Camping spots near New Castle, Virginia range in elevation from 1,200 to 2,800 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valleys and ridgelines throughout the camping season. The region sits at the junction of Jefferson National Forest and private campgrounds, with seasonal limitations most pronounced at primitive sites where winter road closures begin in early November. Cell reception improves at campgrounds east of New Castle, particularly those closer to Interstate 81.
What to do
Live music experiences: At Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing, weekend entertainment creates a social atmosphere. "Saturday night with a bluegrass band, friendly families with kids, good food and drinks; totally our jam," reports one camper who appreciated the unexpected community feel.
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds feature water access that provides natural entertainment. "The creek was the big hit for our family of small boys. Grab some lawn chairs and a cooler and let them play and explore for hours," notes a visitor to Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing.
Cave touring: Dixie Caverns campground includes access to underground exploration. "The caverns are worth visiting pretty cool cave system. We got in late in the afternoon after the last tour woke up early and caught the first tour before heading on our way," mentions a camper who planned their schedule around this unique attraction.
Bouldering opportunities: Campers near the Appalachian Trail access points can find rock climbing options. "Some of the routes are a little under maintained and mossy, but there are some fun ones. Lugging a crash pad all the way to the top isn't the most fun, but worth it," explains one visitor describing the climbing near Peaks of Otter.
What campers like
Spacious sites: The Pines Campground receives positive feedback for site arrangement. "Nice sized sites. Level gravel pads on most sites. Wildlife galore. Truly wonderful small campground," explains a camper who appreciated the layout and natural setting.
Evening atmosphere: Fireflies create natural entertainment at higher elevation sites during summer months. "We had zero problems with mosquitos but enjoyed the night show of fireflies," notes a family staying at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing.
Forested privacy: Greenbrier State Forest campground, though in neighboring West Virginia, draws New Castle area campers seeking shade. "The sites are well-appointed, well-maintained, wooded, and peaceful," reports a visitor who found it worth the drive.
Nighttime quiet: Most primitive camping areas maintain peaceful evening environments. "It is a small park, but so beautiful and scenic. There is no cell or internet service here so we were really able to unwind and relax," notes a camper at Moncove Lake State Park.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Some campgrounds lack reliable water sources. "There is a water pump, but currently broken," reported a visitor to The Pines Campground, highlighting the importance of bringing sufficient water supplies.
Highway noise considerations: Dixie Caverns campground experiences consistent traffic sounds. "The downfall is it is near the highway and you hear highway traffic at all times. If you have dogs there's not really a great dog walking area," explains a reviewer who found the location convenient but noisy.
Campsite selection timing: Availability changes dramatically between weekdays and weekends. "We showed up right at 10pm and luckily found an empty spot," notes a visitor who arrived at The Pines Campground after hiking McAfee Knob, demonstrating the fill patterns.
Bathroom facilities: Campground bathrooms throughout the region vary significantly in quality and maintenance. "Bath house was decent. On the ladies' side, there were three flush toilets, two sinks with cold water only, and no soap," explains a camper at Peaks of Otter, providing specific facility details.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Moncove Lake State Park provides structured recreation options. "There is a nice playground for the kids and some great hiking trails," reports a visitor who found the facilities appropriate for children of various ages.
Cash requirements: Several campgrounds in the area require cash payments with limited nearby ATM access. "Bring cash if you want to swim in the pool. There is no ATM at the campground and the closest town is like 40 mins away," advises a camper at Moncove Lake.
Lodge alternatives: When camping with young children, some sites offer indoor options. "We booked a spot 'in the meadow' but when we arrived, they had rooms in the lodge for just $20 more. Great old building + comfy beds + no wet tent to pack up = sold!" explains a family who discovered the flexibility at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing.
Site access challenges: Peaks of Otter Campground requires careful site selection for families. "Many sites were tiered—I had steps or the worn path down to the actual site from where I parked," notes a camper, highlighting potential mobility issues for young children or older family members.
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: Most primitive sites lack hookups entirely. "No water or sewer or on site dump station. The bathhouse and restrooms are pretty gross but the park and trails are so beautiful that it doesn't really matter," reports an RV camper at Greenbrier State Forest who found the natural setting compensated for limited facilities.
Access road challenges: Greenbrier State Forest requires careful navigation. "Accessing the campground involves driving 3 miles off I-64 on State 60/14, Harts Run Rd, a winding and narrow two-lane road, which might be a challenge for larger RV trailers and motorhomes," warns a camper who successfully navigated with a 23-foot Airstream.
Leveling requirements: Campground terrain affects setup difficulty. "The sites are not level - and we had the best of the lot," notes a camper at Peaks of Otter, suggesting RVers bring additional leveling equipment.
Pull-through availability: Limited pull-through sites exist in the region. "We stayed in Meadow 10 with our friends. So much space and privacy and able to pull through," explains a popup camper at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing who found the site configuration ideal for their setup.
