RV campgrounds near Catawba, Virginia offer mountain camping experiences within the Blue Ridge region at elevations ranging from 1,200-2,500 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing December through February, while summer highs typically reach 75-85°F. Most campgrounds close between November and March with limited all-season options available for off-peak visitors.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Staunton River State Park Campground has been designated an International Dark Sky Park with free telescope rentals. "They have a huge open field by the park check in and store. The park offers rentals of telescopes too," notes one visitor who appreciated the exceptional night sky viewing.
Hiking trails: Occoneechee State Park Campground offers several scenic paths around Kerr Lake. A camper explains, "We hiked the Plantation Trail, a large historical site that was once a homestead. Mellow, family-friendly walk with a cemetery, historical markers, and an old chimney."
Water recreation: Mayo Lake Park provides multiple water access points for kayaking and fishing. According to one review, "We had easy access to the lake from our camper where we did some kayaking. Priced extremely reasonable. If you have to have cell phone service it is very spotty."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the lakefront sites at Paradise Lake & Campground for their peaceful setting. As one visitor noted, "Though this site does back up to the lake, which makes it feel like a bit of an escape. It is very quiet at points."
Clean facilities: Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA maintains exceptional bathroom facilities. A camper reported, "Best bathhouse I've encountered with something like 7 unisex bathrooms each with their own shower."
Level camping pads: Sweetwater RV Park receives praise for site quality and thoughtful layout. One reviewer commented, "Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. At Thousand Trails Lynchburg, "Remote and quiet location. In season this place is very busy. Our visit is pre Memorial Day so it is low key. 80-90% of sites are 30 Amp. Limited 50 amp."
Variable water pressure: Some campgrounds have infrastructure limitations. At Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, "My water pressure was good but talking to other campers, the farther away you get from the front of the park the worse the water pressure gets."
Site spacing concerns: Paradise Lake & Campground has tighter accommodations according to visitors. "The sites are on top of each other, with very few trees amongst them," notes one camper who still appreciated the lakefront location.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA offers structured programming for children. "They had activities every day for the kids. As well as lots of unstructured activities. For example, they had a foosball table and a jumping pad. But they also had a 'color a sack' thing where the kids got a KOA canvas tote and access to fabric markers."
Swimming options: Sweetwater RV Park provides pool access that's often uncrowded. "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."
Wildlife viewing: Staunton River State Park offers nature encounters for children. "While staying there I saw a skunk, a groundhog, several deer and a great variety of birds. We enjoyed gorgeous sunsets from a little beach area near the cabins."
Tips from RVers
Elevation considerations: Staunton River State Park Campground offers favorable site layout for larger vehicles. "Large, flat and level spots were great." Another camper mentioned, "Sites were nice and level with some having separate area for tent/camper and terrace for picnic table and fire ring."
Site selection guidance: At Thousand Trails Lynchburg, experienced RVers recommend specific areas. "The A loop was in terrible shape as far as the roads go. That said, the C Loop (C62 is our site) is very nice and in good condition, in comparison."
Extended stay considerations: Paradise Lake & Campground accommodates longer-term visitors but with variable costs. "A month of lot rent was $420/month + electric. In the winter months we paid about a combined total of $756/month."
