238 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"**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!"
from $12 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"
from $27 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town. It does have water and power and a picnic table. Being right on a little river is great too."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"30 minute drive to Grayson Highlands"
"They just reworked the rd so it was an easy drive in our class c rv"
"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."
from $20 - $40 / night
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ScoutSpent 3 days and 3 nights, and we were very pleased. Curtis is the man. Very attentive and has some great stories to share. The property is well kept and the provided toilet & shower were a very welcome after a couple days in the tent. We plan on making our way back soon!
ScoutWe loved our stay at the Starlite! My husband and I are exploring NC and stumbled upon the this campground. It’s nestled right next to a beautiful stream and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The campground is so nicely kept up! But what we loved the most was the community of the campground. We were welcomed right away and had the best time getting to know folks. If you’re in the area (or even if you’re not!) make sure to stay at the Starlite!
ScoutI stayed long term while working in the area, including through the winter months, and loved the propane delivery. Coming home to a full tank already dropped at my site was such a nice perk.
It’s a beautiful, peaceful little campground tucked into the mountains and you can tell a lot of care goes into it. It’s not a parking lot like other places I’ve stayed the sites are tiered on the mountainside but level and large. Staff is friendly, they have a game room and laundry room and the store sells cold beer! It was a nice home away from home while working in town
GuideQuiet campground right on the water. Able to book last minute. Clean bathhouse.
TravelerI was the only one at the campsite other than two semipermanent RV trailers. It was quiet, clean, and remote. Tent sites cool under nice tree cover. Elevation was great and views were as at our home in north Georgia.
I was camping in a rooftop tent and the ground was adequately level, not muddy, and marked OK, with minimal detraction from the beauty of nature. Had picnic table.
Might have been nice to have an electric outlet close enough to run my extension cord, but I was minimalist camping with a Bluetti power storage unit, DC refrigerator, and my own water supply.
The bathroom facilities were minimal, but adequate. The showering area could have been a little more inviting, perhaps, but again, I didn't use them anyway.
I would stay again, especially if they were situated between me and my ultimate destination as they met my short-stay needs.
Ron
TravelerWe spent a Friday and Saturday night at site 23, which is a great spot. This is a spot for a smaller camper and has water and power only. The plug for power is a little further away than usual, so if you are plugging in to power you may need an extended cord. It’s a short walk to the bath house, which was well maintained. The dog walking area was spacious and also very clean. They also have a washer and dryer on site for laundry.
ScoutNice quiet campground about 1.9 miles out of boone NC. Lots to do here family friendly and pets freindly. Worth the stop.
ScoutWe arrived and easily got to our spot. There’s a river just behind our spot and only a handful of RVs and cabins. Our GPS wanted us to pass the turn to the campground, we had to make a U turn to get in…. Of course, on the second approach we saw the entrance signs (my bad). It looks like it is best to approach from the west (Hampton?), it was a sharp turn entering from the east (Roan Mountain). We settled in and got to relaxing quickly.
GuideIt was a long day of travel for me anyways. I arrived around 17:15 and the ranger was nowhere to be seen. Honor system was full out the form and pay cash before you go find your site.
This place is better for tent campers and those with rigs 20ft and under. Our 30ft bumper-pull was no match for the narrow sites due to trees. Most sites were not level either. As advertised, no sewer hook-up, and bring at least a 50ft hose for water…better yet, bring a 100ft hose and an additional splitter. The birds were nice to hear. It was quiet throughout the night also, mainly because there were only about 10 campers in the whole park (it holds about 78).
The bathhouses were clean and bright; but only shower curtains for doors on the toilets—reminded me of my deployment to Afghanistan.
Fuel…the hill to get in and out of the park is very steep! And if you spend time trying to fit your rig into any site you might think you can fit into but can’t, you’re going to need enough fuel to make it to the next gas station! If your rig is longer than 30ft and it’s not a 5th wheel, look elsewhere.
Personally, I won’t be stopping here again. The overall park was nice; but for $20/night, it wasn’t worth the stress.
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 238 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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