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Jefferson National Forest's Beartree Campground offers secluded sites surrounded by rhododendron bushes, providing privacy for campers with pets. Dogs are allowed throughout the campground with standard leash requirements. The campground features multiple pet-friendly accommodation options including tent and RV sites, though without hookups. Hungry Mother State Park provides more developed options with Camp Burson Campground offering full hookup sites where pets are welcome. ['Sites are spacious enough for dogs to relax while remaining on leash, with some campsites backing up to small streams where pets can cool off.'] Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Washington & Jefferson National Forest also offer free dispersed camping options that allow pets, providing more primitive experiences for those camping with dogs.
Hiking trails accessible directly from Beartree Campground provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with the Virginia Creeper Trail located within 5 miles offering additional pet-friendly recreation. The campground's sites are set up with adequate space between neighbors, making it easier to manage pets without disturbing others. The nearby lake allows opportunities for dogs to swim, though owners should be prepared to keep pets leashed in common areas. Beartree sites remain cool and shaded, beneficial during summer months when heat can affect pets. The woodsy setting with thick tree growth between sites helps reduce barking disturbances. Bathhouses with running water are available for filling pet water bowls, and the rushing water sounds from the nearby creek can help soothe anxious dogs at night.
"The amenities cannot be missed - beach with bath house and snack bar, interpretive center with children’s activities, on-site restaurant with wonderful lake view, $8 kayak rentals, well-kept paddle boats"
"We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground was fantastic. All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Please respect the distance advice and don't feed them. We witnessed a lady attempting to pet the stallion of the herd, not respecting his signs to make her back off."
"I was car camping with my cat and found a great flat area to park at site #9. Hiking was very close by and the wild ponies were so cool! Camp hosts offered ice and firewood."
from $27 - $98 / night
Check Availability"There wasn’t any signal, but the hosts can tell you where to drive outside of the campground to find it. We would definitely come back."
"Doesn’t get much more relaxing, electric, water hook-ups and a short drive to downtown Damascus VA.. AT, Virginia Creeper, White Top Mountain and Mount Rogers all near by."
from $24 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, this campground is close to enough activities to fill a whole week of outdoor fun!"
"Large secluded campsites surrounded by rhododendron bushes with a mountain spring creek meandering through the campgrounds."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"Amazing little campground in the heart of Mount Rogers recreational area in Western Virginia. Wonderful fall colors crisp, clean, mountain air was totally the best!"
"This camp ground is located well off any main roads under a nice quiet canopy of Hemlocks and Laurel trees. Easy walking distance to several well maintained and very clean outhouses."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"This was our first visit to a Virginia State Park and we were impressed."
"Has multiple pull through sites, bath house and laundry close by. We were there during off season so some of the park was closed and they collected payment through honor system."
from $37 - $41 / night
Check Availability"At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek."
"Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night."
"30 minute drive to Grayson Highlands"
"They just reworked the rd so it was an easy drive in our class c rv"
"Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise."
"Free spot, right next to a gorgeous creek. It was totally empty in March - we didn’t see a single soul. Got a beautiful campsite right on the creek."
"We were in Damascus for the Appalachian Trail Days Festival and needed an RV spot but didn’t think we could get one because we were so late in looking for one."
"Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town. It does have water and power and a picnic table. Being right on a little river is great too."
from $55 / night
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GuideThis place is amazing!! Dog park needs to be updated but the fact they had a dog park was amazing. There was live music, karaoke, candy scavenger hunts for kids, even a bowling ally! I recommend this 100%
ScoutCampground sites are a bit close together but it is well maintained and has friendly staff. Wifi works well. Nice dog park.
TravelerBy far the best KOA I have stayed at. This place is huge and some thing for everyone. Game and rec rooms, dog park, store well stocked playgrounds, sand boxes. No messing around. Staff very friendly.
TravelerNice, clean campground with friendly staff. Outdoor pool, mini golf, bowling alley and more to keep everyone busy. We stayed on Labor Day weekend so it was crowded and of course it was a bit noisy but would definitely recommend anyone to stay here and we would definitely go back. They also have two dog parks in the campground which is nice for your furry family! 😊
GuideI’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. Mindful of my budget I learned to ask for a tent site with no electricity, no water, just toilets and showers. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge. Just outside the cabin was a bonfire of old wood from construction debris. I was super stoked to get this deal. I spent lots of time stoking that fire and sitting outdoors watching the evening arrive. If you’re anywhere near the area do stop in and enjoy a quiet and lovely night. You can even pet the horses nearby.
ScoutBeautiful lake surrounded by gorgeous mountains, hiking, fishing and boating, amazing staff, very clean shower houses and laundry facility! Very family oriented and pet friendly!
LegendI was traveling in this area and was really excited to have found that there is a town called Austinville where Stephen F Austin, a founder of Texas, originated. While driving out to the monument in his honor I found this site and loved what I saw!
Highway access to this area is easy for all types of traveler. there are several stores in the area with just about anything you could need or want only moments away from camp and if you are there in late summer when I was, the sun rises are amazing!!!!
So what is the catch?? Well they don't accept tents!!! NOOOOOO!! I didn't find a single thing about that online when I checked their site following finding out this knowledge, however I did like this site enough to still give them a positive review because they were so nice, their facility was ample and their proximity itself.
In fact, they were so nice they gave me a tour of the campground even though I couldn't stay and gave me some great info about places around me which led me to another campground that served me perfect, a tent campground nearby.
This site has a very nice restroom with multiple sinks, a large laundry room perfect for a camper who is on the road for a while like myself. I noticed there was a very nice pool which is heated, allowing it to be open much longer than many campgrounds in the area. There is a large pet area and also playground and several hiking areas in the direct area which all looked nice.
Nearby are numerous state parks as a part of the New River Trail including the Shot Tower Historical Site which is a very short distance away. In addition, people often come here to watch the birds and deer, which are very relaxing.
Should I return with an RV I also inquired about the rates which are reasonable at $35 for standard hook ups and they do have weekly rates also. I did notice what appeared to be a few long term campers but their areas still looked kept and maintained.
TIPS:
TravelerWe really liked the campground. We stayed at site 85. It was level, and clean. The hosts were friendly. There wasn’t any signal, but the hosts can tell you where to drive outside of the campground to find it. We would definitely come back. If you stay on groundhog, expect to hear (some) traffic from Laural Valley. And they don’t sell firewood right now, so you’ll have to go to troutdale or chilhowie for some. There’s also a food city in chilhowie, and a few restaurants and stores.
TravelerWe visited in April. Beautiful days hiking nearby, cold nights. Pet friendly. Pretty clean bath house. Visitors center nearby. Sites were mostly level, with gravel, fire pit, picnic table. Some were classically wooded, shady and some in the bright sun. Cute small town nearby.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers a variety of camping options near Chilhowie, Virginia. The region sits at elevations ranging from 2,500 to over 5,700 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the area. Campgrounds in this region typically remain cooler than surrounding lowlands, with summer temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees lower than nearby towns.
Creek exploration: 3 miles from Damascus. Washington & Jefferson National Forest dispersed sites provide creek-side camping near excellent fishing spots. "Beautiful spot right by a babbling creek that will lull you to sleep," notes camper Knedd B. about the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area sites.
Cycling the Virginia Creeper Trail: 17-mile mostly downhill route. The trail connects to multiple campgrounds including Grindstone. "Being right on a little river is great too," says Penny M. about Laurel Creek RV Park, which offers "easy access right to the shuttle companies for the Creeper Trail."
Summit hiking: 7-mile trail to Mount Rogers. The highest point in Virginia offers unique alpine meadows and views. "There is a .6 mile trail nearby (Whispering Waters Trail) which is good for beginners & small kids. There is another trail, Mt. Rogers which is longer (7 miles) from the campsite," reports Robert R. from Grindstone.
Secluded sites: Natural barriers between campsites. Many campers appreciate the privacy offered by dense forest growth. "Large secluded campsites surrounded by rhododendron bushes with a mountain spring creek meandering through the campgrounds," notes Robert J. about Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground.
Tent platforms: Elevated camping at Royal Oak. The raised wooden platforms provide dry camping in all conditions. "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," describes Katrin M. about camping at Hungry Mother State Park.
Free dispersed camping: Multiple locations along creeks. Several no-fee options exist throughout the area. "Free spot, right next to a gorgeous creek. It was totally empty in March - we didn't see a single soul," reports Alexandra T. about camping in the national forest areas.
Limited cell coverage: Plan accordingly. Most campgrounds have minimal to no service. "There is no cell phone service. The campsite is wooded and the spaces are distanced well," notes Carissa D. about Hurricane Campground.
Weather variability: Pack for changing conditions. Mountain elevations create unpredictable weather patterns. "When we got here, it was a pretty drizzly day through the forest raining off and on. Making our way up the mountain the fog was thick and it was incredibly difficult to see much," explains Whitney B. about Whitetop Mountain camping.
Reservation requirements: Summer books early. Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "This place stays booked up, so reservations are suggested during the summer/fall months," advises Denise about Hungry Mother State Park.
Playground access: Limited at some sites. Family-friendly amenities vary between campgrounds. "If there was a playground here, it would be 5 stars. There was one by the beach, but not within walking distance," notes Kelsey R. about Camp Burson.
Water activities: Lake options for children. Several campgrounds offer swimming and boating. "The lake is beautiful and has boat rentals and a swimming beach! Great place to kayak!" recommends Denise about Hungry Mother State Park.
Kid-friendly trails: Range of difficulties available. Trails are available for all skill levels. "We spent a day or spend a week you won't be disappointed. They have yurts in Camp Burson and Royal Oak," mentions Jeff T. who appreciated the trail options at Hungry Mother.
Site selection: Consider size limitations. Some campgrounds have restricted access for larger rigs. "If you have a big RV you can not camp in the Creekside area. You will have to go to Burson which is outside the 'camping area'," advises Beth H. about Creekside Campground.
Road access: Challenging at certain campgrounds. Some access roads require careful driving. "The road to this site is WILD, but doable! I'll leave photos of the worst spots to help you decide whether or not you should drive up to the top. We drove our 2WD Ford Maverick up the rocky road and it handled it just fine," shares Emerald M. about Whitetop.
Hookup availability: Varies by location. Full hookups are limited to specific campgrounds. "This campground is small and no bathrooms, but it is directly on the Creeper so that makes up for it! Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town. It does have water and power and a picnic table," explains Penny M. about Laurel Creek RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chilhowie, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chilhowie, VA is Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chilhowie, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 145 dog-friendly camping locations near Chilhowie, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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