Glamping options near Damascus, Virginia range from rustic yurts to premium forest accommodations at elevations between 2,000-5,000 feet. The region sits at the convergence of the Appalachian and Iron Mountain Trails, creating unique camping microclimates that remain 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. Campers can access multiple terrain types within a 30-minute drive radius of Damascus.
What to do
Paddle Watauga Lake: The lake offers 106 miles of shoreline with multiple access points near Friendship Rd campground. "Deep and clean lake. If you get the right spot you will be on the water and can tie up your canoe or kayak," notes a camper who appreciated the water access.
Fish the mountain streams: Hurricane Campground provides access to stocked trout waters with quiet fishing spots. A visitor mentioned, "This is a beautiful campground located alongside a stream with trout fishing. 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."
Hike to Virginia's highpoints: Multiple trails lead to mountain summits from Grindstone campground. "There is a .6 mile trail nearby (Whispering Waters Trail) which is good for beginners & small kids. There is another trail, Mt. Rogers which is longer (7 miles) from the campsite. That one should be good for more seasoned hikers," advises one camper.
What campers like
Private mountain-top sites: At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, the elevation creates natural cooling. "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat. Bathhouse was nice and clean. The campsites are very spaced out," reports a visitor who appreciated the layout.
River proximity: Many campers value sites with water sound ambiance. One camper at Hurricane Campground noted, "Great spot, very well kept and plenty of space. Loved having the sound of the river right next to our site."
Trail connectivity: Campers appreciate easy trail access from their sites at Royal Oak Campground. "There are several trails within walking distance. The park is very well maintained and clean. You can hike, swim, or rent a canoe," shares a recent visitor who found multiple activity options.
What you should know
Elevation affects access: Some glamping locations require navigation on steep forest roads. At Hurricane Campground, "This campground has a long and steep paved road going to it from up the mountain. We really enjoyed going up and down each time, it's nothing to be scared of!"
Cell service limitations: Many Damascus glamping sites lack reliable connectivity. A Grindstone camper noted, "If you want to escape it all, this campground is for you! There is no cell phone service."
Water hookup availability: Camp Burson offers full hookups, but other locations like Blue Bear Mountain Camp have different systems. "They do not have water hookups - you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups. They have a dump station where you can empty your tanks on your way out."
Reservation lead times: Popular luxury camping sites book quickly in peak seasons. "We were there the first day the campground opened and it filled quickly. You'll definitely want reservations for a weekend stay," advises a camper at Hickory Ridge.
Tips for camping with families
Look for platforms: Royal Oak Campground offers unique elevated tent platforms. "All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole," explains a visitor.
Check trail difficulty ratings: New River State Park offers variable hiking options. "The hiking at Wagoner Access was easy, but 221 and Elk Shoals were more strenuous. Overall the park has miles and miles of blue way. And I highly recommend spending an afternoon at the beach at the Elk Shoals access. Beautiful spot with awesome swimming hole!"
Consider tent-only sections: Some locations separate RVs and tents for a quieter experience. "Most campsites have good privacy and is quiet most hours. All have easy access, but bathrooms are small for number of campers. The view of the lake is one of the best parts. More campgrounds should separate rv and primitive like they do," notes a visitor to Julian Price Campground.
Pack for temperature swings: Elevation differences create unexpected cold snaps. A camper at Royal Oak mentioned, "When the cold wind blows, it's hard to retain heat in the tent...360 cold. While there are D-ring lashing points, they don't accommodate every tent or rainfly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Camp Burson, "The sites are clean and spacious (except for the row of pull through sites in the middle, which have less space), the grass is green and soft, and everything is in excellent order."
Tree clearance: Watch for low-hanging branches at some campgrounds. A visitor to Hungry Mother State Park noted, "Sites are level and can fit big rigs but the only problem we had were that some of the trees need to be trimmed back and scratched the upper sides of our coach."
Dump station logistics: Some glamping sites in Damascus have dump stations with specific procedures. "Didn't stay but did use the dump station for $17, so wanted to update info," mentions a visitor to New River State Park, while another camper noted, "For noobs like us there weren't instructions at the dump site."
