Best Campgrounds near Buchanan, VA

Buchanan is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Buchanan is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Buchanan, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Buchanan, Virginia (111)

    1. Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    21 Reviews
    Thaxton, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 586-7321

    $30 / night

    "Picked for price

    Quiet

    Enjoyed Blueridge parkway

    NIce retreat in SW Virginia"

    "It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill."

    2. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $20 - $40 / night

    "These sites are slightly more rugged, and best for smaller tents; site 35 however is both large, flat, and private, and is next to the trailhead to one of the campground's hiking trails."

    "Site was spacious and pleasantly situated for our 17' travel trailer. Clean bathrooms and shower."

    3. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    29 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "

    "Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    15 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2727

    $39 - $241 / night

    "Right next to the James River for all of your fishing needs. Have a pool, splash pad, pond/lake with a slide, beach, inflatable obstacle course, have an arcade room, and 2 additional water slides."

    "Lots of stuff for kids, very close to river for tubing, reservation system in place because of Covid prevention guideline for swimming which worked out really well for kids... not many activities due to"

    5. North Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    6 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature."

    "The gravel road going around the tent loop was really loud, and there was a cabin behind our site that had a lot of activity and noise for awhile, but all was quiet after 10p."

    6. Middle Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    5 miles
    Website

    $20 - $85 / night

    "It was early season, mid- may, so there were few other campers around. We took a site up their gravel road away from the main campground area."

    "They mostly lazed around all weekend and watched people coming and going. The RV sites are directly across from the camp store, but the tent sites were tucked back into the woods."

    7. Breeden Bottom Campground

    4 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 261-7334

    $40 - $70 / night

    "There is a railroad track that runs along the James River near the sites, but it never bothered us. Great fishing."

    "Our site had a little path right to the river. Very very spacious campsites. Awesome trees in site 5 for hammocks. Probably my favorite campsite in Virginia now."

    8. Natural Bridge KOA

    8 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-8514

    "This KOA was a very nice surprise given that it was right off the highway. We only were there for 1 night and we didn't hear any highway noise."

    "Was not too close to the pool but there were rest rooms nearby. We only stayed one night but was a nice area. The kids likes the petting zoo."

    9. George Washington National Forest off 812

    11 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    18 miles
    Website

    "There are multiple spots along the road - some are drive in and some require you to park and walk in. Definitely get there early to get a prime spot."

    "There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise."

    10. Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5125

    $30 / night

    "Great all around virginia campsite"

    "Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance."

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Showing results 1-10 of 111 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Buchanan, VA

644 Reviews of 111 Buchanan Campgrounds



Guide to Buchanan

Camping near Buchanan, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Sherando Lake Campground. One camper mentioned, “We spent days driving each way on the parkway,” highlighting the scenic routes available.
  • Swimming: Enjoy the sandy beach at Sherando Lake Campground. A reviewer noted, “The lake is beautiful and refreshing,” perfect for a hot summer day.
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Douthat State Park Campground. One visitor shared, “You can keep them for dinner if you like!” after catching trout in the stocked lake.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA. A reviewer said, “Best I’ve ever seen for cleanliness and friendly staff.”
  • Privacy: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Sherando Lake Campground. One camper remarked, “We had a nice private site,” which adds to the overall experience.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Shenandoah Valley Campground offers a stocked fishing pond and mini-golf. A visitor mentioned, “The biggest negative is lack of cell service/internet,” but the activities make up for it.

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Devil’s Backbone Camp, have poor cell reception. One camper noted, “No Verizon or ATT cell service I could find and no WiFi.”
  • Water Availability: At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, some loops may have water issues. A reviewer mentioned, “The bath house was closed and they had port o potties in front of the bath house.”
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Douthat State Park Campground, are only open from May to September. Be sure to check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, which has a small swimming pool and activities for kids. A camper said, “The kids were enjoying a short trail, and chickens all over.”
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area mentioned, “People partying late at night,” so be prepared for that.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Campgrounds like Sherando Lake Campground don’t have markets nearby. One camper noted, “There is a small store and gas station not far from the campground yet it is limited with what they sell.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify the electric and water hookups at places like Claytor Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, “The majority of the power/water sites are pull through making life easy.”
  • Be Mindful of Site Size: Some sites can be tight, as noted by a camper at Shenandoah Valley Campground, who said, “Many sites are tight and no walking paths between rows.”
  • Plan for Dump Station Access: Campgrounds like Douthat State Park Campground have dump stations, but they can get muddy. A visitor shared, “Dump station (just one) muddy and could use a larger concrete ‘curb.’”

Camping near Buchanan, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakes to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for some quirks, and you’ll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Buchanan, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Buchanan, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Buchanan, VA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Buchanan, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Buchanan, VA is Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Buchanan, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Buchanan, VA.

What parks are near Buchanan, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Buchanan, VA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.