Best Campgrounds near Roanoke, VA
The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Roanoke, Virginia feature diverse camping options ranging from full-service RV parks to primitive backcountry sites. Smith Mountain Lake State Park, located about an hour from downtown, offers tent and RV camping with lake access for swimming and boating. Explore Park at milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides cabins, yurts, and tent sites with mountain bike trails and river access. Hikers can access primitive camping along the Appalachian Trail at sites like Catawba Mountain Shelter and Dragon's Tooth. Dixie Caverns in nearby Salem serves as one of the closest established campgrounds to the city, though reviews note highway noise can be significant.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with many Blue Ridge Parkway facilities like Peaks of Otter Campground operating only from May through October. Summer weekends often require advance reservations, particularly at popular state parks. As one camper noted, "Smith Mountain Lake State Park gets crowded depending on the time of year but worth it for sure! It is just under an hour from Roanoke." Highway-adjacent sites like Dixie Caverns remain open year-round but offer less privacy. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with mountain areas having limited or no coverage. Bear activity requires proper food storage at wilderness sites, particularly along the Appalachian Trail corridor.
Campers frequently mention the quality of hiking trails as a highlight of the Roanoke camping experience. "You can get the best views of Roanoke from Roanoke Mountain! You can take pictures and walk around the huge Star and see why they call Roanoke 'Star City'," reports one visitor. The region's campgrounds vary dramatically in noise levels, with highway-adjacent locations experiencing significant traffic sounds. According to one review of Dixie Caverns, "Semi-truck noise is loud during the twilight hours when the din of the day has disappeared." Alta Mons Campground, about 30 minutes from Roanoke, receives praise for its peaceful setting and creek-side tent sites, though availability may be limited during youth camp sessions. Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months, particularly at lower elevations and near water.
