1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campgrounds in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Bent Mountain, Virginia include options ranging from established sites to primitive backcountry spots along the Appalachian Trail. Dragon's Tooth offers hike-in tent camping with fire rings and pit toilets at the trailhead, while Catawba Mountain Shelter provides a more rustic experience for Appalachian Trail hikers with basic amenities including picnic tables and vault toilets.
Many primitive tent sites around Bent Mountain have minimal facilities but provide excellent natural settings. Campers should pack in water or bring filtration systems, as drinking water is rarely available at wilderness sites. The tent camping area near Dragon's Tooth has recently changed, with one visitor noting that "the tent camping area is no longer available and is fenced off for environmental protection reasons." However, several dispersed tent camping spots remain accessible along the trail. Most sites feature natural surfaces with limited grading, and access often requires hiking in with gear. Vault toilets are available at some locations, particularly at trailheads, but shower facilities are virtually non-existent at primitive sites.
Tent campers at these locations benefit from the natural seclusion and direct trail access unavailable to RV or car camping sites. The proximity to the Appalachian Trail makes these tent sites ideal for through-hikers or those wanting multi-day backpacking opportunities. Many campsites offer fire rings and level tent pads, though availability depends on seasonal conditions and environmental regulations. Areas near Bent Mountain provide strategic access to popular hiking destinations including McAfee Knob. For those seeking additional amenities while still enjoying tent camping, Breeden Bottom Campground offers spacious riverside sites. As one camper noted, "Sites are spacious and right along the river. Most sites have river access directly from the site."
"The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well. It is a gravel lot, pretty level. There is a little road noise until about 1030 PM."
"dragons tooth is off a path that is part of the Appalachian Trail, there is a good amount of parking with a bathroom and garbage, once you begin the trail there are a few dispersed obvious camping spots"
"You get a lean-to and tent sites. Near water (collect water with a filter only)
I was able to make a fire but make sure it's okay when you go.
Lots of space for many people."
"Just less than a mile west of the Blue Ridge Parkway on US 58 Business, Willville is THE motorcycle camping slot for me in Virginia. thwres a community fire ring where Will has a fire most nights."
"It is motorcycle only, but he has limited space outside the campground proper for trailers should that be your thing."
from $150 - $200 / night
"There is no potable water."
"Cozy little site not too far from the main highway! Checked this out on my way to Tennessee. Primitive camping but has plenty of natural wonders to keep you busy!"
from $5 / night
"No water, no electricity available. Not for RVs. There is a railroad track that runs along the James River near the sites, but it never bothered us. Great fishing."
"This site was in a great location and right on the crystal clear water. The train was loud at times, but we knew that would happen when we booked the site, so no surprises there."
from $40 - $70 / night
"Nice campground outside Bland, VA. The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water. There are 5 sites at this location."
"1st: The water pump doesn't work at location. Bring your own water. 2nd: Bring all you need before you camp out. There is one gas station to find resources 2.2 miles from campsite."
from $85 - $125 / night
"I didn’t camp here, but I took out my kayak at the boat ramp and looked around. Vault M/F toilet, BYOTP. No hookups and I didn’t see a water spigot. Plenty of shade. Closed during flood."
"Beautiful spot on the New River in Giles County, VA located right outside downtown Narrows. There's a Disc Golf Course, Fishing, Camping, and Community Events. Well kept, clean, and perfect."
from $30 - $45 / night
TravelerShowers themselves are nice but don't have privacy room to dry and get dressed. Spots are fairly close together. $50 for one night seemed kinda high. There is highway noise. You do get a discount on your cave tour.
ScoutWe were traveling through for an overnight stay, view was excellent and staff was very friendly.
GuideNeed an overnight stay on 81/77 this is the place. Booked is call them complete the reservation via Campspot app which they use so I had to download it. Place had plenty of sites pull through which I didnt need but they were so accommodating. I had a perfect view of mountains and cow pasture Relaxation and sleep close to bathhouse and office. They also have propane fill for your camper
ScoutNice campground for dry camping. Campground is fairly new and is still improving. The network of hiking trails are very nice and connect with nearby Ferrum College. The nonprofit that owns the campground has plans to add electric and water in the future.
ScoutOwner is friendly, people staying here consist of workers and retired people for the most part so the people are very quiet, beautiful river running through the end of the campground and a nice little hiking trail and a wide open area for kids to run and play. Only “bad” part is the road noise you are about 200 yards off that highway and can here it all day and night! But if your like me and don’t mind you will love it here!
ScoutGreat campground post season- open until 10/31. Good weather, leaf peeping. LOTS of trails to the lake, and very dog friendly
GuideThe campground is nice but needs a little upkeep. It is apparent from the algae and moss on the buildings that it's a very damp area. The restroom facilities were working but needed touched up All in all it was ok for a nights stay and the lake and sharp top mountain were incredible despite the little issues I wouldn't hesitate to come back.
GuideWe 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.
ScoutThe campground is very well kept. Super friendly staff and in a good location.
Dispersed tent campsites near Bent Mountain, Virginia provide strategic access to both the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountain ranges at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 3,500 feet. The area receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions but requiring proper waterproof gear for campers. Most primitive sites require advance preparation as amenities are limited throughout this region.
Kayaking and water activities: At Breeden Bottom Campground, campers can enjoy direct river access. "The James river is perfect for kayaking/SUP/canoeing and even swimming, nice and calm," notes Lauren B. The current in some areas can vary seasonally, with Alison M. mentioning, "Water flows fairly fast in this area, so there were a few people floating and kayaking."
Disc golf: The tent camping areas near Camp Success offer additional recreation opportunities beyond hiking. "There's a Disc Golf Course, Fishing, Camping, and Community Events," shares Wendy G. This makes it an ideal spot for campers seeking variety in their outdoor activities.
Multi-day backpacking: Tent sites along the Appalachian Trail connect to numerous day hikes. According to Alex R. at Catawba Mountain Shelter, the site has "Lots of space for many people. Not too far from McAfee knob." For those wanting more challenging terrain, some areas require technical skills as described by trail users.
Privacy between sites: Many tent campsites offer significant spacing between neighboring sites. Kate V. describes Breeden Bottom Campground: "The sites are spaced far enough from each other that you can see each other. Our site had a little path right to the river. Very very spacious campsites."
Natural surface tent pads: Campsites typically feature level areas specifically designed for tent setup. At Walnut Flats Campground, Amber A. notes the campground is "pretty flat and yes there are walnut trees. Lots of wildlife too. Great simple site representative of this part of the country."
Morning views: Riverside locations offer unique natural experiences. As Crystal C. describes at New River Trail State Park: "Ever wake up on a foggy Virginia morning and walk only a few feet from your tent and watch the fog rise off the water? I DID and it was AMAZING!!"
Vault toilet access: Most primitive tent sites offer basic sanitation facilities. At Dragon's Tooth, Angela D. reports, "There are vault toilets stocked with toilet paper at the trailhead as well as bear proof trashcans."
Water considerations: Many tent camping areas require water planning. Alex R. notes at Catawba Mountain Shelter: "Near water (collect water with a filter only)." Similarly, RL adds regarding the New River Trail State Park campgrounds: "All campgrounds are primitive; no RV sites, no bathhouses (pit toilets only), but potable water is available."
Road conditions: Some tent camping areas have challenging access roads. Stephanie J. warns about Walnut Flats: "Nice campground outside Bland, VA. The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water. There are 5 sites at this location."
Look for riverside sites: Family-friendly tent sites often feature water access. At Whitt Riverbend Park, John R. notes it's a "Cozy little site not too far from the main highway! Primitive camping but has plenty of natural wonders to keep you busy!"
Pack in all supplies: Most tent campsites near Bent Mountain require self-sufficiency. Brad M. explains about New River Trail: "Everything has to be carried in from the parking lot. No showers but there is water and pit toilets. The camp sites were very clean."
Bring insect protection: Seasonal bug activity can affect comfort levels. Lauren B. advises: "Definitely bring bug spray!" Warm weather months typically see higher insect activity, particularly near water sources.
Limited RV access: Most tent campsites near Bent Mountain aren't suitable for recreational vehicles. RL explains that at New River Trail State Park: "There are four different campgrounds in this state park, one being paddle-in. All campgrounds are primitive; no RV sites."
Consider tent camping instead: For RV travelers wanting to explore the area, tent camping may be the best option. Many sites like Dragon's Tooth are specifically designed for tent camping with Angela D. noting, "This was a fine place to park overnight. The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well."
Motorcycle-specific options: For those touring on motorcycles, Willville Motorcycle Camp offers an alternative. Brian F. describes it as a "Great motorcycle campground. Clean facilities, friendly host. Good spread of water spigots and electrical outlets if you need to charge your equipment."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bent Mountain, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bent Mountain, VA is Dragon's Tooth with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bent Mountain, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Bent Mountain, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
