Best Campgrounds near Bedford, VA
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.
