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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."
"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
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
Check Availability
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.
GuideDoe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay.
For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods.
There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain.
There were only a few considerations with this venue.
The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads.
The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.
3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active.
The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder.
Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!)
Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.
TravelerThe lake is so beautiful if you catch it at the right time of day it’s like l looking into a mirror dimension because it’s so clear.
TravelerI camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.
TravelerBeautiful decor and extremely clean interior. The bed is very comfortable and linens are crisp and inviting. You can tell they don't harsh products because your skin is not itchy. The kitchen accommodations are perfect for a family with refrigerator, microwave and gas grill included with every cabin. The jacuzzi tub is a nice touch. Plenty of towels and even robes to use!
The rocking chairs on the back porch allow you to sip coffee, while watching trout swim in Chestnut Creek. The exteriors are clean as well. The grounds are natural and well maintained. There is also a nice common area with chairs and a firepit with wood to use.
The staff was pleasant and helpful.
We went to the local movie theater and a splash pad and park for the kids in town. The downtown 4th of July parade was wonderful! We rode the Blue Ridge Parkway which is very close by and enjoyed live music at the Blue Ridge Music Center. The cabins are about 30 minutes to Mt. Airy (Mayberry). Local antiques, coffee shops, specialty stores are abundant. Car Shiws on Thursday monthly downtown and BINGO at the Moose Lodge here in Galax is the best which is on Tuesdays. If you are an antique lover or picker don't miss my favorites, many in downtown Galax and a couple coffee shops and make sure you go to "Nest and Hive" in Fancy Gap and "The River House And Home Company" in Hillsville. You won't regret it!
I've been coming here for 20 years and will 20 more. The mountains are calling!
ScoutThe owner was super nice and gave us all the info we needed! Very close to the falls to swim at and hike to (wear hiking shoes to get to the falls) over all great quiet little campground!
TravelerBeautiful scenery right next to the Russell Fork River! A solid 5 stars for the campground & staff. You don’t have to worry about the fun police monitoring your every action. Very budget friendly, they have the cheapest rates that I could find around the area. It’s really laidback & peaceful. You can sit at camp & relax while you drink your favorite beverage, enjoy your favorite smoke, just keep it to yourself & don’t raise hell. Or you could hit the Russell Fork for some awesome river activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking, etc. At check-in you get the free Wi-Fi password & a bundle of wood for your fire pit. It’s a great getaway & I thoroughly enjoyed my stay & look forward to coming back. The only downside is that they need more shade options for the back tent sites to beat the summer heat. I highly recommend Thunder River Campground!!⛺️
ScoutThis campground is not 420 friendly! It’s Tn where MJ is illegal. We have RX but we were harassed non stop. One day the owner said to smoke by River, next day somewhere else! Owner also would snoop around my camper to upset my Belgian Mal. We spent a miserable summer here May-Nov. Never again! All was ok until we set up!
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 236 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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