daily fishing permit is available for anglers.
• Mountain Biking Destination: The park boasts over 40 miles of trails, considered some of the best mountain biking terrain in the Virginia State Park system. The Beards Gap Hollow Trail is accessible from near the campground.
• Historic Ambiance: The entire park, featuring original CCC-built cabins and structures, carries a beautiful, historic feel that enhances the rustic mountain experience.
• Secluded, Shaded Sites: Campers consistently highlight White Oak as having some of the most private and heavily wooded sites in the park, offering a true "woodsy" feel and welcome shade in the summer.
• Lake Recreation: A short drive away, the 50-acre lake offers swimming (unguarded beach, seasonally), pedal boat, kayak, and canoe rentals, providing ample fun for the whole family.
• Accessible Camping: The campground offers universally accessible campsites and bathhouse facilities, ensuring a wide range of visitors can enjoy the park.

Contact Information

For reservations, current availability, and official park information, please contact the Douthat State Park Office.

Address: 14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460, USA
Phone: (540) 862-8100
Reservations: Bookings for Virginia State Parks, including White Oak Campground, are highly recommended and can be made up to eleven months in advance via the official state park reservation system.

What is Worth Choosing

White Oak Campground is the optimal choice for Virginia residents who prioritize a quiet, wooded camping experience within a historically significant and recreation-rich state park. If you are a dedicated **hiker, mountain biker, or trout fisherman**, this campground serves as the perfect launchpad, putting you immediately adjacent to the rugged Allegheny trails and the heavily stocked lake.

It is especially worth choosing for campers with smaller RVs or trailers and tent campers who want **essential hookups (electric/water)** but value the deep shade and a little more seclusion than the lakeside or main-road campgrounds offer. The combination of its historical setting, the clean and accessible park facilities, and the sheer volume of high-quality outdoor activities makes Douthat State Park, and the White Oak Campground specifically, a truly essential destination in the Virginia State Park system. It represents the best of Virginia’s mountain camping experience, making it an annual tradition for many local families.

White Oak Campgound

Virginia 24460, USA