Best Campgrounds near Glasgow, VA

The Glasgow, Virginia area contains campgrounds within both state and federal lands, with sites spread throughout the George Washington National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Campers can find everything from dispersed, primitive sites to developed RV parks with full hookups. Notable options include Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp within the national forest, offering tent and RV sites without electrical hookups, and Natural Bridge KOA, which provides cabin accommodations along with traditional camping areas. Several private campgrounds in the region cater to families, including Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park with glamping options and extensive recreational amenities.

Camping seasons vary significantly across the region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. The Cave Mountain Lake campground typically opens April 1st and closes October 31st, while others like North Creek Campground remain open year-round. Roads leading to dispersed camping areas in George Washington National Forest may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. "This KOA was a very nice surprise given that it was right off the highway. We only were there for 1 night and we didn't hear any highway noise," noted one camper about Natural Bridge KOA. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the region, with strong signals near highways but limited coverage in remote camping areas and valleys.

Family-friendly campgrounds dominate the landscape around Glasgow, with multiple reviewers highlighting activities for children. The Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park receives particular attention for its extensive recreational facilities. One visitor reported, "From tubing on the James River to participating in a dance party, there is a lot going on at the Yogi." Campers seeking quieter experiences can find more secluded sites within the George Washington National Forest, where primitive camping is available without the organized activities of commercial campgrounds. Sites near water, particularly along the James River, tend to be most popular during summer months. Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities in stocked ponds or nearby streams, with reviewers mentioning success catching fish even during brief weekend stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Glasgow, Virginia (113)

    1. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "

    "Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."

    2. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $20 - $40 / night

    "These sites are slightly more rugged, and best for smaller tents; site 35 however is both large, flat, and private, and is next to the trailhead to one of the campground's hiking trails."

    "Site was spacious and pleasantly situated for our 17' travel trailer. Clean bathrooms and shower."

    3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    16 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2727

    $39 - $241 / night

    "Right next to the James River for all of your fishing needs. Have a pool, splash pad, pond/lake with a slide, beach, inflatable obstacle course, have an arcade room, and 2 additional water slides."

    "Lots of stuff for kids, very close to river for tubing, reservation system in place because of Covid prevention guideline for swimming which worked out really well for kids... not many activities due to"

    4. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    5 miles
    Website

    "There are multiple spots along the road - some are drive in and some require you to park and walk in. Definitely get there early to get a prime spot."

    "There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise."

    5. Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "We stopped here overnight on a trip from Chicago to Virginia Beach. We had reserved a pull through but were just short in length and had to disconnect the tow vehicle for the night."

    "There was plenty for kids to do playground, pool, jump pillow, fishing pond and hiking trails. The tent site was amazing right by the pond. The fire pit has a grate for cooking."

    6. Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5125

    $30 / night

    "Great all around virginia campsite"

    "Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance."

    7. Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    23 Reviews
    Thaxton, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 586-7321

    $30 / night

    "Picked for price Quiet

    Enjoyed Blueridge parkway

    NIce retreat in SW Virginia"

    "It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill."

    8. Natural Bridge KOA

    8 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-8514

    "This KOA was a very nice surprise given that it was right off the highway. We only were there for 1 night and we didn't hear any highway noise."

    "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."

    9. Oronoco Campground

    15 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."

    "Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."

    10. North Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    10 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature."

    "The gravel road going around the tent loop was really loud, and there was a cabin behind our site that had a lot of activity and noise for awhile, but all was quiet after 10p."

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Recent Reviews near Glasgow, VA

742 Reviews of 113 Glasgow Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    The best so far

    Best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits. Highly recommend.

  • Bradley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Glen Maury Park

    Beautiful place with all the amenities

    Overnight stay off I-81. Easy in and out. VERY well kept and super friendly staff. I highly recommend. Larger rigs need to stay in the lower campground and there are no sewer connections, but the dump station is all good.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Great cabins, very close together…

    First, the cabins are super cool. Found out that you can actually order them on Amazon, which is really ingenious.

    The only problem we ran into, is that the campground was packed and all of the sites are very very close together. Neighbors were not at all respectful of other people‘s space and kids were wandering around everywhere.

    Our last evening there, we have new neighbors that came in across the way who blew up an inflatable screen and streamed the football game. Just not what we were looking for for a getaway vacation..

  • S
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Beautiful and secluded

    Mostly seasonal campers, but an idyllic environment. I am parked alongside a babbling brook. Poor cell reception, no tv. A forced off the grid experience.

  • TangoRomeo 8.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sherwood Lake WV

    Lake Sherwood Dispersed Camping

    Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Paradise Lake Family Campground

    Not more than one night

    This is an older campground and shows its age…and wear. There are several semi-permanent residents here. Some facilities need repair and/or maintenance. Water in the shower was hot, but the showers were small, and there was no place for d as iso, shaving things, shampoo, ets. And no place to sit to. There is a pool and a lake with a swim beach. Kayak rental. Playground, laundry, showers/ bathrooms are passable. Internet is very slow.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    WALNUT

    first arrived weary of storm headed our way only to find out our campsite was the only in our section that wasn’t a flood zone.

    saw some liquid being pumped into naturally flowing creek water??! also if you want to see ducks… stay close to the pond.

    super honorable mention - lower bathhouses did not have warm water and had to hike up the hill to use, extremely nicer, bathhouse.

    POOL had a “tlc makeover” only to have a surmount of chemicals still not diluted by 5pm - MURKYYYYYYY

    also had a campsite that was placed between three trees - super tight but made it work.

    only stayed in passing - get what you get

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Quiet, clean campground!

    This campground was exceptionally clean and very quiet/peaceful. We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old. The staff is amazing and clearly love what they do. They were friendly from the start and they let us know they were available for help, etc. The site itself was an easy pull-through. It was clean and hookups were easy to figure out (first time RVers here; not new to camping though). I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away! We will definitely be back!

    I thought being at the end of the loop would be noisy due to traffic coming through, but it didn't bother us one but!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Great location at SML

    Really well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground. Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office.


Guide to Glasgow

Camping near Glasgow, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Loft Mountain Campground. One camper mentioned, "Easy access to the Blackrock Summit and Doyles River Falls trails!" This campground is perfect for those who love to hike.
  • Fishing: At Sherando Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing. A reviewer said, "There is a fishing area that you can drive to and park your car to fish."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "The swimming area is first rate and the warmest clean waters that will make you forget the ocean."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Misty Mountain Camp Resort. A review stated, "Great shower and laundry facilities as well."
  • Family-friendly activities: Many families enjoy the events at Misty Mountain Camp Resort. One parent shared, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
  • Spacious sites: Campers at Sherando Lake Campground love the spacious sites. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites are big and many with shade."

What you should know

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds, like Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, have poor cell reception. A camper noted, "There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop you can get service."
  • Seasonal access: Some campgrounds, such as Douthat State Park Campground, are only open from May to September. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.
  • Crowded weekends: Expect busy weekends, especially during holidays. One camper at Shenandoah Valley Campground said, "Weekends were packed, but much quieter during the week."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. At Misty Mountain Camp Resort, a parent said, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
  • Safety first: Ensure your campsite is safe for children. A reviewer at Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "The walk-out sites... they’re not as secluded as you’d hope."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Be mindful of noise levels. One camper at Canoe Landing Group Campsite complained about noisy neighbors, saying, "Our neighbors were noisy, obnoxious, and trashy into the wee hours of the morning."

Tips from RVers

  • Check hookups: Make sure to verify the location of electric and water hookups. A camper at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area noted, "The electric box is on the wrong side of the site."
  • Space for big rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. Misty Mountain Camp Resort is big rig friendly, as one reviewer mentioned, "Easy to access sites with large RV."
  • Dump station availability: Check for dump stations before you arrive. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground said, "There is a dump station onsite."

Camping near Glasgow, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Glasgow, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Glasgow, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 113 campgrounds and RV parks near Glasgow, VA and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Glasgow, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glasgow, VA is Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Glasgow, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Glasgow, VA.