Camping near Appomattox, Virginia offers diverse experiences across central Virginia's Piedmont region, with elevations ranging from 455 to 820 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching into the 90s and mild spring and fall temperatures ideal for outdoor recreation. Winter camping remains available at several year-round parks where nighttime temperatures typically drop to the 30s.
What to do
Stargazing at Staunton River: Approximately 60 miles from Appomattox, Staunton River State Park Campground is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. "You can rent a telescope for free to view the stars! They have a huge gift shop as well. Beautiful starry skies!" notes a visitor. The park offers astronomy programs and telescope rentals from the visitor center.
Hiking Blue Ridge trails: Located at milepost 60.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Otter Creek Campground provides access to multiple hiking trails of varying difficulties. A camper reports, "It's close to the AT and blue ridge parkway and about an hour from Shenandoah Nat'l Park. Clean bathroom, spacious sites, very pretty creek." The Otter Creek Trail connects with longer routes for day hikes.
Fishing diverse waters: Multiple parks offer fishing opportunities with different species available. "We fished, swam, kayaked, rented a motor boat, and just relaxed at our campsite," shares a Holliday Lake visitor. Bear Creek Lake features both lake fishing and streams with a camper noting, "Fishing was not bad. Caught my first ever catfish." Most parks rent equipment if you don't bring your own.
What campers like
Off-grid relaxation: Many campers appreciate the disconnected experience at certain parks. At Holliday Lake State Park Campground, a reviewer notes, "It is completely off grid, and we like that! With busy jobs during the week it's nice to unwind and enjoy nature." Another mentions, "Phone service is in and out but we didn't mind, it was nice to escape the world for a while."
Water recreation options: Lake swimming remains popular at most parks during summer months. At Twin Lakes State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the facilities: "The swimming lake has a nice beach and we happened to be there this last weekend and the temperature was nice and warm and the kids enjoyed playing on the beach and on the water playground." Many parks include designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural surroundings provide chances to observe local wildlife. "We watched a Bald Eagle and an Osprey for over an hour while kayaking on the lake," shared one Holliday Lake visitor. Another camper at Smith Mountain Lake noted seeing "a skunk, a groundhog, several deer and a great variety of birds" during their stay.
What you should know
Seasonal noise considerations: Some parks have unexpected noise sources during certain periods. At Holliday Lake, a reviewer cautions: "During the summer they lease space to the 4-H club that teaches people to shoot black powder muskets for the civil war reenactments. From 8:30am until 3-5pm it sounds like a gun range." Call ahead to check for special events if seeking quiet.
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region require equipment for leveling. "Bring leveling supplies! Some sites are reservable, some are not," advises a Holliday Lake camper. Another notes, "The sites were a good size but were very difficult to get even a small trailer into the site due to the narrow roads."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly between parks. At Montebello Resort, "There is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive." Holliday Lake offers limited Wi-Fi outside the contact station, while Bear Creek has no service noted.
Tips for camping with families
Water play features: Beyond standard swimming areas, some parks offer extra water attractions. "They have a water park with a kids area and water slides. If that isn't enough, there is a lake with a big blow up slide and more in the center," shares a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge. These features typically operate May through early September.
Ranger programs: Educational activities enhance family stays at most state parks. At Holliday Lake, "Some of the activities included spear throwing, how to start different types of fires, nocturnal animals sounds, and watching fish at night. On Saturday nights they turn on a few lights underneath the water so you can see the fish swimming around."
Yurt camping options: For families seeking alternatives to tent camping, several parks near Appomattox, Virginia offer yurt accommodations. Twin Lakes State Park provides climate-controlled yurts with queen beds, while Smith Mountain Lake also features yurt camping options. A camper noted, "The bathhouse is in the center of the loop so that makes it convenient to most of the sites."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: When reserving at Crabtree Falls Campground, choose carefully based on needs. "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night. The campground did have facilities that were about a quarter mile walk away from our sites; this is something to consider if you are camping with older folks or children."
Power considerations: Several campgrounds offer varying hookup options. At Holliday Lake, "Sites are paved and not too close. Sites in the older section (red bud) will require leveling." Make reservations specifying amperage requirements since not all parks offer 50-amp service for larger RVs.
Access route warnings: For larger rigs, approach routes matter significantly in this mountainous region. At Montebello Resort, visitors advise: "FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway." Similar cautions apply when accessing most mountain campgrounds.
