Best Tent Camping near Ferrum, VA

Tent campsites in the Ferrum, Virginia region range from established campgrounds to primitive sites along hiking trails. Ryans Branch offers basic tent camping with minimal amenities, while Dragon's Tooth provides tent sites accessible via a moderate to strenuous hike on a section of the Appalachian Trail. Catawba Mountain Shelter, also on the AT, features both a lean-to shelter and tent sites for hikers seeking a more remote experience.

Most tent camping areas near Ferrum feature dirt or natural surfaces with minimal site development. Dragon's Tooth provides vault toilets and trash receptacles at the trailhead parking area, but campers must pack in all water as no potable sources exist on site. Millrace Campground at New River Trail State Park requires campers to carry all gear from the parking area to walk-in tent sites, though the distance is manageable for traditional car camping equipment. Fire rings are common at established sites, but seasonal fire restrictions may apply, particularly during dry summer months. A visitor noted, "You will be required to carry your things into your site, however there is a nice paved walking area for you to do so."

The tent camping experience near Ferrum offers varying levels of solitude depending on location and season. Breeden Bottom Campground provides spacious, well-separated tent sites directly on the James River with excellent privacy. A camper described it as "peaceful and private" with sites "RIGHT on the river." Dragon's Tooth offers more challenging access but rewards tent campers with spectacular views from the summit area. The hike to reach these tent sites becomes increasingly difficult near the top, with painted white arrows marking the route up steep rock faces. Primitive tent sites at Catawba Mountain Shelter provide access to water sources (requiring filtration) and connect to the popular McAfee Knob trail, making them ideal for multi-day backpacking trips along the Appalachian Trail.

Best Tent Sites Near Ferrum, Virginia (13)

    1. Ryans Branch

    Be the first to review!
    Henry, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 629-1847

    2. Willville Motorcycle Camp

    7 Reviews
    Woolwine, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (469) 614-8620

    $150 - $200 / night

    "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."

    3. Dragon's Beard Farm & Camp LLC

    Be the first to review!
    Woolwine, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 625-7938

    $85 - $125 / night

    4. Dragon's Tooth

    3 Reviews
    Salem, VA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 552-4641

    "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"

    5. Catawba Mountain Shelter on the AT

    1 Review
    Hollins, VA
    32 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Possible Property

    1 Review
    Cana, VA
    38 miles
    +1 (910) 548-4267

    $30 - $45 / night

    7. Homeplace Recreational Park Inc.

    5 Reviews
    Pilot Mountain, NC
    49 miles
    +1 (336) 374-5173

    "In this park, all the sites are dirt only, no paved pads, but do have rock fire rings. The WiFi was pretty good considering the number of people who were probably using it."

    "Large trail to go for a little walk. Very reasonably priced. Will go again."

    8. Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park

    5 Reviews
    Austinville, VA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 699-6778

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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!!"

    "The park is a linear park that is known for its flat-ish trails and bike/horse paths. Of the 57 miles of this park, about 39 are on the New River."

    9. Breeden Bottom Campground

    4 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 261-7334

    $40 - $70 / 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."

    10. Beechnut Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mount Airy, NC
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 320-3802

    $32 - $48 / night

    "The tent camping area is across a road from a stream, in a forest of tall trees, a very picturesque location. Each tent site had water, a picnic table, and a 30-amp electric outlet."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ferrum, VA

496 Reviews of 13 Ferrum Campgrounds


  • RL
    Oct. 2, 2019

    Breeden Bottom Campground

    Wonderful Trip

    Our site was RIGHT on the river. It was peaceful and private. 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.

    A little additional info from the internet:

    BREEDEN BOTTOM CAMPGROUND is located on the James River about 1/4 mile down stream of the Arcadia bridge about 5 mile drive from our canoe livery in Buchanan, VA. It is situated about 6 river miles downstream of our Buchanan based canoe livery location near river mile marker 19. This campground can accommodate both paddle in and drive in campers. Each site is numbered and include a fire ring, picnic table, parking area, and level tent pad. Portable toilets and a dumpster are conveniently located in the center of the campground. Guests will need to bring their own water as no potable water source is provided. $36.00 per site for up to 4 campers.

  • Hannah V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Great Trails

    This is a huge campground it has 137 sites that is right in between two mountains. Each site has picnic tables, lantern poles, tent pads, food storage lockers, and campfire rings. 63 of their sites are available for advanced reservation and then 79 first come-first serve basis. The bath house has flush toilets, water spigots, but no showers. There is also no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups.

    Lots of hiking trails, but make sure you look at the map because we unfortunately did not look at it well enough and thought that the trail was a loop when it led to the opposite side of the mountain and we had to hitch hike back to the campsite. The trails are well marked and lead to awesome views. Rate is $20 a night.

  • Shannon M.
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Rocky Knob Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Clean wooded caampground

    On BRP near Floyd, VA. A lot of amenities in town and hiking trails nearby. Clean and quiet: no generators allowed in tent camping area and quiet hours after 10pm. Tent sites $20 per night at time of my stay.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 1, 2017

    Dixie Caverns

    Camping at the Crossroads

    Dixie Caverns is a privately owned campground, slash tourist site ( dixiecaverns.com ) located at the outskirts of Salem, VA.

    Warning: In the website, they do state the campground is "directly off I-81," and it is. The fact is, you are surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the actual Dixie Cavern is at the base of a mountain, so all the road traffic is above the campground and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7. Trust me when I say, semi-truck noise is loud during the twilight hours when the din of the day has disappeared.

    We spent two different multiple-day stays at Dixie Caverns in the Spring, partly out of necessity and partly because of its close proximity to a desired venue in Salem. So I can attest to the traffic noise never letting up.

    The Positive: Dixie Caverns Campground serves a need...a campground close to Salem. The next closest campground is an hour's drive and in heavy traffic...longer. It is also one of the closest campgrounds to several of Virginia's most popular hiking trails (AT) and scenic overlooks (Dragon's Tooth, Tinker Cliffs, etc). So people will use this as a "base camp" of sorts.

    The personnel that run the Dixie Cavern Gift Shop, are also those you see to pay for a camping site...and I found them very friendly and helpful.

    If you are visiting there to tour the Dixie Caverns...you are a hundred feet away from the mountain doorway.

    The campground is tiny, as in footprint, but they have carved out a number of RV/Camper sites along the mountain base and the inner loops...and during our stays very few openings were observed. Water, electric and cable is provided at each of those pull-through sites. They are of adequate size for the largest of RV's, but they are side-by-side the length of the loop. No vegetation exists between or on those sides but some grass and some spaced large trees. Perhaps the RV/Camper clan camp there out of necessity and convenience too. Though there is a limit on the days of your stay, it appears that some are exempt from this rule. Some campers are permanent fixtures...others that were not, were still in the same location from the first visit to the next visit 30 days later. Several employees live full-time on site.

    Tent camping is in the grass along the creek that runs down to the Roanoke River across the roadway. During the heavy rains we received, I had concerns that this raging creek would overflow its banks, but it did not. Trash was visible washed along its banks. The sites are marked only by a picnic table and rock fire ring...no other designation, so you chose a side of the fire ring to pitch your tent. Even with the heavy rains, I did not notice low, soggy areas. There is several large hardwood trees that provide a nice canopy, but no foliage between tenting areas...so the entire campground is line of sight. I believe there were only six tent sites (technically), but overflow tent sites are also along the grassy field across from the Gift Shop. Important note: If you are considering a good night's sleep in a tent (not sure of the sound dampening qualities of RV/Campers), ear-plugs are a must!

    The showerhouse/restroom are located at the beginning of the campground, which is just the other side of the day use picnic area and the Gift Shop/Attraction parking lot. The doors are locked 24/7 and only campers receive the "push-button" door code (which the code did not change from both visits...not a secure safety protocol). The showerhouse/restroom has running water, flush toilets and several showers, and an electric outlet. It shows its age and looks like a heavily used campground facility. For tent campers, its the only potable water source.

    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.

    The Negative: You must leave the campground for anything you'd like to do, other than the Caverns...and sitting in your camp chair.

    There are no trails or other amenities...and the trails closeby...are still a 20-30 minutes drive on a good day.

    Whether or not tenters are in the tent area, this is the dog walking area. They are required to pick up...but it is aggravating...because if it doesn't pour, the smell remains.

    Did I mention the truck traffic noise? The overall condition of Dixie Caverns appears dated, a bit run-down, and dirty.

    Would I stay there again? Odds are I will spend one more collegiate softball post season and World Series staying at Dixie Caverns Campground next spring, purely out of convenience and necessity.

  • Kevin M.
    Mar. 18, 2017

    Rocky Knob Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Great overnight camping stay!

    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. They host Floyd Fest each year as well as a Yoga Jam. It's right off the Blue Ridge Parkway if you are traveling. Did I mention it's to Chateau Morrisette Winery?!

    Our family stays here multiple times a year, it's a nice little getaway, yet still close to home. This Campground offers toilets and running water, but no showers so remember to bring your dry shampoo and bug spray depending on the time of year.

    Sites are pretty close together, but we didn't mind. We pitched an 8 person tent, a hammock, and were quite cozy in front of the fire ring. Can't wait to visit again.

    Good for families (kids ride their bikes through Campground), couples, singles.

    What this Campground offers: -Friendly Park Ranger -$16 bucks per night if you drive up, $20 online, can't beat that! -Rest and relaxation -Picnic table -Fire ring -Bathhouse (no showers or paper towels) -trash collection near front entrance -camping for tents or campers -dog friendly -short distance from Rocky Knob -right off the Blue Ridge Parkway -close to Chateau Morrisette Winery -right outside of Floyd, VA (Dogtown Roadhouse, Floyd County Store, Oddfellas, etc)

  • Joe H.
    Sep. 7, 2019

    White Rocks Campground

    Beautiful, quiet, and relaxing.

    This is a great spot to get away from almost everything. No cell, no wifi, no hook ups, no showers. 

    Lots of hiking with a short 1.3 loop mile trail right out of the campground, and several trails nearby, including a few different connectors to sections of the AT. 

    Usually few if any campers here, but lots of wildlife to be seen and heard in and around the campground. 

    Theres a camp host who takes care of both bath houses, which have sinks and  flush toilets. No hot water, and no showers. There are a few water hydrants throughout the campground for water.

  • Brittany V.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Not Big Rig Friendly!

    I have to admit that it was an amazing campsite! Double decker with picnic table, lantern pole, and fire pit up stairs and over looking your paved campsite. We were walking distance to the dumpster and public bathroom ( no showers). It also offered no hookups which was fine, there was a dump station on site… The biggest downer for us was just getting to and leaving the site! RVLife took us up and down some insane switchbacks that were just not appropriate for anything larger than maybe 30ft tip to tail?? I wouldn’t advise staying here unless you’re a class B/C, pop up, or 20ft TT. Lodge is nice and has decent prices.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2022

    Beechnut Family Campground

    Nice Camping for Tents or RVs

    We camped in our tent at Beechnut for two nights. The owners are very friendly and helpful. The tent camping area is across a road from a stream, in a forest of tall trees, a very picturesque location. Each tent site had water, a picnic table, and a 30-amp electric outlet. It rained heavily both nights we stayed there, but we stayed dry. Unfortunately the rain had been going on for several days before we arrived, and wherever vehicles were parked on the ground, they left muddy ruts. The owner helped some guests who arrived at night at a tent site in small travel trailers, when they were stuck. He really is very helpful and kind. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept.

  • Amy F.
    Oct. 5, 2020

    Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground

    Great spot right on the Blue Ridge Pkwy!

    Camped in one of 5 tent camping spaces. They also have cabins / RV spaces and a motel. Check in was quick and the people running the campground were so friendly and great to deal with! Each site has a water pump and power. And the bathhouses are immaculate - showers are nice and hot and have good pressure. Firewood and fire starter available for purchase. Laundry room on site. Would absolutely stay here again!


Guide to Ferrum

Tent camping options near Ferrum, Virginia cater to a range of preferences from established sites with basic amenities to primitive wilderness experiences. Located in Franklin County at elevations between 1,100-1,400 feet, the area experiences typical four-season Appalachian weather with pleasant spring and fall temperatures. Winter camping requires preparation for potential snowfall, while summer humidity demands adequate hydration for tent campers exploring the region.

What to do

Motorcycle touring and camping: Willville Motorcycle Camp offers a specialized experience just 30 miles from Ferrum. "Great motorcycle campground. Clean facilities, friendly host. Good spread of water spigots and electrical outlets if you need to charge your equipment," notes Brian F. The camp provides easy access to scenic routes along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

River activities: Breeden Bottom Campground provides direct water access for paddling enthusiasts. "The James river is perfect for kayaking/SUP/canoeing and even swimming, nice and calm," reports Lauren B. Sites feature river access directly from campsites with relatively calm water suitable for multiple watercraft types.

Trail hiking: Dragon's Tooth connects to the Appalachian Trail with options for day hikes or overnight camping. "The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well," explains Angela D. The gravel parking area allows hikers to access multiple trail sections while providing overnight parking for backpackers.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Breeden Bottom Campground receives consistent praise for spacious, well-separated sites. "Sites are extremely private and spaced out; we couldn't see or hear anyone," confirms Alison M. Each site includes a designated parking area, level tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table.

Clean facilities: Millrace Campground at New River Trail State Park maintains well-kept grounds despite being primitive. "The camp sites were very clean," notes Brad M. about the walk-in tent sites. The campground provides potable water and pit toilets without shower facilities.

Natural water features: Several campgrounds offer water access as a primary attraction. At Breeden Bottom, Kate V. describes it as "right on the crystal clear water," with "a good, shallow walk-in into the water" suitable for dogs. The James River provides both recreation opportunities and a peaceful natural soundtrack for overnight stays.

What you should know

Accessibility challenges: Many tent sites require some amount of gear carrying. At Millrace Campground, Brad M. notes, "Everything has to be carried in from the parking lot." While most walk-in distances are manageable with standard camping equipment, campers should pack accordingly.

Limited amenities: Most tent camping areas provide only basic facilities. "No water, no electricity available. Not for RVs," explains a reviewer about Breeden Bottom Campground. Portable toilets are typically available, but campers should bring their own water supply as potable sources aren't always provided.

Seasonal considerations: While some campgrounds operate year-round, many have limited seasonal availability or changing conditions. During rainy periods at Beechnut Family Campground, Glenn S. observed "wherever vehicles were parked on the ground, they left muddy ruts," though tent sites remained dry under tree cover.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly options: Beechnut Family Campground offers convenient tent sites with unexpected amenities. "Each tent site had water, a picnic table, and a 30-amp electric outlet," notes Glenn S., making this an ideal introduction to tent camping for families with young children.

Water activities: Homeplace Recreational Park provides recreational options beyond standard camping. "This campground is very clean and the staff is great. Water park is awesome. Large trail to go for a little walk," reports Damir, highlighting amenities particularly appealing to families with children.

Safety considerations: When seeking the best tent camping near Ferrum, Virginia for families, consider campground security features. At Millrace Campground, Crystal C. appreciated the "on site security to make sure your stay is safe and enjoyable" along with dedicated play areas.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: While primarily focused on tent camping, some facilities accommodate small RVs. At Willville Motorcycle Camp, Joe S. notes "There are water spigots scattered throughout along with electrical stanchions...just not at every site," indicating basic provisions for small rigs without designated RV sites.

Alternative accommodations: For those seeking non-tent options without an RV, several campgrounds offer basic cabins. "This campground has the potential to be more. It is small and quaint, shaded, and limited facilities. Has a small cabin and a small bunkhouse," Chip R. mentions about Willville Motorcycle Camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ferrum, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ferrum, VA is Ryans Branch with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ferrum, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Ferrum, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.