The Stuart, Virginia area encompasses a range of camping opportunities along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway corridor and surrounding mountains. Fairy Stone State Park Campground, located directly in Stuart, provides year-round access to tent and RV sites along with cabins and yurts. Other notable options include Meadows of Dan Campground and Willville Motorcycle Camp, both situated within 20 miles of Stuart along the parkway. The region's established campgrounds typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several properties also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.
Access to camping areas varies significantly by location and season, with some sites like Rocky Knob Campground operating only from May through early November. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities such as drinking water and restroom facilities, though hookup availability differs considerably between properties. The Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds tend to offer more primitive experiences with fewer amenities, while privately operated facilities generally provide full hookups, showers, and additional services. Road conditions generally remain accessible for standard vehicles, though some camping areas may require navigating steeper mountain roads. One visitor noted, "Rocky Knob is a good campground for a couple nights along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Loop C is tent only. Inner part of the loop sites are quite close to each other but have convenient access to bathhouse."
Many campers highlight the natural beauty and peaceful setting of the Stuart area campgrounds. The mixed-use campgrounds scattered throughout the region receive consistently positive reviews for their maintenance and scenery. Sites situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer direct access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks, while campgrounds near Philpott Lake provide water recreation opportunities. The Stuart area offers diverse camping experiences, from secluded forest campsites to more developed campgrounds with amenities for both tent and RV campers. Cell service can be limited at many locations, particularly those tucked into mountainous terrain. A visitor to Meadows of Dan Campground remarked, "This campground has lovely tree cover in both the RV and tent camping areas. There are also cabins. The manager is very friendly and accommodating." Several reviews mention the excellent opportunities for motorcyclists at specialty campgrounds like Willville, which caters specifically to motorcycle travelers exploring the winding mountain roads that characterize this part of Virginia.
$27 - $98 / night
"We spent one night at Hanging Rock State Park on our way home to West Virginia from South Carolina."
"There really isn't an option to put a tent up anywhere outside of the pad on this site. Water is located right next to the site, and the bathroom is right up the hill behind the site."
$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."
$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."
$27 / night
"The Yurt we stayed in was a little weird because the Fire Pit and Picnic table is behind and almost under the yurt, down a decently step slope and the yurt sits on stilts on the back side."
"This weekend was a great adventure in SW Virginia. We stayed in a Yurt. It has no electricity or water but the bath house was close."
$17 - $27 / night
"Campground Review: Pilot Mountain State Park is located in Pinnacle, NC, approximately 2.5 hours away from Asheville, NC and is known for it’s giant pinnacle, Pilot Mountain, that rises 2,000 feet into"
"On highway 52 for 30 miles you can see the top of Pilot Mountain sticking out like a sore thumb."
$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."
"This was my first stay at a motorcycle camp and all I can say is I would feel as safe as a father can, in any situation, if my daughter wanted to go there on a solo ride."
$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."
"It was right on the forest's edge with a nice open view to the north. The bathrooms and showers were excellent, and a washer and dryer was available— a great bonus.
"
"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."
"Mayberry is conveniently located near the highway. The property is well maintained. The staff is very helpful."
"Some spots are near I74 but most are not. Large lake and history here. Close to town to see the local legends hometown."
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.
ScoutThis is a really low low budget homeless camp. The campers are allowed trash around their spots and can have broken down vehicles to use as storage. Every sight has a tarp on it and looks to be drug addicts. Save yourself the chance of getting robbed and catch something and go somewhere else. I promise you your kids don't need to see this place.
GuideTypical campground with rv spots close together with no shade. Fill hook ups at each site.
Dispersed camping options near Stuart, Virginia are limited due to land management regulations, with most camping concentrated in established campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around Philpott Lake. Stuart sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in Patrick County, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Campgrounds in this area typically operate from early spring through late fall, with only a few facilities offering winter camping.
Hiking trails at Hanging Rock State Park: Located about an hour from Stuart, this park offers over 20 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. "The trails are well-marked, maintained, and offered a good variety for all skill levels. Our kids (ranging from early elementary to preteen) managed the trails with some effort but plenty of enthusiasm," notes a visitor to Hanging Rock State Park Campground.
Rock climbing access: The area provides several locations for both novice and experienced climbers. A visitor to Pilot Mountain State Park shares, "I've been here several times, and it's one of my favorite places for toprope climbing in the area. If you're not a climber, the views are still worth the drive."
Water recreation on Philpott Lake: This 3,000-acre lake near Stuart offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. "We canoed and that was fun," mentions one Salthouse Branch Campground visitor, while another notes the "nice swimming area, boat ramp and dock in the loop."
Hunt for fairy stones: A unique activity specific to the Stuart area. "We learned about the mysterious 'Fairy Stones' and went to the hunt site to see for ourselves. Sure enough - we found several fairy stones and the kids were very happy!" reports a camper at Fairy Stone State Park Campground.
Clean facilities and well-maintained grounds: Many campgrounds in the Stuart area receive positive reviews for their upkeep. A visitor to Rocky Knob Campground observed that it's a "clean wooded campground" with "clean and quiet" facilities where "no generators [are] allowed in tent camping area and quiet hours [are in effect] after 10pm."
Lake access for swimming: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas. "The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids," according to a camper at Fairy Stone State Park. Another visitor adds, "We went swimming down at the beach in the morning - $3 per person, but free for campers - just bring your pass!"
Motorcycle-friendly options: The Blue Ridge Parkway area attracts many motorcyclists. A visitor to Willville Motorcycle Camp shares, "Clean showers, big fire pit, free coffee in the morning. Several restaurants nearby," while another notes it's "only a couple of minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway."
Scenic waterfront sites: Lakeside camping is popular in the region. At Goose Point COE Philpott Lake, a camper reports, "The lower loop is the most popular because it is down by the water and each of the sites have great views of the lake. Reservations have to be made well in advance for the lower loop sites."
Limited or no cell service: Many campgrounds in the Stuart area have poor connectivity. A visitor to Fairy Stone State Park warns there's "No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away."
Weather considerations: The mountains can bring rapid weather changes. One camper at Rocky Knob shared that despite rain "it poured on us all night, we still loved it."
Varying amenities between loops: Different camping loops often have different facilities. At Meadows of Dan Campground, "No trees for the pull throughs but still a nice place and right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway," while tent sites have "lovely tree cover in both the RV and tent camping areas."
Reservation needs: Popular sites book quickly. A Goose Point visitor advises, "Reservations have to be made well in advance for the lower loop sites."
Site conditions: Terrain varies widely between campgrounds. At Salthouse Branch, "Level site with good drainage made this a nice spot for a 3-day rest during a time of limited personal mobility."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. A visitor to Fairy Stone State Park noted, "The kids love the playground nearby," while another mentioned they "had a great playground for the kids nearby."
Educational programs: Rangers often provide family-friendly activities. "Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt!" shares an enthusiastic parent who visited Fairy Stone State Park.
Shallow swimming areas: For families with young children, some lakes offer gradual entry points. A parent camping at Mayberry Campground mentioned "2 good-sized ponds for catch and release and also 2 kids playgrounds," providing recreation options for children.
Kid-friendly hiking trails: Look for shorter trails with interesting features. At Hanging Rock State Park, "The shortest hike to see a waterfall is relatively easy and is only three-tenths of a mile one way," making it manageable for younger hikers.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have limited space for bigger RVs. At Salthouse Branch, one RVer warns, "Sites are a bit small for anything over 35' but we did manage our 41' in there... they do have some large back-in FHU sites if you need but not many."
Road access considerations: Mountain roads can be challenging. An RVer at Salthouse Branch cautions, "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."
Hookup availability: Varies widely between campgrounds. At Rocky Knob, sites are "primitive, very shady, and for the most part sites are pretty small. Very nice place if you're into dry camping, or car camping."
Leveling requirements: Many mountain sites require leveling. At Fancy Gap KOA, an RVer noted, "Nice place, hard to navigate," explaining, "they had us camp up on the top of the hill and it was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping locations near Stuart, Virginia?
Stuart, Virginia offers several camping options within driving distance. Fairy Stone State Park Campground is a top choice nearby, featuring clean facilities and cozy yurts. Another excellent option is Meadows Of Dan Campground, which provides drive-in access with water and toilet facilities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, and Claytor Lake State Park are all within reasonable distance and offer diverse camping experiences with various amenities and natural features.
Are there any RV rental options available in Stuart, Virginia?
While Stuart itself has limited RV rental options, several nearby campgrounds cater well to RV campers. Fort Chiswell RV Park offers easy highway access, making it ideal for RV travelers in the region. Pioneer Village is another excellent option with ample space and a creek running along the property, perfect for overnight stays. For RV rentals, check with these campgrounds directly as some may offer on-site rentals or have partnerships with local rental companies. Alternatively, national RV rental platforms often have pickup locations in larger nearby cities.
What boondocking or free camping opportunities exist around Stuart, Virginia?
Free and dispersed camping options near Stuart are limited but available with some searching. Salthouse Branch Campground in southern Virginia offers a remote experience, though it's not entirely free but provides more affordable camping. For motorcycle enthusiasts, Willville Motorcycle Camp near Meadows of Dan offers a unique experience. True boondocking opportunities can be found in the surrounding national forest areas, though these typically require proper preparation with water supplies and waste management. Always check with the local ranger district for current regulations and designated dispersed camping areas before setting up camp.
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