The Scottville area sits at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Yadkin Valley at approximately 2,500 feet elevation. Camping near Scottville offers proximity to both mountain trails and river activities with temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowland areas. Summer highs typically range from 75-85°F while autumn brings vibrant foliage and cooler nights in the 40-50°F range.
What to do
Kayaking on nearby rivers: Peak Creek RV Campground provides direct creek access that functions like a small river. As one camper noted, "Host was very accommodating and had inner tubes for floating in the stream" while another mentioned "Creek is like a river, cool getaway during the day."
Wine tasting: Roaring River Vineyards RV Campground offers both camping and wine experiences. "Had a great time here...campground is behind the restaurant and a pond. Very nice peaceful setting and you can wine taste while you are visiting," reports a recent guest.
Biking the New River Trail: The 57-mile trail provides paved paths suitable for families. A camper at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park shared, "New River Trail is one block from campground. You can ride bikes from your campsite to the trail. The trail is almost 57 miles in length and we rode 15 miles out and 15 back to campsite."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many sites feature water frontage for relaxation and cooling off. A visitor to Peak Creek RV Campground stated, "This was an excellent choice for us. Quiet spot, great views. Host was very accommodating and had inner tubes for floating in the stream."
Music traditions: The region has deep ties to Appalachian music culture. Fries RV Park offers special opportunities as one camper mentioned, "The town is on the 'Crooked River Music Trail' and music is an important part of their heritage. Thursday evenings, the community center hosts a jam session - check it out!!"
Well-maintained campgrounds: Doughton Park Campground receives praise for its upkeep. "Doughton Park CG: Overall Rating: 4.5... #9, our site, is one of the best sites we have had in almost 4 years of travel. The regulars call this site the 'honeymoon site', because of the heart shaped large rocks which create a lower terraced picnic area."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds, including Doughton Park, operate within limited timeframes. A camper noted, "We were told by a ranger we talked with earlier in the day that this campground might be closed for the season but the gates were open, so we checked it out and saw a sign saying that it would close for the season on November 4."
Limited shopping options: Stock up before arrival as rural locations have minimal supplies. A camper at River Country Campground & RV Park observed, "This campground has been transformed into a beautiful place to get away from it all! River front sites, pull thru sites and tent sites... If you want to get away but have some conveniences (flushing toilets and hot showers), this is the place for you!"
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity requires proper food storage. At Doughton Park, a camper reported, "This was the only place we saw bears but not in our campsite just wandering in another loop. We stayed in loop b and found a perfectly shaded site that was quiet and private and near the comfort station."
Tips for camping with families
Look for parks with recreation options: Campgrounds with multiple activities keep children engaged. At Lake Ridge RV Resort, a visitor mentioned, "Great campground for families. Pools, fishing, and golf cart rentals available. Plenty of space for RV's/campers."
Check bathroom facilities: Comfort stations vary significantly between parks. At Linville Falls Campground, campers consistently praise the cleanliness: "We camped in mind-September and had a great time. These are the cleanest bathrooms we've ever seen. The on-site store is a life saver and the hosts are very helpful."
Consider recreational rentals: Many parks offer equipment for family activities. At Roaring River Vineyards, "We had a great time here...campground is behind the restaurant and a pond. Very nice peaceful setting and you can wine taste while you are visiting. It's not a huge family campground with a ton of activities, but a great place to stay overnight on your way somewhere."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Campgrounds often have varying site quality. At Riverwalk RV Park, "All the sites were very roomy, many pull through sites, very clean and very friendly hosts. All sites were gravel and have a fire pit that you can move around to where you want to build your fire."
Be aware of leveling requirements: Mountain terrain creates challenges. At Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, a reviewer observed, "This is a campground located in a tiny valley between two small hills/mountainsides. Tom, the proprietor, is friendly and efficient in guiding the guests to their site... Each site is a pull-thru and is in the form of a crescent, so everyone's door faces the stream."
Water pressure considerations: Mountain water systems can have pressure variations. One camper at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park noted, "We had a great campsite with plenty of room in the back of the campground. Even though we were in the back, the wifi worked great the entire time. Being at the end of the water line for the park, our pressure wasn't great so we used our fresh water tank and water pump for showers."
