Camping near Blue Ridge, Virginia ranges from full-service RV parks to primitive sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The region sits at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 feet with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Most campgrounds in this mountainous area feature gravel pads with varying degrees of shade coverage depending on forest density.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground features a 9-hole disc golf course among its recreational offerings. "They have a nice little camp store in case you forget anything. Frisbee golf and cornhole is available too!" notes Joan in her review of Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue.
Swimming opportunities: Pool access varies by campground, with some offering dedicated swimming facilities. "The pool was great for my son and we had it to ourselves multiple days," reports Joel B. about his stay at Sweetwater RV Park. For natural swimming, the Roanoke River provides alternatives. "We just enjoyed walking to the river and jumping in to cool off!" shares Mel T.
Music festivals and events: Several campgrounds host regular events throughout camping season. "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," explains Glen W. about his experience at Chantilly Farm.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent praise across multiple campgrounds. "Bathhouse is the nicest one I've encountered with a very homey living room like entry, very nice, private bathrooms with showers, and a laundry room," writes Zeek A. about Indian Heritage RV Park.
Dog-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated pet areas. "Multiple dog parks....so convenient so you have one close to your area," notes Beth B. about Sweetwater RV Park. This amenity allows campers to exercise pets without leaving the campground property.
Spacious tent sites: For tent campers, site size varies significantly between campgrounds. "The premium tent sites are huge! Clean bath house. Friendly staff!" reports Samuel about his experience at Chantilly Farm. Some campgrounds provide different tiers of tent sites at varying price points.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Peaks Of Otter Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway has a limited season from "May 6 to October 29" according to their listing information. Similarly, Thousand Trails Lynchburg operates seasonally, making winter camping options more limited.
Site terrain: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain due to the mountainous location. "Sites were very clean and well taken care of. There are tons of campsites available but they are spaced out enough to still feel secluded," writes Stephanie M. about Peaks of Otter Campground. When selecting sites, consider RV leveling requirements.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating winding mountain roads. "Getting there was quite a journey over narrow curvy roads but once there it was a nice area," warns Don L. about his trip to Chantilly Farm. Larger RVs may require careful route planning.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: During summer months, pool facilities provide important recreation for children. "We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old," shares Stephanie L. about Sweetwater RV Park. Campground pools typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Playground options: Playground facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Right off the highway... The campground itself has a pool, open seasonally, a game room, and a playground. It's an old school playground but the gkids love it," describes Bridget H. about the Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. "I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away!" notes Stephanie L. about her experience at Sweetwater RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV campers should research specific sites before booking. "Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height," explains Beth B. about Sweetwater RV Park. This information helps ensure compatibility with your specific RV setup.
Seasonal considerations: Winter RV camping options are limited but available. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," notes Stephen D. about Don's Cab-Inns Campground. Winter camping requires additional preparation for potential freezing temperatures.
Utility placement: The location of hookups impacts RV positioning. "The site itself was an easy pull-through. It was clean and hookups were easy to figure out (first time RVers here; not new to camping though)," shares Stephanie L. about her experience at Sweetwater RV Park. Some campgrounds provide escort service to assist with parking and hookups.
