Camping in the Blue Ridge highlands around Bland, Virginia, offers access to both Virginia and nearby West Virginia sites. The area sits at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Local campgrounds often feature creek or river access, with several properties offering waterfront sites along tributaries of the New River.
What to do
Hiking the New River Trail: Just a short drive from rv sites near Bland, Virginia, the New River Trail offers miles of flat, scenic paths. At Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, the trailhead is exceptionally convenient: "We were one block from where we could get on the trail. We rode the first 6 miles (and back) of the New River Trail to the train trestle and through the tunnel, just beyond. Easy ride with 2% grade," notes Jennifer K.
Fishing in local streams: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for anglers. "One of the main attractions of the park is the close proximity of the New River Trail. This is a campground located in a tiny valley between two small hills/mountainsides," writes Martha S. about Fries New RiverTrail RV Park.
Live music experiences: The region maintains strong connections to Appalachian musical traditions. Nancy C. recommends: "Go to Creek Bottom Brewery in Galax (less than 30 min). Great food and beer options." At Old Cranks Campground, campers appreciate being "located in closed factory in the industrial area. Near brewery and town," according to Paul B.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area generally maintain high cleanliness standards. At Fort Chiswell RV Park, "The public bathrooms and showers were clean," reports Nancy C., while noting that "RV sites aren't really spacious, but are shaded with a picnic bench."
Water features: Many campers choose sites specifically for creek or river access. At River Country Campground & RV Park, Melissa P. notes the "River front sites, pull thru sites and tent sites. New playground for the kids! Remodeled bath houses make it the nicest campground on the river."
Natural surroundings: The pastoral setting enhances the camping experience. Fort Chiswell RV Park is "surrounded by farm land on two sides and it was relaxing watching the cows and sheep graze on the hillsides. There's a large pond stocked with koi fish," according to Nancy C., who adds that "Although first impressions weren't that great, it grew on me."
What you should know
Late arrivals: Many campgrounds accommodate evening check-ins with advance notice. At Fort Chiswell, "Call in advance if you will be arriving late in the evening. The management lives on property and will make arrangements to meet you," advises Crystal C.
Varying facilities: Amenities differ significantly between campgrounds. Heather H. mentions about Brushcreek Falls RV Resort: "Truly nice people. The place is not too big or small, just right. Very clean. Nice tenants! Spots are long but pretty close together. Wifi didn't work, we're used to that at public places."
Water pressure considerations: Some campground water systems have pressure limitations. At Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, Sherri J. reports: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several area campgrounds feature dedicated children's play areas. Julie M. at Brushcreek Falls RV Resort notes they "had plenty of room to park our RV and there was a very nice new swingset Nearby. Noticed multiple people utilizing the fishing pond and there was a cornhole tournament going on at the other side of the park."
Pool availability: Swimming options vary by season. At Lake Ridge RV Resort, facilities are family-friendly with "Pools, fishing, and golf cart rentals available. Plenty of space for RV's/campers," according to Melinda J.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide additional recreation beyond outdoor activities. Mychele B. enjoyed Lake Ridge RV Resort where "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."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Access to mountainous campsites requires careful driving. Heather H. notes about Brushcreek Falls: "We're a triple axl so we had to take it nice and slow getting there with the road and even navigating the property but it was fine."
Site selection: When booking rv sites near Bland, Virginia, request specific locations if important. Martha S. recommends: "We stayed in a newer campsite in the rear of the campground. IT WAS AWESOME! It was site #17, up on a slight hill and it had a really nice deck."
Payment methods: Check accepted payment types before arrival. Sherri J. points out one important detail about Fries New RiverTrail RV Park: "One thing to note is that they don't accept credit cards."
Winter camping options: While temperatures drop in winter months, Michael A. notes that Fort Chiswell remains available: "Staff were friendly and sites include cable, electric, water, and sewer." He emphasizes, "If you're heading south on 81 into Tennessee, there really is no better place to stop for the night past this point."
