Dispersed camping near Salem, Virginia ranges from streamside primitive sites to high-elevation backcountry spots with temperature variations of 15-20 degrees between lower and higher elevations. The camping season typically runs April through October, with some locations experiencing heavy traffic during fall foliage season when nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing even in early autumn.
What to do
Explore cave systems: Dixie Caverns Campground sits on the property of actual caverns worth touring. As one camper noted, "You are in budget country. Great price and affordable attraction that will not disappoint." The cave tour offers a discount to campers staying on-site.
Mountain biking trails: Explore Park offers extensive trail networks for mountain bikers of all skill levels. The park continues to expand its offerings, with one visitor mentioning, "This park is growing by leaps and bounds. It has mountain bike trails, a cool vintage village, access to the Roanoke River, an aerial obstacle course, and more cool stuff."
Hike to scenic viewpoints: The Dragon's Tooth trail connects to the Appalachian Trail and leads to spectacular overlooks. A hiker described it as "a moderate to hard hike" where "once you get to the top of the rock the view is incredible" with "a few maybe four or five good camping spots" at the summit.
What campers like
Private cabins: Don's Cab-Inns Campground offers climate-controlled cabin options with amenities. According to one reviewer, "These cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway. The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling."
Riverside camping: Multiple campgrounds offer access to the Roanoke River for cooling off. One camper stated, "We just enjoyed walking to the river and jumping in to cool off!" during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
Wide group sites: Caldwell Fields Group Campground accommodates large parties with spacious group sites. A visitor reported, "Stayed here for two nights with 13 vehicles and 16 people... nice sized camp spot, vault toilet, and small stream running right behind the campsite."
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Several campgrounds near Interstate 81 experience continuous traffic noise. One camper at Dixie Caverns explained, "You are surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the actual Dixie Cavern is at the base of a mountain, so all the road traffic is above the campground and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7."
Water availability: Many primitive sites require planning ahead for water needs. At Dragon's Tooth, a camper advised, "Bring lots of water! No need to pack a life straw of any kind because there's not really water around except right in the beginning of the trail from the parking lot."
Varying toilet facilities: Bathroom conditions range widely across locations. At Peaks of Otter Campground, a visitor noted, "Bathrooms were running water, but no showers and could use some updating (broken tiles, latches on doors, etc.) but all cosmetic."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin camping for beginners: At Don's Cab-Inns, families can ease into camping with cabin rentals. One family reported, "Our family loved this campground! It is close to Roanoke and it is off the Blue Ridge Parkway... We stayed in one of the cabins and it was definitely roomier than it looks."
Adventure activities: Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing offers structured activities for children. A parent mentioned, "The creek was the big hit for our family of small boys. Grab some lawn chairs and a cooler and let them play and explore for hours."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds feature educational programming. At Peaks of Otter, visitors can learn about mountain ecology and history, while Explore Park offers "education classes for children" according to a reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. One RVer at Dixie Caverns noted, "Sites not level. Very narrow sites. Some full time residents' rigs give the Breaking Bad class C a run for their money, if they run."
Code access conveniences: Some facilities use keypad entry systems rather than keys. A camper explained, "Bathrooms/showers and cabin are push code to get into. This makes it so easy and convenient. You don't need to worry about losing a key or wondering who in your travel party has the key."
Winter camping options: For off-season camping, Tina's Dream offers year-round accessibility. A reviewer mentioned it's "a nice alternate campground" where "Tina is a very nice lady! Camp in her house driveway... quiet and safe neighborhood."
