Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills at approximately 1,500 feet elevation, camping sites near Ararat, Virginia offer a mix of valley views and forested settings. The region experiences moderate temperatures with cooler nights at higher elevations, particularly along the Blue Ridge Parkway where summer highs typically remain below 85°F and evening temperatures can drop into the 50s.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Homeplace Recreational Park in Ararat features a pond dam and stream where campers can enjoy water activities. "The pond dam was really close to our site and the rushing water will really lull you to sleep at night," notes a reviewer who stayed in June.
Climbing excursions: Just 25 miles from Ararat, the rock faces at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground attract climbers of various skill levels. "I've been here several times, and it's one of my favorite places for toprope climbing in the area," shares one visitor. The park offers dedicated climbing areas with bolted anchors for top-roping.
Trail exploration: Hanging Rock State Park Campground provides access to trails leading to waterfalls and mountain vistas within 30 miles of Ararat. A camper reports, "The trails were very challenging and the views were spectacular. Definitely worth the trip." The park features multiple waterfall trails ranging from 0.3-4.3 miles in length.
What campers like
Mountain scenery: Jomeokee Campground in Pinnacle offers unobstructed views of Pilot Mountain from certain campsites. "The bottom row of sites looks directly at Pilot Mtn in the distance. The sunsets are gorgeous," explains a camper who visited in September 2020. The campground features open fields where children can play while adults enjoy the mountain backdrop.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses at area campgrounds. At Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground, a reviewer noted: "The bathhouses are immaculate - showers are nice and hot and have good pressure." Similarly, a Jomeokee visitor commented on the facilities being "clean and functional."
Natural settings: Most campgrounds in the region retain their natural character with minimal development. "If you like 'natural' 'real' campgrounds without all the asphalt and concrete, you will love this one," wrote a Jomeokee camper. Tent sites typically feature dirt or gravel pads surrounded by trees rather than manufactured surfaces.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Mountain elevation creates temperature variations requiring layered clothing, especially at Rocky Knob Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway. "Loop C is tent only. Inner part of the loop sites are quite close to each other but have convenient access to bathhouse, which is kept pretty clean," notes a camper who visited in late October, mentioning "great views of surrounding mountains as the leaves fall away."
Seasonal operations: Many area campgrounds close during winter months or operate with limited services. Rocky Knob Campground is only open May through early November, while Meadows of Dan Campground remains open year-round but with varying amenity availability.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly during peak foliage season (mid-October) and summer holidays. A Hanging Rock camper advised: "Definitely book those sites if you have a big RV," after finding navigation difficult upon late arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Mayberry Campground in Mount Airy offers amenities specifically for families with children. "The Mayberry campground has so much going on, you really don't have to leave camp. Just sit back and relax," shares a repeat visitor who notes the campground has "two playgrounds" and "a great park for base camping and exploring the area."
Water features: Several campgrounds include water attractions that appeal to children during hot summer days. Homeplace Recreational Park features "an actual water park within the campground" according to a recent visitor, though availability may vary seasonally.
Open play areas: Look for campgrounds with fields for active children. Jomeokee Campground provides "beautiful large open fields where all the children ran free," making it quieter for other campers despite being full during a reviewer's weekend stay.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Meadows of Dan Campground, RV owners should consider tree coverage when selecting sites. "This campground has lovely tree cover in both the RV and tent camping areas," notes a first-time RVer who enjoyed the experience so much they extended their stay by two additional weeks.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entry roads requiring careful navigation. A reviewer at Jomeokee Campground mentioned: "The dirt road to get to the sites and close trees were hard for us to navigate with such a big rig but that was partly because it was dark."
Utility considerations: Many campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. A Meadows of Dan Campground visitor noted that "No trees for the pull throughs but still a nice place" when describing the RV sites, highlighting the common tradeoff between shade and optimal satellite reception for RVers requiring clear sky visibility.
