Camping in Daleville, Virginia sits at the junction of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountain ranges, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 55-65°F at night. Many campgrounds in this area don't offer cell service, particularly at higher elevations along the Appalachian Trail sections near McAfee Knob and Dragon's Tooth.
What to do
Hiking to Dragon's Tooth: This free primitive campsite near Daleville offers access to one of the region's most distinctive geological features. "Dragon's tooth is off a path that is part of the Appalachian Trail... to get to the top of dragons tooth becomes a strenuous hike once you get to the big rock, it appears to look like a scary incline from the base but the arrows on the rocks show you where to step up and continue on the trail," notes one visitor to Dragon's Tooth.
Blue Ridge Parkway exploration: Located at milepost 85.9 on the parkway, Peaks of Otter Campground provides a central location for exploring the scenic route. A camper reports: "The Peaks of Otter area seems to be a pretty popular destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a nice-looking lodge and restaurant on the (gorgeous) lake right around the corner from the campground, as well as an NPS visitor center, hiking trails, and a shuttle bus service that takes you to the top of one of the three peaks."
Swimming and sliding: For water recreation during hot summer months, Middle Creek Campground offers multiple swimming options. "They had a fishing pond, lake to swim in with fun inflatable slides and trampoline and a pool. We made use of all them during our stay. The lake was super fun and such a cool idea to have the slides and trampolines," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Creek-side campsites: Many campers appreciate sites with water features at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp. "This is probably our favorite campsite yet. We stayed at site 6 and it backed up to a little stream. The site itself was private even though there are other sites around. Our boys loved playing in the stream and climbing the hill to get to our hammock on the site too," writes one reviewer.
Varied tent site terrain: Tent campers enjoy the natural features at campgrounds near Daleville. At Peaks of Otter Campground, a visitor notes: "Most of the area is in full shade which is great for the hot summer months. The host was very friendly and helpful, and he made regular rounds, probably every 2 hours, to make sure everything was fine. It was quiet and uncrowded."
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal options, some campgrounds remain open year-round. A reviewer of Don's Cab-Inns Campground states: "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities."
What you should know
Limited water access: Some primitive sites require planning ahead for water needs. At Catawba Mountain Shelter, a hiker advises: "Near water (collect water with a filter only)."
Road noise impacts: Traffic noise affects some campgrounds significantly. At Dixie Caverns, a reviewer warns: "The fact is, 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."
Seasonal maintenance issues: Early season campers may encounter services not fully operational. At Middle Creek Campground, a visitor experienced: "Downside: we didn't have water at our site the first day. About half-way through the second day one of the workers came around to let us know they were turning it on and to let it run for a bit since it had been off all winter."
Tips for camping with families
Multi-activity options: Families appreciate campgrounds with diverse recreation choices. A visitor to Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing shared: "Wilderness adventure was perfect. We recently bought a Popup and decided WA would be the perfect spot for her maiden voyage. We were right! Such a laid back place. The staff are all friendly, chill, and helpful... The creek was the big hit for our family of small boys. Grab some lawn chairs and a cooler and let them play and explore for hours."
Educational experiences: Many campgrounds offer natural learning opportunities. Cave Mountain Lake provides "access to hiking trails and a lake for recreation, while maintaining a wilderness feel despite being a developed campground." A visitor notes: "The lake has a beautiful view with green mountains surrounding it."
Bathroom facilities: Family campers should check bathroom options carefully. One camper at Cave Mountain Lake observed: "Bathrooms are simple but clean, there is potable water convenient to all sites, and most sites you can park you car right at your site, but the absence of a paved road or sectioned off tent sites, and the creek that runs through the entire campground, gives a feeling of peace and wilderness."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing and privacy: RV campers report variable site spacing at campgrounds near Daleville. At Dixie Caverns, a reviewer cautions: "The spaces are very close to each other. Even with the heavy rains, I did not notice low, soggy areas. There is several large hardwood trees that provide a nice canopy, but no foliage between tenting areas...so the entire campground is line of sight."
Alternative accommodations: Some RV parks offer cabin options for mixed groups or those without equipment. At Don's Cab-Inns, a visitor reports: "These cabins include a full-size bed below and another in the loft, air conditioning, heat, electricity, a microwave, a small refrigerator, and a coffee pot. There is a fire pit, water spigot, and picnic table outside the cabin, as well as a lovely front porch to relax on."
Hookup availability: Check specifics on utilities when booking a campsite near Daleville, Virginia. "Our campsite was nice, fairly private and backed up to a creek. Relatively level site," notes a Middle Creek camper, but also warns about electrical issues: "The electric hookup circuit breaker was very loose."
