The Blue Ridge Mountain region around Blacksburg offers motorhome-friendly camping options at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with colorful autumn foliage and mountain climate patterns that can shift rapidly. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing with occasional snow accumulation on higher terrain.
What to do
Trail access from camp: Chantilly Farm in Floyd sits minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway with outdoor activities directly from your site. "It is a beautiful venue with rolling grassy hills and acres of woods with hiking and mountain biking trails. They have full hookup RV sites along with dry ones and multiple tent camping options!They also have free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!" notes Stafford W.
Music festivals and events: The region hosts numerous seasonal events that attract campers. At Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue, one visitor reported, "Went for a weekend vw campout (Buses at Chantilly) and had a blast. We all camped on the hill. There was a concert with an awesome stage, beer tent, and vendors." On Thursdays at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, visitors can experience local culture: "One of the main attractions of the park is the close proximity of the New River Trail. Thursday evenings, the community center hosts a jam session - check it out!!"
Outdoor recreation options: The New River provides multiple activity options for campers. "We were one block from where we could get on the trail! We were able to ride bikes from your campsite to the trail. The trail is almost 57 miles in length and we rode 15 miles out and 15 back to campsite," shares a visitor about Fries New RiverTrail RV Park. Water activities are also available: "Kayak and bike drop offs are available at the gas station. (About 2 miles down.)"
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many RV campgrounds near Blacksburg provide generous camping spaces. At Pipestem RV Park & Campground, campers appreciate the layout: "We camped at Pipestem in a 37' travel trailer. We love this campground. Quiet, well spaced, nice roads for biking." Another camper at Chantilly Farm noted, "The premium tent sites are huge! Clean bath house. Friendly staff!"
Family amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for families. "This campground was exceptionally clean and very quiet/peaceful. We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old," shares a camper at Sweetwater RV Park. Another visitor at Lake Ridge mentioned, "Great campground for families. Pools, fishing, and golf cart rentals available. Plenty of space for RV's/campers."
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds adjust their offerings throughout the year. A fall visitor to Pipestem mentioned: "Quiet, clean and spacious sites for hammocks and tents." Winter camping is available at some locations: "We stayed here for one night in December. We arrived late around 7pm and it was getting dark, our lovely Host was very kind and showed our site - It also had heated water hose so that was a big bonus."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Mountain roads can present difficulties. A camper at Willville Motorcycle Camp advised: "Good motorcycle campground... Lots of great riding in the area and only a couple of minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway." RVers should note that getting to some sites can be challenging on narrow mountain roads.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds operate on different reservation systems. At Summer Wind RV Park, "Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox. But there was plenty of room and everything worked out fine." At Fries New RiverTrail RV Park: "We were lucky enough to call just after a cancellation was made... making room for us for 4 nights."
Campground policies: Rules vary significantly between locations. Willville prohibits pets: "pets aren't allowed as far as I can tell." Some campgrounds restrict fires: "No fire pits allowed" at Fort Chiswell. Others have specific site assignments: "Tom, the proprietor, is friendly and efficient in guiding the guests to their site."
Tips for camping with families
Look for heated facilities: When camping in cooler months, choose campgrounds with heated amenities. "They have a nice little camp store in case you forget anything. Frisbee golf and cornhole is available too!" shares a camper at Chantilly Farm. Another visitor noted, "The pool was wonderful. Has everything you need... playgrounds, multiple laundry rooms, putt putt, store, restrooms."
Consider sites with dedicated recreation: Lake Ridge RV Resort offers multiple family-friendly options. "We were able to spend a couple of weeks enjoying the park. We spent one evening playing in the arcade room where I may currently hold the high score on one of the pinball machines and got to have lazy days around the park," reports one camper. Their swimming pools and evening activities create family-friendly environments.
Pack for weather variability: Mountain weather can change rapidly. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly in spring and fall. Prepare layers and waterproof options, as one camper noted: "This weekend trip was a washout in rain but there were moments where we had a reprieve from rain and had nice weather."
Tips from RVers
Utility management: Full hookup sites vary in their amenities. At Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, a camper advised: "Being at the end of the water line for the park, our pressure wasn't great so we used our fresh water tank and water pump for showers and to wash dishes but the pressure was adequate for making coffee, brushing our teeth and filling the water bowls for the dogs."
Easy-access options: For larger rigs, choose sites with appropriate layouts. Fort Chiswell RV Park offers "All pull thru, full hookup, and level sites." Another camper mentioned, "Each campsite has a level space, shade, and picnic table. Full hook ups, including cable!"
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and internet access vary by location. Some campgrounds provide consistent connections: "Starlink access was excellent as there is not a single tree to obstruct the view!" reports a Summer Wind visitor. Another camper noted: "Even though we were in the back, the wifi worked great the entire time. Great WiFi the entire time; even for a couple of zoom calls!"
