Buena Vista camping sites range in elevation from 800 to 1,200 feet, with most facilities nestled along the Maury River watershed. Visitors encounter moderate humidity in summer months, with daytime temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s. Sites within the George Washington National Forest provide more primitive camping experiences compared to the established RV parks closer to town.
What to do
**Creek exploration: Head to Crabtree Falls Campground where campsites provide direct water access. "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," notes one camper. The campground serves as a launching point for hiking Crabtree Falls, just a mile up the road.
**Wildlife viewing: Natural Bridge area campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, "chickens run free thru the campground," according to visitors. The nearby Virginia Safari Park provides drive-through wildlife experiences with feeding opportunities.
**Music festivals: Glen Maury Park hosts several seasonal events. "There are many activities such as a bluegrass festival, fiddle festival, and jazz festival," reports one reviewer. The park also features commemorative events, including special September 11th observances with large-scale memorials.
**Fishing: At Walnut Hills Campground, campers can access stocked fishing ponds. "You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything," mentions one visitor. Another advises, "The fishing ponds are great, bring a fishing pole!"
What campers like
**Peaceful water features: Crabtree Falls Campground visitors appreciate the natural soundscape. As one camper describes it, "The sites along the upper loop are close together, but folks keep to themselves so it felt private." The running water creates white noise that masks other campsite sounds.
**Well-maintained facilities: Natural Bridge KOA receives praise for cleanliness. "The bathrooms & private showers were amazing & clean. The laundry room looked just as nice," notes one camper. Multiple reviewers comment on clean restrooms across area campgrounds.
**Family activities: Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA offers numerous family amenities. "Lots to do for the kids and with camp store was nice," says one visitor. Another shares, "They had a 'trick or treat'/'scavenger hunt' for the kids, which was basically they all had flashlights and had to find the candy in the grassy field."
**Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain pools for summer use. One camper notes about Stoney Creek Resort, "Great swimming lake. Family friendly." Glen Maury Park features "a very large, very clean pool with a diving board," according to reviews.
What you should know
**Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the region. At Oronoco Campground, "No cell service for AT&T or T-mobile," according to recent visitors. Free sites typically have the weakest coverage, while KOA properties maintain WiFi networks.
**Site availability: Certain campgrounds require advance planning. Walnut Hills Campground limits tent camping: "Not sure about tenting as we were RV only," notes one visitor. At Lynchburg KOA, tent sites near the fishing pond are particularly popular.
**Weather considerations: Spring brings variable conditions. "We went up for the weekend and it was great! Not a lot of spots, but they were spaced nicely for privacy," shares one Oronoco camper who visited in early spring. Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage, making it peak season for many campgrounds.
**Cost variations: Free options exist but offer limited amenities. Oronoco Campground provides no-cost sites described as "nice, easy, free" with "pit toilet bathrooms open when we visited in early March." In contrast, KOA locations charge premium rates but include additional services.
Tips for camping with families
**Cabin options: Sweetwater RV Park offers family-friendly accommodations. "We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old," says one parent. Their facilities cater specifically to young children with accessible play areas.
**Swimming pools: During summer months, campground pools provide entertainment. "The pool was great for my son and we had it to ourselves multiple days," reports a Sweetwater visitor. Pools typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some extending into early fall.
**Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play structures. One family reports about Natural Bridge KOA, "We were very impressed with the playground, dog park & they even had chickens & a petting farm upon entry." Most playgrounds accommodate children aged 4-12.
**Educational opportunities: Natural Bridge State Park charges $9 admission and provides geological learning experiences. Many campgrounds distribute junior ranger activity booklets for children to complete during their stay.
Tips from RVers
**Water hook-ups: Stoney Creek Resort provides functional RV connections. "Hook ups were good, site was somewhat level," reports one RVer. The upper section offers more open sites for larger rigs, while the lower section provides more shade but tighter access.
**Site selection: Campers recommend researching specific site locations. One Walnut Hills visitor advises, "The sites along the lower area near the lake were shaded mostly, some more than others, while the sites up the hill at the top and near the front entrance (pull through sites) were not shaded much."
**Dump station locations: Most RV parks provide on-site dumping. At Walnut Hills, one camper notes, "Short-term sites are electric and water only but there is a free dump station down in the back." Some facilities require advance scheduling for dump station use.
**Leveling requirements: Terrain throughout the area requires preparation. "Access was easy. The campground was busy and everything was clean and neat. The sites were a little tight," explains one RVer at Walnut Hills who needed an extension cord due to parking configuration.
