143 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Ararat, Virginia range from established RV parks to rustic tent sites, with several options along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Homeplace Recreational Park in Ararat offers tent and RV camping with full hookups, while Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground provides cabin accommodations approximately 15 miles from Ararat. The region includes multiple KOAs and state park campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including Hanging Rock State Park and Pilot Mountain State Park in North Carolina. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating on limited schedules. Rocky Knob Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway operates from May through early November, while others like Mayberry Campground remain open year-round. The mountainous terrain creates variable weather conditions, particularly at higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. Road access varies significantly, with some campgrounds requiring navigation of steep mountain roads. As one camper noted about a local campground, "The roads going into the campground is very narrow and steep up and downs. My breaks were gone by the time I got to the entrance."
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and peaceful settings of the area's campgrounds. Several developed campgrounds provide amenities like electric hookups, showers, and dump stations, though amenity levels vary widely. The Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds tend to offer more rustic experiences with fewer hookups but better access to hiking trails. Water features are common attractions, with some campgrounds offering pond or river access. A reviewer of Homeplace Recreational Park gave it five stars, describing it as having "drinking water, electric hookups, fires allowed, firewood, market, pets allowed, picnic table, reservable, sanitary dump, sewer hookups, showers, toilets, trash, and water hookups." Noise levels vary by location, with campgrounds closer to highways experiencing more traffic sounds than those nestled deeper in the mountains.
"This KOA is located in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge close to Galax, home of the annual Fiddlers Convention."
"Wonderful campground close to exit of I77. Old growth canopy of trees provide ample shade. Pool was nice. Restroom/Showers were wonderful and clean, also ample water pressure."
"Some spots are near I74 but most are not. Large lake and history here. Close to town to see the local legends hometown."
"Mayberry is conveniently located near the highway. The property is well maintained. The staff is very helpful."
"We spent one night at Hanging Rock State Park on our way home to West Virginia from South Carolina."
"There really isn't an option to put a tent up anywhere outside of the pad on this site. Water is located right next to the site, and the bathroom is right up the hill behind the site."
from $27 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Campground Review: Pilot Mountain State Park is located in Pinnacle, NC, approximately 2.5 hours away from Asheville, NC and is known for it’s giant pinnacle, Pilot Mountain, that rises 2,000 feet into"
"On highway 52 for 30 miles you can see the top of Pilot Mountain sticking out like a sore thumb."
from $17 - $27 / night
Check Availability"Located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway the views are amazing. You have access to several small towns and state parks with plenty of trials and things to see. "
"Many hiking trails . Very friendly owners. Will stay here again. Close to I77."
from $30 - $78 / night
Check Availability"Just less than a mile west of the Blue Ridge Parkway on US 58 Business, Willville is THE motorcycle camping slot for me in Virginia. thwres a community fire ring where Will has a fire most nights."
"This was my first stay at a motorcycle camp and all I can say is I would feel as safe as a father can, in any situation, if my daughter wanted to go there on a solo ride."
from $150 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Rocky Knob Campground is right outside of Floyd, VA off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southwest region of the state. Why stay here? It's right outside of Floyd."
"Inner part of the loop sites are quite close to each other but have convenient access to bathhouse, which is kept pretty clean."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability"It was right on the forest's edge with a nice open view to the north. The bathrooms and showers were excellent, and a washer and dryer was available— a great bonus.
"
"The trees, the adjacent pastures, the farm pond, the rolling hills, and the scenic views make this a great little campground. The bottom row of sites looks directly at Pilot Mtn in the distance."
"Close to trails and waterfalls. Open fields and mountain backdrop. Water electric bath house."
"Large trail to go for a little walk. Very reasonably priced. Will go again."
"The pond dam was really close to our site and the rushing water will really lull you to sleep at night."
ScoutThe campground is beautiful and extremely well maintained. The entire staff is friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Very quiet, adjoins the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the small community of Fancy Gap is interesting.
GuideI stayed at Dixie Caverns Campground for two weekend nights and found it to be a good value for the money. This is a very basic campground, so if you're looking for resort-style amenities like a pool, playground, or organized activities, this probably isn't the place for you. However, if you understand what a typical rural campground is like, you'll likely find it meets expectations. One of the biggest advantages is the location. The campground is in the Dixie Caverns parking lot, making it incredibly convenient to visit the caves, and campers receive a discount on cave tours. There is also a brand-new gas station and Which Wich sandwich shop within sight of the campground, which made grabbing fuel, snacks, or a quick meal very easy. The staff deserves special recognition. Everyone I encountered was exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming, honestly some of the nicest campground staff I've met anywhere. The sites are fairly small and close together, but all the hookups worked properly during my stay, including water, sewer, and electric. I had read reviews complaining about unlevel sites and roads, but I didn't experience any issues with leveling my rig. The bathhouse was about what I'd expect from a rural campground. It was functional, but it could use a fresh coat of paint and a more thorough cleaning. It wasn't anything unusual for an older campground, but it is an area that could use some attention. One thing to be aware of is the road noise. The campground sits close to a roadway, so you'll hear traffic throughout much of the day and night. There are also some older RVs in the campground that add a bit of character and are interesting to look at. Overall, Dixie Caverns Campground is not fancy, but it was affordable, convenient, and served its purpose well. If you're a very particular camper who wants premium amenities and a pristine campground experience, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a reasonably priced place to stay with great staff and reliable hookups, I'd say it's exactly what you'd expect for the money and maybe a little better thanks to the outstanding people who run it.
GuideIt’s not too often you get amazing hospitality anywhere these days, BUT THIS PLACE HAS IT! From the phone call to the arrival, the Indian Heritage RV Park is impressive. The park has level gravel sites, both pull-thru’s and back-ins, and they vary from fully- to partially-shaded to full sun. Solid-connecting WiFi is available with speeds to easily watch a movie. There’s even a trash can at each site. But wait, there’s more. If you’ve been on the road way too long and crave personal bathroom space, check out their bathhouse—individual rooms make it feel like you’re at a resort…plenty of space and super clean and inviting! The laundry room offers two washers, dryers, folding tables, and a hanging rack (bring your own hangers); again, super clean. This park is located on the Smith River and I highly recommend getting a lakeside spot if one’s available…spectacular view if you have a back porch on your rig! Jody was our host and makes you feel like you’re part of the family. The owner (sorry I forgot his name) is also very friendly. Restaurants are a few blocks down the street but you wouldn’t know it unless you took a short walk…that’s how tucked away this place is. Definitely staying here again the next time I travel Hwy 58!
ScoutThis is a nice little place with level sites and easy shower/restroom access. I thought it was a little pricey and we had to drive to the lake, but it's a nice place to paddle board or kayak because they don't allow motor boats. They have a nice beach that our kid liked. You also have to the fairy stone hunting ground - we didn't find any. But there's a cool hiking trail with a couple of abandoned mine entrances.
TravelerBeautiful decor and extremely clean interior. The bed is very comfortable and linens are crisp and inviting. You can tell they don't harsh products because your skin is not itchy. The kitchen accommodations are perfect for a family with refrigerator, microwave and gas grill included with every cabin. The jacuzzi tub is a nice touch. Plenty of towels and even robes to use!
The rocking chairs on the back porch allow you to sip coffee, while watching trout swim in Chestnut Creek. The exteriors are clean as well. The grounds are natural and well maintained. There is also a nice common area with chairs and a firepit with wood to use.
The staff was pleasant and helpful.
We went to the local movie theater and a splash pad and park for the kids in town. The downtown 4th of July parade was wonderful! We rode the Blue Ridge Parkway which is very close by and enjoyed live music at the Blue Ridge Music Center. The cabins are about 30 minutes to Mt. Airy (Mayberry). Local antiques, coffee shops, specialty stores are abundant. Car Shiws on Thursday monthly downtown and BINGO at the Moose Lodge here in Galax is the best which is on Tuesdays. If you are an antique lover or picker don't miss my favorites, many in downtown Galax and a couple coffee shops and make sure you go to "Nest and Hive" in Fancy Gap and "The River House And Home Company" in Hillsville. You won't regret it!
I've been coming here for 20 years and will 20 more. The mountains are calling!
ScoutThis is the perfect camp ground whether you’re wanting a quiet spot, or family fun. The grounds are spacious and the sites offer a great variety.
TravelerPlace seams tidy. Spots are nicely appointed, in that they are slightly separated.
ScoutThis is a beautiful park but be aware there is only ONE toilet for a loop of at least 23 tent sites!!! If it's a busy weekend, you'll be miserable.
ScoutThey seem to be doing a lot of upgrades to the campground, and they are much needed to be honest. The arcade is great
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ararat, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ararat, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Ararat, VA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Ararat, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ararat, VA is Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA with a 4.8-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ararat, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Ararat, VA.
What parks are near Ararat, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Ararat, VA that allow camping, notably Philpott Lake and Blue Ridge Parkway.
Keep Exploring
