146 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground provides secluded, pet-friendly sites surrounded by rhododendron bushes. This established campground near Glade Spring allows pets at all sites with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire pits. Each campsite offers considerable privacy with thick tree growth creating natural separation between neighboring sites. The campground layout features multiple camping areas to choose from, including group camping options. Sites can accommodate multiple tents or larger RVs, though there are no electric hookups available. Most campsites are very shaded with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings, making them suitable for pet owners who appreciate a natural setting. Sites remain large and private throughout the camping loops.
The Virginia Creeper Trail and Appalachian Trail are within 5 miles of Beartree Campground, offering excellent dog-friendly hiking and cycling opportunities. Whitetop Laurel Creek provides fishing and kayaking options where pets can cool off. Washington & Jefferson National Forest also offers dispersed camping sites along Bear Creek where pets are welcome with proper supervision. These creek-side sites provide natural swimming holes for dogs to enjoy during warmer months. Damascus, approximately 12 miles away, serves as the nearest town with pet supplies and basic services. The forest setting requires careful wildlife awareness for pet owners, and leashed pets should be supervised at all times. Temperature variations in the mountains can affect pets, so appropriate shelter and water access are essential during overnight stays.
"The amenities cannot be missed - beach with bath house and snack bar, interpretive center with children’s activities, on-site restaurant with wonderful lake view, $8 kayak rentals, well-kept paddle boats"
"We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground was fantastic. All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Please respect the distance advice and don't feed them. We witnessed a lady attempting to pet the stallion of the herd, not respecting his signs to make her back off."
"I was car camping with my cat and found a great flat area to park at site #9. Hiking was very close by and the wild ponies were so cool! Camp hosts offered ice and firewood."
from $27 - $98 / night
Check Availability"Doesn’t get much more relaxing, electric, water hook-ups and a short drive to downtown Damascus VA.. AT, Virginia Creeper, White Top Mountain and Mount Rogers all near by."
"We like to hike and there are TONS of trails in this area. One trail leaves directly from the campground and will bring you to the top of Mt. Rogers, also intersecting with the Appalachian Trail."
from $24 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, this campground is close to enough activities to fill a whole week of outdoor fun!"
"Large secluded campsites surrounded by rhododendron bushes with a mountain spring creek meandering through the campgrounds."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"Amazing little campground in the heart of Mount Rogers recreational area in Western Virginia. Wonderful fall colors crisp, clean, mountain air was totally the best!"
"This camp ground is located well off any main roads under a nice quiet canopy of Hemlocks and Laurel trees. Easy walking distance to several well maintained and very clean outhouses."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek."
"Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night."
"This was our first visit to a Virginia State Park and we were impressed."
"Has multiple pull through sites, bath house and laundry close by. We were there during off season so some of the park was closed and they collected payment through honor system."
from $37 - $41 / night
Check Availability"30 minute drive to Grayson Highlands"
"They just reworked the rd so it was an easy drive in our class c rv"
"We were in Damascus for the Appalachian Trail Days Festival and needed an RV spot but didn’t think we could get one because we were so late in looking for one."
"Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town. It does have water and power and a picnic table. Being right on a little river is great too."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"Just across the Virginia state line, this national forest offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Beaver Dam Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant."
"Stayed in Campsite #1 Even though it is within view of the road, the running water sound of the creek behind us lulled us to sleep."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability
GuideThis place is amazing!! Dog park needs to be updated but the fact they had a dog park was amazing. There was live music, karaoke, candy scavenger hunts for kids, even a bowling ally! I recommend this 100%
ScoutCampground sites are a bit close together but it is well maintained and has friendly staff. Wifi works well. Nice dog park.
TravelerBy far the best KOA I have stayed at. This place is huge and some thing for everyone. Game and rec rooms, dog park, store well stocked playgrounds, sand boxes. No messing around. Staff very friendly.
TravelerNice, clean campground with friendly staff. Outdoor pool, mini golf, bowling alley and more to keep everyone busy. We stayed on Labor Day weekend so it was crowded and of course it was a bit noisy but would definitely recommend anyone to stay here and we would definitely go back. They also have two dog parks in the campground which is nice for your furry family! 😊
GuideI’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. Mindful of my budget I learned to ask for a tent site with no electricity, no water, just toilets and showers. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge. Just outside the cabin was a bonfire of old wood from construction debris. I was super stoked to get this deal. I spent lots of time stoking that fire and sitting outdoors watching the evening arrive. If you’re anywhere near the area do stop in and enjoy a quiet and lovely night. You can even pet the horses nearby.
ScoutBeautiful lake surrounded by gorgeous mountains, hiking, fishing and boating, amazing staff, very clean shower houses and laundry facility! Very family oriented and pet friendly!
LegendI was traveling in this area and was really excited to have found that there is a town called Austinville where Stephen F Austin, a founder of Texas, originated. While driving out to the monument in his honor I found this site and loved what I saw!
Highway access to this area is easy for all types of traveler. there are several stores in the area with just about anything you could need or want only moments away from camp and if you are there in late summer when I was, the sun rises are amazing!!!!
So what is the catch?? Well they don't accept tents!!! NOOOOOO!! I didn't find a single thing about that online when I checked their site following finding out this knowledge, however I did like this site enough to still give them a positive review because they were so nice, their facility was ample and their proximity itself.
In fact, they were so nice they gave me a tour of the campground even though I couldn't stay and gave me some great info about places around me which led me to another campground that served me perfect, a tent campground nearby.
This site has a very nice restroom with multiple sinks, a large laundry room perfect for a camper who is on the road for a while like myself. I noticed there was a very nice pool which is heated, allowing it to be open much longer than many campgrounds in the area. There is a large pet area and also playground and several hiking areas in the direct area which all looked nice.
Nearby are numerous state parks as a part of the New River Trail including the Shot Tower Historical Site which is a very short distance away. In addition, people often come here to watch the birds and deer, which are very relaxing.
Should I return with an RV I also inquired about the rates which are reasonable at $35 for standard hook ups and they do have weekly rates also. I did notice what appeared to be a few long term campers but their areas still looked kept and maintained.
TIPS:
TravelerWe visited in April. Beautiful days hiking nearby, cold nights. Pet friendly. Pretty clean bath house. Visitors center nearby. Sites were mostly level, with gravel, fire pit, picnic table. Some were classically wooded, shady and some in the bright sun. Cute small town nearby.
ScoutThere are 2 main campgrounds here for rvs and tents. Is it a nice safe place for families. Pets welcome. 30 and up a night with a good security faculty.
Jefferson National Forest offers diverse camping options within short driving distance of Glade Spring, Virginia. The area sits at elevations between 1,700-3,500 feet with dense hardwood forests and mountain streams. Overnight temperatures often drop 15-20 degrees lower than daytime highs, even during summer months, creating cool sleeping conditions in most forested campgrounds.
Hiking on Mount Rogers Trail: Access the 7-mile Mount Rogers Trail from Grindstone Recreation Area for more challenging terrain. "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. That one should be good for more seasoned hikers," notes Robert R. from Grindstone Recreation Area.
Creek swimming and fishing: Multiple campgrounds offer creek access for water activities. At Hurricane Campground, "This is a beautiful campground located alongside a stream with trout fishing. Site#2 in particular is susceptible to flash flooding, but if the forecast is for dry weather, it would be hard to beat this site," reports Jean C. from Hurricane Campground.
Kayaking and paddling: Several lakes and streams near Glade Spring accommodate paddlers of various skill levels. "The lake is beautiful and has boat rentals and a swimming beach! Great place to kayak!" mentions Denise from Hungry Mother State Park.
Natural site separation: Many campgrounds feature thick vegetation between sites. "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 Deb R. about Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground.
Tent platforms at select campgrounds: Some campgrounds offer elevated platforms for tent camping. "We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground was fantastic. All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff," shares Katrin M. from Royal Oak Campground.
Creek sounds for sleeping: Many sites feature running water nearby. At Backbone Rock Recreation Area, "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," reports Rebekah G. from Backbone Rock Recreation Area.
Limited cell service: Many camping areas have minimal or no connectivity. At Washington & Jefferson National Forest dispersed sites, "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," warns Shari G.
Road conditions vary significantly: Some campgrounds require travel on unpaved or steep roads. At Whitetop dispersed camping area, "The road to this site is WILD, but doable! I'll leave photos of the worst spots to help you decide whether or not you should drive up to the top. We drove our 2WD Ford Maverick up the rocky road and it handled it just fine," shares Emerald M.
Weather variations: Mountain elevations create significant temperature shifts. "It rained for 12 hours straight with cold, high winds...so it was a bit chilly, but still enjoyable," notes Dave V. about camping at Hungry Mother State Park during shoulder season.
Pet-friendly water activities: Several creek-side camping options welcome dogs. At Riverside Campground, "The river is perfect! It's not too deep so the kids can play in it. Fairly easily accessed from many areas at the campground," explains Heather K. from Riverside Campground.
Playgrounds and organized activities: Some campgrounds offer additional family amenities. "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!" adds Heather K. about Riverside Campground.
Look for sites away from roads: For families with children or pets, select sites with natural barriers from traffic. "Spots #1 & 2 are closest to the main road, spot #3 is really nice but is a double spot, spots #4-6 are the ones I will choose from when we return, spot #7 is directly across from the bathroom," advises Rebekah G. about Backbone Rock Recreation Area.
Full hookup options: Several campgrounds offer complete utility connections. At Camp Burson in Hungry Mother State Park, "The Burston Campground has the largest sites and offers some full hook-up sites and water and electric sites (50 amp) with pull thrus and back-ins. Sites are level and can fit big rigs but the only problem we had were that some of the trees need to be trimmed back and scratched the upper sides of our coach," cautions Nancy W.
RV size limitations: Many forest campgrounds have restrictions for larger vehicles. "You will need a hose adapter to hook-up your water hose. There is a dumpster and dump station. Plenty of hiking trails and a small lake nearby," notes Robert J. about Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground.
Water and dump access: Not all campgrounds provide full services. "We used a small ultra quiet generator and filled up our RV water tank from a faucet located at a bathhouse," explains Robert J. about managing at Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground despite limited hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Glade Spring, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Glade Spring, VA is Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Glade Spring, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 146 dog-friendly camping locations near Glade Spring, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
