Best Campgrounds near Covington, VA

Camping near Covington, VA, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

• Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. For instance, at Sherando Lake Campground, you can hike to the upper lake and enjoy stunning views. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground is located very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline drive. What a beautiful drive on the parkway."

• Fishing: Many campgrounds have fishing spots. At Douthat State Park Campground, you can fish in the lake, and one camper noted, "There are also cabins here! Plenty of picnic areas and great fishing as well!"

• Swimming: If you’re looking to cool off, Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground has a lovely beach area. A visitor shared, "The lake beach area is particularly nice and staffed by lifeguards."

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA stated, "The bath/shower facility was very clean and fairly new."
• Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. At Peaks Of Otter Campground, a camper mentioned, "The staff were friendly and were able to help with all questions I had."
• Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One review for Bolar Mountain Recreation Area said, "The lake is beautiful. Our neighbor was catching nice fish out in his boat."

What you should know

• Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. A visitor at Devil’s Backbone Camp noted, "No Verizon or ATT cell service I could find and no WiFi."
• Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Douthat State Park Campground is open from May to September.
• Water issues: Some campgrounds may have water supply problems. A reviewer at Sherando Lake Campground mentioned, "Major water problems with the entire park."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. At Shenandoah Valley Campground, a camper said, "The biggest negative is lack of cell service/internet... but overall, a nice place to stay."
• Activities for kids: Find campgrounds with amenities like swimming pools or playgrounds. One review for Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "There is a small swimming pool that the kids were enjoying."
• Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. A camper at Virginia Claytor Lake State Park noted, "The campsite was large and quiet which was nice."

Tips from RVers

• Check hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A review for Devil’s Backbone Camp stated, "The water, electric and sewer hookups are on the wrong side for half of the RV sites."
• Be aware of site sizes: Some sites may be tight for larger RVs. A visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area mentioned, "The electric showed 30 & 50 amp yet the 30 amp was disconnected."
• Plan for noise: If you prefer quiet, choose campgrounds away from busy areas. A camper at Douthat State Park Campground said, "The campground is huge the lake is so much fun, and the trails go for miles!"

Camping near Covington, VA, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground details before you go!