Covington, Virginia sits at 1,200 feet elevation in the Allegheny Mountains, with nearby campgrounds ranging up to 3,000 feet in elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and cooling significantly at night. Mountain terrain creates variable weather conditions that can change quickly throughout camping areas.
What to do
Tubing on the Greenbrier River: Campgrounds near Covington offer easy access to river recreation. "We rented tubes and floated down the river. The staff was great and the grounds well kept. We will be putting this place on our list of parks to stop at every year," notes a visitor to Greenbrier River Campground.
Mountain biking on varied terrain: The region offers trails for different skill levels. "We did a decent amount of biking here, the main road is nice for road biking, we rode out about 15 miles and back, saw a black bear. Beautiful country roads. And the trails are great for mountain biking. Bring your legs, lots of climbing!" reports a visitor to Douthat State Park Campground.
Fishing for stocked trout: Many campgrounds provide easy access to stocked waters. "I arrived the day after trout stocking and so there were quite a few fishermen in the stream and on the lake. I caught a few large trout in the stream on a fly but it really was a bit like fishing in a barrel," shares a camper at Douthat State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private swimming areas: Waterfront sites often include access to uncrowded swimming spots. "Our site was across the road from the lake but there was a trail that lead to the water. The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming. There's a separate beach that you can drive to that is roped off for swimming purposes but we rather enjoyed walking to the water from our site and having what seemed like our own little swimming spot," reports a visitor to Bolar Mountain Recreation Area.
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. "The bathrooms were incredibly clean and heated. Showers were terrific as well," notes a camper from Douthat State Park Campground. Similarly, at Bolar Mountain, "Bathrooms were the cleanest I've ever seen at any campground and were a very short, convenient walk from our site!"
Spacious campsites: Sites often provide adequate room for equipment and activities. "Great sites, easily accessible and easy access to hook up to amenities," notes a camper at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area. At Greenbrier State Forest, "The sites are well-appointed, well-maintained, wooded, and peaceful."
What you should know
Train noise at riverside campgrounds: Some locations experience periodic train traffic. At Greenbrier River Campground, "There are railroad tracks right across the river that are almost as busy with long trains. I stopped counting at 7 our first evening."
Seasonal limitations: Many rv campgrounds near Covington, Virginia operate on limited schedules. "This place is amazing. I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it. Warm water, fresh air, no service," reports a summer visitor to Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, which operates from April to December.
Elevation changes affect road travel: Mountain roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, "Call ahead about RV lengths to make sure you are booking the correct site for your size. I noticed more than a few people struggling with their units and some of this could have been avoided with proper booking."
Variable cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "AT&T and Verizon both 5 bars. Sit & watch deer in the valley most mornings," reports a visitor to Summer Wind RV Park, while other campgrounds have limited or no service.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Some locations offer dedicated play areas. "The playground is very nice!" reports a visitor to Glen Maury Park. Another camper adds, "There are many activities such as a bluegrass festival, fiddle festival, and jazz festival. The pool is very large, very clean, and has a diving board."
Consider swimming conditions: Lakes and rivers have different amenities and safety features. "The lake is nice, and there is nice hiking along the shore," notes a Douthat State Park visitor. For river swimming at Greenbrier River Campground, "Tubing is the best trip from Ronceverte to the Campground on the Greenbrier River if you have a full day to just unplug."
Check for educational programs: Several campgrounds offer educational activities. "Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore. Security is good but not overwhelming," mentions a visitor to Douthat State Park.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal hookup variations: Water connections may not be available year-round at all RV campgrounds near Covington, Virginia. At Greenbrier State Forest, "Electric-only hookups, and no dump station on site. Water is available a short distance from the campsites."
Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have significant grade changes. "If you want easy level spots row c is best (which is where 50 amps are). Easy off and on the interstate and we fit fine driving 40' towing," notes a visitor to Summer Wind RV Park.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds have unique booking processes. "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," reports a camper at Summer Wind RV Park.
Watch for low clearances: Some access roads have height restrictions. At Greenbrier State Forest, "Shortly after turning onto Harts Run Rd there is a small, narrow one-way-only tunnel that you must go through to enter the State Forest. There is a misleading sign indicating that the tunnel is only 9'2" tall, which is wrong."
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