Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Virginia, Ararat sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 feet with a climate featuring warm summers and mild winters. The region's abundant hardwood forests create dense shade at most campsites, while natural rock formations characterize the landscape. Campgrounds in the area typically close for winter between November and March, though a few offer year-round accommodations.
What to do
Fairy stone hunting: The park's namesake attraction draws many visitors to Fairy Stone State Park Campground. As one visitor explained, "We learned about the mysterious Fairy Stones and went to the hunt site to see for ourselves. Sure enough - we found several fairy stones and the kids were very happy!" The hunt site is located just outside the park near a gas station.
Hiking mountain trails: Varying difficulty levels are available for all hikers at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground. A camper noted, "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." The perimeter trails are less crowded than those near the mountain itself.
Lake activities: Swimming and boating options abound at several parks. One camper at Stone Mountain State Park shared, "There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it." Many campgrounds feature fishing ponds with catch-and-release policies.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high on camper priorities. At Meadows Of Dan Campground, one visitor appreciated "lovely tree cover in both the RV and tent camping areas" and mentioned the "manager is very friendly & accommodating." Most campgrounds feature hot showers and flush toilets.
Yurt accommodations: Canvas and wood structures offer comfortable shelter at several parks. A visitor at Fairy Stone described their yurt experience: "The Yurt overall was very clean and cozy. They have a nice large deck that is great for hanging out on while the kids were asleep." These yurt camping options near Ararat, Virginia provide a middle ground between tent and cabin camping.
Motorcycle-friendly camping: Specialized sites at Willville Motorcycle Camp cater to two-wheel travelers. "Great motorcycle campground. Clean facilities, friendly host. Good spread of water spigots and electrical outlets if you need to charge your equipment," notes one rider. The camp hosts evening campfires where riders gather to socialize.
What you should know
Limited or no cell service: Connectivity challenges exist throughout the region. At Fairy Stone Park, a camper noted, "There is no cell service or internet/wifi at the cabins though so come prepared with something to do! We found it to be very relaxing to unplug!" Downloading maps beforehand is recommended.
Weather considerations: Drainage issues can affect some sites during heavy rain. A visitor at Stone Mountain State Park Campground observed, "The campgrounds were perfect for a few days and there were enough hiking trails around to keep us busy. Most of the trails were very easy, but the view on top of Stone Mountain was nice."
Reservation requirements: Booking patterns vary by season and campground. At Fairy Stone, "About a year ago, this park became half first come first served and half reservation only. Each site has a yellow or red tag on it - the yellow tags have to be reserved by site number. The red tags can be walk up sites."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Kid-friendly swimming areas make summer visits more enjoyable. One parent shared about Homeplace Recreational Park: "This place has an actual water park within the campground. We had FHU and were in site A3 right beside the stream." The water park provides a welcome alternative to hiking on hot days.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities enhance visits for children. A family at Fairy Stone Park reported, "The programming was also amazing for our eight and four-year old boys. Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt!"
Site selection: Choose level areas when camping with young children. A parent at Meadows of Dan Campground advised, "We needed a clear sky to the NNE for Starlink, and found the perfect spot— technically an RV site, but it worked great for our tent for one night. It was right on the forest's edge with a nice open view to the north."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most area campgrounds. At Fairy Stone, one RVer noted, "Most of the sites are not level and it felt very crowded." Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended for almost all campgrounds in the region.
Hookup availability: Water and electric access varies widely. A visitor at Mayberry Campground shared their experience: "Clean full hookup sites. Level, easy access. Close to Mount Airy. Only one bathroom but it's clean and has clean showers." Most campgrounds offer water and electric, but sewer connections are less common.
Navigation challenges: Narrow roads can make maneuvering difficult. One RVer mentioned about Fancy Gap KOA, "My only negative was that they had us camp up on the top of the hill and it was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel." Larger rigs should call ahead to confirm site accessibility.
