The Blue Ridge Mountain region around Cana, Virginia offers year-round camping with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 10-15°F cooler than nearby lowlands. Campgrounds near Cana typically provide access to both Blue Ridge Parkway hiking and small-town amenities within 10-30 minute drives.
What to do
**Waterfall exploration: Several campgrounds provide direct access to waterfall hikes ranging from 0.3 to 4 miles. At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, multiple waterfalls attract visitors throughout the camping season. One camper noted, "There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it."
**Rock climbing access: The region's granite formations offer technical climbing routes for experienced climbers. Hanging Rock State Park Campground provides designated climbing areas with established routes. "Hanging Rock State Park offers stunning trails, gorgeous views, and a great place to unplug and enjoy nature," according to one visitor.
**Local cultural experiences: Towns within 5-15 miles of most campgrounds feature local crafts, music, and regional cuisine. A camper staying at Mayberry Campground shared, "The town of Mt. Airy has a variety of fast food places as well as many varied restaurants and BBQ's as well. Visiting downtown 'mayberry' is a must if you remember the TV show. Book a ride in the police car."
What campers like
**Mountain temperatures: The higher elevations around Cana provide natural climate control, with summer highs typically 75-85°F. A visitor to Willville Motorcycle Camp commented, "Coffee in the mornings, restaurants less than a mile away, a grocery store just down the road - this place is ideal."
**Well-maintained facilities: Many campsites feature regularly cleaned bathhouses with hot showers. At Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground, a camper observed, "The bathrooms were great and they clean them twice a day. There were no loud campers and the weather could not have been any better."
**Stream-side sites: Several campgrounds offer premium spots next to running water. A visitor at Homeplace Recreational Park reported, "We had FHU and were in site A3 right beside the stream. The pond dam was really close to our site and the rushing water will really lull you to sleep at night."
**Photography opportunities: The combination of mountain vistas, waterfalls, and seasonal changes attracts photographers year-round. One camper described their experience: "Ever wake up on a foggy Virginia morning and walk only a few feet from your tent and watch the fog rise off the water? I did and it was amazing!"
What you should know
**Site selection matters: Many campgrounds in the Blue Ridge have sloped terrain. At Pilot Mountain State Park Campground, a camper noted, "This campground is sloped, with rolling hills, which makes for a nice loop to walk dogs etc. Our tent pad was perfectly flat, and dry and we slept with no fly - which made for a gorgeous morning sunrise!"
**Gate closing times: Several state parks enforce strict entry/exit schedules. "Be aware that the campground entrance closes at 10 pm. You will not be able to enter or exit until the gate opens the next morning," warned one Pilot Mountain visitor.
**Winter operations: While many campgrounds close seasonally, some remain open with limited services. Mayberry Campground operates "all year" according to their listing, though winter visitors should call ahead to confirm water availability.
**Payment requirements: Some campgrounds have specific payment policies. A Mayberry Campground visitor mentioned, "Checkin was easy BUT we had to have CASH. As Passport America members, the $40 rate was only $20!"
Tips for camping with families
**Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children during summer months. A visitor to Homeplace Recreational Park mentioned, "This place has an actual water park within the campground. Bath house was clean and the grounds were very well maintained."
**Wildlife viewing: Many campsites provide opportunities to see native animals. At Stone Mountain State Park, one camper shared, "There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it."
**Kid-friendly trails: Several parks feature shorter, easier hiking options suitable for younger children. A visitor to Hanging Rock State Park noted, "From spotting salamanders near the creek to pretending they were mountain explorers on the trails, they were thoroughly entertained the whole trip."
**Playground access: Some campgrounds include playground facilities. One Mayberry Campground visitor mentioned, "This is a great park! The staff are all nice and friendly, and the park is very well laid out and clean. You got full hookups, nice level sites, and two playgrounds."
Tips from RVers
**Site length considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and layout across campgrounds. At Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, a visitor noted, "For the tent sites there are a couple (T84& T86) with a shared covered kitchen area plus sail-style awnings. There's also a separate kitchen pavilion for the all campers near site 83."
**Terrain challenges: The mountain terrain can present navigation difficulties for larger rigs. A Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA visitor cautioned, "My only negative was that they had us camp up on the top of the hill and it was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel."
**Pet accommodation: Several campgrounds offer specialized pet areas. One Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA visitor highlighted, "The dog yard sites are awesome! Clean and friendly camp store, pool, fishing pond, and a lot of other amenities!"
**WiFi connectivity: Internet access varies widely between campgrounds. A recent visitor to Beechnut Family Campground reported, "Very clean, quiet, and relaxing campground. The owner Todd was super nice and very helpful. Great WiFi service."
