Tent and RV camping near Bedford, Virginia offers convenient access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail. Most campgrounds in the area sit between 1,000 and 3,500 feet elevation, providing cooler summer temperatures compared to surrounding regions. Cell reception varies significantly throughout the area, with strongest signals at campgrounds closer to major highways and weaker coverage in mountain valleys.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Located about a mile from Middle Creek Campground, the trail offers multiple access points. "There are plenty of things to do near by, especially hiking," notes one visitor, while another adds, "We were able to drive the parkway and get some amazing views definitely worth going out and driving it at least once."
Disc golf course access: The 9-hole course at Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground provides free gameplay for campers. "They have a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!" mentions one reviewer, with another noting they also offer "cornhole" games on-site.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple sites offer fishing ponds, particularly at Glen Maury Park. A camper notes: "Camp sits on water front. There is a pavilion with tables. There is a playground that is very nice! They offer entertainment on weekends and some other times of the year."
Water recreation: Middle Creek features a swimming pond with inflatable attractions. "The lake was super fun and such a cool idea to have the slides and trampolines. The pool was a decent size and warm," reports a visitor who took advantage of these amenities during summer months.
What campers like
Peaceful creekside sites: Tent campers frequently mention the creek access at Middle Creek Campground. "Our campsite was nice, fairly private and backed up to a creek," notes one reviewer, while another states, "We like getting the sites which are right next to the creek because the kids will play in the water all day."
Mountain views: Peaks Of Otter Campground delivers on scenery. "Hike to top of peaks was strenuous and gorgeous at the top! Decent stop right off the BRP. Wildflowers were beautiful," shares one visitor. Another camper adds the sites are "Very territorial deer, will stalk you on way to dumpster!"
Private bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds feature individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. At Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, one camper appreciated "something like 7 unisex bathrooms each with their own shower," noting this as the "Best bathhouse I've encountered."
Year-round camping options: Several campgrounds remain open through winter. One camper specifically noted that Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA is "Open year round. Very clean showers," making it suitable for off-season camping.
What you should know
Winter camping limitations: While some parks remain open year-round, services may be reduced. At Explore Park, one visitor noted it's "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," though water systems may be winterized.
Terrain challenges: Many campsites feature uneven terrain. A camper at Peaks Of Otter noted "the campsites are not level - and we had the best of the lot - very private but only one side of the picnic table was accessible (bc of the slope)."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds require navigating winding roads. At Thousand Trails Lynchburg, visitors report "Lots of road wash outs" and that "the A loop was in terrible shape as far as the roads go."
Seasonal staff availability: During shoulder seasons, some campgrounds operate with minimal staff. One visitor to Middle Creek reported: "In the shoulder season the campground isn't staffed often, but what do you expect when it's not busy?"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple pools and swimming areas cater to families with children. One family at Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA reported: "The tent sites were large and shaded. We were right by the fishing pond and it was a short walk to the playground, pool, jump pad, and very clean, private bathrooms."
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events for children. "They had activities every day for the kids. As well as lots of unstructured activities," notes one parent who visited the Lynchburg KOA, adding they had "a 'trick or treat'/'scavenger hunt' for the kids."
Cabin options for easier family camping: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort while still enjoying outdoor experiences. At Don's Cab-Inns Campground, a family shared: "Our family loved this campground! The cabins were definitely roomier than it looks. The bathrooms were impeccable and close to the cabins."
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, RVers recommend checking site dimensions carefully. "We were in site 15. It was a very small site with a half deck. If we had camper with slide, we would not have been able to use our slide in this site," warns one RVer.
Water pressure variations: Water systems can be inconsistent, especially at sites farther from main lines. At Lynchburg Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, a camper noted: "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."
Winter RV accommodations: Some parks offer heated water connections during cold months. At Chantilly Farm, a winter visitor appreciated that "our lovely Host was very kind and showed our site - It also had heated water hose so that was a big bonus" when camping in December.
