As one of the original six Virginia State Parks to open in 1936, Douthat State Park has long been a go-to destination for nature lovers, families and thrill seekers.  

Among its most loyal visitors are Johnny and Diane Hottle. Since 1970, the Hottles have made Douthat a second home, returning year after year to enjoy its natural beauty and connect with rangers and fellow campers, who have become family. 

Keep reading to learn more about their adventures and why they fell in love with Douthat State Park. 

Johnny and Diane Hottle 

Discovering Douthat 

Today, Douthat is more than a destination for the Hottles, it’s a tradition. But that hasn’t always been the case. 

The pair, originally from Manassas, Virginia, used to vacation at Big Tumbling Creek in Saltville, Virginia. It’s a popular spot for trout fishing, which is one of Johnny’s favorite pastimes.  

It was here that Johnny and Diane heard other campers sharing the positive experiences they had at Douthat, and they knew they wanted to give it a try. 

With their two kids in tow, the Hottles started taking weekend and week-long trips to Douthat and stayed at Lakeside Campground. Once they retired, Johnny and Diane extended their stays to two weeks and started coming twice a year. Their son and daughter continued to join whenever their schedule allowed. 

More than 50 years later, Johnny and Diane, now 85 and 83 respectively, say they can’t remember a single year they missed a trip to their favorite park, staying at Lakeside every time. 

Johnny taking in the views of the lake 

Finding family 

While the fishing is what brought the Hottles to Douthat, it’s the people that kept them returning. From fellow campers and anglers to park rangers and camp hosts, Johnny and Diane have made lifelong friends over the years. 

Every trip, Diane brings homemade cookies for the park rangers, and the couple hosts a fish fry at their campsite. Johnny and their son, Toby, cook what they catch from the lake and invite other campers to bring a side dish and relax around the campfire with them. All are invited, whether they know the Hottles or it’s their first time meeting them. 

 
Toby, Diane and Johnny 

When Johnny fell at their campsite a couple of years ago and broke his hip, the camp hosts went to visit him in the hospital, and rangers packed up all the family’s gear, so they didn’t have to worry about it while he was recovering. 

Back at home in Criders, Virginia, the Hottles stay in touch with those they’ve met through the years, from occasional phone calls for life updates to camp hosts staying at the Hottle's house on the way to their next spot. 

Becoming an honorary ranger 

The Lakeside Sheriff garden flags at the Hottle campsite 

One of the first things you might notice about Johnny is his “Lakeside Sheriff” badge and matching garden flag, which he displays proudly.  

These items, made and given to Johnny by Douthat rangers, serve as symbols of appreciation for a man who’s been a familiar and friendly face at Douthat for more than 50 years. 

In true ranger fashion, he’s always ready to lend a helping hand. During his trip to the park in April 2025, Johnny and Toby were out on the lake when they came across a woman who had fallen off Heron Run Trail. She was hanging off the bank and tangled in briars. Johnny and Toby were able to help her onto their boat and brought her safely back to shore. 

Camp hosts and rangers even ask Johnny to be “on duty” when they’re not around. While it’s all in good fun, the Hottles have a bond with park staff and volunteers that goes far beyond the usual visitor experience. 

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The Hottle campsite marker 

Over the decades, the Hottles have seen the park evolve, rangers come and go, and new generations discover the same magic that first drew them in 1970. 

Their commitment to the park is a testament to the special atmosphere that makes Douthat so unique, and their story serves as a reminder of how nature, friendship and a good fishing spot can create a lifetime of memories.  

Here’s to the Hottles and many more years of camping at Lakeside! 

To learn more about Douthat State Park and start planning your adventure, please go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/douthat.