FIRST SOLO - Douthat State Park VA

For the first trip and camper test, I had planned to go near my home.  Instead, I went about 4 hours into VA.  I am glad I took the distance because I may have just turned around and gone home.  I questioned capability and loneliness on the drive.  VA drives do not disappoint.  Every curve seems to have farmland, pastures, or hills. I didn’t socialize with anyone but state park employees while at Douthat but the staff is very helpful and friendly.  I spent most of my time at the campsite, just trying to figure out all things camper and get comfortable in it.  That will take time as well.  It was colder than I expected and I didn’t want to build a fire so the heat got a good first run.

Douthat State Park is beautiful.  I came in from the south entrance and stopped at the first open parking lot.  I needed to switch out shoes and prep for set up.  This was the start of a trail right against the James River.  Clear clear waters. I watched a bald eagle fly right in front of the truck and perch in a tree.  Went I went to photo it, of course if flew off but what an amazing sight!

I checked in at registration and then drove the full park before going to my site.  Tear down to drive around may only take a few minutes in an FWC, but I wanted to explore first.  The lake is beautiful.  The campsites seemed all full and the camp store had “just about anything you’d need” just like the registration attendant said.  If you want to fish here, you have to receive a daily permit even with the VA fishing license most of the year.

My camp site was #16 in x lot and the view from the back of the camper was a tree lined hill.  I walked part of a trail that left from the site to watch and listen to the creeks on both sides.  More clear water.  I want to go back with fishing gear and warmer weather to get in and enjoy.

The sites are far enough apart for privacy and the toilets/showers are in the middle of the loop for easy access. The volunteer camp host site is by the toilets as well.  The quiet hours were respected and mostly you heard laughter and dogs and kids playing.  Bedtime whining was heard, but Id whine too!

My night was short. I made soup and hot tea and figured out my heater and water (sort of). The next morning I got the hot water working.  Patience….  I did not get my electric hook up to work. I tried.  No cell service meant no Google.  – and yes oddly I brought all the manuals. I read some on my phone but wood smoke smells and a warm camper (GOAL ACCOMPLISHED) made for an early night.  Sleep was ok.  I will figure that but I felt warm and safe.  I believe next trip my extra mattress pieces will come along as I think I should sleep north to south instead of east and west.  I can stretch out a bit, but I am scared to push too hard on walls and it’s a bit chilly near them.

MEALS – Canned tomato soup and hot tea for dinner

Eggs and ham and gouda sandwich thins Sammie for breakfast with coffee and banana

Travel home stop –made a sandwich from fridge and a Coca Cola.

Other tips I learned:

• Dont overpack but make a standard list that can be checked each time.  I forgot many things because they had been in the camper but had been moved or taken out during workdays.
• Be bold.  Talk to people.  The camp host Roseanne and I started a conversation, as I was leaving, and she suggested what parks to and not to stay at in VA.
• Consider daylight hours.  Checking in at 4pm was just enough time to get it all done before dusk.  In the winter months set up will need to be quick or well lit.