20 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Damascus, Virginia serves as a gateway to numerous camping options across Washington and Jefferson National Forest lands. Several dispersed camping areas can be found along creeks and rivers in the vicinity, including free forest service sites along Bear Creek just 12 miles from town. Campgrounds range from primitive tent sites to developed RV parks with hookups. The Hickory Ridge Campground at Grayson Highlands State Park offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups, while places like Backbone Rock Recreation Area provide more rustic experiences with creekside camping but no hookups.
Access to many camping areas requires planning, particularly for larger vehicles. Most forest service roads leading to dispersed sites have potholes and tight turns that limit access for RVs over 20 feet. A camper noted, "Would not recommend for any vehicle larger than 20 feet as the potholed road and the tight turns to get up to the camp from the road would be tough. 4WD highly recommended, especially in mud season or winter." Cell service is virtually non-existent at most camping areas in the surrounding mountains, though signals can sometimes be found in Damascus proper or at higher elevations. Many established campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with facilities closing during winter months.
Proximity to outdoor recreation represents the primary appeal for most campers in the Damascus region. The Virginia Creeper Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Whitetop Laurel Creek provide abundant opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling within short distances of most camping areas. Creekside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with campers appreciating the sound of running water for peaceful sleep. Many visitors mention trash as an ongoing issue at dispersed sites, with one reviewer stating, "The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival." More developed campgrounds like Grindstone Recreation Area offer amenities including electric hookups, water, showers, and designated fire rings, while still maintaining reasonable site spacing and natural settings.
"First off - if you are driving an RV or travel trailer up here - know what you are getting yourself into. The drive up here is challenging and only recommended from the East."
"With camping just a moderate day hike away from Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, this campground is a hiker's paradise."
from $27 - $98 / night
"Doesn’t get much more relaxing, electric, water hook-ups and a short drive to downtown Damascus VA.. AT, Virginia Creeper, White Top Mountain and Mount Rogers all near by."
"We like to hike and there are TONS of trails in this area. One trail leaves directly from the campground and will bring you to the top of Mt. Rogers, also intersecting with the Appalachian Trail."
from $24 - $36 / night
"Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, this campground is close to enough activities to fill a whole week of outdoor fun!"
"Large secluded campsites surrounded by rhododendron bushes with a mountain spring creek meandering through the campgrounds."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $55 / night
"**Holston Lake is absolutely beautiful. The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water."
"This campground is located about an hour or so from our home but it feels like a million miles away — in a good way!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 / night
"At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear 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."
"30 minute drive to Grayson Highlands"
"They just reworked the rd so it was an easy drive in our class c rv"
"Stayed in Campsite #1 Even though it is within view of the road, the running water sound of the creek behind us lulled us to sleep."
"Just across the Virginia state line, this national forest offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Beaver Dam Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $20 / night
"We stayed here for an overnight stop on our road trip through Virginia, and it was lovely!"
"Hungry Mother State Park, just a short drive off I-81 in southwestern Virginia, is an easily accessible gem offering modern cabins, yurts, and campgrounds equipped for tents or RVs, with limitless activities"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 / night
"We were in Damascus for the Appalachian Trail Days Festival and needed an RV spot but didn’t think we could get one because we were so late in looking for one."
"This was a good spot right on the Laurel Creek and the Creeper Trail. Walk to town for restaurants and bike/outdoor shops and a convenience store. Grocery store is a little further away."
from $55 / night
"Amazing little campground in the heart of Mount Rogers recreational area in Western Virginia. Wonderful fall colors crisp, clean, mountain air was totally the best!"
"This camp ground is located well off any main roads under a nice quiet canopy of Hemlocks and Laurel trees. Easy walking distance to several well maintained and very clean outhouses."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $40 / night
ScoutNobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
ScoutGreat camping spot! Road isn’t horrible going up but there are some rougher areas toward the end of the road. Gorgeous sunset and sunrise spot! Fire rings seemed fairly abundant at the pull offs.
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
Traveler3 stars only because it says water hookups but they are far and few between communal. No spigot at individual sites. Need long hose(s)to reach the connection. Good T-Mobile 5G but too wooded for StarLink. Quiet, shady, somewhat level sites were available. $20/night.
TravelerThe road was very bumpy but I got up on my 2WD Honda Odyssey. A couple people came during the day to take photos, but the night was peaceful. A couple campsites on the drive up, less secluded though. View was gorgeous and the sunset was amazing. Amazing spot for stargazing.
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.
ScoutFrom check in to our stay, large big rig drive through lot. Quiet and clean park. Even had pizza and delicious wings delivered right to our coach. Next time through we hope to stay again.
The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area surrounding Damascus, Virginia sits at elevations ranging from 1,700 to over 5,700 feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Spring campers often encounter temperature swings of 30°F between day and night, especially at higher elevations where frost can occur as late as May. Primitive campsites along forest service roads typically require a minimum clearance of 6-8 inches for vehicle access.
Trout fishing in Whitetop Laurel Creek: This designated stocked trout stream runs near several campgrounds and offers year-round fishing opportunities. At Backbone Rock Recreation Area, campers appreciate the easy creek access. "The campground runs parallel to the highway so there is quite a bit of traffic noise. There is zero cell service (Verizon) which I understand isn't a big issue for everyone," notes one visitor.
Mountain biking at Mount Rogers: The highest peak in Virginia at 5,729 feet provides challenging terrain for mountain bikers. A camper at Hickory Ridge Campground explains, "We use the lake for paddle boarding or kayaking and we bike on the Va Creeper trail, the local mountain bike and hiking trails adjacent to the campground or just bike down to the lake and back. The trail to Mt Rogers, the highest point in VA is just another hour away."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse wildlife including black bears, deer, and wild ponies. "Grayson Highlands is a must-do for all campers, hikers, and adventurers. Hit the trails to see some wild ponies and scenic balds. Weather is unpredictable, so pack a raincoat and warm clothes just in case," advises a visitor to Hickory Ridge Campground.
Wooded privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural separation between campsites. At Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground, "The sites were built in a forest of rhododendron and there is so much privacy compared to most other campgrounds. As a result, it seems quieter. From the spring wildflowers to the summer blueberries to the fall colors, there is so much beauty at this campground."
Creekside camping for ambient sound: The sound of running water helps mask road noise and creates a peaceful atmosphere. "Backbone rock sits on a small creek that runs behind most of the sites. It's perfect for small children to swim and play in! The sites are all gracious in size, with plenty of trees in between," reports a camper at Backbone Rock Recreation Area.
Seasonal variation in landscapes: Each season offers different camping experiences in the Damascus area. One camper at Beartree Campground notes, "We live about an hour from this campground and have camped there for at least 25 years and it never gets old. The sites were built in a forest of rhododendron and there is so much privacy compared to most other campgrounds."
Flash flood risks at low-lying sites: Stream-adjacent sites can flood during heavy rains. At Hurricane Campground, "Site#2 in particular is susceptible to flash flooding, but if the forecast is for dry weather, it would be hard to beat this site."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest service roads deteriorate after winter and spring rains. "The road to this site is WILD, but doable! I'll leave photos of the worst spots to help you decide whether or not you should drive up to the top. We drove our 2WD Ford Maverick up the rocky road and it handled it just fine," reports a visitor to Whitetop dispersed camping area.
Limited trash disposal: Pack-out policies apply at most primitive sites. At Washington & Jefferson National Forest dispersed sites, a camper notes, "The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace!"
Temperature variations: Higher elevation campgrounds experience significant temperature drops at night. "Even in June we had a cool time here! Worth every penny plenty of nature, great hiking areas as well," comments a visitor at Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground.
Look for sites with natural play features: Creeks and small waterfalls provide entertainment for children. At Little Oak Campground, "Very kid-friendly super spacious campsites every site is right on the lake with amazing sunsets every night. Only wish they had electricity."
Consider playgrounds at established campgrounds: Some larger campgrounds offer built amenities for children. "The kids really enjoyed the playground and walking near the lake. There was no one else at the lake (no other visitors nor employees) during our visit but that could have been due to the time of year (September)," notes a visitor to Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground.
Check bath facilities for family needs: Bathroom availability varies widely between campgrounds. A Backbone Rock Recreation Area camper reports, "Backbone rock sits on a small creek that runs behind most of the sites. It's perfect for small children to swim and play in! The sites are all gracious in size, with plenty of trees in between. There are no showers, but the flush toilets are very clean."
Site length limitations: Many campgrounds have size restrictions for RVs and trailers. At Grindstone Recreation Area, a camper notes, "We stayed in site 30D (Double) with 4 tents, 9 people and 3 vehicles. It would be tight with 4 cars. The hosts were great and very friendly/helpful."
Water and electric hookup locations: Hookup placement varies by campground. "Large secluded campsites surrounded by rhododendron bushes with a mountain spring creek meandering through the campgrounds. There are not any water or electric hook-ups. We used a small ultra quiet generator and filled up our RV water tank from a faucet located at a bathhouse," explains a Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground visitor.
Low-clearance access routes: Access roads to some of the best places to camp near Damascus, Virginia require careful navigation. "I wish I had known that the best route into the campground is 16 to 650. Instead, I took 650 from the north west, which turns out to be a 4 mile stretch of gravel road - which my little car had a rough time handling," warns a Hurricane Campground visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Damascus, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Damascus, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 240 campgrounds and RV parks near Damascus, VA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Damascus, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Damascus, VA is Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 56 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Damascus, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Damascus, VA.
What parks are near Damascus, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Damascus, VA that allow camping, notably Blue Ridge Parkway and W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir.
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