132 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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 $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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
from $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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)."
from $27 - $159 / night
Check Availability"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."
ScoutGood facilities. Clean and hot showers. Good beach area. Docks for fishing could use some markers on the trails to find them. Could use a playground given it's labells as a familycamp
ScoutWell maintained blacktop road which made it easy to get a camper or a van through. Some of the sites further up the road are away from the creek but less buggy. They were large and well-maintained. I like the privacy of the sites further up. I would highly recommend this off upgrade site.
LegendVery beautiful surrounds and plenty of family fun to be had here. Pool, waterslides, splash pad, jumping pillows, playgrounds, mini golf, and of course the James River, to which our campsite was immediately adjacent. It's 8 minutes to the state park with the natural bridge, which is spectacular. . The staff are super nice and helpful.
ScoutFrom all the reviews on this site, we thought it would be more dispersed/private than it is. If you’re ok with seeing and hearing strangers as you sit in front of your own campfire, then this is the spot for you. Not for those who want privacy and true connection with nature and surroundings.
ScoutBeautiful campground, all sites are paved with designated tent pads,h20,and power 20/30/50 amp. There is plenty to do at park fairy stone hunts, paddling, hiking, beach etc.
ScoutNice and quiet. Spots are a good size. Large rock ring fire pit. Would recommend
TravelerNice and quiet - friendly service. Plenty of amenities as well as options. Stayed here to attend a concert at The Coves Amphitheater in Union Hall, VA.
TravelerI can’t believe no one has rated this beautiful place. The sites are level, gravel, well spaced out and surrounded by trees. We stayed at White Pines Campground and there was a network of trails you can access a short walk away. The trails had views, lake, waterfall, and beautiful mountain laurel in bloom. These trails looked great for mountain biking too. The showers were nicely laid out, clean and had great pressure and there were plenty of them. The huge bonus was the dishwashing station with hot water. I can’t wait to come back and explore this beautiful area more!
GuideIt’s very green and scenic
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 132 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 23 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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