Camping options in Ceres, Virginia range from primitive forest sites to developed campgrounds between 2,000-3,000 feet elevation in southwestern Virginia's Appalachian highlands. Campgrounds in this area experience typical mountain weather patterns with sudden temperature drops at night, even in summer. Seasonal operation varies widely among sites, with several campgrounds closing completely from November through March.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Access points near Chestnut Knob Shelter offer views over Burkes Garden. "We've made this hike several times with our dogs. It is a great shorter hike with great views over Burkes Garden (nicknamed God's Thumbprint)," reports Brandon W.
Fishing opportunities: Trout streams run throughout the region, particularly at Hurricane Campground. "This is a beautiful campground located alongside a stream with trout fishing. Site#2 in particular is susceptible to flash flooding, but if the forecast is for dry weather, it would be hard to beat this site," notes Jean C.
Kayaking and paddling: The lakes in the region provide calm waters for recreation. At Royal Oak Campground, one visitor noted, "We loved the kayaks - if you only have 1 hour, power right out of the boat slip (past the beach) up and around the far part of the lake. Utter solitude among the hills!"
Mountain biking: Several trail systems accommodate cyclists within 30 minutes of Ceres. "The Hungry Mother State Park has a nice biking/hiking trail along the lake. Kids had a great time!" shares Molly F.
What campers like
Peaceful, wooded campsites: Stony Fork Campground offers private, shaded sites just 4 miles from I-77. "This was a nice, quiet campground. The sites were spread out from each other and were private. The bathrooms were clean," reports Will K. Another camper noted, "The sites are spaced perfectly, the forest is beautiful, and the creek is super clear and clean."
Accessibility to trails: Many campsites serve as convenient basecamps for hikers. "Great campground, nice camping lots and well maintained. Camp Hosts were very helpful. Loved our site #27. Close to the stream. Wooded, lots of space, large tent space. Used this as our base camp while hiking the Appalachian Trail," shares Liz H.
Creek-side camping: Several campgrounds feature sites along waterways. At Deer Trail Park & Campground, "tent sites are along a rippling creek, very clean bathrooms/showers, multiple small playgrounds, and a pool." The sound of flowing water adds to the camping experience as one visitor at Hurricane Campground mentioned, "Loved having the sound of the river right next to our site."
Elevated platform camping: Some campgrounds offer unique tent platforms. A visitor to Royal Oak Campground noted, "All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically across the region. At Deer Trail Park, "Cell service was bad, needed to use WiFi which was poor in evening probably overloaded," according to Ed C. Before visiting Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, note that "you will get your exercise walking the rolling loop still campground and hill."
Weather considerations: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Campers at Hurricane Campground reported that "Despite the 3 days of constant rain, we made the best of it and enjoyed the hell out of our stay!" Always pack for variable conditions.
Shower facilities: Availability and quality of shower facilities differ between campgrounds. One visitor to Stony Fork noted, "Facilities were clean and well kept, however the showers only had water while you pressed the button in. Made it a little tough to get your backside rinsed."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds close entirely during winter. Hurricane Campground specifically operates from April 15 to October 31, while Grayson Highlands campgrounds typically open in late March or early April.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Wytheville KOA offers dedicated family activities. "This campground is terrific! All the facilities are extremely well kept and clean... our kids loved the arcade, the wagon and train rides around the campground, the craft time, pool and the fishing!" reports Lisa T.
Water activities for kids: Several campgrounds feature swimming opportunities. "There is a swim beach, boat launch, hiking trails, restaurant, boat rentals, fishing piers, convention center, nature center, and plenty of camping," notes Nancy W. about Camp Burson.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting animals at campgrounds. "Deer and wildlife aglore. Owners very pleasant. Big recreation building and nice cabins," according to Samuel C. at Deer Trail Park Campground.
Spacious sites for play: Some campgrounds offer room for children to move around safely. "Sites 31 and 32 are on a meadow the campsite loops around; they have no privacy and little shade, but ample room for kids to run around, and there is a set of swings near these sites," mentions Stephanie J. about Hickory Ridge Campground.
Tips from RVers
Varied hook-up availability: Know what connections are available before booking. At Camp Burson, "The other campground, Creekside, is nice and secluded but no sewer hookups and road in is narrow for large rigs."
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. "Easily accessible with a large RV. Has multiple pull through sites, bath house and laundry close by," notes Casey L. about Camp Burson, while others warn about tight turns and low branches.
Laundry facilities: For longer stays, note which campgrounds offer laundry. "We did laundry, sat by the pool or watched the sheep grazing on the hill. Sites are a good size and doesn't feel cramped," shares Onara G. about Fort Chiswell RV Park.
Tree clearance: Be aware of potential hazards to taller vehicles. At Camp Burson, one camper noted that "some of the trees need to be trimmed back and scratched the upper sides of our coach."
