Camp sites near Glade Spring, Virginia sit within the scenic Appalachian range at elevations typically between 2,000-5,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and dropping to the low 60s at night, making camping comfortable even in mid-summer. Most forest service roads leading to dispersed sites remain unpaved with varying conditions that can deteriorate after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail: Located just minutes from Grindstone Recreation Area, this popular trail offers 34 miles of converted railroad trail. "Make this trip twice a year would add a third if time allowed. AT, Virginia Creeper, White Top Mountain and Mount Rogers all near by," notes one visitor who considers Grindstone among their favorite places.
Fish in mountain streams: Multiple camping areas offer direct access to stocked trout waters. At Hurricane Campground, you'll find "a beautiful campground located alongside a stream with trout fishing," according to one camper who visited in spring 2021.
Sunrise viewpoints: Whitetop Mountain provides exceptional vantage points for early risers. "I had my best views to in the field to the side of the road toward the picnic & homestead area," reports a camper who visited Grayson Highlands after a 25-year absence, noting how the higher elevation makes Mt. Rogers more accessible than from the valley.
What campers like
Forest privacy: The natural growth between sites at Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground creates secluded camping areas. "The sites were built in a forest of rhododendron and there is so much privacy compared to most other campgrounds. As a result, it seems quieter," explains one regular visitor who has camped there for over 25 years.
Wooden tent platforms: At Grayson Highlands State Park's Hickory Ridge Campground, many sites feature elevated platforms. "All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole," writes a camper who particularly appreciated this thoughtful design.
Mountain swimming holes: The creek access at Backbone Rock Recreation Area provides natural water features. "Beaver Dam Creek runs behind the campsite and is absolutely gorgeous with clear water, fish, and beautiful rhododendrons and trees that keep the area shaded," shared one visitor who camped with small children at site #5.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most national forest campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Beartree Campground only operates "April 15 to October 31," while Hurricane Campground faced opening delays in 2021 "because of difficulty getting a campground host."
Variable road conditions: Access to dispersed camping spots often requires preparation. When visiting Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites, one camper advised that a vehicle "larger than 20 feet as the potholed road and the tight turns to get up to the camp from the road would be tough. 4WD highly recommended, especially in mud season or winter."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically by location. At Grindstone Recreation Area, a reviewer noted there is "no cell phone service," making it ideal "if you want to escape it all." Similarly, another camper mentioned "There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high."
Tips for camping with families
Sites with play areas: Some campgrounds include designated recreation spaces. Hungry Mother State Park has "a nice area for a picnic with swings and other things for kids," which complemented their "clean" bathroom facilities according to a family that camped there in June 2018.
Creek play spots: Look for shallow water access at Camp Burson near creek-side sites. "The creek was right next to our site, and the boys enjoyed playing in it," shared a camper who appreciated that their site was "very large and well situated" though "not shaded or private."
Animal viewing opportunities: Beyond the popular ponies, wildlife sightings are common. "We saw several deer, some turkey but no bears," reported a visitor at Grayson Highlands, though they still advised awareness when moving around the campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: The positioning of utilities varies by campsite. At Camp Burson, one RVer noted their site "was level" and "water and electric were well-placed" at site #43, which was "on the end of a row with our patio facing a hillside next to a stream."
Tree clearance concerns: Some sites have overhanging branches that can damage tall vehicles. At Hungry Mother State Park's Burston Campground, a visitor mentioned "the only problem we had were that some of the trees need to be trimmed back and scratched the upper sides of our coach."
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer easier access sites. Laurel Creek RV Park in Damascus provides convenient camping "directly on the Creeper so that makes up for it! Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town."
