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.
$35 / night
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.
$20 - $40 / night
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....
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.
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.
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.
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.
$30 / night
$39 - $241 / night
$28 - $55 / night
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!”
$20 - $85 / night
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.
$20 - $40 / night
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.
$38 - $55 / night
$30 - $80 / night
Guide
This place has tons of activities for kids and teens. This place has a family feel to it.
Scout
Staff were friendly campground was nice with shade pull throughs and fairly level.
Scout
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.
Traveler
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!
Traveler
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.)
ScoutSwimming 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.
Guide
We love staying right on the creek, the view and sound of it is the best. The ones down by the creek don’t have an electric or water but they’re so worth it. The bathroom is at the top of the hill so that’s kind of a pain but the the only downfall for us. Everyone has always been kind and friendly, our dogs love it here too!
Guide
I loved the seclusion. But you have to walk to the site
RangerLevel spots right on pond. Nice playground and pool. Friendly environment.
Traveler
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.
Guide
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.
GuideA 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
Scout
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).
Ranger
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.
TravelerThere are many seasonal campers but not many were at their campers. We had a quiet pull through on the top of the hill which was actually a buddy site with two hookups along the length. Great if camping with friends.
LegendGeneral: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak. White Oak has 31 sites and It was full when we were there on a Tuesday in mid-October.
Site Quality: All sites (except 17 and possibly 18) appeared level and were very generous in size with long driveways. Many trees separate the sites. A picnic table, lantern hook, and fire ring complete the site. Sites 22-29 are tucked further away from the others and the bathhouse.
Bathhouse: Clean and modern. Showers were available but I did not use them so I cannot comment on how well they worked.
Activities/Amenities: A dishwashing sink, fish cleaning area, and many hiking trails throughout the park, including one (to Blue Suck Falls) that has access directly from the campground. We hiked this but the waterfall was just a trickle when we were there!
We met friends here, so it was nice to have adjoining sites. Bear warnings were posted throughout the campground, but we didn’t see any!
GuideGreat 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.
ScoutLoved the campsite, very quiet and the bath house was very clean! The bathroom was stocked and did not smell. I recommend this campsite!
TravelerGreat 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.
Guide
Clean campground. Very relaxing surrounded by trees. The sites had great space. Dog friendly.
GuideThis 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!
GuideThis 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.
TravelerWe 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!
GuideOverall 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.
ScoutThe 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
GuideI 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.
RangerWe 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.
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.
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TheDyrt.com has all 13 glamping camping locations near Forest, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
