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Billie S.
Scout
ScoutCamp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park
Camp Burson
A quiet, well maintained campground. Adjacent to Hung Mother State Park with lake and trails. A great year round location.
Camping near Draper, VA
176 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Claytor Lake State Park anchors the camping landscape around Draper, Virginia, with both tent sites and RV-friendly options set within a peninsula jutting into the lake. Surrounding areas include Fort Chiswell RV Park in Max Meadows and Gatewood Park in Pulaski, offering a mix of developed campgrounds with varying amenities. Most locations support multiple camping styles, with many providing cabin rentals alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Several campgrounds like Wytheville KOA and Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA feature glamping options, and some parks offer yurts for those seeking alternatives to conventional camping.
Most developed campgrounds near Draper operate year-round, though amenities and seasonal activities vary significantly with the weather. "Claytor Lake was a great campground for families. We hiked, played at the lake and attended the roving ranger talks," noted one visitor, highlighting the diverse recreational opportunities. Water access represents a major draw, with Claytor Lake and Gatewood Park offering swimming beaches and boat launches during warmer months. Campsite reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront locations fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide electric and water hookups, with several offering full sewer connections for RVs. Road access to established campgrounds is generally good, requiring no special vehicles or clearance.
The region features a mix of state park, private, and county-managed campgrounds with varying levels of privacy and noise. A visitor described Claytor Lake State Park as having "large, leveled, gravel area for our teardrop trailer. Site had a picnic table, large fire ring, electric and water hook up. Sites were private due to trees around each site." While some campgrounds offer wooded settings with moderate site separation, others place sites closer together with limited privacy. Camping near water bodies remains highly rated, with many campers mentioning lake views, fishing opportunities, and swimming access as primary attractions. Trail networks connect many campgrounds to broader recreation areas, allowing hikers and mountain bikers to explore directly from their sites without driving to separate trailheads.
Best Campgrounds near Draper (176)
1. Claytor Lake State Park Campground
"Conveniently located bath house. We got sites right next to our friends where we wanted to be. The lake and beach area were beautiful. Sand was soft and very clean."
"Lots of space, cheap price, walking distance from the lake raccoons and skunks everywhere all night."
from $24 - $459 / night
Check Availability2. Wytheville KOA
"Easy exit off Rt 81, with several truck stops/gas stations at the exit to fill up. The roads are a bit hilly going into the campground, but we didn’t experience any issues."
"We stayed here for 1 night, to break up an 8-hour drive home from points south. The facility is very well maintained, the staff is very friendly and the location was convenient (1 mile off of 81)."
from $50 - $170 / night
Check Availability3. Fort Chiswell RV Park
"While driving out to the monument in his honor I found this site and loved what I saw!"
"Fort Chiswell RV park in Virginia is a very clean park beautiful trees paved driveways and a bathroom that is very clean and at the end of the bathrooms actually have tables at Pavilion They have Wi-Fi"
from $35 - $38 / night
Check Availability4. Gatewood Park & Reservoir Campground
"There are also trails to take if you are a jeepster like myself. I'm going back in Sept!"
5. Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA
"This KOA is located in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge close to Galax, home of the annual Fiddlers Convention."
"Wonderful campground close to exit of I77. Old growth canopy of trees provide ample shade. Pool was nice. Restroom/Showers were wonderful and clean, also ample water pressure."
6. Gatewood Park
"A great out of the way location. A bit of a drive in but worth the travel. Extremely clean and well maintained facility. Peaceful and level spots."
7. Pioneer Village
"We camped in this park for one night as we were just passing through Virginia on our way south. Overall, we liked the park and was what perfect for our overnight stay."
"We only stayed for one night and this location is very convenient for this area when traveling Interstate 81. Easy access to pull through sites, needed one inch block on one side to level off."
8. Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park
"Ever wake up on a foggy Virginia morning and walk only a few feet fro your tent and watch the fog rise off the water? I DID and it was AMAZING!!"
"Really cool campground located right on the New River, located at Foster Falls. The river sounds amazing at night."
from $21 / night
Check Availability9. Lake Ridge RV Resort
"Comfortable and cozy, we really enjoyed our morning walks along the trails and lake. "
"I stayed at Lake Ridge RV Resort for quite a while. Great place to spend the evenings after work. Pond and surrounding area are very well maintained."
10. Stony Fork Campground
"I'm not positive what size rig this campground says can be here, but the biggest of big would be able to navigate the roads and the sites are wide or long or both."
"On our way back from Maumee we needed a break from the drive. This campsite was perfect. Cool and quiet. Most of the campsites are roomy, shady and well-equipped."
from $20 - $30 / night
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Drive Time
- 29 min from Blacksburg, VA
- 1 hr 18 min from Winston-Salem, NC
- 1 hr 19 min from Beckley, WV
Recent Camping Photos near Draper, VA
301 Photos of 176 Draper Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Draper, VA
891 Reviews of 176 Draper Campgrounds
- CChris B.
GuideRaccoon Branch Campground
Great Off-Grid Camping
This is a small campground but the sites are very spacious. Our site (6) backed up to the creek and trail. There is no power or water on this side of the campground, but there is a water spigot by the bathrooms. There is also a water hose for filling tanks by the dump station and trash dumpster. *Word of caution, bring your own water because it was yellow/brown while we were there. The bathrooms were clean, but on our last day there one of the toilets and the sink was clogged in the ladies room. There are two bathroom buildings at this site.
- RRebecca B.Guide
Stony Fork Campground
Hidden Gem
What a great find! Private sites, nice walking areas, and great hosts. Top it off with clean bathrooms with great showers and this was a win for us. It may not be suitable for bigger rigs but for our 22’ van, it was perfect.
- ttodd G.Scout
Love's RV Hookup-Elliston VA 574
Quick overnight
Not bad for a quick overnight especially if it’s raining (concrete level). Little loud overnight with incoming traffic.
- DDwayne R.Guide
Homeplace Recreational Park Inc.
Just a week
Great spot to visit, with pool fishing ect. Very nice people and clean.
- KKevin L.Scout
Stony Fork Campground
Passing through
Great campground. Very clean. Campsites are well placed.
Hayley S.GuideSalthouse Branch Campground
Had a Blast!
We had a blast here. My kiddo was able to roam freely and safely with other kids. We enjoyed a hike with the dogs, as well as swimming at the beaches.
Jim M.GuideDoughton Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
The Parkway is Awesome
I'm kinda biased about national park campgrounds because I'm an NPS employee. The Parkway is Awesome and the campgrounds are great. They don't have hookups or showers in the bath houses but the peace and quiet is incredible. We spent 5 nights on the blue ridge parkway and Shenandoah skyline drive. Great trip. Love the National Parks!!!
Alice S.
LegendMash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park
Peaceful By Creek
I loved my experience. I got spot 6 which back right next to a creek. It was really peaceful. The shower facilities were clean though did smell a bit like mildew. There was no signal in the park itself but signal really close by incase of emergency.
Guide to Draper
Camping near Draper, Virginia offers several options within a 15-mile radius along the New River watershed where elevation ranges from 1,700 to 2,100 feet. Most campgrounds in this region experience four distinct seasons with summer daytime temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F and winter lows often dropping below freezing. The area's proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains creates opportunities for both water and mountain recreation.
What to do
Hiking trails with lake views: At Claytor Lake State Park, visitors can access approximately 5 miles of trails directly from camping areas. "Many trails to hike well maintained. Great place for the 4th of July," notes William P., who enjoyed the park's holiday atmosphere.
Fishing opportunities: The New River and its tributaries offer multiple access points for anglers. "Wonderful place. Friendly staff. Good fishing. We have been there numerous time and is always a good stay," reports Melissa N. about Gatewood Park, where fishing is a primary attraction.
Paddle sports: Renting kayaks and canoes provides a different perspective of the area's waterways. According to Stephen from Gatewood Park & Reservoir Campground, "Campsite #3 was a 2 tier site with water front access. The water front sites are difficult to book, but off water sites are more readily available."
Historical exploration: Visit nearby historical sites like the Shot Tower State Park. Crystal C. writes about New River Trail State Park: "There is a historic site with great information, a boat ramp and launch area which is spacious, playgrounds, horse stables, pavilion, canoe area and on site security."
What campers like
Reliable amenities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain clean facilities year-round. "This campground is good for a one night stopover and we would return to it for that purpose. Clean, convenient sites off highway 81," notes Kathy L. about Claytor Lake State Park.
Private waterfront access: Sites along water edges are consistently rated highest. One camper at Gatewood Park & Reservoir Campground shares: "This is the most peaceful and quiet campground. The mountain and water views are stunning. Camp hosts are phenomenal!"
Digital disconnection: Limited cell service at some campgrounds creates a true escape. Burkley W. points out that Gatewood Park offers "Minimal to no cell phone and Wi-Fi. All sights are full hook up and most water front. About 35 sights."
Seasonal activities: Different seasons offer unique experiences in the Draper area. Jean C. explains about Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA: "In peak season, there's a pool, a small pond (catch & release unless you want to pay), ping pong, rock mining, etc. They have great wifi."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. At Fort Chiswell RV Park, Nancy C. observed: "RV sites aren't really spacious, but are shaded with a picnic bench. No fire pits allowed. You are surrounded by farm land on two sides and it was relaxing watching the cows and sheep graze on the hillsides."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Draper, VA?
What camping is available near Draper, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Draper, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 176 campgrounds and RV parks near Draper, VA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Draper, VA?
Which is the most popular campground near Draper, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Draper, VA is Claytor Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Draper, VA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Draper, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Draper, VA.
What parks are near Draper, VA?
What parks are near Draper, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Draper, VA that allow camping, notably Bluestone Lake and Philpott Lake.
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