Best Campgrounds near Chilhowie, VA
The southwestern Virginia mountains surrounding Chilhowie provide diverse camping experiences within Jefferson and Washington National Forests and nearby state parks. Grindstone Recreation Area, located 15 miles south of Chilhowie, offers well-spaced sites with water and electric hookups in a forested setting. Hungry Mother State Park in Marion features three distinct camping areas including Royal Oak for tent campers and Camp Burson with full hookups for RVs. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area provides free dispersed camping options along creeks and trails. The region's campgrounds accommodate everything from primitive tent camping to luxury RV setups with full hookups, with most established sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables.
Cell service remains limited or nonexistent throughout much of the area, particularly in the national forest campgrounds. As one camper at Grindstone noted, "There wasn't any signal, but the hosts can tell you where to drive outside the campground to find it." Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping available at Hungry Mother State Park. Elevation changes affect temperatures significantly, with mountain sites experiencing cooler nights even in summer. Campers should bring cash for payment at some locations, as one visitor mentioned: "Remember to bring cash to pay for your stay. The gates absolutely close at 10pm to 7am, so make sure you are in/out of the gates in time."
Proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities defines the camping experience near Chilhowie. The Virginia Creeper Trail attracts cyclists to the area, with many campgrounds serving as convenient basecamps. Hikers appreciate access to the Appalachian Trail and Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest peak. Creekside camping proves popular, with many visitors mentioning the soothing sounds of running water at their sites. Fishing opportunities abound in local streams and at Hungry Mother Lake. The town of Damascus, about 25 miles from Chilhowie, serves as a supply hub with restaurants, outfitters, and shuttle services for the Virginia Creeper Trail. Food City in Chilhowie provides groceries and firewood for campers, as several reviewers specifically mentioned.
