Best Glamping near Forest, VA

Looking for a place to go glamping near Forest? Glamping near Forest is a great way to travel off the beaten path. Find the right glamping site for you with our user-submitted photos, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find glamping for your Virginia camping excursion.

Best Glamping Sites Near Forest, Virginia (13)

    Bridget H.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA near Natural Bridge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA near Natural Bridge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA near Natural Bridge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA near Natural Bridge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA near Natural Bridge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA near Natural Bridge, VA

    1. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    29 Reviews
    111 Photos
    145 Saves
    Natural Bridge, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 / night

    Teresa K.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground near Penhook, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground near Penhook, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground near Penhook, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground near Penhook, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground near Penhook, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground near Penhook, VA

    2. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    53 Photos
    325 Saves
    Penhook, Virginia

    Smith Mountain Lake Campgrounds' Site Types: Two-bedroom frame - Two bedrooms; wood frame; one queen bed; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. Two-bedroom cabins have a bathroom with shower. Two-bedroom frame waterview - Two bedrooms; wood frame; one queen bed; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. The two-bedroom cabins have a bathroom with shower. Three-bedroom frame - Three bedrooms; wood frame; two queen beds; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. The three bedroom cabin has two bathrooms (one universally accessible shower; the other has a tub). The three-bedroom cabins are meant to sleep six. Eight are allowed, but this relies on the use of a fold-out sofa for the extra two people. Total cabins: 20 Although the only fully universally accessible cabin in the park is cabin 7, numerous cabins, while not fully accessible, are better suited for customers having disabilities. Because of hilly terrain, all cabins other than cabin 7 have steps. Cabins 15, 17 and 19 have two steps, cabins 10, 13 and 20 have three steps, cabin 14 has four steps, and cabins 6, 12 and 18 have five steps. The remaining cabins are unsuitable for those with disabilities because of numerous steps or steep grades leading into the cabin. Bunkhouse Camping Lodge (bunkhouse) - no weekly requirement. The park has a camping lodge (bunkhouse), which is not a full service lodge, for rent. It's a two-room trailer with seven bunk beds ( five in one room and two in another), a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a coffee pot and air conditioning. It has no heating. The bunkhouse has a has a porch and a large covered deck with two picnic table, two other tables and eight chairs. It also has a charcoal grill and a fire ring. Smoking, portable heaters and cooking, except with the microwave oven, are not permitted in the lodge. There's a fire hydrant next to the lodge in the parking lot. Four vehicles are permitted with rental of the lodge; the daily parking fee must be paid for additional vehicles. RVs and trailers may not be parked in the bunk house parking lot; there's an overflow parking lot about 100 yards away.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway near Big Island, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway near Big Island, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway near Big Island, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway near Big Island, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway near Big Island, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway near Big Island, VA

    3. Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    14 Reviews
    28 Photos
    144 Saves
    Big Island, Virginia

    Overview

    Otter Creek Campground is located at the Blue Ridge Parkway's lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. Picturesque Otter Creek winds through this quiet, rustic campground. Night skies are spectacular here, and there are several nearby trails to hike including the Otter Creek Trail, which is accessible from the campground. Just imagine enjoying the crackle of an evening campfire with the murmur of the creek in the background! Relax....

    Recreation

    The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has fishing in Otter Lake and a number of hiking trails including Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop, and James River Canal. Hike the Otter Creek Trail to James River Visitor Center. There visitors can view a restored canal lock from the Kanawha Canal, part of the historic James River transporation artery which was once the primary commercial route in the state of Virginia.

    Natural Features

    This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. A short walk along the Trail of Trees or a hike along the clear, cool waters of Otter Creek will give ample proof that there is more to the Blue Ridge Parkway than mountain-top vistas.

    Nearby Attractions

    Otter Creek Trail (3.5 miles/5.6 km) parallels the Parkway road as it meanders from Otter Creek campground to the James River Visitor Center. Most sections of this trail are easy to hike and can be reached from many points along the motor road. Otter Lake Loop Trail (0.9 miles/1.4 km) provides scenic views of Otter Lake. This is also a good trail for watching wildlife. Look for beaver lodges and dams along tributary streams. Early morning and late evening are prime times for wildlife observations. Trail of Trees (0.4 miles/.6 km) begins near the James River Visitor Center and wanders through a shaded stream drainage. Trail signs identify many of the trees and shrubs of the river valley. This trail also affords a handsome view of the James River water gap, a rare geological feature. Canal Lock Trail (0.4 miles/.6 km) begins at the visitor center and crosses the James River on a walkway beneath the bridge. The restored Battery Creek Lock, located a short distance from the bridge, is typical of those constructed in the 1800s as part of the James River and Kanawha Canal. This canal, with nearly 100 locks, helped make the river a major transportation corridor before the Civil War. Exhibits at the Battery Creek site explain how locks were used to raise and lower boats to adjust for the changing elevation of the river.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge near Natural Bridge Station, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge near Natural Bridge Station, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge near Natural Bridge Station, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge near Natural Bridge Station, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge near Natural Bridge Station, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge near Natural Bridge Station, VA

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    15 Reviews
    38 Photos
    105 Saves
    Natural Bridge Station, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $39 - $241 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Crabtree Falls Campground near Montebello, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Crabtree Falls Campground near Montebello, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Crabtree Falls Campground near Montebello, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Crabtree Falls Campground near Montebello, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Crabtree Falls Campground near Montebello, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Crabtree Falls Campground near Montebello, VA

    5. Crabtree Falls Campground

    20 Reviews
    51 Photos
    533 Saves
    Montebello, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $28 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Middle Creek Campground near Buchanan, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Middle Creek Campground near Buchanan, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Middle Creek Campground near Buchanan, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Middle Creek Campground near Buchanan, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Middle Creek Campground near Buchanan, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Middle Creek Campground near Buchanan, VA

    6. Middle Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    38 Photos
    177 Saves
    Buchanan, Virginia

    Middle Creek Campground is located in central Virginia, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just moments from the Appalachian trail, this campground is a desirable location for backpackers and thru-hikers alike. Whether you need a place to rest your aching feet, or if you need a weekend escape, you’ll enjoy sleeping in the shadow of Virginia’s Fork Mountain. There’s plenty to do near Middle Creek Campground; don’t forget the paddles and hiking boots! Bring your kayak for a whirl on the upper James River, bikepack the Blue Ridge Parkway (7mi away), or take the AT on for yourself. And when you’re ready to unwind, rest easy knowing that you can learn some history in the nearby town of Roanoke, or spend a lazy day casting a line close to your site. This campground has 30 sites with 30/50 amp hookups and water, though the campground is also home to a few sites with sewer connections too – so don’t hesitate to ask! Middle Creek has cabins on the premises, and can also accommodate tents, hammock campers, RVs, and even tour buses! You’re sure to fit right in. Come see why so many Virginia campers love spending their weekends at Middle Creek. Cell service and wifi are limited in this neck of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which only adds to the serenity. So “unplug, unwind, and get back to this beautiful natural world!”

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $85 / night

    Kaylee G.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Natural Bridge KOA near Natural Bridge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Natural Bridge KOA near Natural Bridge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Natural Bridge KOA near Natural Bridge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Natural Bridge KOA near Natural Bridge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Natural Bridge KOA near Natural Bridge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Natural Bridge KOA near Natural Bridge, VA

    7. Natural Bridge KOA

    8 Reviews
    7 Photos
    25 Saves
    Natural Bridge, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    John R.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Douthat State Park Campground near Clifton Forge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Douthat State Park Campground near Clifton Forge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Douthat State Park Campground near Clifton Forge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Douthat State Park Campground near Clifton Forge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Douthat State Park Campground near Clifton Forge, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Douthat State Park Campground near Clifton Forge, VA

    8. Douthat State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    88 Photos
    225 Saves
    Clifton Forge, Virginia

    Cabins

    To camp at Douthat State Park you must have with you either your reservation number(s) or confirmation letter at check-in. If you've arranged for someone else to check in for you, make sure that person has your reservation number as the number is needed to enter the cabin. All cabins are pet-friendly; there is a fee per pet per night. Camping and cabin guests should be prepared to show a valid ID if requested. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m.

    Camping

    Douthat is known for delightful, inviting campsites and makes great camping near Richmond. Some offer a splendid view of Douthat Lake. Camping is available year-round in Whispering Pines campground. (Note: Water is unavailable at individual campsites from November through March because of freezing weather. As hot water is still available in the bathhouse, camping fees are not reduced.) The campgrounds are pet-friendly. Generators may not be used in any campgrounds.

    Lodges

    Please note that the cancellation fee for Douthat Main Lodge, Creasey Lodge and Beard's Mountain Lodge is higher than it is for cabins.

    Douthat Lodge (atop mountain): Six-bedroom, rents Saturday - Saturday

    This log lodge overlooks the park. It was built by the CCC. It sleeps 13 and allows 15. There are six bedrooms: one queen bed, one queen bed, one queen bed, four twin beds, two twin beds and one twin bed. It has a fireplace, two bathrooms, a washer and a dryer.

    Creasey Lodge (behind park's main office). Five-bedroom. Weekly rentals start on Friday when a week-long stay is required. Fully universally accessible.

    This one story wood-frame lodge is next to the park office. It accommodates up to 18 guests. There are five bedrooms: one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds. It has a fireplace and three bathrooms.

    Beards Mountain Lodge: Six-bedroom, maximum occupancy is 16. Weekly rentals start on Sunday when a week-long stay is required.

    This frame-built facility is midway up the mountain and is universally accessible. It accommodates up to 16 guests. There are three bathrooms and six-bedrooms; queen, queen, two twins, two twins, two bunk beds, two bunk beds.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $40 / night

    Dan D.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Montebello Resort near Montebello, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Montebello Resort near Montebello, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Montebello Resort near Montebello, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Montebello Resort near Montebello, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Montebello Resort near Montebello, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Montebello Resort near Montebello, VA

    9. Montebello Resort

    11 Reviews
    44 Photos
    70 Saves
    Montebello, Virginia

    Ready to truly get away from it all? We welcome you to unplug, unwind, and relax at Montebello Resort. Rental Cabins, Camping, Fishing, and a Country Store are all available at our mountain top resort.

    We are nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just three miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Nelson County VA. Montebello means “beautiful mountain” and is a pristine hamlet tucked into the folds of Appalachia. Steeped in history and rich in charm, hearts are warmed and memories are made for all those who come to visit.

    Route 56, which winds and climbs up to the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Montebello, was once an old Indian trail that connected present-day Nelson County with Steele’s Tavern in Augusta County two hundred years ago.

    Atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, and near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, Montebello is a beautiful gem that attracts visitors from around the world.

    Whether it’s camping, a cozy cabin retreat, apple and berry picking, wine tasting, trout fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, wildlife viewing, or just exploring, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $38 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Holliday Lake State Park Campground near Prospect, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Holliday Lake State Park Campground near Prospect, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Holliday Lake State Park Campground near Prospect, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Holliday Lake State Park Campground near Prospect, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Holliday Lake State Park Campground near Prospect, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Holliday Lake State Park Campground near Prospect, VA

    10. Holliday Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    41 Photos
    85 Saves
    Prospect, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $30 - $80 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Recent Glamping Reviews near Forest, Virginia

196 Reviews of 13 Forest Campgrounds


  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley

    Family/group/RV centric campground

    We used this in the offseason as is was one of the only ones in the area that stays open for most of the year. This is not a primitive/secluded campground if you are looking to get away and spend some time in nature. It would make a great group/family glamping campsite as is has all of the amenities, including playgrounds, a pond with a "beach" and golf cart rentals to get around.

  • Brittney  K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
    Jul. 9, 2020

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Excellent camping experience

    First time at a KOA. The staff is very friendly, the facilities are immaculate, and the camping areas have plenty of space for an expansive set up. We were in tent space 48, which was very private and had a lot of trees over it so we were able to sleep in fairly late. The bathrooms were as clean as a hotel and the shower had great water pressure. Due to covid there was a pool sign up which we didn’t have time to do but it looked clean. Amazing stay! It felt more like a low budget glamping experience — 10/10 would do again

  • Andrea N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Creek Campground
    Apr. 3, 2019

    Middle Creek Campground

    Ranger Review: Nature's Coffee Kettle at Middle Creek Campground

    Campground Review

    As a Ranger on The Dyrt, I sometimes receive compensation for reviewing campgrounds like this one. Middle Creek Campground is the perfect place to use as a base camp for all of the outdoor activities in the area. Getting here was a lot easier than expected. The campground is only 6 miles off the I-81 Arcadia exit. We were quickly in the Jefferson National Forest where the road winds through the forest along Jennings Creek. It was absolutely gorgeous. Around every turn we saw fishermen wading into the water or sitting on the banks.

    Check-in is at the fully stocked camp store where you'll likely be greeted by the two resident dogs. They mostly lazed around all weekend and watched people coming and going. The RV sites are directly across from the camp store, but the tent sites were tucked back into the woods. The upper tent campground was closed for renovations during our stay, so we chose from the 8 or 9 sites located in the lower tent campground. All of the sites were roomy and featured a small fire pit, picnic table, water, and electricity. Several of them even had a pull-through site and would work well for a small pop-up. Bonus: most of the lower tent sites have direct access to the creek! There were only four other tent sites occupied the whole weekend. It was very quiet and peaceful.

    We chose site #76 because the creek wound around the back of the campsite and had a gentle slope leading down to the creek. We knew our dogs would love splashing around in it! Once we got everything set up I realized that the site was bigger than I'd originally thought. There was more than enough room to set up our Kingdom 4 tent, 10' canopy, and camp kitchen to glamp in style. We brought a 15' lead for the 2yo beagle so he could go down to the creek on his own or hang out with us. Even at the end of his lead he was nowhere close to the road. Check out the video below for a 360' view!

    The bathhouse was at the back of the camp store. Like the rest of the campground, the facilities aren't fancy, but they are functional and clean. Both men's and women's featured two showers where the water was nice and hot! There are even washers and dryers around the corner.

    Firewood is available for purchase onsite. We paid $7 for a bundle at the camp store, and it was delivered to our site just a few minutes later. The bundle was huge! We had more than enough wood for two cooking fires.

    Because our visit was so early in the year, we weren't able to access most of the amenities. There is a good-sized pool and pavilion on a hill behind the camp store. Right beside that is the swimming pond with two large slides in the middle, plus a small beach. There is another lake at the front of the campground designated for fishing. There are no trails in this campground, so if you want to hike, you'll need to drive about a mile out to where the Appalachian Trail meets Jennings Creek. Or, drive to one of many trail heads within the National Forest. There are also plenty of pull-off spots along the road if you want to wade into the creek.

    During our stay, we observed the staff cleaning, fixing, and getting ready for camping season. The bathrooms got a fresh coat of paint. The roads through the campground were recently groomed with new crushed gravel. All of the picnic tables and sidewalks were being power washed. The game room was also being renovated! Downside: we didn't have water at our site the first day. About half-way through the second day one of the workers came around to let us know they were turning it on and to let it run for a bit since it had been off all winter. That made it much easier to wash dishes in a bucket at camp. There isn't a wash station in the campground for doing dishes, so we had to improvise the first night. The biggest turn-off for us at the campground was the RV section right across from the camp store. It seemed like the sites were really packed in there, one on top of the other. I've never been RV-ing before, so I'm not sure if this setup is typical, but I wanted to point it out.

    All of the staff that we came into contact with were super friendly and helpful. We were immediately made to feel welcome. It felt like spending the weekend with friends and neighbors instead of strangers.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - today I am testing Nature's Coffee Kettle with Colombian Arabica Coffee. I am completely unable to start my day without coffee even when I'm sleeping in the woods. Nature's Coffee Kettle is a packable system that provides you with delicious, pour-over coffee in the backwoods. The "kettle" is a specially designed pouch with two sections. The top section holds the pre-filled coffee filter in place while you slowly pour hot water over the grounds. It features a zip-top so you can close it up while you're waiting for the magic to happen.The bottom section is the reservoir that holds all of that coffee goodness. Coffee refills are also available separately. The entire system packs flat for storage in a camp tote or in your backpack.

    The directions on the back of the bag are super clear and even contain pictures. The key to making the perfect brew with Nature's Coffee Kettle is time. Don't rush it. This is not instant coffee. It is the real deal and will be worth every minute. Slowly pour 1 cup of hot water over the filter, zip up the top and let it sit for a minute or two so the grounds can soak up all of that water. This is the most important step. Then, unzip the top, and keep slowly adding the rest of the water. How much water? I used my coffee mugs to measure out the right amount of water into the kettle before boiling. After you've poured all the water into the bag zip it up again and let it sit. Then, just twist off the cap and pour!

    The pouch is reusable, so don't toss it out. Dispose of the filter and rinse out the pouch. It will be ready to go the next time you need some caffeine. Nature's Coffee Kettle comes in a variety of coffee flavors as well as orange pekoe black tea, apple cider, and hot chocolate.

  • Gary G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park Campground
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Outstanding State Park!

    Douthat (Doubt-that) State Park is a campers dream!  Level sites with or with out hook ups, well spaced apart, fairly private, and in the middle of a pretty good forest!

    Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails.

    It is off the beaten path so it appears to be less visited than other Virginia State Parks.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thunder Bridge
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Thunder Bridge

    Idyllic forest campground

    Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp. Now it is home to many quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and even some fully furnished rental cabins.

    The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes  several artists' studios.  At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading. 

    The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.

    This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!

  • Cathy L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park Campground
    Jul. 4, 2018

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Quiet, large sites, plenty to do for all ages

    A favorite of our for years! All types of sites and hookups plus cabins. Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore. Security is good but not overwhelming. Virginia is for lovers and camping lovers!

  • Olivia D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park Campground
    Jul. 21, 2021

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Absolutely gorgeous !

    This is our favorite campsite and park that we’ve been to in the state of Virginia! We have so many more to explore but Douthat state park is huge the lake is so much fun, and the trails go for miles! We just started camping and hiking and can’t wait to explore more of the country!!

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
    Jul. 3, 2019

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Love love love this KOA

    My husband and I love this campground. The owners are kind and gracious. Always fun activities year round (they are open year round). Nice little store, gas station at the entrance. Very clean bathroom as and showers. We love our spot “99”! So much to do here in Natural Bridge and Lexington. Go to Pink Cadillac Diner - 4347 S. Lee Highway Natural Bridge VA 24578 United States and Laynes Country Store! Ride through the Virginia Safari! See the Natural Bridge and hear about when George Washington was a young man exploring this are.

  • Chris E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Resort
    May. 20, 2020

    Montebello Resort

    Simply Wonderful

    This is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets for Cabins, RV or Tent camping.

    The location is awesome; close to some great hiking spots, very accessible & well laid out.

    The kids are guaranteed to catch something in the fishing hole & the camp store has EVERYTHING!!

    Love this place! It is a great spot to go tent camping.

    Call and speak with the staff about the best dates to go. They helped is pick a day when there were NO other people there.

    Such a great spot.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
    Aug. 21, 2018

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Needs Improvement

    Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge. The nearby town of Lexington has many historic buildings, and the town seems very dog-friendly. The campground is kept very clean, and the staff is very helpful. However, the sites are small and not leveled well. Although my camper is only 15’ long, I ran out of shims trying to level my rig. I watched a fifth wheeler spend two hours trying to position his rig so that it could be leveled. The store is friendly, but doesn’t stock much variety. Given the beauty of the area, I would go back, but I would insist on seeing the site before trying to set up. There is a wonderful country store (Lynne’s) close buy with great produce and meats. Be sure to check out the famous Red Hen Restaurant in Lexington.

  • Andrea N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park Campground
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Holliday Lake State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Mountain House Turkey Dinner at Holliday Lake State Park

    Campground Review

    Holliday Lake State Park is located in the middle of the Buckingham State Forest, so it is completely surrounded by protected forest. It definitely feels like being in the middle of nowhere. There are several ways to get there, including some back roads. We took the back roads in and took the main road out. There is very limited reception in the park for radio and cell. We were able to check with the ranger to get updates on weather. A severe storm came through on the second night and the camp hosts drove through the campground to let everyone know it was on the way.

    The rangers here are awesome! Very helpful and knowledgeable. They even came around passing out flyers Friday night for the activities that weekend. Some of the activities included spear throwing, how to start different types of fires, nocturnal animals sounds, and watching fish at night. On Saturday nights they turn on a few lights underneath the water so you can see the fish swimming around,

    The ranger contact station houses a very small camp store with just the essentials. Don't count on them having exactly what you need because it is a very small selection. They do have ice and firewood for sale on-site. If you really need something there is a Wal-Mart about 15 minutes away in Appomattox.

    The park is known for its lake and great fishing. I fished for crappie, but it was too hot on the shore and dogs aren't allowed in rental boats. While I was shore fishing several people rented the park's fishing boats with outboard motors. There's even a panfish boat trail on one end of the lake.

    There weren't any lifeguards on duty during our stay, but the beach was still open. Plenty of families were in the water. The sign says swim at your own risk. There are "creatures" in the water for kids to climb on and jump off. The local fire-rescue crew was making use of the lake and floating dock for their water rescue training.

    My favorite thing to do at a new park is go hiking. There are only about 10 miles of trails within the park, but there are miles and miles of trails within the surrounding forest. You can pick up the Carter Taylor Connector Trail near the campgrounds, which leads to the Carter Taylor Multi-use trail in Buckingham State Forest. The park map shows a good mixture of easy, moderate, and difficult trails. However, I never found one that I would consider easy. It is VERY hilly, so even the easiest trails have some climbs. There is even a 6.2 mile trail that circles the lake. It's great hiking, but get ready for a workout. Even my 2 yo beagle was worn out by the end.

    Our campsite was fully shaded and included water/electricity hookups. Site R4 had a newer water connection with two spouts, one for the camper hookup, and one standard spout. We used the regular spout to fill up water bowls for our dogs all weekend. Nearly every site had a dog in it. They were really well-behaved. Lots of families camped and used multiple sites across the road from each other. The park was completely packed, but we still had a decent amount of privacy. There are trees in-between each of the camp sites so you aren't staring at your neighbors. We were able to hang up two hammocks right beside the tent pad.

    The tent pads are some of the most generously sized I've seen in a state park. They were mostly level and topped with crushed gravel. Each site had a large picnic table, fire ring, bear pole, and room for a car. The paved area for parking and campers weren't as level, and most people got creative with leveling out the campers.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. During this trip I was testing out a new meal from Mountain House. We got to try the Turkey Dinner which is a freeze-dried meal in a pouch. This is the number one brand I use when backpacking, so I was really excited to try out a new selection. The pouch included two servings of 240 calories each. I used my Pocket Rocket to boil water, then poured the boiling water into the pouch, gave it a stir, and sealed it up. I always make sure the pouch is completely sealed, then lay it on its side. In my experience, this helps all of the freeze-dried goodness to soak up the water better. After five minutes, I opened up the bag, gave it another stir, and sealed it back up. My wife was just coming back from her shower and was so excited that dinner was already ready. It was super fast! She ate her half of dinner off of a camp plate, and I had my half out of the pouch. When backpacking I eat the entire pouch (calories are good!!), but for car camping it was the perfect amount to split.

    The turkey dinner was absolutely delicious! There were full chunks of turkey in there. The stuffing was filling. I couldn't really see the veggies since they were chopped up, but the flavor was perfect! My favorite part of the meal was discovering the quote on the bottom of the pouch when I laid it on its side.

  • Sam M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Resort
    Dec. 9, 2019

    Montebello Resort

    Nice little place in a great area

    This was a nice little campground, and my friends and I had a great time here. Originally I picked this place because most of the other campgrounds in the area were already booked up. We went in the middle of October when the leaves were changing in Virginia. It was a good place to stay overall. We stayed in one of the "primitive" campsites with no water or electric hook ups. For these you park at a small parking lot and walk a few hundred feet or so to the campsites.  The sites in this area were pretty close together, some closer than others. We stayed at site 7, which was a little closer to some other campers than I would have liked. It was flat and grassy and the woods were very nice though.  There were also some rv sites in the campground, which also seemed a little close together. 

    I wold say the best thing about this place is how close it is to stuff. Crab tree falls and spy rock are both really nice hikes right in the area.  Bold rock hard cidery is about 40 minutes from the campground. All around a really awesome area with plenty to do.  I would recommend it.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
    Sep. 13, 2018

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    A bit expensive for no more than it was

    I selected this site. because it was near Natural Bridge and all that it has to offer. There were not a lot of options in the area so I bit the bullet and paid $30 for a site for the evening. While the facility was typical of a KOA I was not entirely impressed by the overall price to amenity ratio, especially after seeing other campgrounds in Virginia along this trip and their price being so vastly different.

    Let me just give a full disclosure on this…. There are tent sites which cost less here, BUT there are only 5 of them in the entire campground so if you end up there on a weekend don't count on them being open at all. I even checked just for a reference of how booked they are and even checking some 2 weeks in advance on a random week day the same results appeared, NO BOOKINGS.

    During summertime I can see how this place would attract a lot of people with the pool and various options, but in my opinion that does not offset the price point. And RV sites, which are more costly looked hard to get into with larger units.

    My site was even and pretty basic despite having electricity. It was just across from the deluxe cabins and close to the restroom which I liked. Everything seemed well lit at night.

    This campground being my hub only I did enjoy that it was very close to the town of Lexington itself as well as Natural Bridge, which is a pretty cool site with a lot of interesting history as well.

    TIPS:

    • If you want a primitive site book well in advance. These are apparently quite a difficult ticket to score at this camp.
    • Call ahead about RV lengths to make sure you are booking the correct site for your size. I noticed more than a few people struggling with their units and some of this could have been avoided with proper booking.
    • Check into local sites!! There is a zoo and dinosaur area as well as the Natural Bridge, hiking and a historic downtown.
  • Anna R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Older campground

    This campground is older and not as well maintained as some of the other campgrounds on the parkway. The rv and tent pads are older cement and not as level. There are no showers but there are comfort stations. The creek is more like a stream so it becomes quite desolate once you get back in there .but good if you are looking to avoid a crowd.

  • Catherine S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Jul. 22, 2018

    Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Family friendly and close to a lot of great hiking!

    This site is close to the AT and blue ridge parkway and about an hour from Shenandoah Nat’l Park. Clean bathroom, spacious sites, very pretty creek. The sites are pretty open without much privacy.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Aug. 26, 2018

    Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Perfect overnight stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway

    My wife and I stayed here for one night driving along The Blue Ridge Parkway. The creek ran right through our spacious and secluded site. It was quiet and serene- just what we were looking for before heading back to city life.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Good and Basic

    Beautiful and Basic. Tent pads looked like cement or sand in the photos but they are soft dirt based. Exceptional Park Service and Camp Guide. Water and toilets were available and clean. The Otter Creek Trail was challenging but definitely doable. Highly recommended for outdoor youth groups that want to unplug and get back to basics.

  • Aakansha J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    May. 26, 2020

    Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Cute little area!

    The campsites are slightly small and they’re fairly close together so there’s not much privacy, but they are very well maintained. It’s close to three different hikes, each a different grade and there’s a nice pond you can drive too.

  • Jesse S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Jul. 30, 2020

    Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Quiet campground

    Quiet campground along Blue Ridge PKWY, hardly anyone there in middle of summer. Slightly dirty bathrooms, not sanitary, but a lot of bugs, spiderwebs etc. Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance.

  • n
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Amazing late night stop

    We ended up getting in late but the place was very quite and clean. Perfect for our first night in the woods. Nearest cell signal is about ten miles up at the House Mountain Overlook. Rangers on site were super sweet.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Forest, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Forest, VA is Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find glamping camping near Forest, VA?

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