The times may have changed in the past century, but there are plenty of sentiments that still hold true in Virginia. One of them is the beauty of summer and the allure of swimming. There’s one natural swimming hole in particular that promises to deliver a refreshing day of splashing around and fun for the whole family. Douthat State Park in Virginia is tucked away in the mountains and offers natural attractions, hiking trails, and a truly stunning swim spot.
Douthat State Park is a breathtaking natural area featuring an expansive lake and a man-made beach.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
For families searching for some good ol’ fashioned summertime fun, it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting.
Shellie L/TripAdvisor
Douthat State Park, which can be found in Millboro, was one of the original six state parks that opened in Virginia in 1936.
Shellie L./TripAdvisor
You could easily spend the entire afternoon splashing around in the shallow water or swimming out to the diving board and jumping into the lake’s refreshing waters.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Boat rentals are another option for exploring the 50-acre lake and its gorgeous surroundings.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Afterward, you could lounge on the beach and enjoy the scenery with a picnic lunch.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
The park also offers cabins for rent for families looking for a rustic weekend getaway.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
So whether you’re enjoying the water or hiking along one of the state park’s mountain trails, you’ll love your time spent at Douthat.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Douthat State Park in Virginia is located in Millboro. Lifeguarded swimming is available for a small fee from Labor Day until Memorial Day. If there is no guard on duty, visitors may swim in the beach’s designated area only. For more information on this state park, including driving directions, trail maps, camping information, and more, be sure to visit the Virginia State Park website.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Shellie L/TripAdvisor
Shellie L./TripAdvisor
What are some of your favorite swimming spots in Virginia? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For related content, check out our article outlining the best swimming holes in Virginia. There’s something for everyone on the list!
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Address: Douthat State Park Road, Douthat State Park Rd, Clifton Forge, VA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Douthat State Park in Virginia May 20, 2022 Beth C. What’s the best state park in Virginia? Virginia is brimming with beautiful state parks, and picking a favorite can be challenging. However, there are a handful of parks that seem to attract more visitors than the rest. One of them is Grayson Highlands State Park. Located near the Virginia and North Carolina border, this breathtaking natural space is characterized by some of the highest peaks in Virginia. In fact, Mount Rogers, the tallest peak in Virginia, borders the park and can be accessed via a truly epic day hike. Another unique aspect of Grayson Highlands is the presence of wild mountain ponies you might get to see as you hike through the mountains. Next up on the list of the best state parks in Virginia is First Landing State Park. Located on Cape Henry, this family-friendly park offers 1.25 miles of beach and 19 miles of hiking trails. Some other state parks worth seeking out include Hungry Mother State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, and Kiptopeke State Park. What’s a little-known state park in Virginia to visit? If you love spending time on the water, a trip to Claytor Lake State Park is a must. This relatively little-known state park in Virginia will impress you with its beautiful scenery as well as its amenities. It’s here you’ll find a full-service marina, bike rentals, hiking trails, and a fishing pier. Plus, there are lakeside family lodges if you’re looking to extend your stay. Learn more about some of Virginia’s most beautiful state parks and start planning your visit! You can also check out our full list of lesser-known state parks in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Douthat State Park in Virginia
May 20, 2022
Beth C.
What’s the best state park in Virginia? Virginia is brimming with beautiful state parks, and picking a favorite can be challenging. However, there are a handful of parks that seem to attract more visitors than the rest. One of them is Grayson Highlands State Park. Located near the Virginia and North Carolina border, this breathtaking natural space is characterized by some of the highest peaks in Virginia. In fact, Mount Rogers, the tallest peak in Virginia, borders the park and can be accessed via a truly epic day hike. Another unique aspect of Grayson Highlands is the presence of wild mountain ponies you might get to see as you hike through the mountains. Next up on the list of the best state parks in Virginia is First Landing State Park. Located on Cape Henry, this family-friendly park offers 1.25 miles of beach and 19 miles of hiking trails. Some other state parks worth seeking out include Hungry Mother State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, and Kiptopeke State Park. What’s a little-known state park in Virginia to visit? If you love spending time on the water, a trip to Claytor Lake State Park is a must. This relatively little-known state park in Virginia will impress you with its beautiful scenery as well as its amenities. It’s here you’ll find a full-service marina, bike rentals, hiking trails, and a fishing pier. Plus, there are lakeside family lodges if you’re looking to extend your stay. Learn more about some of Virginia’s most beautiful state parks and start planning your visit! You can also check out our full list of lesser-known state parks in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Virginia is brimming with beautiful state parks, and picking a favorite can be challenging. However, there are a handful of parks that seem to attract more visitors than the rest. One of them is Grayson Highlands State Park. Located near the Virginia and North Carolina border, this breathtaking natural space is characterized by some of the highest peaks in Virginia. In fact, Mount Rogers, the tallest peak in Virginia, borders the park and can be accessed via a truly epic day hike. Another unique aspect of Grayson Highlands is the presence of wild mountain ponies you might get to see as you hike through the mountains.
Next up on the list of the best state parks in Virginia is First Landing State Park. Located on Cape Henry, this family-friendly park offers 1.25 miles of beach and 19 miles of hiking trails. Some other state parks worth seeking out include Hungry Mother State Park, Sky Meadows State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, High Bridge Trail State Park, and Kiptopeke State Park.
What’s a little-known state park in Virginia to visit?
If you love spending time on the water, a trip to Claytor Lake State Park is a must. This relatively little-known state park in Virginia will impress you with its beautiful scenery as well as its amenities. It’s here you’ll find a full-service marina, bike rentals, hiking trails, and a fishing pier. Plus, there are lakeside family lodges if you’re looking to extend your stay. Learn more about some of Virginia’s most beautiful state parks and start planning your visit! You can also check out our full list of lesser-known state parks in Virginia.
