The Blue Ridge region surrounding Bent Mountain, Virginia sits at elevations between 1,700 and 3,500 feet, creating distinct temperature patterns that affect camping seasons. Temperatures typically run 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby valleys, extending comfortable camping conditions through early summer and fall. Winter camping options remain limited with several campgrounds closing between November and April.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: The trail to Stiles Falls at Camp Alta Mons offers a moderate challenge with three creek crossings and boulder scrambles. "I would put the hike to the falls moderate to strenuous with three creek crossings and some boulder scampers...give yourself an hour each direction from the parking lot," notes one camper.
Mountain biking: Chantilly Farm offers trail access for bikers of various skill levels. "They have multiple tent camping options with acres of woods with hiking and mountain biking trails," reports a visitor who appreciated the venue's diverse terrain options.
Disc golf: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue recently added recreational options beyond hiking. "They also have free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!" notes a review from a camper who appreciated the additional activities.
Fishing opportunities: The COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park provides multiple fishing access points. "There is a nice swimming area, boat ramp and dock in the loop," explains a camper who found the waterfront amenities particularly convenient for anglers.
What campers like
Lake access: COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park receives consistent praise for its waterfront campsites. "Beautiful views with great boat and kayak access on a huge reservoir with lakeside camping sites make this a preferred camping destination," reports a visitor who appreciated the direct water access.
Quality bathhouses: Cleanliness at Smith Mountain Lake State Park stands out in reviews. One camper noted, "Bathrooms are clean and right across the way. Both the bathrooms/showers and cabin are push code to get into. This makes it so easy and convenient."
Event facilities: "Chantilly Farm is amazing and a true hidden gem. Mike the owner was so nice and accommodating. He even delivered our firewood to our campsite," shared a camper who discovered the venue's dual purpose as both campground and event space.
Cabin options: At Don's Cab-Inns Campground, guests appreciate the air conditioning and amenities. "These cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway. The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling," notes a summer visitor.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Several campgrounds near Interstate 81 experience traffic noise. "You must leave the campground for anything you'd like to do, other than the Caverns...and sitting in your camp chair," explains a visitor regarding site limitations and ambient noise.
Limited winter operations: Rocky Knob Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway operates seasonally from May 24 to November 2. "This is a beautiful nature campground that has very primitive camping. Unless you have a self contained camper you should be ok," cautions a visitor regarding amenity limitations.
Alcohol regulations: Some public campgrounds strictly prohibit alcohol consumption. At Salthouse Branch, a camper reported: "The police visited us bc we were drinking outside of our camper. He was very nice and explained no alcohol allowed. This is clearly stated and we were in the wrong."
Cell service variability: Reception remains unreliable at most campsites near Bent Mountain. One tent camper mentioned as a positive surprise: "There is both cell service and free wifi...which is amazing! I can count on my one finger how many campgrounds in W.VA and VA that had cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible activities: Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers child-friendly programming. "We hiked, played at the lake and attended the roving ranger talks. The bathrooms and shower facilities were clean and convenient to our campsite," reported a family that found the park's organized activities valuable.
Playground access: Salthouse Branch provides dedicated play areas. "The lower loop is pretty level, fun to walk and ride bikes around, and the kids love the playground! The bathhouse is always clean and you can't beat the atmosphere around the campground!"
Safe swimming areas: COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park features designated swimming beaches. "There is a clean sandy beach for swimming, and a boat launch with a pier," notes a visitor who found the structured water access ideal for families with children of various ages.
Educational opportunities: "Our family loved this campground! It is close to Roanoke and it is off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is located in Explore Park. This park is growing by leaps and bounds. It has mountain bike trails, a cool vintage village, access to the Roanoke River, an aerial obstacle course, and more cool stuff."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Chantilly Farm offers more spacious RV parking than many comparable campgrounds. "We had the opportunity to stay a couple of nights at this campground on our way to the east coast. Wow, getting there was quite a journey over narrow curvy roads but once there it was a nice area. We stayed in a full hookup site 8 on top of a hill overlooking other areas of the park."
Road access challenges: Salthouse Branch Campground presents some navigation difficulties. "This is a quite place way back in the mountains of Southern Virginia. The roads going into the campground is very narrow and steep up and downs. My breaks were gone by the time I got to the entrance," warns an RV owner who struggled with the approach roads.
Dump station availability: Many campgrounds offer dump stations even when sewer hookups aren't available at individual sites. "Sites are a bit small for anything over 35' but we did mange our 41' in there... they do have some lrg back in FHU sites if you need but not many," noted a larger rig owner who made the campground work despite size constraints.
Electrical amperage variations: Campgrounds in the region typically offer either 30-amp or 50-amp service, rarely both. RVers should confirm compatibility before booking as one camper at Rocky Knob noted: "Wide open beautiful sites. Many with pull through sites. Lots of room. Great for astronomy buffs. Stopped here on our way north. Drawback is no hookups or WiFi. Would have been great to at least have water."
