Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, Damascus, Virginia sits at 1,950 feet elevation in the Appalachian Mountains. The area experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F. Camping opportunities range from developed campgrounds with full hookups to primitive sites along hiking paths, with most sites open seasonally from April through October.
What to do
Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail: Access this 34-mile trail directly from Laurel Creek RV Park. "This campground is small and no bathrooms, but it is directly on the Creeper so that makes up for it! Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town," notes one camper.
Fish in local waterways: Many campgrounds offer creek or river access for fishing. At Peak Creek RV Campground, "Host was very accommodating and had inner tubes for floating in the stream," according to a recent visitor.
Hike to waterfalls: The region features numerous hiking trails leading to scenic waterfalls. A camper at Linville Falls Campground shared, "There are A LOT of spots in a small area. That would be my only complaint if you want to call it that. The campgrounds clean and the owners are super nice and helpful."
What campers like
Quiet, natural settings: Campsites often feature creekside locations with abundant wildlife. One reviewer at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park described their experience: "In the morning we saw that most of the sites are parallel to the creek that runs through the site. And while the ones that are up a little further are off creek..they have either large decks or porch swings right on their site."
Trail accessibility: Many rv sites near Damascus, Virginia offer direct access to popular trails. "The start of the trail is less than 1/2 mile from the campground and travels along the New River for miles. It is also possible to reach Galax by bike along a spur - about 11 miles from the campground," noted a camper at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds typically provide picnic tables, fire rings, and level sites. At Lakeview RV Resort, a visitor reported, "Campground sites are a bit close together but it is well maintained and has friendly staff. Wifi works well. Nice dog park."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity can be inconsistent in mountainous areas. Some campgrounds compensate with WiFi services. "Great WiFi and cable hookups," mentioned a camper at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park.
Elevation affects temperatures: Higher elevation campgrounds often remain cooler than surrounding areas. A reviewer at Doughton Park Campground noted, "It's high in elevation so it's cooler than the surrounding areas. There are trails you can hike from camp."
Limited grocery options: Small towns near camping areas may have minimal shopping. "Supplies slim in Fries area. CVS/Dollar General," warned a camper at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. At Doughton Park Campground, a visitor shared, "We were told by a ranger we talked with earlier in the day that this campground might be closed for the season but the gates were open, so we checked it out and saw a sign saying that it would close for the season on November 4."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Some RV parks near Damascus offer dedicated play areas. At River Country Campground & RV Park, a camper mentioned, "New playground for the kids! Remodeled bath houses make it the nicest campground on the river."
Consider bath facilities: Not all campgrounds provide shower facilities. "These are the cleanest bathrooms we've ever seen. The on-site store is a life saver and the hosts are very helpful," shared a visitor at Linville Falls Campground.
Look for water features: Creeks and rivers provide natural entertainment for children. At Butler TN RV full hookup campsite, a camper described it as an "Absolutely beautiful mountain retreat. This single RV campsite has full hookups, including 30&50 amp electric, sewer, water and wireless WiFi."
Tips from RVers
Check site length and hookup locations: Many RV sites near Damascus, Virginia have specific configurations. A reviewer at River Country Campground & RV Park noted, "River front sites, pull thru sites and tent sites. If you want to get away but have some conveniences (flushing toilets and hot showers), this is the place for you!"
Prepare for mountain driving: Access to some campgrounds involves narrow, winding roads. "We followed the directions provided by Tom, the owner, to a 'T'. The roads were windy and a tad narrow but definitely do-able as long as you took your time," advised a camper at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park.
Confirm amenities before booking: RV parks offer varying levels of hookups and facilities. At Laurel Creek RV Park, a visitor reported, "This campground is small and no bathrooms, but it is directly on the Creeper so that makes up for it! Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town."
