Best Campgrounds near Clifton Forge, VA

The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Clifton Forge, Virginia support a mix of established campgrounds and primitive camping areas. Douthat State Park Campground, located about 10 miles from Clifton Forge, serves as a central camping destination with accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and even glamping options. The region includes several developed campgrounds like Bolar Mountain Recreation Area and Morris Hill Campground, both situated within 30 minutes of town. Public lands in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests provide additional opportunities for overnight stays in more rustic settings.

Several campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. "This park is in one of my favorite parts of VA. Very beautiful area with plenty of off grid seclusion! It's a nice scenic drive getting to the park on a quiet and well maintained back road," noted one visitor about Douthat State Park. Facilities vary widely, from primitive sites with minimal amenities to fully developed campgrounds offering electric hookups, shower facilities, and sanitary dump stations. Road conditions are generally good near established recreation areas, though some primitive sites may require higher clearance vehicles. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many camping areas, particularly in the more remote forest locations. Campers should prepare for variable mountain weather conditions, even during summer months.

Lakeside camping represents a particularly sought-after experience in the region. Douthat State Park features a lake with swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and boat rentals. A visitor remarked that "Douthat is amazing! There are three camping loops here but we love to stay in the white oak loop which is secluded and the majority of the sites have the creek on the back side of your site." Beyond water features, the area offers extensive hiking and mountain biking trails connecting many campgrounds. Wildlife sightings, including black bears, are possible throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Campground noise levels vary significantly, with highway-adjacent locations like Waltons Campground experiencing road noise, while forest-interior sites provide more secluded experiences. Weekends and holidays see higher occupancy rates at developed campgrounds, making reservations advisable during peak seasons.

Best Camping Sites Near Clifton Forge, Virginia (118)

    1. Douthat State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Clifton Forge, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 862-8100

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails."

    "General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."

    2. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 279-4144

    $16 - $85 / night

    "I stayed on campground 1 on a lake side site with access to the lake, the views from my tent were breathtaking! The campground is clean, it has shower and flushable toilets."

    "This was our first camping trip to actually visit lake Moomaw in Warm Springs Virginia.  We had been close before but never made it to the lake itself."

    3. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "

    "Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."

    4. Morris Hill Campground

    10 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 279-4144

    $18 - $65 / night

    "Morris Hill campground is located in Alleghany County, Virginia, in the George Washington National Forest.  This campground does not have Water/Electric hookups... It is semi primitive."

    "This is a great camp located near lake Moomaw! Right off the road with easy access to the sites. First come first serve but this particular camp has a lot of sites!"

    5. Lake Sherwood

    7 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    16 miles
    Website

    $20 - $100 / night

    "We spent Labor Day weekend 2021 enjoying Lake Sherwood when we stayed at the recreation area while visiting friends in nearby Clifton Forge, Virginia."

    "The campground is butted up against Sherwood lake and a small mtn ridge range that divides West Virginia and Virginia. "

    6. Lake Robertson

    3 Reviews
    Lexington, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 463-4164

    "Pool, lake fishing, hiking, picnic area. Large enough sites. Alot to see and do in nearby historical Lexington VA. A good place to just relax."

    7. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $20 - $40 / night

    "These sites are slightly more rugged, and best for smaller tents; site 35 however is both large, flat, and private, and is next to the trailhead to one of the campground's hiking trails."

    "Site was spacious and pleasantly situated for our 17' travel trailer. Clean bathrooms and shower."

    8. Shirleys’ River Retreat

    1 Review
    Covington, VA
    9 miles
    +1 (540) 620-7110

    $40 - $60 / night

    9. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    16 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2727

    $39 - $241 / night

    "Right next to the James River for all of your fishing needs. Have a pool, splash pad, pond/lake with a slide, beach, inflatable obstacle course, have an arcade room, and 2 additional water slides."

    "Lots of stuff for kids, very close to river for tubing, reservation system in place because of Covid prevention guideline for swimming which worked out really well for kids... not many activities due to"

    10. McClintic Point Primitive Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 839-2521

    "Beautiful morning, but seems to stay chillier than the surrounding area. It's in a valley and two sites back up to the lake. There is access to the lake for canoes/kayaks."

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Recent Reviews near Clifton Forge, VA

621 Reviews of 118 Clifton Forge Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    The best so far

    Best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits. Highly recommend.

  • Bradley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Glen Maury Park

    Beautiful place with all the amenities

    Overnight stay off I-81. Easy in and out. VERY well kept and super friendly staff. I highly recommend. Larger rigs need to stay in the lower campground and there are no sewer connections, but the dump station is all good.

  • S
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Beautiful and secluded

    Mostly seasonal campers, but an idyllic environment. I am parked alongside a babbling brook. Poor cell reception, no tv. A forced off the grid experience.

  • TangoRomeo 8.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sherwood Lake WV

    Lake Sherwood Dispersed Camping

    Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest

  • madison F.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    WALNUT

    first arrived weary of storm headed our way only to find out our campsite was the only in our section that wasn’t a flood zone.

    saw some liquid being pumped into naturally flowing creek water??! also if you want to see ducks… stay close to the pond.

    super honorable mention - lower bathhouses did not have warm water and had to hike up the hill to use, extremely nicer, bathhouse.

    POOL had a “tlc makeover” only to have a surmount of chemicals still not diluted by 5pm - MURKYYYYYYY

    also had a campsite that was placed between three trees - super tight but made it work.

    only stayed in passing - get what you get

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Quiet, clean campground!

    This campground was exceptionally clean and very quiet/peaceful. We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old. The staff is amazing and clearly love what they do. They were friendly from the start and they let us know they were available for help, etc. The site itself was an easy pull-through. It was clean and hookups were easy to figure out (first time RVers here; not new to camping though). I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away! We will definitely be back!

    I thought being at the end of the loop would be noisy due to traffic coming through, but it didn't bother us one but!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Great location at SML

    Really well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground. Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office.

  • Aaron S.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Stoney Creek Resort

    Lovely people, lovely place

    Overall a nice place to stay. We stayed one night. Hook ups were good, site was somewhat level. The staff are just lovely people, very friendly, helpful, and they go out of their way to do the next right thing.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    Helpful staff and nice amenities

    It has all the bells and whistles you’d hope for at a Jellystone. It sounds like staffing has been challenging but the fellow campers and wonderful staff that are here make it well worth staying. We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade. I’d stay again and would love to head down to the river for some tubing and fish in the stocked pond.


Guide to Clifton Forge

Camping near Clifton Forge, Virginia offers year-round options within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The region's campgrounds typically see temperature drops of 10-15 degrees compared to surrounding lowland areas, creating cooler microclimates even during summer months. Several primitive sites provide direct water access to Lake Moomaw, a 2,530-acre reservoir with over 40 miles of undeveloped shoreline.

What to Do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Moomaw offers excellent fishing conditions for multiple species. At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, you can access both lake fishing and river spots. "This place is amazing. I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it. Warm water, fresh air, no service," notes camper Blake B.

Water activities: Beyond fishing, many campgrounds feature water-based recreation. "The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming. There's a Seperate beach that you can drive to that is roped off for swimming purposes but we rather enjoyed walking to the water from our site and having what seemed like our own little swimming spot," reports Joanna G. about her stay at Bolar Mountain.

Hiking trails: The area provides numerous hiking options ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents. Morris Hill Campground offers access to trails connecting to the lake. As Benjamin N. describes, "Short drive to Coles Point beach and boat ramp for Lake Moomaw."

What Campers Like

Secluded sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer private camping spots away from crowds. "Our site was even and pretty basic despite having electricity. It was just across from the deluxe cabins and close to the restroom which I liked. Everything seemed well lit at night," reports Crystal C. about her stay at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA.

Clean facilities: Despite the remote setting, many campgrounds maintain excellent facilities. At Lake Sherwood, Leigh-Ann G. was "stoked to find hot FREE showers and a 2pm check out time. The lake is man made but very large and looks like it's always been there."

Wildlife viewing: The mountain setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation. "We did not see any but did see deer, rabbits, red squirrels, and other little creatures roaming around," shares Pawsfuradventure T. about their experience at Lake Sherwood.

What You Should Know

Cell service limitations: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. At McClintic Point Primitive Campground, there's virtually no service, while some sites offer limited connectivity. "This is off the grid and does not really have provisions especially after Labor Day. It is a stretch to call it a store but it did have ice, drinks, bait, peanut butter and few other essentials," explains a reviewer.

Distance from supplies: Most campgrounds are located 30-45 minutes from major stores. "It takes a little time to get there but it's worth the trip," notes Scott P. about Bolar Mountain Recreation Area. Pack accordingly as resupply runs can consume significant time.

Weather variability: The mountain environment creates unpredictable conditions. Jennifer K. from Morris Hill Campground reports: "Cell service (at&t) was a little spotty but for the most part we usually had about 2 bars and were even able to watch a little netflix on the one rainy day."

Tips for Camping with Families

Kid-friendly water features: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas designed for children. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp receives high marks from families: "Just the drive to the campground through the Blue Ridge Mountains was beautiful. Some of us spent all day swimming, catching salamanders and tadpoles while some of us fished," shares Maggie A.

Playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas and organized activities. "We had a great weekend with the whole family! There was a carnival for the kids, trick-or-treating, hiking, tons of bike riding, campfire watching, hammock swinging, laughing, loving, and hanging out!" reports Bridget H. about Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge.

Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences through ranger programs and natural features. "The lake is nice, and there is nice hiking along the shore," mentions Thomas R., highlighting opportunities for nature exploration.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: RV campers should carefully research site dimensions before booking. At Lake Robertson, Jim B. reports sites are "well spaced apart," providing adequate room for setup.

Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between campgrounds. "Bolar Mountain Rec Area is on Lake Moomaw. We had the pleasure of having a campsite with lake view and access both times. Campground 2 site 53, has a nice private beach area where you can go fishing or swim," explains Nicole R.

Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds include steep grades and tight turns. "Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles," warns Jeremy W. about certain areas of Douthat State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clifton Forge, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clifton Forge, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Clifton Forge, VA and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clifton Forge, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clifton Forge, VA is Douthat State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clifton Forge, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Clifton Forge, VA.

What parks are near Clifton Forge, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Clifton Forge, VA that allow camping, notably George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Monongahela National Forest.