Campgrounds in the Christiansburg, Virginia area range from established RV parks to primitive tent sites within the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Several developed options exist within a 30-minute drive, including Claytor Lake State Park Campground near Dublin and Camp Alta Mons in Shawsville. The region supports diverse camping styles with accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabin rentals at locations like Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground about 20 miles south in Floyd, which maintains year-round operations and offers full hookup sites alongside primitive camping areas.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with several facilities like Rocky Knob Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway operating only from May through early November. "The property trails are open to the public. Visitors have available parking and must sign-in to use the trails. Most come to see Stiles Falls," noted one visitor about Camp Alta Mons. Weather patterns in the New River Valley can bring sudden storms, particularly during spring and summer months, and several campgrounds like New River Junction operate seasonally from May through September. Advance reservations are recommended for weekend camping, as public campgrounds and group sites such as Caldwell Fields and Boley Field fill quickly during peak seasons.
Campers report varying experiences with roadway noise at facilities near Interstate 81. While some campgrounds like Dixie Caverns provide convenient access for overnight travelers, reviews frequently mention highway noise as a detractor. A recent visitor observed, "Close to hwy. All day long noise." In contrast, more secluded options like Caldwell Fields Group Campground receive praise for their natural settings. "Stayed here for two nights with 13 vehicles and 16 people... nice sized camp spot, vault toilet, and small stream running right behind the campsite," reported one visitor. Water access represents a notable feature at several campgrounds, with sites along the New River being particularly popular despite some offering limited amenities. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide basic facilities including restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, though hookup availability varies significantly between locations.
"Conveniently located bath house. We got sites right next to our friends where we wanted to be. The lake and beach area were beautiful. Sand was soft and very clean."
"Lots of space, cheap price, walking distance from the lake raccoons and skunks everywhere all night."
"just off the highway but easily accessible, everything works, friendly staff. Showers in bathhouse are a bit dirty but other than that great!"
"We had a pull-thru site that was pretty much level but was very close to the other campers. This campground seems to have a lot of permanent residents."
"Five Stars– A True Mountain Sanctuary Camp S’mores in Floyd, Virginia is something truly special."
"Plenty of trails to walk and a few ponds on property to fish. Open year round but im too much a wimp to winter camp, cant wait to head back in the spring!!"
"Not sure about other sections of the venue but we had privacy due to the very few people in sites around a huge field that appears to be a venue for outdoor music festivals."
"This campground is located right outside of Floyd, VA and just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway."
"The campground is not far from Virginia Tech and so there were several other campers staying a few nights with plans to go to the football game."
"Several RV sites located right on Beautiful New River. Tent camping also available."
$30 - $40 / night
"v=E5_wV2ao_Jo) PROS
•close to Salem/Roanoke
•850 acres
•mountain trails
•Stiles Falls
•peaceful
•clean and cared for
•cheerful staff
CONS
•limitations of use during youth camps
•some"
"Great hiking trails to a beautiful waterfall."
$30 - $45 / night
"Rocky Knob Campground is right outside of Floyd, VA off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southwest region of the state. Why stay here? It's right outside of Floyd."
"Inner part of the loop sites are quite close to each other but have convenient access to bathhouse, which is kept pretty clean."
$35 / night
"Nice hikes walking distance with lots of beautiful stars, trees, and wildlife! Make sure you don't need to text though, you only are able to send messages via satelite."
"Stayed here for two nights with 13 vehicles and 16 people to visit Potts Mountain Jeep trail. nice sized camp spot, vault toilet, and small stream running right behind the canpsite"
$35 / night
"It's secluded in the National Forest, but still really close to civilization."
ScoutNice even sites with firepits and picnic table. You're not super secluded and you will hear your neighbors. Overall a great place if you wanna just have a cozy night or two camping. Beautiful creek access too.
ScoutIf you’re an outdoor lover like myself and you want to enjoy the gorgeous sights and sounds of Mother Nature, this campground is the perfect location.
Don’t forget your telescope for when the sun goes down. There’s a perfect spot on the side of mountain for breathtaking views.
ScoutCamped a few times with a group of veterans. The site is perfect for tent camping with multiple fire pits and firewood on site. Place isnt too far from Roanoke where I live so was a perfect weekend getaway without having to go far. We had cookouts and hung by the fire just relaxing and taking in the mountain scenery. Plenty of trails to walk and a few ponds on property to fish. Open year round but im too much a wimp to winter camp, cant wait to head back in the spring!!
ScoutCaldwell Fields is a great group campground with clean, large bathrooms (one for men, one for women, but they're identical pit toilets in the toilet facility) with a large firepit and creek access. Nice hikes walking distance with lots of beautiful stars, trees, and wildlife! Make sure you don't need to text though, you only are able to send messages via satelite.
ScoutI would definitely recommend this place.
Scout⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five Stars– A True Mountain Sanctuary Camp S’mores in Floyd, Virginia is something truly special. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains on nearly 100 acres, this property isn’t just a campground— it’s a place of peace, restoration, and purpose. From the moment you arrive, you feel the quiet. The kind of quiet that settles your spirit. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Rolling mountain views, stocked ponds, winding creeks, well-kept trails through beautiful hardwoods— it feels untouched yet thoughtfully cared for. Evenings around the fire pit under a sky filled with stars are unforgettable. You wake up to birds singing instead of traffic noise. It’s the reset we all need. What makes Camp S’mores stand out is the potential and the heart behind it. This is the perfect setting for:• Church retreats and ministry gatherings• Veterans looking for rest, healing, and brotherhood• Scout troops building skills and character• Families wanting a safe, peaceful outdoor experience• RV travelers seeking a quiet, resort-style mountain escape Whether you’re tent camping, van camping, or bringing your RV, the setting feels private, spacious, and serene. You truly feel like you have room to breathe. If you’re looking for a place to unplug, reconnect with nature, and spend meaningful time with people who matter— Camp S’mores delivers in every way. We will absolutely be back. Highly recommend supporting this hidden gem in Floyd, VA.
ScoutMyself and a small group of friends spent an extended weekend on the property of Camp S’mores and thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful and serene setting. The property has an abundance of everything that you would want when wanting to get away. The nature trails, ponds, creeks, beautiful trees, fire pit, and a night sky lit up by stars. So PEACEFUL! We couldn’t have found a better site to stay at! We have decided to make this an annual trip and will be heading back this spring!
ScoutVery beautiful scenery, amazing views.
GuideTypical campground with rv spots close together with no shade. Fill hook ups at each site.
Camping spots near Christiansburg, Virginia range from primitive tent-only areas to full-service RV parks within Jefferson National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains. The region sits at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through February.
Waterfall hikes: 2.5 miles round trip to Stiles Falls at Camp Alta Mons, with three creek crossings. "I would put the hike to the falls moderate to strenuous with three creek crossings and some boulder scampers...give yourself an hour each direction from the parking lot," notes one visitor.
River activities: Tubing and fishing on the New River. A camper at New River Junction Campground reports, "Bring your fishing pole for some great catch and release fishing, or rent a inner tub or canoe and float down River to a shuttle bus that brings you back to the campgrounds."
Cave exploration: Tours available with discounts for campers. "The caverns are worth visiting pretty cool cave system. We got in late in the afternoon after the last tour woke up early and caught the first tour before heading on our way," mentions one camper at Dixie Caverns.
Disc golf: 9-hole course available year-round. "They have full hookup RV sites along with dry ones and multiple tent camping options! They also have free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!" describes a visitor at Chantilly Farm.
Privacy at Rocky Knob: Loop C is tent-only. "C loop is best IMO. Far from RV sites, the spaces are quiet with plenty of room. We love it! A winery, meadery, restaurants, convenient stores, hiking trails, Mabry Mill, live music and Nancy's candy factory are all within short drives," reports a visitor at Rocky Knob Campground.
Lake access at Claytor Lake: Beach passes included with camping fees outside pandemic restrictions. "I love this park! Plenty of tent and RV sites. 4 yurts available in nice wooded area. Lake beach passes included in price. Boat rentals. Plenty clean bathrooms and hot showers. Wood, ice and soda machines available," shares a camper from Claytor Lake State Park Campground.
Group camping options: Large sites for multiple vehicles. "Stayed here for two nights with 13 vehicles and 16 people to visit Potts Mountain Jeep trail. nice sized camp spot, vault toilet, and small stream running right behind the campsite," explains a visitor at Caldwell Fields Group Campground.
Scenic hilltop camping: Panoramic views from elevated sites. "We were on top of a hill with other RV's with gorgeous views and sunsets. The grounds were very well kept and mowed. Trash cans were abundant and bathrooms were decent," describes a camper at Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground.
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Prepare for nighttime disturbances. At New River Junction, one camper warns, "THE TRAINS: HOLY HELL. The trains alone are reason enough not to camp here. Especially with a tent. Five trains between midnight and 5am. Every one of them blew the horn well past the crossing."
Highway noise impacts sleep quality: Some campgrounds sit near major roads. A reviewer notes about Dixie Caverns, "You are surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the actual Dixie Cavern is at the base of a mountain, so all the road traffic is above the campground and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7."
Reservation timing matters: Most campgrounds fill quickly during fall foliage season. A Rocky Knob visitor mentions, "Great views of surrounding mountains in late October as the leaves fall away."
Water activities dependent on river levels: Tubing experiences vary with water depth. At New River Junction Campground, a visitor cautions, "I didn't do the tubing, but I had family with me that did and they said it was NOT worth the money. The water level was said to be good for it, but they said they dragged their butts the majority of the way."
Look for shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer showers. A Rocky Knob visitor points out, "Minimalist facilities. Good location. Has rv and tent sites. Right off Blue Ridge Parkway. Overall ok if you need a crash pad, but I would not seek it out."
Consider water safety: Some river sites have rocky, slippery areas. A reviewer warns, "The water ranges in depth, but nothing deeper than waste deep really. It's rocky and slippery so it's dangerous and not very family friendly. Especially for young children and older people."
Check for bear activity: Wildlife sightings occur seasonally. A camper at Alta Mons notes, "The first bear of the season was spotted the morning we arrived and promptly skidaddled back into the wooded mountains."
Prepare for insects: Mosquitoes can be intense in summer months. "Bring your bug spray, mosquitos here swarm you in apocalyptic proportion at nightfall," warns a visitor at Camp Alta Mons.
Limited level sites at some locations: Scout options carefully. At Dixie Caverns, a camper reports, "FHU. Sites not level. Very narrow sites. Some full time residents' rigs give the Breaking Bad class C a run for their money, if they run."
Narrow access roads to some campgrounds: Large rigs require careful navigation. A reviewer at Chantilly Farm mentions, "We had the opportunity to stay a couple of nights at this campground on our way to the east coast. Wow, getting there was quite a journey over narrow curvy roads but once there it was a nice area."
Heated water hookups available seasonally: Some campgrounds offer winter protection. One camper notes, "We arrived late around 7pm and it was getting dark, our lovely Host was very kind and showed our site - It also had heated water hose so that was a big bonus."
Shared utilities at some sites: Hookups may require coordination. A camper at Sportsman Campground explains, "The RV sites are along the river and two sites share an electrical box and the water hookup."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Christiansburg, VA?
The Christiansburg area offers several excellent camping options within driving distance. Claytor Lake State Park Campground is one of the closest, offering waterfront sites with swimming and boating opportunities, though privacy between sites can be limited. For a more secluded experience, New River Junction Campground near Blacksburg provides riverside camping with tubing and swimming options. Other notable options include Fairy Stone State Park with unique geological features and hiking trails, and Chantilly Farm near Floyd for those who enjoy music events alongside camping. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like water and toilets, with varying levels of site privacy and natural features.
Are there family-friendly tent camping options near Christiansburg?
Families looking for tent camping near Christiansburg have several great options. Fairy Stone State Park Campground is particularly family-friendly, offering clean facilities, yurts as an alternative to traditional tents, and activities like swimming and hiking that children enjoy. The park is known for its unique fairy stones that kids love to hunt for. Moncove Lake State Park Campground is another excellent choice about an hour away, featuring beautiful scenery, spacious sites, and a peaceful lake for fishing and paddling. Both parks provide clean restrooms and shower facilities, making them comfortable for families. For groups, Caldwell Fields and Boley Field Group Campgrounds offer more rustic experiences with space for children to explore.
Where can I find RV camping and rental services in Christiansburg, VA?
RV campers near Christiansburg have several well-equipped options. Dixie Caverns offers convenient RV camping directly off I-81, combining easy highway access with the unique opportunity to explore underground caverns. Be aware that the proximity to the interstate means some road noise. Fort Chiswell RV Park provides excellent highway access with well-maintained facilities for RVs of all sizes. For those seeking rentals, Pioneer Village and local RV dealerships in nearby Roanoke offer rental services. Many parks in the region, including Chantilly Farm and Eggleston Springs Campground, are big-rig friendly with full hookup sites. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months and fall foliage season.
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