Several campgrounds within 25 miles of Farmville offer RV camping experiences, with most requiring reservations particularly from September through November. At an elevation around 455 feet, central Virginia experiences humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for camping. Heavy rainfall can create muddy conditions at some campgrounds, especially those with natural terrain paths rather than paved access roads.
What to do
Swimming at Twin Lakes State Park: The park features a swimming beach with lifeguards and a water playground that's especially popular with families. "The swimming lake is a good size. There is a concession stand, a beach with lifeguard, and a rental station for paddle boats," notes one Twin Lakes State Park Campground visitor.
Mountain biking trails: Pocahontas State Park offers extensive mountain biking trails suitable for various skill levels. "Lots of hiking, fantastic mountain bike trails, lots of history. LOVE the staff. 20 mins from every store you can imagine, but super quiet at night," according to a Pocahontas State Park Campground camper.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer fishing access, with some having designated ponds or lake access. At Bear Creek Lake, visitors report catching various species including catfish. "We've fished at the little catch and release pond successfully but didn't try out the catch and keep catfish pond," mentions a Cozy Acres camper.
What campers like
Remote locations with basic amenities: Thousand Trails Lynchburg provides a quiet camping experience away from city noise. "Remote and quiet location. In season this place is very busy. Our visit is pre Memorial Day so it is low key," shares one Thousand Trails Lynchburg reviewer.
Proximity to Blue Ridge Parkway: Some campgrounds offer convenient access to scenic drives and additional hiking opportunities. "The campground is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking trails (a plus!) but, definitely opt for a full hook-up site! Only open from May to October each year so be sure to check that out before just showing up!" advises a Thousand Trails Lynchburg visitor.
Evening wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "This was the perfect spot to stay after a long drive. We saw bunnies and then lightening bugs. The pool was great for the kids," notes a family who stayed at Lynchburg RV Resort.
What you should know
Site elevations and levelness: Some campground sites have significant elevation issues that can affect RV setup. At Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground, note that "Loops B and C have more sites that are very shady but closer together, and there is more vehicle and bicycle traffic going past campsites."
Seasonal availability varies: Many campgrounds have limited operating seasons or different availability based on the time of year. "Only open from May to October each year so be sure to check that out before just showing up!" cautions a visitor to Thousand Trails Lynchburg.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: From well-maintained state park facilities to more rustic options at smaller campgrounds. "Bathhouses are clean, and have showers and electrical outlets to charge devices if needed," reports a Bear Creek Lake visitor, while others note that some private campgrounds have limited facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for lakefront sites with safety features: Some waterfront sites include protective barriers that help with child safety. "We chose a reservable waterview site (#18) and I'm glad we got the one we did! It is not directly on the water, there is a fence around the site and then a short walk to the water. I'm glad we had the beautiful view of the lake while camping, but didn't have to stress about the kids getting in the water the whole time," shares a Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground camper.
Pack extra poison ivy treatments: Some camping areas have significant poison ivy growth, particularly near water or wooded areas. "Just worth a mention that my kids came back with poison ivy everywhere, so watch out for that!" warns a Bear Creek Lake visitor.
Consider noise levels when selecting sites: Some campground loops are quieter than others, which matters for families with small children. "Pack your bags and go! Every camper's dream spot. Seriously, this modern giant state park has it all: mostly private sites, a paved road for biking, plenty of tree cover (even in winter)," suggests a Pocahontas State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Many campgrounds in the area limit RV size, with some having specific loops better suited for larger vehicles. "The campground was nice but some of the sites are a bit small so definitely pay attention to the camper length per individual site," advises a Twin Lakes State Park Campground visitor.
Electrical service limitations: Check amperage availability when reserving, as 50-amp sites are limited at many campgrounds. "80-90% of sites are 30 Amp. Limited 50 amp," notes a Thousand Trails Lynchburg camper.
Pad materials affect leveling: Campground pads range from paved surfaces to natural terrain, affecting setup difficulty. "The sites were close together but a few sites are worth it right on the water," shares a Bear Creek Lake camper, while Cozy Acres is noted for "Level sites with brick paver pads, full hookups, RV storage, playground, pool, store, fire rings."
