RV camping near Clifton Forge, Virginia offers visitors access to the Alleghany Highlands where the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers merge to form the James River. Most campgrounds in this mountainous region sit at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences with warm summers and cool spring and fall nights. Winter camping options remain limited in the region, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Moomaw: The 2,530-acre lake at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area offers warm water swimming and fishing from shoreline access points. "This place is amazing. I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it. Warm water, fresh air, no service," notes Blake B., highlighting the disconnected experience many seek.
Attend local festivals: Glen Maury Park hosts numerous cultural events throughout the camping season. "There are many activities such as a bluegrass festival, fiddle festival, and jazz festival. This year they built large models of the twin towers and had a program about them on September 11th," writes Priscilla S.
Trail hiking: Multiple campgrounds connect to regional hiking systems with varying difficulty levels. At Douthat State Park, "There are many hiking trails nearby with a variety of difficulty. We chose a couple that provided nice views," according to Diane P., who visited during cooler months.
What campers like
Lake access: Campers consistently highlight water access as a major draw for camping near Clifton Forge. "Our site was a pull through with access to a private beach area where you can go fishing or swim. Bring water shoes, the rocks can be sharp," advises Nicole R. about Bolar Mountain's site 53.
Seasonal weather patterns: Fall camping receives particular praise for comfortable temperatures and reduced crowds. "We stayed here for a weekend as a parking spot to explore WV. Turned out to be a great location," reports one camper at Summer Wind RV Park, which offers "great views and not a lot of road noise."
Peaceful settings: Many campgrounds provide quiet environments despite proximity to highways. "This KOA was a very nice surprise given that it was right off the highway. We only were there for 1 night and we didn't hear any highway noise," notes Karen about Natural Bridge KOA, which features nature trails and farm animals.
What you should know
Cell service varies significantly: Connectivity remains inconsistent throughout the region. At Summer Wind RV Park, "AT&T and Verizon both 5 bars" according to Randy G., while other campgrounds have limited or no service. For Starlink users, the campground "was excellent as there is not a single tree to obstruct the view!"
Seasonal pest considerations: Prepare for insects during warmer months. "The stink bugs were terrible in the season we went. 5 months later and we are still finding stink bugs in our 5th wheel camper," reports Mario F. after staying at Glen Maury Park, despite rating it positively overall.
Campground booking systems vary: While many parks use reservation systems, some require different approaches. "Booking was a little strange, there's no website or confirmation. You pay by check in a lockbox. But there was plenty of room and everything worked out fine," explains a Whistle P. about Summer Wind RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Walnut Hills Campground offers "a cute playground for kiddos" according to Mimi B., who appreciated the dog-friendly facilities and proximity to Interstate 81 for convenient access.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature designated swimming areas. "The pool is very large, very clean, and has a diving board. And there's a wonderful swimming hole if you can find it," mentions Priscilla S. about Glen Maury Park's water recreation options.
Pet-friendly considerations: Most campgrounds allow pets but have specific designated areas. "Multiple dog parks....so convenient so you have one close to your area," notes Beth B. about Sweetwater RV Park, which offers strategically placed pet relief stations.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Prepare for gravel pads that may require adjustment. "The sites were a little tight. If we had a camper with slide, we would not have been able to use our slide in this site," cautions Martha S. about Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, where roads are "rough dirt and gravel."
Premium site options: Several campgrounds offer upgraded RV sites with additional amenities. "They had brand new premium pull through sites that were amazing! Big patios, BBQ grill, tables, fire pit," exclaims Mae about Natural Bridge KOA, noting it was "quiet, well laid out and easy to manage in our 36 ft trailer."
Power considerations: Electrical hookups vary across campgrounds, with some offering limited amperage options. "Electric posts support four different sites, so needed to drag out the extension cord. But power was good and the evening/night was peaceful," reports Rick G. about Glen Maury Park, where most visitors find the tradeoffs worthwhile.
