Seasonal RV camping near Glade Spring, Virginia takes place in the rolling highlands of southwest Virginia at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet. The area sits at the intersection of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountain ranges, creating temperature variations that can be 10-15°F cooler than surrounding lowlands during summer months. Winter camping requires preparation as several RV parks maintain limited amenities from November through March.
What to do
Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail: Access the 57-mile rail trail directly from several RV campgrounds Glade Spring, Virginia visitors frequent. At Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, campers report easy trail access: "New River Trail is one block from campground. You can ride bikes from your campsite to the trail. The trail is almost 57 miles in length and we rode 15 miles out and 15 back to campsite."
Float local waterways: Many area streams offer cooling summer recreation opportunities. At Peak Creek RV Campground, "Host was very accommodating and had inner tubes for floating in the stream."
Music and local culture: The region maintains strong musical heritage with nearby jam sessions. "Fries is a very small town. But, the town is on the 'Crooked River Music Trail' and music is an important part of their heritage. Thursday evenings, the community center hosts a jam session - check it out!!"
What campers like
Creek proximity: Many sites feature waterfront positioning. "Lovely, creekside spaces & a few up the hill with views. I'm under a weeping willow. Birds chirping, blue jays, cardinals, tiny bright yellow birds & a squirrel," notes a visitor at Laurel Creek RV Park.
Mountain temperatures: Higher elevations provide relief from summer heat. A Doughton Park camper explains: "Lots of greenery and getting into the highlands means cooler temps in the summer."
Trail convenience: Direct access to hiking and biking routes ranks highly among reviews. At Creeper Trail Campground, "access to Creeper trail right around the corner. The Virginia Creeper trail head is right around the corner from the entrance to the campground."
What you should know
Variable cell coverage: Service depends heavily on specific location within campsites. "Great WiFi the entire time; even for a couple of zoom calls! But all are gravel, level and meticulously raked and cleaned upon arrival!"
Limited amenities at some parks: Facilities vary widely between locations. "There is a single washer and dryer available onsite. Great wifi and cable hookups," notes a camper at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park.
Winter operations: While many RV parks near Glade Spring operate year-round, services may be reduced. At Doughton Park Campground, "we were told by a ranger we talked with earlier in the day that this campground might be closed for the season but the gates were open, so we checked it out and saw a sign saying that it would close for the season on November 4."
Mountainous driving: Access requires careful navigation. "The roads to this amazing area are two lane and twisting," with "Government shut down for a time" affecting some park access.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some renovated campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At River Country Campground, "New playground for the kids! Remodeled bath houses make it the nicest campground on the river."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bear activity occurs seasonally. "This was the only place we saw bears but not in our campsite just wandering in another loop. We stayed in loop b and found a perfectly shaded site."
Food access planning: Many smaller towns have limited grocery options. "Supplies slim in Fries area. CVS/Dollar General," notes one camper, while another mentions "There is a little ice cream shop and a diner close by."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Prepare with blocks for variable pad conditions. At Lakeview RV Resort, "Campground sites are a bit close together but it is well maintained and has friendly staff. Wifi works well. Nice dog park."
Water pressure variations: Some campgrounds experience pressure fluctuations. "Being at the end of the water line for the park, our pressure wasn't great so we used our fresh water tank and water pump for showers and to wash dishes but the pressure was adequate for making coffee."
Payment methods: Not all parks accept credit cards. "One thing to note is that they don't accept credit cards," a visitor to Fries New RiverTrail RV Park observed.
Diesel availability: Plan fuel stops carefully. "If you need diesel, nearly every gas station is gas-only. There is a nice gas station and cafe close by in Whitetop Station that carries diesel and has really good food."
