Best RV Parks & Resorts near Ararat, VA

The new owners have revamped this campground. From what I’ve heard, this wasn’t the place to go prior to the ownership change. The owners here care about everyone at the campground, and keep it nice and clean. They also expect their full time campers to keep their lots and campers in good condition. Both owners are very approachable and respectful. Campground is just a short hike to the Ararat River. Which is why the new name is Ararat River Campground. No tent camping, but 30 amp and 50 amp camper hookups are available with sewage. In the warm months the owner holds church services in the pavilion behind lot 12. Owners offer a flat monthly rate that includes water, electric, wifi, and campground maintenance.

On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nestled in the trees and mountains of North Carolina, this campground has been well maintained. Sites are ample but the asphalt pads were designed for shorter travel trailers, but include an extra pad for the tow vehicle. Many of the sites have upgraded concrete pads for the picnic table and built-in fire pits. There are no showers in the trailer (RV) loop, but does include a couple comfort station with flush toilets. Campground hosts were helpful and friendly. Sites are split between first come first serve and reservations. Payment at kiosk by credit card only.

This was a overnight stop but it was a great find! We were in a full hook up pull through site 20. Gravel pads with a picnic table and fire ring. Sites were open but a decent size, and mostly level. There was a lovely  stream that ran along the property with beautiful shade trees and lots of grass. We have 2 dogs and there was plenty of great area to walk them.  The bathhouse was very clean but there was no A/C and only a few small windows for ventilation. The whole property was very well kept and beautiful. Will definitely be back as we travel this way each year.

Verizon phone worked good, but not really any TV reception. But we were good with that!

Doughton Park CG: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price: $10/ night w senior pass Usage during visit: low due to rain Site Privacy: some, like ours - #9, are very good Site Spacing: some sites are nicely space and some are pretty close. Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Very quiet during our stay. A small group of folks, older, play music together on a regular basis. Bring your instrument and join them. One plays a lot of Gordon Lightfoot - they were friends. Low key and quiet. Very, very enjoyable.
Road Noise: Sites 1 and 2 are close to the parkway. The rest of the sites are set far enough back that, maybe motorcycles can be heard. Right now through there is no through traffic as a nearby portion of the parkway is in the middle of a 3 year construction project. Through Traffic in campground: None Electricity: No Water: Availability at the dump station and one faucet.
Sewer Hook up: No Dump Station: Yes Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Small and clean. Showers: No Pull Throughs: Most or all are back in.
Cell Service (Verizon): Good from our site Setting: Deciduous forest on high ground. Weather: Unseasonably wet during our stay. 4 days of almost non-stop rain
Bugs: None Solar: Fixed solar panels might work in sites 1 and 2. Host: Present. Rig size: There are a couple 30 to 35’ rigs here Sites: #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. Best sites: 9 very best, 4, 8, 7. Next best: 5,21,19. Nice but picnic area is not quite as private: 20, 18,16,14,12,11,10. All other sites along the outer side of the loop I would be happy with. The exception are sites 1 and 2. These two sites are along the parkway.

The campground is so convenient to the BRP! The owners are friendly and easy to talk to. The campground is clean, scenic, and hilly.  We had no issue navigating with our 27' trailer.  We saw several class A's and a large 5th wheel here too.  All RV sites are on gravel and level. Sites are full hookup with 20, 30, and 50 amp receptacles available  Firewood is available.   We used the 2-washer laundry (not coin-op $5 wash and dry paid at office) with no issues.  Yesterday we drove to nearby Mt. Airy (Mayberry) and enjoyed the Andy Griffith Museum.  We would definitely stay here again.

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Highly Recommended! We had the opportunity for an extended stay at Greystone in 2024 and had an exceptional experience. This is one of the best campgrounds we've found in all of our RV travels. The owners and camp host are some of the finest people you can meet and you can tell they really care about their customers. If you're looking for a small, quiet campground that checks all of the boxes then this is the one. And the unobstructed view of Pilot Mountain is the icing on the cake. If you can stay a night with Greystone, you will not be disappointed! We stayed in site 10 (end site) and it perfect for our 25 ft travel trailer. The gated campground has ten FHU sites for self contained RVs ( no pop ups or tents allowed), all sites have wifi and open sky for starlink, campground bathhouse and laundry are five stars. Camp host sells firewood for campfires.

MY husband and I stayed two nights in a 1 bed efficiency CCC Cabin at Fairy Stone State Park for a short weekend away from the kids. We visited in December so it was pretty cold weather but the cabin was so cozy and comfortable! We loved having the fireplace! The cabins have a bathroom, shower, kitchen with sink, fridge, oven/stove, microwave, toaster, everything you need! They have heating and a/c as well. The cabin was built in the 1930s and is so charming! Loved everytihg about our experience here.

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!