Stone Mountain State Park Campground sits at approximately 1,700 feet elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering seasonal temperature variations that range from winter lows in the 20s to summer highs around 85°F. The campground's positioning provides access to over 18 miles of designated hiking trails that connect directly to waterfalls, granite domes, and historic sites. Weather conditions can change rapidly due to the mountainous terrain.
What to do
Fishing in mountain streams: Stone Mountain State Park Campground has 20 miles of trout streams running through the property. Sites near the water are popular for easy fishing access. "We camped at RV site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it," reports Charli R.
Kayaking the New River: Riverside Canoe and Campground offers tube and cooler rentals for floating the New River. The river's gentle current makes it suitable for beginners. "You can rent a tube to place a cooler inside of so you can tube down the river with beverages and snacks in tow. The end of the rafting experience puts you right there back at the campsite," notes Julie L.
Hiking to mountain viewpoints: The trails at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground range from easy to strenuous with views of the surrounding piedmont. "We hiked to the top on the Grindstone Trail (about 2 miles) to the top and enjoyed an early morning view of the surrounding communities," shares Kirsten J.
What campers like
Secluded backpack campsites: Stone Mountain State Park offers hike-in camping spots that require effort but reward with privacy. "We checked out the backpack hike camp spots (5) they're a good hike (1.5 mile uphill) but so beautiful, on the creek, 2 are near a small waterfall. They're spaced out about a quarter mile apart," explains Charli R.
Clean facilities: New River State Park maintains well-kept bathhouses and campsites. "Extremely clean bath house and very helpful rangers," notes Brittany H. This makes longer stays more comfortable, especially for glampers near Glade Valley who want basic comforts.
Night sky viewing: The higher elevation and minimal light pollution create optimal stargazing conditions. "Beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for," reports Emily D. about Stone Mountain. Bring red-filtered flashlights to preserve night vision.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Hickory Ridge Campground in Grayson Highlands, site locations vary significantly. "Tent sites 1-18 are the furthest from hookup sites and will therefore be the quietest; they are mostly small sites and very close to the road. Sites 10, 12, 13, and 14 are set back furthest from the road," advises Stephanie J.
Seasonal operating schedules: Many glamping options near Glade Valley operate on limited schedules. Pilot Mountain State Park Campground is open from March 15 to November 30, closing during winter months.
Walk-in sites require planning: Some campgrounds have cart-in only sites. "You have to walk in but the park provides little carts and wheelbarrows," explains Katrin M. about New River State Park. "They do have wagons/Wheel barrels to help haul your supplies to your tent," confirms Kerrie N.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Wytheville KOA offers numerous family amenities. "This campground is terrific! Our kids loved the arcade, the wagon and train rides around the campground, the craft time, pool and the fishing!" says Lisa T.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe deer, wild ponies, and other animals at various parks. "We saw ponies, but more then that it's like you are on top of the mountain range," reports Shelly S. about Hickory Ridge Campground.
Bring water shoes: Many campsites near Glade Valley have access to streams or swimming holes. "The Creekside Cabin hike is very technical as in tree roots and rocks, but so worth the exertion! Very cool waterfall and aside from some modern day trash there is still the old wood stove and pantry in the cabin. If you like to cool off in the streams that you hike to this trail has many options to sit and enjoy," recommends Shelly S.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain have uneven sites. "Some sites have patio area on 'wrong' (street) side instead of curb side, so take a look at Google satellite map when booking. Sites 3, 7, 10 are among the best," advises Megan M. about New River State Park.
Limited cell service: Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA offers better connectivity than most area campgrounds. "They have great wifi (they sent a text to campers to let them know they were working to get the cable restored, but in the meantime people could use the wifi to stream movies if needed)," notes Jean C.
Campground navigation: Many RV parks in the area have challenging layouts. "It was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel," warns Megan B. about Fancy Gap KOA. Larger rigs should call ahead to confirm access.
