3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Mendota, Virginia sits within driving distance of multiple tent camping areas, including established campgrounds and dispersed sites. The Washington and Jefferson National Forest offers free, dispersed tent camping along Bear Creek with sites described as "large, very shaded, and along a beautiful tree-lined road surrounded by mountains." The area includes convenient access to the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail, creating a strategic tent camping base for hikers.
Tent campsites in the region feature varying terrain, with many spots located along creeks that provide natural ambient sound. Most tent-only areas lack basic services, so campers should pack in water or bring filtration systems. Fire rings are common at established sites, but visitors must follow seasonal fire regulations. Sites along Little Stony Creek Road provide drive-in access with creek proximity, though campers should note the proximity to roadways. Facilities are minimal throughout the area, with most dispersed tent camping locations lacking toilets, drinking water, or trash collection.
Areas in Washington and Jefferson National Forest provide secluded tent camping experiences, with some sites offering creek-side settings ideal for water filtering. The surrounding landscape supports hiking, cycling, fishing and paddling activities. Most sites accommodate standard tent setups with flat areas for pitching. The region offers genuine disconnection from technology, as noted in several reviews highlighting the lack of cell service. A visitor commented, "We spent 1 night out here on a Saturday night. It is very secluded away from everything." The ambient creek sounds create a peaceful tent camping atmosphere despite occasional road noise, especially at sites closest to forest roads.
"Quiet neighbors. All around wonderful place to camp"
"updated bathhouses lots of shady sites sits on Patrick Henry Lake - no boat that’s ok rent paddle boats and kayaks at the Marina or just have lunch and watch the ducks on the water!"
from $50 - $70 / night
"Staying at The Cliffhanger Ranch places you in a quiet area surrounded by forests and a small downtown nearby, perfect for adventuring around a new area. "
"What makes this place great is that the entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest."
from $20 - $35 / night
"Most cabins also have covered porches, exterior picnic tables, and exterior fire rings. The Creekside Campground loop has water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings."
"It has 11 car camping platforms for tent only camping . There is no electric or water at each site. There is a bath house for the 11 sites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 / night
"It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."
"We had a neighbor nice enough to give us his site because he was leaving early and I would have stayed another night there. It was C3 backed into the woods on level ground. It made for a cozy morning."
from $25 - $136 / night
"The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek."
"Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night."
"Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains"
"There’s a covered outdoor space for small events, too. For me however, the huge draw is the natural beauty of the place."
"to get away to some quiet (NO traffic noises!) and decompress. Janice and Ed are the kindest, most considerate hosts you could imagine. "
from $24 - $55 / night
GuideThis is an amazing campsite in Norton, VA. It’s really well maintained and the views are beautiful. It was empty on the late fall weekend that we were there. There are electrical hookups and bathhouses
Take a quick drive up and check out Flag Rock, the Woodbooger statue and High Knob while you’re there!
FYI - The campground is closed from 10/31/26 until 5/15/2027.
GuideMother nature is amazing and helps relieve stress from the ones who never deserved to be around you to take and cover it up. So I'll run to God's beauty, and enjoy my fire at the same time. Come on baby light my fire! ;)
TravelerEasy to get to, cheap, good bathrooms.
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
ScoutMy husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
ScoutWe brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back
ScoutOur group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.
RangerI wandered a bit and took a left up a gravel road near where the sites indicated were located and just drove for a few miles. Found an awesome spot with a fire pit and lush surroundings. The road was unpaved (but as are all to the best spots) and there were definitely some large rocks and potholes to navigate. Would suggest higher raised vehicle. Saw nobody else and felt like I had my own slice of paradise.
GuideClean nice little campground for the weekend.
Tent camping near Mendota, Virginia offers access to diverse terrains with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 feet in the surrounding Jefferson and Washington National Forests. The region experiences mild summers with average temperatures between 75-85°F and cooler mountain nights, making camping comfortable even in July and August. Many campsites sit adjacent to creeks that provide natural water sources for experienced campers with proper filtration equipment.
Hiking to waterfalls: Little Stony Falls trail near Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area offers moderate hiking with scenic rewards. "Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains," notes camper Brendan G.
Kayaking on nearby lakes: Watauga Lake provides paddling opportunities within a short drive of several camping areas. At Watauga Point Recreation Area, visitors find "access to the lake, lots of picnic benches and shade," according to carolyn N., making it a good base for water activities.
Mountain biking: The Virginia Creeper Trail connects to several camping areas and offers 34 miles of relatively flat, converted rail trail suitable for all skill levels. Forest roads throughout the region provide additional biking options with varying difficulty.
Creek access for natural cooling: Sites along creeks provide both ambient sound and practical benefits. At Blackberry Blossom Farm & Campground, "many sites are near little creeks which provide a nice background ambiance," according to Bird H.
Distance between sites: Campers appreciate privacy at better-maintained areas. "The campsites are far enough apart that I don't feel like I'm on top of other campers. There are less concerns about privacy than other places I've been," notes one reviewer about Blackberry Blossom Farm.
Natural swimming opportunities: Many dispersed sites offer creek and river access for swimming. At Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites, Alexandra T. "parked right next to a swimming hole, had a gorgeous swim and enjoyed our time. No service, off-grid, really lovely."
Road noise impacts: Sites closest to forest roads may experience traffic noise. At Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, Sophia L. warns of "lots of road noise-- you're sitting in a valley bordered by highway on 3 sides, and the echo is serious."
Cell service limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have no connectivity. At Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost, Noah O. noted the benefits of being "across from the Jefferson National Forrest" where they "kayak at Bark Camp Lake which was not busy at all and hike at Little Stoney Falls."
Trash management: Pack-out requirements apply to all dispersed sites, though compliance varies. Sophia L. observed "trash everywhere making some sites unusable" at Little Stony Creek Road, highlighting the importance of Leave No Trace practices.
Firepit availability: Most established sites have fire rings, but seasonal restrictions apply. Bring a portable camp stove as backup during dry periods when fire bans may be implemented.
Weather considerations: Higher elevation camps offer cooler summer temperatures. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, Mandy R. confirms "the weather is so much cooler in the summer there (70-80 in July!), it's just a wonderful, down to earth place to be."
Accessibility tradeoffs: Consider the balance between amenities and seclusion. Kristen J. notes that Blue Bear Mountain has "very spaced out" campsites but cautions "the state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there."
Bathroom facilities: Most dispersed sites lack toilets, while established campgrounds offer varying facilities. "The bathhouse is nice and clean," reports Kristen J. about Blue Bear Mountain, an important consideration for families with young children.
Road access challenges: Forest roads to many dispersed sites have limitations for larger vehicles. Noah O. suggests Cliffhanger Ranch as a good alternative, noting "the cabin we stayed in is very cozy and good size for two people" with easy access to Jefferson National Forest across the entrance.
Water fill locations: No hookups are available at dispersed sites, so plan accordingly. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, Mandy R. advises "They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mendota, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mendota, VA is Moody Bluff Campground — Warriors' Path State Park with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mendota, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Mendota, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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