Summertime is a perfect time to enjoy wading in the water. Pack a picnic lunch for this fun day trip to Douthat State Park, located in Millboro, about an hour and a half from Lynchburg and just a few miles off I-64.
Douthat State Park features beautiful mountain views, a swimming beach with snack bar, fishing, boat rentals, more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, tent and RV camping, and rental cabins. For summer 2023, the swimming beach is unguarded, so swimming fees are waived. There is a minimal day use entrance fee to the park.
The fishing is great at Douthat State Park. From the Virginia State Park website:
"Douthat Lake is a 50-acre fee fishing lake stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout twice a week during the fee season. The lake also offers excellent largemouth bass fishing and fair opportunities for landing sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish. It’s also an excellent lake for chain pickerel with October being the top month. A special trout fishing area for the kids also has been created on a section of Wilson Creek just below the dam."
There are various programs at Douthat State Park throughout the year. Programs include guided hikes, canoe tours, children's programs, crafts, lectures, and more.
The beach are is perfect for families, with plenty of room to spread out and some shaded areas. There are multiple picnic areas in the park too, including some at the swimming beach.
Plan a family trip to Douthat State Park soon and enjoy the great outdoors. The swimming beach is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Douthat State Park is open year-round.
Many parents are looking for free and inexpensive water play this summer. Here are some of our other favorite water holes, swimming lakes, and road trips:
Summertime Water Fun 2023: Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes
Summer Day Tripping: Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Summer Day Tripping: Maury River Fun at Ben Salem Wayside in Lexington
Summer Day Tripping: Crabtree Falls
Summer Day Tripping: Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Summer Day Tripping: Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park
Summer Day Tripping: Escape to Splash Valley
Summer Day Tripping: Douthat State Park
Summer Day Tripping: English Park in Altavista
Summer Day Tripping: Wayside Park in Hurt
Summer Day Tripping: Mill Creek Lake in Amherst County
Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway with Your Family
The Great American Road Trip: Keep Things Fun with Car Games
Check out 25 Cheap Ways to Enjoy Summer 2023 to Find Your Family Fun® this summer without breaking the bank!
You'll find in person and virtual events to last you all summer in the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid calendar of events on our website. Subscribe to receive a FREE weekly listing of events and activities, as well as articles and guides about local family fun. If anyone tells you that there's nothing to do in Lynchburg, don't believe them!
When the summer days are hot, there's nothing better than hitting the water to cool down. Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® in Lynchburg and Central Virginia this summer!
