Camping spots near Austinville, Virginia sit within the New River Valley at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 feet, creating mild summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. The region's varied terrain supports both riverside campsites with water access and highland campgrounds offering mountain vistas. Camping season extends from mid-March through late November, with limited winter facilities available at select locations.
What to do
Hiking on the New River Trail: Access the 57-mile linear rail trail directly from Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, where the trailhead is just two blocks from campsites. "We rode the first 6 miles (and back) of the New River Trail to the train trestle and through the tunnel, just beyond. Easy ride with 2% grade," notes Jennifer K.
Fishing in stocked waters: Claytor Lake State Park Campground offers bank fishing and boat access to a 4,500-acre lake. "We paddled around the lake on Sunday; there are a couple of different boat launches in the park. The cliffs are freaking amazing from the launch closest to the park entrance," shares RL.
Live music experiences: Visit the community center in Fries on Thursday evenings for authentic Appalachian jam sessions. "The town is on the 'Crooked River Music Trail' and music is an important part of their heritage. Thursday evenings, the community center hosts a jam session - check it out!!" recommends Bran P.
Exploring historic sites: Visit Shot Tower State Park to learn about the region's 19th-century lead shot manufacturing. Located near Foster Falls and Millrace Campground, this 75-foot stone tower offers self-guided tours during daylight hours. "Not far from here either, so definitely check that out while you're in the area," advises RL.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Stony Fork Campground consistently receives praise for its upkeep. "Very clean well maintained. An added plus, a national forest campground with showers!" notes Rod F. The campground features paved roads and sites, making navigation easier for all vehicle types.
Private, wooded sites: Campers appreciate the natural screening between sites at many area campgrounds. At Stony Fork, "The sites are spaced perfectly, the forest is beautiful, and the creek is super clear and clean," according to Greg S., who adds "Very quiet place. No playground or extras, but our boys didn't mind - the creek was great."
Easy interstate access: Pioneer Village offers convenience for travelers. "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," reports Brenda L., who appreciates "a lovely stream that ran along the property with beautiful shade trees and lots of grass."
Riverside camping: Millrace Campground at New River Trail State Park provides direct water access. "Really cool campground located right on the New River, located at Foster Falls. The river sounds amazing at night," one camper notes. Sites are walk-in only from the parking area but offer exceptional water views and sounds.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, some locations are more accessible than others. "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," Megan B. cautions.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region fill quickly during peak season (May-October). Pioneer Village tends to have high turnover as many campers use it as an overnight stop: "Since we did not want to unhitch our tow car, we chose a nice long pull-thru. The site was easy to get in and out of and the roads were easy to navigate," writes Nancy W.
Wi-Fi availability varies: Connection quality depends on campground location and site placement. At Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, "Even though we were in the back, the wifi worked great the entire time," according to Sherri J., though she notes water pressure can be inconsistent in certain sites.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, particularly in spring and fall. Stony Fork Campground warns about potential flooding: "Stony Fork Creek flows through the middle of the campsite, and the bridges are marked with a flood scale, so avoiding this place during heavy rains might be advised," Brian M. shares from experience.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated kid amenities: Wytheville KOA offers extensive family programming. "This campground is terrific! All the facilities are extremely well kept and clean, the store has lots of necessities and some fun souvenirs. Our kids loved the arcade, the wagon and train rides around the campground, the craft time, pool and the fishing!" Lisa T. reports.
Consider noise levels when booking: Highway-adjacent campgrounds may have traffic noise. At Pioneer Village, "The campground is very, very close to I-81 so you do here the traffic. A lot. If you are a light sleeper you may have issues with the traffic noise," Greg R. advises, despite finding it "very friendly" with "clean, level" sites.
Check for seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer special programming during peak months. At Wytheville KOA, "They have lots of cabins different types including tee,pees full hookups and lots of amenities," according to Beverly T., who adds it makes "a great home base while scouting the surrounding areas."
Water access for hot days: Claytor Lake State Park Campground includes beach access with camping fees (when not under Covid restrictions). "I love this park! Plenty of tent and RV sites. 4 yurts available in nice wooded area. Lake beach passes included in price," Michelle W. notes, mentioning boat rentals are also available.
Tips from RVers
Full-hookup availability: Fort Chiswell RV Park provides complete services for RVers. "Fort Chiswell RV park in Virginia is a very clean park beautiful trees paved driveways and a bathroom that is very clean and at the end of the bathrooms actually have tables at Pavilion. They have Wi-Fi they also have cable TV," Terry A. explains.
Site leveling requirements: Check campground reviews for information about site grading. At Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground, "Sites are level and spaced out for room to open your slide and awning. Picnic tables and fire pits at every site," Bill R. confirms after staying there.
Navigating narrow roads: Some campgrounds require careful driving. When visiting Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, "We followed the directions provided by Tom, the owner, to a 'T'. The roads were windy and a tad narrow but definitely do-able as long as you took your time," advises Bran P.
Weather protection considerations: The region experiences sudden storms, particularly in summer. At Fort Chiswell, "You are surrounded by farm land on two sides and it was relaxing watching the cows and sheep graze on the hillsides... You don't hear any noise because a large hill blocks every thing off," Nancy C. observes, noting the hill provides both visual interest and weather protection.
