Top Glamping near Forest, VA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Forest, VA? Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Best Glamping Sites Near Forest, VA (12)

    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    1. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    29 Reviews
    111 Photos
    144 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Lake State Park

    2. Smith Mountain Lake State Park

    24 Reviews
    53 Photos
    318 Saves

    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 from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
    Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    3. Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    14 Reviews
    28 Photos
    140 Saves

    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.

    Facilities

    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 from Crabtree Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crabtree Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crabtree Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crabtree Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crabtree Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crabtree Falls Campground

    4. Crabtree Falls Campground

    20 Reviews
    51 Photos
    527 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $28 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Creek Campground

    5. Middle Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    38 Photos
    170 Saves

    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

    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA

    6. Natural Bridge KOA

    8 Reviews
    7 Photos
    24 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park

    7. Douthat State Park

    27 Reviews
    88 Photos
    218 Saves

    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

    Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park

    9. Holliday Lake State Park

    10 Reviews
    41 Photos
    84 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $30 - $80 / night

    • No image available

      10. Thunder Bridge

      1 Review
      1 Save
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents

      $35 - $95 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

    Recent Glamping Reviews In Forest

    175 Reviews of 12 Forest Campgrounds


    • Jeremy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park
      Sep. 22, 2024

      Douthat State Park

      A sprawling camping complex

      Douthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Each one had a campground host (volunteer) and wood for sale.

      White Oak Campground is larger, wooded, and has a significant elevation change between different sites. Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles.

      Beaver Dam Campground is relatively flat and similarly wooded while also providing equestrian facilities.

      Lakeside Campground is smaller but the front row sites provide great lake views. Unfortunately swimming is only allowed in the Beach area which is not directly connected to this campground.

      Whispering Pines is a few miles away along the entry road and has a different character. It’s a very flat and wide-open campground perfect for big RVs with much larger sites.

      The Lakeside Camp Store is nice and has a to-go counter for food. The facilities, overall, were well maintained and clean. Firewood is for sale for $6 per bundle.

    • E
      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!

    • Jen T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
      Aug. 16, 2024

      Holliday Lake State Park

      Nice but Gun Range During Summer

      Probably a great place to camp during the fall. During the summer they lease space to the 4-H club that teaches people to shoot black powder muskets for the civil war reenactments. From 8:30am until 3-5pm it sounds like a gun range. It’s not a shot here and there, its volleys of black powder guns (think cannons) being shot all at once. It echos off the water and is the opposite of peaceful. The ranger said it would only be for an hour a day, unless it was a competition day, well for the 5 days we were there it must have been competition. We ended up leaving the park during the day.

      The sites are good. Most need lots of leveling help (bring spare wood!). The newer part has a nice bathhouse. The older part had a really old bathhouse. (So old it’s hard to tell if it’s dirty or just old.)

      It’s not a bad place to visit. But combat veterans should avoid during the summer months.

      The sites are nice. The ones in the newer area (laurel ridge) are close to the nice bathhouse. Both bathhouses have WiFi. No cell service to speak of. (We have Verizon but most of these places have none.)

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park
      Nov. 6, 2023

      Douthat State Park

      Very Limited Swimming

      Swimming in this beautiful and very swimmable and safe lake is limited to a kiddie area - useless if you're looking for exercise.  Count on a ranger yelling if you go elsewhere despite the absence of "no-swimming" signs.  (Lots of signs about not feeding the wildlife).  Tennessee state parks, for example, allow swimming in huge lakes swamped with jet-skis and speed boats.  Lake Norris, Harrison Bay...  What's wrong with "swim at your own risk?"   No cellular signal which can be a plus.  Old fashioned pay phone available for the generation that knows how to operate those.

    • Dan D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort
      Jun. 1, 2023

      Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort

      Very Quite off the Grid Family Campground

      Very nice small campground I stayed in Site 42 E/W with a view of the Lake. It has one Bath House but it was a 9 out of 10 for cleanliness. No Cell service or Internet but that was what I was looking for.  Campground well maintained and fishing was nice that have a couple of Courtesy watercraft for the campers use.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Lake State Park
      May. 18, 2023

      Smith Mountain Lake State Park

      Won’t visit again

      The camp ground is in need of upkeep. Campsites fine. All have a fire ring. Beware with pull thru’s your water and electric will be on the “wrong side”- you’re door will be facing the road and picnic table, fire ring will be behind you. The trails are poorly if at all maintained and trail signage is not good. Dump station (just one) muddy and could use a larger concrete “curb” and some gravel. The host is a bit militant. Immediately came over after we arrived and told us to keep our dogs on a leash (they were already tied up. Beach area is nice. Has a fishing pier. It’s about a 2 mile walk on a trail to it or you can drive to it. We live in VA and camp at all the state parks. This state park in no way measures up to those.

    • G
      Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
      May. 15, 2023

      Holliday Lake State Park

      Nice Campround no cell sevice

      A very well kept campground. Bathhouses are very clean and sites are well maintained. Sites are paved and not too close. Sites in the older section (red bud) will require leveling. As indicated on park web site there is no cell service in the park. WiFi is available outside the contact station

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Middle Creek Campground
      May. 13, 2023

      Middle Creek Campground

      A great stay

      We camped at middle creek for two nights in mid may in our travel trailer. It was early season, mid- may, so there were few other campers around. We took a site up their gravel road away from the main campground area. We had a fabulous site tucked beside a little brook, very peaceful and quiet. But even if there had been more campers around, the sites are a bit more generous than your average private campground (we do not like the common ‘ parking lot’ type arrangements) I’d recommend those along the brook because you can face away from the road for a bit more privacy.

      The staff were super nice and very attentive…when we needed some firewood and none had been bundled, they said the ‘guys’ would bring us some after they returned from a chore, and sure enough, at 9 pm they delivered directly to our campsite (not to mention it was a very generous amount for ten dollars compared to our experience at state and national campgrounds).

      Overall a great place. We will definitely return again. We were driving the blue ridge parkway and it’s about 20 minutes away but on very pretty roads with hiking spots nearby (and even closer if you are on rt 81).

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA
      May. 4, 2023

      Natural Bridge KOA

      Small but friendly and well maintained!

      This is a very typical KOA and, with one exception, it provides the services one expects from a KOA. However, it is rather small and it has some sites that are not level but can be leveled with some effort by the camper.

      The office staff was very professional while still being country-friendly and helpful. Also, the KOA is just a few miles from Natural Bridge State Park. I found it to be worth the $9 admission fee.

      I had excellent cell service on Verizon. Although the KOA offers WiFi, I was never able to get a strong enough signal to connect to the internet even though I tried several times during the afternoon, early evening, and late at night.

      My biggest disappointment was that although the showers, sinks and toilets were very clean and well maintained, they did not meet my ADA expectations.

      I was there on Tuesday, May2, 2023.

    • Katie The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort
      Oct. 31, 2022

      Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort

      Great quiet campground.

      Great mix of full hook up, water and electric, and tent sites. A wooded campground with beautiful ponds, and a trout fishing pond. Big enough for small and medium size campers but not being surrounded by giant RV’s and fifth wheels. Just off the blue ridge parkway. GreAt access to all the hiking. Stayed here twice. The little country store is great.

    • PThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA
      Sep. 3, 2022

      Natural Bridge KOA

      Great Campground

      Great campground. Very quiet, clean and right off of 81. Great place to stop on a southern trip. Pool was clean and bath house was newer and very clean.

      Would stay here again.

    • John R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Douthat State Park
      Aug. 20, 2022

      Douthat State Park

      Amazing Park With Everything You Need!

      This park is in one of my favorite parts of VA. Very beautiful area with plenty of off grid seclusion! It’s a nice scenic drive getting to the park on a quiet and well maintained back road.

      The rangers at the park are very knowledgeable and kind and have no problem answering questions. There are many camping areas in the park, Some near creeks and on the lake as well. There are also cabins here! Plenty of picnic areas and great fishing as well!

      It’s $8 a day for a fishing pass and you can rent John boats or kayaks here as well, In season the lake and creek are stocked with plenty of Rainbow trout. You can keep them for dinner if you like! Just follow all DNR laws on size and amount!

      Some spots include clean bathrooms, hot showers, soda machines, fish fillet tables, Picnic tables, fire pits and so on.

      I highly recommend this park for your next getaway or along your way!

    • Q
      Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort
      Aug. 13, 2022

      Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort

      Great place!

      This place was certainly beautiful; our site was right on the pond; even though the electric and water hookups were a little funky. Overall a beautiful spot high in the mountains. Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it’s a bit of a drive. Also FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway.

    • Carey R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA
      Aug. 4, 2022

      Natural Bridge KOA

      Perfect for Visiting Natural Bridge with Kids

      We stayed in a Pull Through, Full Hookup site on the hillside. It was surprisingly very level. We just used this as a base for visiting Natural Bridge State Park, so it was only an overnighter. The bathrooms & private showers were amazing & clean. The laundry room looked just as nice, but we didn’t use it.
      We didn’t use the pool, but the kids enjoyed the Gameroom! Of everything we used there, the only thing to mention that was dirty was the game room. But I’ll take that, we were very impressed with the playground, dog park & they even had chickens & a petting farm upon entry.
      This KOA seriously restored my faith in KOA’s. I will renew our membership, (which is about to expire), based on this visit. There are great ones out there!

    • G
      Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park
      Aug. 4, 2022

      Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

      Clean well managed campground

      Overall campground is clean. Sites are gravel and fairly level. WiFi is good. Bathhouses are clean and adequate. Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train.

    • Susan M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Lake State Park
      Jul. 30, 2022

      Smith Mountain Lake State Park

      Great lake and facility, nasty staff

      The facilities are excellent! The lake beach area is particularly nice and staffed by lifeguards. However, the behavior of the camp host was shocking. We were packing up to leave when he knocked on our door at 1 o’clock sharp to let us know that we had to be out. He then proceeded to sit where he could watch us until we left 10 minutes late. Obviously I am not proud of running a little late, but there was no one coming in at the moment and I have never had an experience like that with any other campground, public or private

    • William P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Lake State Park
      Jul. 30, 2022

      Smith Mountain Lake State Park

      Favorite place on earth

      I have camped here for 15 years most in tents, each site contains all you need a table pole for light and fire pit. Bathhouse is open,clean showers are hot. They have classes for the children at the nature center. This park is all hands on, the staff ride around checking on folks and answering questions. Swimming area is first rate and the warmest clean waters that will make you forget the ocean.

    • Stephanie H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA
      Jun. 25, 2022

      Natural Bridge KOA

      Deluxe area

      We had a deluxe patio area. Which was on nice level concrete. Was not too close to the pool but there were rest rooms nearby. We only stayed one night but was a nice area. The kids likes the petting zoo.

    • Anthony I.
      Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort
      May. 30, 2022

      Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort

      A nice location within the Blue Ridge

      We spent five days here over Memorial Day weekend, the campsite itself is nicely wooded, has a well-supplied store with very friendly staff, a stocked trout pond, and has a nice small lake. The trout pond is a nice touch you can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch, we enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay, and from what I saw, anybody with a hook can catch one. We watched them restock the pond in the morning before the holiday weekend. The other lake on the property is a nice place to walk, the campsite provides kayaks and paddle boats as well, at no charge. We had a site on the permitter, which was nice, as the interior sites are really on top of one another, we were just a few sites off the lake, but backing up to the woods certainly gave us a little more privacy. The sites are rather small and close to one another, and definitely showing signs of age from the washed-away, uneven gravel pads, to some other aging amenities. We noticed serval sites loaded with perhaps a dozen people, often blasting music (during the day and not during quiet hours, but still…) really living it up, not the fault of the campground, but it did seem a little unregulated and overrun with multiple vehicles in the roads etc. There is a central restroom facility, just the one, for the entire campground, and the men's room was 2 stalls and a urinal with 2 showers, it was cleaned daily, although not what I'd call spotless, and the woman's room apparently had some plumbing issues the weekend we were there. The location of the campground is remote with zero cell coverage or wifi, and other than the store on-site, there isn't much outside of a few hiking trails, within 30 minutes.  Roughly 45 minutes away are from some breweries and wineries. I think we would have enjoyed this campground a little more had it not been as busy, the older facility couldn't really keep up with the crowd.

    • Chris F.
      Camper-submitted photo from Crabtree Falls Campground
      Apr. 19, 2022

      Crabtree Falls Campground

      Great place for the price

      The good: We came for 2 nights during the week. Easy check-in, found our site (T3) and set up right on the water. Host was also keen to set us up as far apart (in our group of sites) from another family that came in the same day as to give us both maximum privacy and seclusion. Sites T1-T5 are a couple hundred yards down a fairly rocky path which was a booger to haul supplies up and down as you park and carry.

      Firewood was on honor system and very reasonably priced.

      The not great: Bathhouses left much to be desired and were, very truthfully, some of the worst I’ve seen. When you’re primitive camping with kids, a semi-clean bathhouse is important. Additionally, the entire property seemed like it was overdue for just a good cleaning up. Not trashy by any means, but a little attention to detail would go a long way.

      Nonetheless, for what we paid ($35/night) it was well worth it and I would return again any time. Host was very hospitable and welcoming and I’m glad we tried this place out.

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge KOA
      Jan. 2, 2022

      Natural Bridge KOA

      Easy access and friendly staff

      Great job building level sites in a hillside. Easy in and out. Clean facilities.

      Remote not much to do. We don't have a toad. Not an area to ride bikes.

      Great as a stop over.



    Guide to Forest

    Camping near Forest, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly spots to peaceful retreats, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Sherando Lake Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an island if you want to."
    • Fishing: At Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing from the pier. A camper shared, "The beach area is nice. Has a fishing pier."
    • Swimming: Enjoy the sandy beach at Douthat State Park Campground. One review noted, "Great camping, nice beach and swim area, lots of hiking and biking trails."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA. A visitor said, "Park is fantastic, best I’ve ever seen for cleanliness and friendly staff."
    • Family Activities: Many families enjoy the amenities at Misty Mountain Camp Resort. One reviewer mentioned, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
    • Scenic Views: The picturesque surroundings at Peaks Of Otter Campground are a hit. A camper remarked, "Caught the foliage here in October and it was amazing and not too crowded!"

    What you should know:

    • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, have poor cell reception. One camper noted, "There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop you can get service."
    • Noise Levels: Some areas can get loud, especially at Devil’s Backbone Camp. A visitor expressed frustration, saying, "The campground is basically a field with no trees. No amenities and it’s not worth the fee they’re charging."
    • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, like Sherando Lake Campground, are only open from April to October. Be sure to check the season before planning your trip.

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun amenities, like Misty Mountain Camp Resort, where kids can enjoy an inflatable jump pad. One parent said, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
    • Safety First: Choose sites that are away from busy roads. A family mentioned, "Our site was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road."
    • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise during the night. One camper at Canoe Landing Group Campsite noted, "Our neighbors were noisy, obnoxious, and trashy into the wee hours of the morning."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A visitor at Virginia Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground warned, "Beware with pull-thrus your water and electric will be on the 'wrong side.'"
    • Space Considerations: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. One RVer shared, "We were practically on top of our neighbors."
    • Dump Station Access: Make sure to check the dump station conditions. A camper at Douthat State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station (just one) was muddy and could use a larger concrete curb."

    Camping near Forest, Virginia, has its ups and downs, but with the right planning, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

    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 12 glamping camping locations near Forest, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.