The Bent Mountain area in Virginia's Blue Ridge region hosts a range of developed campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and access. Established options like Dixie Caverns near Salem provide basic RV and tent sites with hookups, while more natural settings can be found at Camp Alta Mons in Shawsville, which features 37 RV sites with water and electric hookups plus 7 tent sites along a creek. Campgrounds like Chantilly Farm offer more diverse accommodation types including cabins and glamping options. Most sites are within reasonable driving distance to popular hiking destinations including sections of the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway scenic areas.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with several facilities like Rocky Knob Campground operating only from May through early November. Many campgrounds maintain year-round availability but with limited services during winter months. The proximity to highways provides convenient access to most developed sites, though visitors seeking more natural settings should prepare for mountain roads and potential weather impacts. Cell service varies significantly, with stronger coverage near Interstate 81 and diminishing signal in mountain valleys. A camper noted that "Alta Mons Campground enjoys 850 acres with mountain trails and Stiles Falls, though limitations of use exist during youth camps" which highlights the importance of checking operational schedules.
Campers consistently mention highway noise as a consideration at several locations, particularly at Dixie Caverns where Interstate proximity creates a 24-hour sound backdrop. According to one visitor, "you are surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7." More peaceful experiences are reported at locations like Camp Alta Mons, where visitors appreciate the natural setting and hiking opportunities. The region's mixed-use campgrounds often balance accessibility with natural surroundings, though tent campers should research site placement carefully, as some campgrounds prioritize RV spaces with the best locations. Local campgrounds are searchable through The Dyrt's listings.
"just off the highway but easily accessible, everything works, friendly staff. Showers in bathhouse are a bit dirty but other than that great!"
"We had a pull-thru site that was pretty much level but was very close to the other campers. This campground seems to have a lot of permanent residents."
"Five Stars– A True Mountain Sanctuary Camp S’mores in Floyd, Virginia is something truly special."
"Plenty of trails to walk and a few ponds on property to fish. Open year round but im too much a wimp to winter camp, cant wait to head back in the spring!!"
"Not sure about other sections of the venue but we had privacy due to the very few people in sites around a huge field that appears to be a venue for outdoor music festivals."
"This campground is located right outside of Floyd, VA and just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway."
$30 - $40 / night
"v=E5_wV2ao_Jo) PROS
•close to Salem/Roanoke
•850 acres
•mountain trails
•Stiles Falls
•peaceful
•clean and cared for
•cheerful staff
CONS
•limitations of use during youth camps
•some"
"Great hiking trails to a beautiful waterfall."
$25 - $100 / night
"First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)."
"The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling. Also, an outlet to charge your phone."
$26 - $68 / night
"Great little park with lake views, sandy swimming beach, hiking, boating, and state parks and forests nearby for even more recreation options."
"Great little park with lake views, sandy swimming beach, hiking, boating, and state parks and forests nearby for even more recreation options."
$45 - $55 / night
$26 - $52 / night
"The lower loop is pretty level, fun to walk and ride bikes around, and the kids love the playground! The bathhouse is always clean and you can't beat the atmosphere around the campground!"
"Washrooms are at quite a distance from this site so we were glad to be completely self-contained. Accessibility to both beach swimming areas is risky for those needing to use a cane or crutches."
"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."
$30 - $45 / night
"Rocky Knob Campground is right outside of Floyd, VA off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southwest region of the state. Why stay here? It's right outside of Floyd."
"Inner part of the loop sites are quite close to each other but have convenient access to bathhouse, which is kept pretty clean."
ScoutIf you’re an outdoor lover like myself and you want to enjoy the gorgeous sights and sounds of Mother Nature, this campground is the perfect location.
Don’t forget your telescope for when the sun goes down. There’s a perfect spot on the side of mountain for breathtaking views.
ScoutCamped a few times with a group of veterans. The site is perfect for tent camping with multiple fire pits and firewood on site. Place isnt too far from Roanoke where I live so was a perfect weekend getaway without having to go far. We had cookouts and hung by the fire just relaxing and taking in the mountain scenery. Plenty of trails to walk and a few ponds on property to fish. Open year round but im too much a wimp to winter camp, cant wait to head back in the spring!!
ScoutCaldwell Fields is a great group campground with clean, large bathrooms (one for men, one for women, but they're identical pit toilets in the toilet facility) with a large firepit and creek access. Nice hikes walking distance with lots of beautiful stars, trees, and wildlife! Make sure you don't need to text though, you only are able to send messages via satelite.
ScoutI would definitely recommend this place.
Scout⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five Stars– A True Mountain Sanctuary Camp S’mores in Floyd, Virginia is something truly special. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains on nearly 100 acres, this property isn’t just a campground— it’s a place of peace, restoration, and purpose. From the moment you arrive, you feel the quiet. The kind of quiet that settles your spirit. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Rolling mountain views, stocked ponds, winding creeks, well-kept trails through beautiful hardwoods— it feels untouched yet thoughtfully cared for. Evenings around the fire pit under a sky filled with stars are unforgettable. You wake up to birds singing instead of traffic noise. It’s the reset we all need. What makes Camp S’mores stand out is the potential and the heart behind it. This is the perfect setting for:• Church retreats and ministry gatherings• Veterans looking for rest, healing, and brotherhood• Scout troops building skills and character• Families wanting a safe, peaceful outdoor experience• RV travelers seeking a quiet, resort-style mountain escape Whether you’re tent camping, van camping, or bringing your RV, the setting feels private, spacious, and serene. You truly feel like you have room to breathe. If you’re looking for a place to unplug, reconnect with nature, and spend meaningful time with people who matter— Camp S’mores delivers in every way. We will absolutely be back. Highly recommend supporting this hidden gem in Floyd, VA.
ScoutMyself and a small group of friends spent an extended weekend on the property of Camp S’mores and thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful and serene setting. The property has an abundance of everything that you would want when wanting to get away. The nature trails, ponds, creeks, beautiful trees, fire pit, and a night sky lit up by stars. So PEACEFUL! We couldn’t have found a better site to stay at! We have decided to make this an annual trip and will be heading back this spring!
ScoutVery beautiful scenery, amazing views.
GuideTypical campground with rv spots close together with no shade. Fill hook ups at each site.
ScoutThis was a last-minute booking for us as we had to move up our RV trip south a day early due to a Northeast snowstorm. It was a great find with easy access and convenient. Everything was clean and well kept. We will be back as there was also a river that was a bonus so very scenic.
The Blue Ridge region surrounding Bent Mountain, Virginia sits at elevations between 1,700 and 3,500 feet, creating distinct temperature patterns that affect camping seasons. Temperatures typically run 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby valleys, extending comfortable camping conditions through early summer and fall. Winter camping options remain limited with several campgrounds closing between November and April.
Hiking to waterfalls: The trail to Stiles Falls at Camp Alta Mons offers a moderate challenge with three creek crossings and boulder scrambles. "I would put the hike to the falls moderate to strenuous with three creek crossings and some boulder scampers...give yourself an hour each direction from the parking lot," notes one camper.
Mountain biking: Chantilly Farm offers trail access for bikers of various skill levels. "They have multiple tent camping options with acres of woods with hiking and mountain biking trails," reports a visitor who appreciated the venue's diverse terrain options.
Disc golf: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue recently added recreational options beyond hiking. "They also have free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!" notes a review from a camper who appreciated the additional activities.
Fishing opportunities: The COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park provides multiple fishing access points. "There is a nice swimming area, boat ramp and dock in the loop," explains a camper who found the waterfront amenities particularly convenient for anglers.
Lake access: COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park receives consistent praise for its waterfront campsites. "Beautiful views with great boat and kayak access on a huge reservoir with lakeside camping sites make this a preferred camping destination," reports a visitor who appreciated the direct water access.
Quality bathhouses: Cleanliness at Smith Mountain Lake State Park stands out in reviews. One camper noted, "Bathrooms are clean and right across the way. Both the bathrooms/showers and cabin are push code to get into. This makes it so easy and convenient."
Event facilities: "Chantilly Farm is amazing and a true hidden gem. Mike the owner was so nice and accommodating. He even delivered our firewood to our campsite," shared a camper who discovered the venue's dual purpose as both campground and event space.
Cabin options: At Don's Cab-Inns Campground, guests appreciate the air conditioning and amenities. "These cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway. The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling," notes a summer visitor.
Highway noise levels: Several campgrounds near Interstate 81 experience traffic noise. "You must leave the campground for anything you'd like to do, other than the Caverns...and sitting in your camp chair," explains a visitor regarding site limitations and ambient noise.
Limited winter operations: Rocky Knob Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway operates seasonally from May 24 to November 2. "This is a beautiful nature campground that has very primitive camping. Unless you have a self contained camper you should be ok," cautions a visitor regarding amenity limitations.
Alcohol regulations: Some public campgrounds strictly prohibit alcohol consumption. At Salthouse Branch, a camper reported: "The police visited us bc we were drinking outside of our camper. He was very nice and explained no alcohol allowed. This is clearly stated and we were in the wrong."
Cell service variability: Reception remains unreliable at most campsites near Bent Mountain. One tent camper mentioned as a positive surprise: "There is both cell service and free wifi...which is amazing! I can count on my one finger how many campgrounds in W.VA and VA that had cell service."
Accessible activities: Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers child-friendly programming. "We hiked, played at the lake and attended the roving ranger talks. The bathrooms and shower facilities were clean and convenient to our campsite," reported a family that found the park's organized activities valuable.
Playground access: Salthouse Branch provides dedicated play areas. "The lower loop is pretty level, fun to walk and ride bikes around, and the kids love the playground! The bathhouse is always clean and you can't beat the atmosphere around the campground!"
Safe swimming areas: COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park features designated swimming beaches. "There is a clean sandy beach for swimming, and a boat launch with a pier," notes a visitor who found the structured water access ideal for families with children of various ages.
Educational opportunities: "Our family loved this campground! It is close to Roanoke and it is off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is located in Explore Park. This park is growing by leaps and bounds. It has mountain bike trails, a cool vintage village, access to the Roanoke River, an aerial obstacle course, and more cool stuff."
Site spacing considerations: Chantilly Farm offers more spacious RV parking than many comparable campgrounds. "We had the opportunity to stay a couple of nights at this campground on our way to the east coast. Wow, getting there was quite a journey over narrow curvy roads but once there it was a nice area. We stayed in a full hookup site 8 on top of a hill overlooking other areas of the park."
Road access challenges: Salthouse Branch Campground presents some navigation difficulties. "This is a quite place way back in the mountains of Southern Virginia. The roads going into the campground is very narrow and steep up and downs. My breaks were gone by the time I got to the entrance," warns an RV owner who struggled with the approach roads.
Dump station availability: Many campgrounds offer dump stations even when sewer hookups aren't available at individual sites. "Sites are a bit small for anything over 35' but we did mange our 41' in there... they do have some lrg back in FHU sites if you need but not many," noted a larger rig owner who made the campground work despite size constraints.
Electrical amperage variations: Campgrounds in the region typically offer either 30-amp or 50-amp service, rarely both. RVers should confirm compatibility before booking as one camper at Rocky Knob noted: "Wide open beautiful sites. Many with pull through sites. Lots of room. Great for astronomy buffs. Stopped here on our way north. Drawback is no hookups or WiFi. Would have been great to at least have water."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bent Mountain, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bent Mountain, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Bent Mountain, VA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bent Mountain, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bent Mountain, VA is Dixie Caverns with a 3.2-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bent Mountain, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Bent Mountain, VA.
What parks are near Bent Mountain, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Bent Mountain, VA that allow camping, notably Philpott Lake and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
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