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Bedford, Virginia provides access to diverse camping options along the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding national forest lands. Peaks of Otter Campground, located at Milepost 85.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers tent and RV sites in a forested mountain setting. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest provides a more rustic experience with creek-side sites. The area includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Smith Mountain Lake State Park also offering cabin rentals and yurt accommodations.
Camping season in the Bedford region typically runs from April through October, with most Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds operating from early May to late October. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months and fall foliage season. Developed campgrounds like Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA remain open year-round, while primitive sites in George Washington National Forest may have seasonal restrictions. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds reporting limited or no connectivity. A camper noted, "No electricity, no showers, and barely an internet signal. Had to go to Bedford or south 4 miles to an overlook to connect."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region. Smith Mountain Lake State Park provides boat-in access and lakefront sites that appeal to water enthusiasts. Several campgrounds feature creeks or rivers running through the property, enhancing the camping experience. As one reviewer described Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp: "The creek winds through this loop providing the sound of water and a place to splash in." Road noise can be an issue at campgrounds near highways, while those deeper in forest settings offer more tranquility. Campgrounds in the area generally provide clean facilities, with many reviewers specifically mentioning well-maintained bathrooms. Wildlife sightings, including bears, are common in the more remote camping areas, requiring proper food storage and waste disposal.
"On the Blue Ridge Pkwy. 10 miles from Bedford VA. No electricity, no showers, and barely an internet signal. Had to go to Bedford or south 4 miles to an overlook to connect."
"Road Noise: Lower T loop is near the road going to Bedford. Traffic is sporadic. The noise, when there is traffic, is significant but only occasional. No commercial traffic is allowed."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"This is a well maintained area with access to several hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The lake is beautiful and my entire family enjoyed our time!"
"Stopping at Smith Mountain lake was well worth it during my mini road trip through VA. Pros: huge lake with tons of outdoor activities (trails for running/walking, boating activities, kayaking)."
from $27 - $159 / night
Check Availability"These sites are slightly more rugged, and best for smaller tents; site 35 however is both large, flat, and private, and is next to the trailhead to one of the campground's hiking trails."
"Site was spacious and pleasantly situated for our 17' travel trailer. Clean bathrooms and shower."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"It was early season, mid- may, so there were few other campers around. We took a site up their gravel road away from the main campground area."
"They mostly lazed around all weekend and watched people coming and going. The RV sites are directly across from the camp store, but the tent sites were tucked back into the woods."
from $20 - $85 / night
Check Availability"This campground is open year round and is right off the highway. There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "
"Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Very beautiful surrounds and plenty of family fun to be had here."
"Right next to the James River for all of your fishing needs. Have a pool, splash pad, pond/lake with a slide, beach, inflatable obstacle course, have an arcade room, and 2 additional water slides."
from $39 - $241 / night
Check Availability"Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature."
"The gravel road going around the tent loop was really loud, and there was a cabin behind our site that had a lot of activity and noise for awhile, but all was quiet after 10p."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Being a Veteran the highlight was visiting the D Day Museum in nearby Bedford. Very emotional."
"We stopped here overnight on a trip from Chicago to Virginia Beach. We had reserved a pull through but were just short in length and had to disconnect the tow vehicle for the night."
"Great all around virginia campsite"
"Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"There are multiple spots along the road - some are drive in and some require you to park and walk in. Definitely get there early to get a prime spot."
"There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise."
GuideNot far from the National park, we went the weekend before school started for the little ones so not as many campers as we have seen in the past. The brew pub is within walking distance. Great for family camping.
GuideThis park is so beautiful, set it a forested canopy and a serene lake, BUT - between the neighboring 4-H Camp shooting with hundreds of rounds being fired each day between 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, and then Karaoke parties from 6:00 pm to late at night, the noises were close to being unbearable. Also, zero cell phone reception, but they have free wifi at the check-in station, the office and the beach.
ScoutVery clean and quiet. Good services, including firewood availability. Drawback is that it’s 7.5 miles down a dead end road. Closet gas is at least 10 miles and groceries are a half hour away. Go prepared.
GuideI stayed at Dixie Caverns Campground for two weekend nights and found it to be a good value for the money. This is a very basic campground, so if you're looking for resort-style amenities like a pool, playground, or organized activities, this probably isn't the place for you. However, if you understand what a typical rural campground is like, you'll likely find it meets expectations. One of the biggest advantages is the location. The campground is in the Dixie Caverns parking lot, making it incredibly convenient to visit the caves, and campers receive a discount on cave tours. There is also a brand-new gas station and Which Wich sandwich shop within sight of the campground, which made grabbing fuel, snacks, or a quick meal very easy. The staff deserves special recognition. Everyone I encountered was exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming, honestly some of the nicest campground staff I've met anywhere. The sites are fairly small and close together, but all the hookups worked properly during my stay, including water, sewer, and electric. I had read reviews complaining about unlevel sites and roads, but I didn't experience any issues with leveling my rig. The bathhouse was about what I'd expect from a rural campground. It was functional, but it could use a fresh coat of paint and a more thorough cleaning. It wasn't anything unusual for an older campground, but it is an area that could use some attention. One thing to be aware of is the road noise. The campground sits close to a roadway, so you'll hear traffic throughout much of the day and night. There are also some older RVs in the campground that add a bit of character and are interesting to look at. Overall, Dixie Caverns Campground is not fancy, but it was affordable, convenient, and served its purpose well. If you're a very particular camper who wants premium amenities and a pristine campground experience, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a reasonably priced place to stay with great staff and reliable hookups, I'd say it's exactly what you'd expect for the money and maybe a little better thanks to the outstanding people who run it.
ScoutThis is a nice little place with level sites and easy shower/restroom access. I thought it was a little pricey and we had to drive to the lake, but it's a nice place to paddle board or kayak because they don't allow motor boats. They have a nice beach that our kid liked. You also have to the fairy stone hunting ground - we didn't find any. But there's a cool hiking trail with a couple of abandoned mine entrances.
ScoutGood facilities. Clean and hot showers. Good beach area. Docks for fishing could use some markers on the trails to find them. Could use a playground given it's labells as a familycamp
TravelerDescription info is incorrect
LegendVery beautiful surrounds and plenty of family fun to be had here. Pool, waterslides, splash pad, jumping pillows, playgrounds, mini golf, and of course the James River, to which our campsite was immediately adjacent. It's 8 minutes to the state park with the natural bridge, which is spectacular. . The staff are super nice and helpful.
ScoutFrom all the reviews on this site, we thought it would be more dispersed/private than it is. If you’re ok with seeing and hearing strangers as you sit in front of your own campfire, then this is the spot for you. Not for those who want privacy and true connection with nature and surroundings.
Camping sites near Bedford, Virginia range across elevations from 900 to 4,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valley and mountain campgrounds. In summer, higher elevation sites like those along the Blue Ridge Parkway can be 10-15 degrees cooler than valley campgrounds. Most primitive campgrounds lack cell service, with many campers reporting "no internet signal" until traveling several miles to higher points.
Hike Sharp Top and Flat Top Mountains: Both trails near Peaks Of Otter Campground offer challenging but rewarding experiences. "Both were beautiful, but slightly difficult so just be prepared. Also bring bug spray because the flies were terrible at the top," notes a camper. There's also a shuttle service that takes you to the summit of one peak if hiking isn't possible.
Fish in stocked waters: The region offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly at North Creek Campground. "Small campground with about 10 sites in around a loop. Backs up to a river so great atmosphere, especially when sleeping... Fantastic spot to fish too," reports one visitor. The creek contains trout and is regularly stocked.
Splash in natural swimming holes: Many locals visit swimming spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway. A visitor at Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA mentioned, "Campsite hosts were very friendly and recommended a swimming hole just a few miles down the road on the Blue Ridge Parkway that locals go swimming."
Terraced campsites with unique layouts: The terrain at Peaks Of Otter Campground creates distinctive site configurations. One camper described, "It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill. The whole campground is kind of 'carved' out of the mountain, and is therefore quite terraced in appearance."
Secluded creek-side camping: Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp receives praise for its water features. A camper noted, "Sites 1-27 are in the main loop. The creek winds through this loop providing the sound of water and a place to splash in." Another mentioned, "A small creek going through made for a soothing and scenic view right from the campsite."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain skies away from urban light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. As one visitor to Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground simply stated, "boy are there some amazing stars out here."
Tent pads vary significantly: Some campgrounds have unique tent pad surfaces that can impact comfort. At Otter Creek Campground, "Tent pads looked like cement or sand in the photos but they are soft dirt based." Other sites have gravel platforms that help during wet weather—"the raised gravel tent platforms prevented us from flooding."
Bear activity requires precautions: Several campgrounds post bear warnings and provide storage lockers. At Peaks Of Otter Campground, "food lockers are shared between several sites." Another camper advised to "read the bear recommendations and pack up your site accordingly and you'll have a wonderful time."
Site levelness can be challenging: Particularly in mountain campgrounds, finding level ground can be difficult. One camper at Middle Creek Campground noted their site was "Relatively level," but terrain varies widely across the region's campgrounds.
Water activities for hot days: Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers multiple water-based options. "The lake was super calm, clear and not too cold. We went out kayaking and swam out in the open," reported one visitor. The park also provides boat-in camping access for families with watercraft.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe local creatures. One family at Cave Mountain Lake enjoyed "swimming, catching salamanders and tadpoles while some of us fished. Another perfect summertime campground."
Plan for varied temperatures: Mountain elevations can mean significant day-to-night temperature swings. A visitor to Peaks Of Otter Campground observed, "The shade combined with the higher elevation made for a very cool, pleasant retreat from the July heat."
Advanced planning for tight turns: RVers should research site access before arrival. A Middle Creek Campground visitor warned, "The electric hookup circuit breaker was very loose," indicating maintenance issues that could affect RVs.
Dump station locations: Many primitive campgrounds lack full hookups but provide dump stations. At North Creek Campground, visitors should note facilities are limited, with "Pit toilets - very clean" but "No Dump" available, making advance planning essential.
Water pressure considerations: Water pressure varies significantly across campgrounds and even within the same property. At Lynchburg NW Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, "My water pressure was good but talking to other campers, the farther away you get from the front of the park the worse the water pressure gets."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV-friendly campgrounds near Bedford, VA?
Yes, several RV-friendly campgrounds serve the Bedford area. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA is right off the highway with convenient access to amenities and is open year-round. Dixie Caverns provides RV sites with easy interstate access off I-81. For those seeking more peaceful settings, Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground and Sweetwater RV Park offer big-rig-friendly sites with water and toilet facilities. Most RV campgrounds in the region provide electrical hookups, water connections, and dump stations, though reservation requirements and seasonal availability vary.
What camping amenities are available at Bedford, VA campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Bedford offer a range of amenities. Peaks Of Otter Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides basic facilities with vault toilets but no electricity or showers. For more amenities, Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA features a swimming pool, small store with essentials, and facilities suitable for all ages. Some campgrounds like Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA include seasonal pools, game rooms, and playgrounds. Bedford itself has a YMCA for showering and a library for internet access when staying at more rustic campgrounds. Amenities vary widely from primitive sites to full-service campgrounds with electrical hookups, water, and recreational facilities.
Where are the best campgrounds near Bedford, VA?
The best campgrounds near Bedford offer unique experiences across the Blue Ridge region. Devils Backbone Camp provides a clean, peaceful environment with the bonus of brewery access. Nature enthusiasts should consider Thunder Bridge, a former CCC camp near Natural Bridge State Park featuring tent sites, screen cabins, and fully furnished rentals. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is highly regarded for its clean facilities, potable water, and personality. For lakeside camping, Sherando Lake Campground in George Washington National Forest offers well-maintained sites with both standard non-electric and electric options. Most campgrounds require reservations during peak seasons.
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