Best Campgrounds near Buena Vista, VA

Camping around Buena Vista, Virginia includes a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites in the George Washington National Forest. Popular areas like Oronoco Campground offer free primitive camping along streams and rivers, while developed options such as Natural Bridge KOA provide full-service amenities including cabins and RV hookups. The region features both family-oriented camping with modern facilities and remote forest sites for those seeking solitude. Several campgrounds like Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp in the national forest operate seasonally, providing access to the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and waterways.

Access to camping areas varies significantly with the seasons, as many campgrounds in the Blue Ridge region operate only from spring through fall. The Oronoco Campground remains open year-round, but winter visitors should prepare for facilities limitations as noted by one camper: "Pit toilets were open when we visited in early March." Some dispersed sites require traveling on forest roads that may become difficult after rain or snow. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many locations, particularly in the national forest areas. Several campgrounds like Cave Mountain Lake and Otter Creek operate from April or May through October, reflecting the region's prime camping season. A camper observed, "The area is beautiful and there are many small streams that you are able to park near and set up camp."

Riverside camping proves particularly popular among visitors to the area. Several campgrounds feature water access, including sites along the Pedlar River and various mountain streams. Campers frequently mention enjoying the peaceful sound of water near their sites. However, visitor experiences vary between developed and primitive options. The more established sites like KOAs receive praise for clean facilities and amenities, while national forest camping attracts those seeking more natural settings. Some visitors to Oronoco Campground note occasional crowding issues during peak seasons, with one review mentioning, "It can get busy and people often leave trash." Many campers appreciate the proximity to natural attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway, with multiple campgrounds located within minutes of this scenic route.

Best Camping Sites Near Buena Vista, Virginia (116)

    1. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    9 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."

    2. Oronoco Campground

    15 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."

    "Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."

    3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    16 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    11 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"

    4. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    8 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."

    5. Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "The ere is a pool and an area near the office with lots of childrens activities; playground, shuffleboard, basketball, gem mine, horseshoes, jump pad, and a fishing lake with large fish."

    "We stopped here overnight on a trip from Chicago to Virginia Beach. We had reserved a pull through but were just short in length and had to disconnect the tow vehicle for the night."

    6. Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    11 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."

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

    18 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    14 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."

    8. Natural Bridge KOA

    8 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    9 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. Glen Maury Park

    6 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (540) 261-7321

    "It's also a convenient walking or driving distance from the rest of town."

    "Close to Lexington. Would stay again!"

    10. Crabtree Falls Campground

    20 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 377-2066

    $28 - $55 / night

    "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night."

    "I’ve camped at a completely different part of this place before which was a site without access to bathrooms and showers."

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Recent Reviews near Buena Vista, VA

733 Reviews of 116 Buena Vista Campgrounds


  • sparkleblaster ✨.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Kiss the Earth

    Sweet spot along the way

    This was a perfect spot for me and my van. Beautiful wooded area. Felt very safe for a solo camper. Sunny responded right away when I reached out about availability and gave me a warm welcome. I had no trouble finding the hard-to-see spot because I carefully followed the good directions. (Might be trickier to see after dark.) I appreciate this bit of nature and the affordable price; it's priceless having a safe spot to land for the night.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    The best so far

    Best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits. Highly recommend.

  • Bradley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Glen Maury Park

    Beautiful place with all the amenities

    Overnight stay off I-81. Easy in and out. VERY well kept and super friendly staff. I highly recommend. Larger rigs need to stay in the lower campground and there are no sewer connections, but the dump station is all good.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Great cabins, very close together…

    First, the cabins are super cool. Found out that you can actually order them on Amazon, which is really ingenious.

    The only problem we ran into, is that the campground was packed and all of the sites are very very close together. Neighbors were not at all respectful of other people‘s space and kids were wandering around everywhere.

    Our last evening there, we have new neighbors that came in across the way who blew up an inflatable screen and streamed the football game. Just not what we were looking for for a getaway vacation..

  • S
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Beautiful and secluded

    Mostly seasonal campers, but an idyllic environment. I am parked alongside a babbling brook. Poor cell reception, no tv. A forced off the grid experience.

  • TangoRomeo 8.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sherwood Lake WV

    Lake Sherwood Dispersed Camping

    Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Paradise Lake Family Campground

    Not more than one night

    This is an older campground and shows its age…and wear. There are several semi-permanent residents here. Some facilities need repair and/or maintenance. Water in the shower was hot, but the showers were small, and there was no place for d as iso, shaving things, shampoo, ets. And no place to sit to. There is a pool and a lake with a swim beach. Kayak rental. Playground, laundry, showers/ bathrooms are passable. Internet is very slow.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    WALNUT

    first arrived weary of storm headed our way only to find out our campsite was the only in our section that wasn’t a flood zone.

    saw some liquid being pumped into naturally flowing creek water??! also if you want to see ducks… stay close to the pond.

    super honorable mention - lower bathhouses did not have warm water and had to hike up the hill to use, extremely nicer, bathhouse.

    POOL had a “tlc makeover” only to have a surmount of chemicals still not diluted by 5pm - MURKYYYYYYY

    also had a campsite that was placed between three trees - super tight but made it work.

    only stayed in passing - get what you get

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Quiet, clean campground!

    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. The staff is amazing and clearly love what they do. They were friendly from the start and they let us know they were available for help, etc. 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). I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away! We will definitely be back!

    I thought being at the end of the loop would be noisy due to traffic coming through, but it didn't bother us one but!


Guide to Buena Vista

Camping options near Buena Vista, Virginia range from riverside primitive sites to full-service facilities with waterparks and adventure amenities. The region sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain peaks reaching over 3,000 feet. Weather patterns fluctuate significantly throughout camping seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak months and cooler spring and fall conditions requiring extra layers.

What to do

Waterfall hiking access: Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp offers exceptional access to cascading water features. "There's a lake nearby that you can walk or drive to. Some of us spent all day swimming, catching salamanders and tadpoles while some of us fished," notes one camper at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp.

Mountain biking trails: The George Washington National Forest provides multiple access points for mountain biking enthusiasts. A visitor to the forest mentioned, "If you keep walking you'll find other areas with stone pits and whatnot," showing the exploratory nature of the region's dispersed camping areas.

River activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park gives families direct river access for swimming and tubing. "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," explains a reviewer describing the water-based options at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge.

What campers like

Creek-side camping sites: Multiple camping locations feature water proximity as a major draw. At George Washington National Forest off 812, reviewers appreciate the natural setting: "There are multiple spots along the road - some are drive in and some require you to park and walk in...The spot was nice and flat, backed up to a little creek and had an established stone fire ring."

Kid-friendly amenities: Family-oriented campgrounds provide structured activities and facilities. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park shared, "Rec staff had awesome activities planned and kept the kids entertained all week with kick ball and karaoke and shaving cream wiffle ball and dance parties."

Proximity to Blue Ridge Parkway: Many campgrounds serve as gateways to this scenic route. At Otter Creek Campground, visitors appreciate the location: "Quiet campground along Blue Ridge PKWY, hardly anyone there in middle of summer... Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds."

What you should know

Seasonal variations affect facilities: Water access and bathroom availability change with the seasons. At Oronoco Campground, a visitor noted, "Nice sites in a pretty open area. This area is designated as a national forest campground, but didn't have a fee or closure dates like others. Creek runs through. Pit toilet bathrooms were open when we visited in early March."

Cell service limitations: Communication can be challenging in remote locations. One camper at Oronoco Campground reported, "No cell service for AT&T or T-mobile. Great location, 5 minutes from the BRP. Easy access for small vehicles, backed my sedan into the site."

Cleanliness concerns at free sites: Primitive camping areas require vigilant stewardship. A visitor observed, "We found a BUNCH of trash and cleaned it up, took almost an hour. Not going to rate the camp ground poorly because it's everyone's job to keep it clean."

Tips for camping with families

Water features for hot days: For summer camping trips, prioritize campgrounds with swimming options. At Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, families appreciate water recreation: "The tent sites were large and shaded. We were right by the fishing pond and it was a short walk to the playground, pool, jump pad, and very clean, private bathrooms."

Organized activities for children: Some campgrounds offer structured entertainment. A family at Jellystone Park mentioned, "We had a great weekend with the whole family! There was a carnival for the kids, trick-or-treating, hiking, tons of bike riding, campfire watching, hammock swinging, laughing, loving, and hanging out!"

Wildlife education opportunities: The region provides natural learning experiences. One camper at Cave Mountain Lake noted, "The lake has a beautiful view with green mountains surrounding it... Our boys loved playing in the stream and climbing the hill to get to our hammock on the site too."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Some of the best places to camp near Buena Vista require preparation. An RV camper at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA noted, "We were here in mid Sept and in site 15. It was a very small site with a half deck. If we had camper with slide, we would not have been able to use our slide in this site."

Premium sites worth the upgrade: For longer stays, premium sites offer significant benefits. A visitor shared, "We had a deluxe patio area. Which was on nice level concrete. Was not too close to the pool but there were rest rooms nearby."

Seasonal site availability: Planning ahead matters for RV travelers. A camper at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA advised, "Call ahead about RV lengths to make sure you are booking the correct site for your size. I noticed more than a few people struggling with their units and some of this could have been avoided with proper booking."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Buena Vista, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Buena Vista, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Buena Vista, VA and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Buena Vista, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Buena Vista, VA is Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Buena Vista, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Buena Vista, VA.

What parks are near Buena Vista, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Buena Vista, VA that allow camping, notably George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Monongahela National Forest.