Camping sites near Rosedale, Virginia range in elevation from 1,800 to 3,500 feet above sea level in the Appalachian Mountains, creating varied temperature conditions throughout the year. Summer evening temperatures often drop 15-20 degrees below daytime highs, even when valley temperatures remain warm. Forest canopy at many sites provides natural shade that can lower ground temperatures by up to 10 degrees during summer months.
What to do
Paddle the lake: At Hungry Mother State Park, visitors can rent kayaks for $8 per hour. "If you only have 1 hour, power right out of the boat slip (past the beach) up and around the far part of the lake. Utter solitude among the hills," notes one camper who particularly enjoyed the kayaking options.
Hike mountain trails: The Mount Rogers Trail near Grindstone Recreation Area offers a 7-mile hiking route starting directly from the campground. A visitor mentioned, "There is a .6 mile trail nearby (Whispering Waters Trail) which is good for beginners & small kids. There is another trail, Mt. Rogers which is longer (7 miles) from the campsite."
Fish for trout: Local streams are regularly stocked with trout. At Rainbow Campground, the creek receives fish twice monthly. One angler reported, "An amazing Campground, and area! This is early March with decent water levels, The Roar of the creek at the base of the campground is very therapeutic. They stock the creek twice a month with trout, it was stocked 80 ft from my tent 2 days ago."
What campers like
Private tent platforms: The Royal Oak section at Hungry Mother State Park features wooden tent platforms built on hillsides. "The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole. The bathhouse was very clean and taken care of," wrote one camper who appreciated the platform design.
Cool forest immersion: Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground offers sites surrounded by thick rhododendron growth. As one camper described it, "Large secluded campsites surrounded by rhododendron bushes with a mountain spring creek meandering through the campgrounds. Probably one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever stayed at especially when the rhododendrons are in Bloom."
Water features: Many campsites position near streams or creeks. At Little Tumbling Creek, campers enjoy riverside sites. One visitor noted, "Camp next to a quiet bumbling creek with beautiful scenery," while another mentioned, "Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Hidden Valley WMA requires an access permit for camping. "Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables," explains one recent visitor.
Seasonal water levels: Water levels at some locations fluctuate seasonally, affecting recreational opportunities. A visitor to Breaks Interstate Park observed, "There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store. Was disappointed that the Visitor Center was only open on the weekend (and it was still prior to Labor Day)."
Limited cell service: Many camping areas have poor or no cell reception. A Grindstone Recreation Area camper reported, "If you want to escape it all, this campground is for you! There is no cell phone service." Similarly, at Little Tumbling Creek, a visitor noted, "Absolutely no verizon service at the site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Beartree Campground offers dedicated play areas for children. "We especially enjoyed the level campsites and the sturdy picnic tables. The kids really enjoyed the playground and walking near the lake," shared a family who visited with children.
Family activities: Riverside Campground schedules seasonal events for families. One visitor explained, "If you go on any holiday, there are usually holiday related activities for the whole family. October was great for costumes, trick or treating, fall activities and parties! Many sites were decorated."
Wildlife viewing: Children can observe deer and other wildlife from campsites. At Breaks Interstate Park, a camper noticed, "White tail deer are frequent, and very tame." Parents should note that some areas have reported snake sightings, with one Riverside Campground visitor cautioning, "The place is crawling with Venemous Copperheads. Do not recommend tent camping here."
Tips from RVers
Campsite leveling: Many mountain camping areas require leveling equipment. At Camp Burson in Hungry Mother State Park, one RVer advised, "The road in is steep, winding and has a very sharp turn. I made it with 38' RV with toad."
Site sizing: RV site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. A Camp Burson visitor noted, "Our site (#43) was on the end of a row with our patio facing a hillside next to a stream that made for a very pleasant rushing water sound."
Access roads: Mountain roads can present challenges for larger rigs. One camper at Hidden Valley WMA cautioned, "Only downside is that the road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it."
