Camping options near Atkins, Virginia include sites from primitive forest locations to modern campgrounds with full amenities. The region sits within the Blue Ridge foothills at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 feet, creating cool summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees below nearby lowlands. Seasonal rainfall peaks in spring and fall, with sudden mountain storms common from April through October.
What to do
Hiking Mount Rogers: This highest point in Virginia reaches 5,729 feet and offers multiple trail access points within 30 miles of Atkins. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area provides trail access where "We were very lucky to obtain a perfect spot on the top of Mount Roger's during our section hike of the AT. It provided amazing views for both sun up and sun down and was a great place for pictures."
Trout fishing: Several stocked streams run through campgrounds in the region, offering fishing opportunities without traveling far from camp. At Raccoon Branch Campground, anglers can access the "trailhead for a 2 1/2 mile one way trail TO THE TOP. There is some awesome overlooks and scary drop offs. It's well worth the climb!"
Virginia Creeper Trail: This 34-mile rail-trail connects Damascus to Abingdon with gentle grades suitable for casual cyclists. Multiple companies offer bike rentals and shuttle services to Whitetop Mountain for a downhill ride. "Within 3 miles of these spots along the creek, you will find the famous and gorgeous Virginia Creeper Trail, the Whitetop Laurel Creek, and the Appalachian Trail. So bring your bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, and hiking boots for a full week of adventure."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many campsites throughout Jefferson National Forest feature creek access, providing natural white noise and cooling effects during summer. "Free spot, right next to a gorgeous creek. It was totally empty in March - we didn't see a single soul. Got a beautiful campsite right on the creek. There's lots of gorgeous spots on this stretch of road."
Clean bathrooms: Multiple campgrounds maintain above-average bathroom facilities despite remote locations. At Stony Fork Campground, "The bathrooms were clean. The camp host directed us to where we could buy firewood. The wood was dry and seasoned, and the gentleman gave us some sites to check out."
Hiking from campsites: Several campgrounds connect directly to hiking trail networks without requiring driving to trailheads. "Raccoon is the trailhead for a 2 1/2 mile one way trail TO THE TOP. There is some awesome overlooks and scary drop offs. It's well worth the climb! Once your done hiking you can relax in the campground which has a choice of primitive or electric sites."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage becomes minimal throughout the Jefferson National Forest area. At Hurricane Campground, visitors should "be sure to have everything squared away before entering the park! Extremely clean sites with designated tent areas. Showers are also warm one on each side of the campground."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter options. "Opening delayed in 2021 because of difficulty getting a campground host, but volunteers had been clearing and cutting wood, stacking it at the campsite. Another volunteer group had recently done some restoration along the riverbank."
Water restrictions: Several campgrounds have recurring water system issues. "There was a problem with the well, and we were advised to be careful about how much water we used." Be prepared with extra water containers, especially during peak summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with play areas: Several locations offer dedicated recreation spaces for children. Deer Trail Park Campground provides "a babbling brook that the kids can wade in. There is literally something for everyone. Playgrounds, Noah's Ark, a clean heated pool, a game room and a beautiful catch and release pond."
Consider tent platforms: At Hungry Mother State Park, "All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole." These elevated platforms keep tents dry during rain.
Pack for temperature changes: Mountain elevations can bring significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. "It rained for 12 hours straight with cold, high winds...so it was a bit chilly, but still enjoyable." Bring extra layers even for summer camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds feature a mix of sunny and shaded sites. At Grindstone Recreation Area, "The roads are all in good condition, the bathrooms and showers are good. There is a .6 mile trail nearby (Whispering Waters Trail) which is good for beginners & small kids."
Check road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds include narrow, winding mountain roads that challenge larger RVs. "This campground has a long and steep paved road going to it from up the mountain. We really enjoyed going up and down each time, it's nothing to be scared of!"
Overhanging tree branches: Several campgrounds need occasional maintenance. "The tree branches along the road in the cg could use a good trim in a couple of places." RVers with taller units should scout sites before committing to a particular campground.
