Camping options near Breaks, Virginia extend beyond the primary Breaks Interstate Park into surrounding areas within 40 miles. The region sits at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 feet with steep elevation changes requiring careful vehicle navigation. Most campgrounds in the area experience seasonal closures between November and March, with exceptions for Breaks Interstate Park which maintains year-round camping with reduced winter services.
What to do
Hiking trail variety: Breaks Interstate Park Campground offers trails for all skill levels. "Wonderful park for pretty much everything from zip line to water park, and to some of the most gorgeous trails in the region," notes one camper. Another mentions that the park has "hikes ranging from casual strolls to very difficult."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations for anglers including lake and river fishing. At Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, a camper reports, "The fishing on Dewey Lake is awesome. The water is muddy a lot. But if you like catfishing, this is your Lake." Bass and crappie fishing are common at both Dewey Lake and Flannagan Reservoir.
Water activities: Kayaking and swimming options across several lakes and rivers. "We spent the weekend with several families for the weekend of the Lord of the Fork race," mentions a visitor to Thunder River Campground, highlighting the popular kayaking event. Another visitor notes, "We enjoyed fishing and kayaking during our stay."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Pound River Campground, visitors appreciate that it's "very clean and well maintained." Similarly, at Breaks Interstate Park, campers note "the campground was extremely clean including bathrooms and showers that are immaculate."
Wildlife viewing: Deer and small mammals frequently visit campgrounds. "The park is kind of famous for having elk, which are common out west," says one camper at Jenny Wiley State Park. Another camper at Breaks Interstate Park warns, "Apparently there is a lot of bear activity, although we did not encounter one."
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution provides excellent night sky viewing. "We lucked out in the B loop, as a small trail (Grassy Overlook trail) took us to see the northern lights one evening," reports a camper from Breaks Interstate Park, highlighting the occasional aurora visibility. The secluded locations of many campgrounds create ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
What you should know
Limited services: Pack supplies before arrival as stores are distant. "Be sure to bring all necessary supplies BEFORE you get here, nearest stores are a 20 minute drive away on crooked mountain roads," advises a Breaks Interstate Park visitor. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly in campground areas.
Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms and rapid temperature changes are common. Rain can turn campsites muddy quickly, with one camper at Jenny Wiley State Park reporting "5-8+ inches of rain over 3 days" during their stay, creating difficult conditions. Fall camping offers colorful foliage but requires warmer sleeping gear.
Lake conditions: Water quality varies by location. At Cane Patch Campground, "A few sites have electric hookup, but not all" with basic amenities. Some visitors report concerns about Dewey Lake water quality, with one camper stating, "I've never seen so much garbage in a lake in my life."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Breaks Interstate Park offers family-friendly amenities. "There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store," notes one visitor. The park also features wildlife viewing opportunities with "White tail deer are frequent, and very tame."
Campground selection: Choose areas with playground access and space between sites. "There are tons of sites for backcountry camping throughout the park," explains a Jenny Wiley visitor, though they caution that privacy varies significantly between established campgrounds and backcountry sites.
Food options: Some parks offer dining beyond campfire cooking. At Breaks Interstate Park, "They also have a restaurant in the park that has some of the best food I have ever ate," reports a visitor. Having backup meal options can be helpful during extended stays or poor weather.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds have challenging access for larger rigs. At Backwoods Camping & RV Park, campers find "RV spots and grassy tent areas" with staff that "are very easy to work with." Visitors appreciate the "reasonable prices" and "quiet nights."
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain requires preparation. "The campground itself isn't really all that great, prepare for some levelling," notes a visitor to Breaks Interstate Park. Bring extra leveling blocks and stabilizers for the mountainous terrain.
Hookup placement: Water and electrical connections may have unusual configurations. At Jenny Wiley State Park, "Campsites are set up where the water hookups are in front of your camper. Bring long water hose," advises one RVer. Several campgrounds require longer-than-standard hoses or electrical cords to reach connections.
