8 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cloverdale, Virginia serves as a gateway to diverse camping opportunities along the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding wilderness areas. Peaks of Otter Campground, located approximately 36 miles northeast of Cloverdale, offers traditional campground amenities with tent, RV, and cabin options open from May through October. Closer to town, Explore Park provides modern camping facilities including cabins and RV sites while maintaining proximity to outdoor recreation areas. Campgrounds in this region typically feature mixed-use facilities accommodating various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to cabins with electricity and modern amenities.
Road access varies significantly between established campgrounds and dispersed sites. Developed areas like Dixie Caverns provide easy drive-in access with full hookups, while hiking-focused destinations such as Dragon's Tooth require more planning. "This was a fine place to park overnight. The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well," notes one visitor about Dragon's Tooth. Weather conditions impact camping experiences year-round, with higher elevation sites experiencing cooler temperatures even during summer months. Many campground options follow seasonal schedules, with peak availability from spring through fall, though some facilities like Don's Cab-Inns at Explore Park remain open year-round, providing rare winter camping opportunities with facilities.
The camping areas around Cloverdale feature notable proximity to significant hiking trails including portions of the Appalachian Trail. Several visitors mention the accessibility of outdoor activities beyond just camping. At Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing, one camper described their experience as "a cool little slice of camping fun" with live music and exploration opportunities. The area's mixed-use campgrounds balance natural settings with convenient amenities, particularly at Explore Park where reviewers consistently praise the "spotless, quaint" facilities. Water access represents another highlight, with Smith Mountain Lake State Park providing waterfront camping approximately 30 miles south of Cloverdale. Most campground options in the region maintain bathroom facilities, with varying levels of amenities from primitive vault toilets at trailheads to full shower facilities at established campgrounds.
"Picked for price Quiet
Enjoyed Blueridge parkway
NIce retreat in SW Virginia"
"It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)."
"The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling. Also, an outlet to charge your phone."
from $45 - $130 / night
"Did I say it’s close to I 81?"
"just off the highway but easily accessible, everything works, friendly staff. Showers in bathhouse are a bit dirty but other than that great!"
from $40 / night
"We were not sure about taking such a detour from our path to Asheville, but are so glad we did! We booked a spot “in the meadow” but when we arrived, they had rooms in the lodge for just $20 more."
"If you’re up for a fun hike, take the Outerspace trail up to “The Bluff” and enjoy the mountain views."
Available this weekend
from $25 - $75 / night
from $25 - $150 / night
"This is a well maintained area with access to several hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The lake is beautiful and my entire family enjoyed our time!"
"Stopping at Smith Mountain lake was well worth it during my mini road trip through VA. Pros: huge lake with tons of outdoor activities (trails for running/walking, boating activities, kayaking)."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $144 / night
"Near water (collect water with a filter only) I was able to make a fire but make sure it's okay when you go.
Lots of space for many people.
Not too far from McAfee knob."
"There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North. The sites aren't bad though, pretty flat."
"dragons tooth is off a path that is part of the Appalachian Trail, there is a good amount of parking with a bathroom and garbage, once you begin the trail there are a few dispersed obvious camping spots"
"This was a quiet spot that felt safe, with a pit toilet nearby to the trailhead parking area. Car camping is the only option at this time."
GuideI would highly recommend this area. It was very quiet with only one other vehicle passing by my camp during the time I was there. I found my spot around 4:30 Thursday afternoon and left around 8:30 Friday morning. I could hear the river which made for a very pleasant sleep. If you check out this area, I really hope that you have as nice of an experience as I did. I was there on 10/22/26
ScoutVery clean, both showers and parking lot. Actually watched the crew pressure washing around the gas pumps. Close to highway but sheltered from the noise.
TravelerShowers themselves are nice but don't have privacy room to dry and get dressed. Spots are fairly close together. $50 for one night seemed kinda high. There is highway noise. You do get a discount on your cave tour.
GuideThis is a no frills campground with just a few sites. Tent camping, small rigs and even some larger rigs could easily fit in the large grassy center where there are two fire rings. Our 25 got nobo had no issues.
ScoutNice campground for dry camping. Campground is fairly new and is still improving. The network of hiking trails are very nice and connect with nearby Ferrum College. The nonprofit that owns the campground has plans to add electric and water in the future.
GuideThis is one of the best campsites we’ve stayed at in VA. It’s easy to find and super well kept. There was an established fire ring and the bathrooms (pit toilets) were clean and in great shape. It seems pretty popular but we got there around 4-5 and were able to secure a spot.
GuideQuiet campground, friendly neighbors. Great walking trails
ScoutNice quiet campground, showers needed to be cleaned but were not bad. Communication was not good with park people.
ScoutGreat campground post season- open until 10/31. Good weather, leaf peeping. LOTS of trails to the lake, and very dog friendly
Camping opportunities near Cloverdale, Virginia center around the Blue Ridge Mountain region with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,900 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler at higher elevations than in the valley. Most backcountry campsites require securing food from wildlife, while designated campgrounds often provide food storage lockers.
Hiking to Dragon's Tooth: This moderate to strenuous 4.6-mile round-trip hike connects to the Appalachian Trail and features challenging rock scrambles. "This was a fine place to park overnight. The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well," notes a camper at Dragon's Tooth.
Cave exploration: Located 25 miles west of Cloverdale, Dixie Caverns offers underground tours with discount admission for campers. "Awesome antique store and cavern tours (must-do!) available for a discount when you camp," according to a reviewer at Dixie Caverns Campground.
Water activities: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, approximately 30 miles south of Cloverdale, provides swimming, boating and fishing opportunities. "Perfect clean clear water to fish, swim," reports one visitor who also noted the "excellent campground" has "tent sites [that] are large and a good distance apart."
Mountain views: The terrain around Peaks Of Otter Campground creates unique terraced campsites. "It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill. The whole campground is kind of 'carved' out of the mountain," explains one camper.
Live entertainment: Weekend events at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing provide social camping experiences. "It was Saturday night with a bluegrass band, friendly families with kids, good food and drinks; totally our jam," writes one visitor who appreciated this unexpected amenity.
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds in the region offer separation between campsites. At Smith Mountain Lake State Park, "RV sites are good and have decent privacy," while at Wilderness Adventure, campers report "awesome large spaces. Camped with 8 people/2 tents and had room for more if needed."
Seasonal availability: While most campgrounds operate from spring through fall, Don's Cab-Inns Campground offers year-round access. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," notes a winter camper.
Highway noise: Some camping areas sit close to major roads. At 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."
Water sources: When camping along the Appalachian Trail near Cloverdale, reliable water can be scarce. At Johns Spring Shelter, "There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cloverdale, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cloverdale, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Cloverdale, VA and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cloverdale, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cloverdale, VA is Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway with a 4.2-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cloverdale, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Cloverdale, VA.
What parks are near Cloverdale, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Cloverdale, VA that allow camping, notably Philpott Lake and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
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