Douthat State Park Shelters

About

Douthat State Park, one of Virginia's original six state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, features three picnic shelters available for group rentals. These are day-use facilities only, not overnight camping accommodations. Camp Douthat Shelter 1 is the largest, accommodating 100 people under the roof with space for approximately 200 more around it. This enclosed shelter features electric hookups, two fireplaces, a water spigot, and three horseshoe pits. Camp Carson Shelter 2 holds up to 70 people and includes water access, one horseshoe pit, and a handicapped-accessible restroom approximately 100 feet away via ramp. Camp Malone Shelter 3 is the smallest at 50-person capacity but offers scenic views overlooking the dam and lake, plus electricity, a water spigot, two horseshoe pits, and ADA accessibility via paved pathway. The park itself encompasses 4,545 acres in the Alleghany Highlands and features a 50-acre lake, over 40 miles of hiking trails, and year-round recreational opportunities. Separate campgrounds and cabins are available for overnight stays.

Directions

From I-64 Exit 27 near Clifton Forge, head north on Route 629 for 6 miles to the park entrance.