The Buena Vista area sits in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains between 900-1,500 feet elevation, providing moderate temperatures that average 45-65°F in spring and fall, with summer highs around 85°F. The camping season typically runs April through October, with some campgrounds remaining open year-round for travelers seeking winter wilderness experiences. Several campgrounds in this area offer unique accommodations beyond traditional tent and RV sites.
What to do
Creek fishing access: Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offers fishing opportunities with several campsites positioned along creeks and ponds. "This KOA was a very nice surprise given that it was right off the highway. They had a very nice nature trail as well as chickens running around and baby goats in a pen," notes one visitor.
Waterfall hiking: Crabtree Falls Campground provides direct access to one of Virginia's most impressive waterfalls. "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy. Beautiful area for hiking, lots leading off of the AT. Campground hosts are very friendly," says one camper.
Water recreation: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge features extensive water attractions during summer months. A visitor mentioned, "It has all the bells and whistles you'd hope for at a Jellystone. We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade. I'd stay again and would love to head down to the river for some tubing and fish in the stocked pond."
Blue Ridge Parkway access: Located at milepost 60.9, Otter Creek Campground provides a perfect base for exploring the scenic drive. "My wife and I stayed here for one night driving along The Blue Ridge Parkway. The creek ran right through our spacious and secluded site. It was quiet and serene- just what we were looking for before heading back to city life," a reviewer shares.
What campers like
Secluded yurt camping: Yurt camping in Buena Vista, Virginia offers a unique experience at select locations. Montebello Resort provides accommodation options beyond traditional camping. "We stayed in the mountain view cabin lower level with our two dogs. The lake in the back has some primitive tent sites that looked nice," notes one visitor.
Off-grid experiences: Several campers appreciate the disconnection from technology. "No Cell service or Internet but that was what I was looking for. Campground well maintained and fishing was nice that have a couple of Courtesy watercraft for the campers use," writes a Montebello Resort camper.
Animal interactions: Natural Bridge KOA offers a mini petting zoo that's popular with families. "The kids likes the petting zoo," writes one reviewer, while another mentions, "We only were there for 1 night and we didn't hear any highway noise. They had a very nice nature trail as well as chickens running around and baby goats in a pen."
Riverside campsites: Multiple campgrounds feature sites directly along waterways. At Middle Creek Campground, a visitor notes, "Our campsite was nice, fairly private and backed up to a creek. Relatively level site. Location of campground was excellent with convenient access to breweries, great hike, blue ridge parkway, etc."
What you should know
Off-season limitations: Several campgrounds reduce services in spring and fall. "In the shoulder season the campground isn't staffed often, but what do you expect when it's not busy?" notes a Middle Creek Campground reviewer.
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly within campgrounds. A Douthat State Park Campground visitor advises, "Douthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them are located near the lake. White Oak Campground is larger, wooded, and has a significant elevation change between different sites. Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles."
Bathroom facilities vary: Maintenance standards differ across properties. At Otter Creek Campground, a camper reported, "Slightly dirty bathrooms, not sanitary, but a lot of bugs, spiderwebs etc. Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance."
Seasonal water attractions: Water features at many campgrounds are only operational during peak season. Regarding Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, a visitor mentioned, "During peak season there is also a water play area with a waterslide and mini golf. It is located on the James River."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused camping: For families seeking non-stop entertainment, Jellystone Park offers specialized programming. "A great place!! 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," notes one visitor.
Budget-friendly options: Seeking alternatives to luxury yurt camping near Buena Vista, Virginia? Tent sites often provide the best value. At Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park, a reviewer notes, "Bathrooms were very clean! Would be really nice come the summer for sure."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature resident animals. "We had a site on the permitter, which was nice, as the interior sites are really on top of one another, we were just a few sites off the lake, but backing up to the woods certainly gave us a little more privacy," shared a Montebello Resort camper who also mentioned wildlife sightings.
Halloween weekend events: Middle Creek Campground and other area campgrounds offer special fall programming. As one camper explained, "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!"
Tips from RVers
Premium site options: Some campgrounds have invested in upgraded sites. A Natural Bridge KOA visitor shared, "Needed a last minute stay for one night and got in here. They had brand new premium pull through sites that were amazing! Big patios, bbq grill, tables, fire pit. It was a quiet, well laid out and easy to manage in our 36 ft trailer."
RV size considerations: Several campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. A Montebello visitor noted, "Not big rig friendly, lots of trees," while another advised, "Follow the directions on the campground website. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway."
Full hookup availability: Connection options vary by campground and site. At Walnut Hills, a visitor reported, "Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck. Not all sites have full hookup."
Off-season camping: Year-round options exist for RVers. "Located within minutes of I81. We stopped for 2 nights to see the Shenandoah National Park on our way to NC. Called last minute and got a site. Very nice customer service. Grounds were very well kept," notes a Walnut Hills camper.
