Camping near Chilhowie, Virginia offers access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and New River Valley with elevations ranging from 1,900 to 3,500 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 82°F and winter lows around 25°F. Campgrounds in this area typically sit along creeks or rivers, providing natural water features at many sites.
What to do
Bike the New River Trail: The 57-mile trail is accessible from several rv parks near Chilhowie. At Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, campers appreciate the convenience: "We rode bikes from your campsite to the trail. The trail is almost 57 miles in length and we rode 15 miles out and 15 back to campsite."
Floating and tubing: Creek access provides cooling summer activities. At Peak Creek RV Campground, "Host was very accommodating and had inner tubes for floating in the stream."
Music heritage: The region sits on the Crooked River Music Trail with local jam sessions. "Thursday evenings, the community center hosts a jam session - check it out!" Fries is particularly noted for its musical traditions.
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct river or creek access for anglers. Sites often border waterways, allowing campers to fish directly from their campsite area without additional travel.
What campers like
Creek-side settings: Water features enhance many camping experiences in the area. A camper at Laurel Creek RV Park noted: "I'm under a weeping willow. Birds chirping, blue jays, cardinals, tiny bright yellow birds & a squirrel."
Wildlife viewing: The mountain setting provides opportunities for bird and animal watching. "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."
Mountain climate: Higher elevations mean cooler temperatures, especially in summer. At Doughton Park Campground, campers find "Deciduous forest on high ground" with "Lots of greenery and getting into the highlands means cooler temps in the summer."
Small town charm: The area's small communities add character to camping trips. "Fries is a very small town. I believe that the last census taken showed it had about 400 year round residents!"
What you should know
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. At Doughton Park, "This was the only place we saw bears but not in our campsite just wandering in another loop."
Leveling requirements: Many mountain sites require proper leveling equipment. Terrain throughout the region features natural slopes and uneven ground.
Seasonal openings: Some facilities have limited seasonal availability. "We were told by a ranger we talked with earlier in the day that this campground might be closed for the season but the gates were open, so we checked it out and saw a sign saying that it would close for the season on November 4 so we were good!"
Limited supplies: Stock up before arrival as local stores have basic offerings. At Safe Haven Farm RV Camping, campers need to prepare since "Supplies slim in Fries area. Cvs/Dollar General."
Tips for camping with families
Look for creek access: Water features provide natural entertainment. One camper reported their kids enjoyed "Creek is like a river, cool getaway during the day."
Consider proximity to trails: Trails offer family-friendly activities. "New River Trail is one block from campground. You can ride bikes from your campsite to the trail."
Check for playground access: Some campgrounds have recently added play areas. At River Country Campground, "New playground for the kids! Remodeled bath houses make it the nicest campground on the river."
Plan for limited connectivity: WiFi availability varies significantly between campgrounds. Some provide strong connections while others have minimal service: "Great WiFi the entire time; even for a couple of zoom calls!"
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Some pads may not accommodate larger rigs. At Lakeview RV Resort, "Campground sites are a bit close together but it is well maintained and has friendly staff."
Water pressure considerations: Pressure can vary significantly between campgrounds. "Being at the end of the water line for the park, our pressure wasn't great so we used our fresh water tank and water pump for showers and to wash dishes."
Mountain road navigation: Some access roads require careful driving. "The roads were windy and a tad narrow but definitely do-able as long as you took your time."
Electrical service types: Confirm amperage availability before booking. Many RV parks Chilhowie visitors use offer 50-amp service, but some smaller campgrounds may only provide 30-amp connections.
