The Virginia countryside surrounding Greenway offers varied topography with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between valley campsites and ridge locations. Seasonal considerations affect campground access, with mountain roads sometimes challenging during winter months and summer temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F in exposed camping areas.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Crabtree Falls Campground provides direct access to waterfall hikes within 1 mile of campsites. "The campground is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking trails (a plus!) but, definitely opt for a full hook-up site! Only open from May to October each year so be sure to check that out before just showing up," notes Bran P.
Music festivals and events: Glen Maury Park hosts regular cultural events throughout camping season. "There are many activities such as a bluegrass festival, fiddle festival, and jazz festival. This year they built large models of the twin towers and had a program about them on September 11th," shares Priscilla S.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds at Cozy Acres Campground RV Resort offer fishing options near campsites. "We've fished at the little catch and release pond successfully but didn't try out the catch and keep catfish pond," reports one camper, noting the different fishing areas available within walking distance of rv sites.
Brewery exploration: The camping area includes breweries with on-site camping. A visitor to Devils Backbone Camp recommends: "It is very quick drive to lots of hiking, including the Appalachian Trail. You are also a stone's throw away from a ton of other really great breweries and wineries. I highly recommend visiting Blue Mountain Brewery and Bold Rock cidery during your stay."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple campgrounds prioritize bathroom maintenance. At Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, campers appreciate the "Best bathhouse I've encountered with something like 7 unisex bathrooms each with their own shower."
Water features: Many campers mention creeks, ponds and swimming areas as highlights. At Crabtree Falls Campground, one reviewer noted, "The site backed up to a creek that created natural flowing water that we enjoyed wading through."
Kid-friendly amenities: Family-oriented rv sites near Greenway feature structured activities. "They had activities every day for the kids. As well as lots of unstructured activities. For example, they had a foosball table and a jumping pad," explains a visitor to Lynchburg KOA.
Pond-adjacent sites: Water proximity enhances the camping experience at several locations. "The tent sites were large and shaded. We were right by the fishing pond and it was a short walk to the playground, pool, jump pad, and very clean, private bathrooms," notes Shannon L. about Lynchburg KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Operating schedules vary widely between campgrounds. "Stayed here about a month ago and the A loop was in terrible shape as far as the roads go. That said, the C Loop (C62 is our site) is very nice and in good condition, in comparison," reports Gary S. about Thousand Trails Lynchburg.
Navigation challenges: Mountain road access requires planning at several campgrounds. For Devils Backbone Camp, a visitor cautions: "You are a quick walk to the brewery and café, where you can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is nice and dark at the campground, so great for star watching."
Tent site drainage: Rainy conditions affect tent camping differently across locations. At Lynchburg KOA, "It stormed our first night, and the raised gravel tent platforms prevented us from flooding."
Variable site quality: Even within the same campground, site conditions can differ significantly. "Stayed here 7 days enjoyed the stay this campground needs some tlc but we had everything for an enjoyable stay," notes one visitor to Thousand Trails Lynchburg.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Devils Backbone Camp provides brewery access and hiking trails suitable for families. "The bathhouse was clean and functional... A short walk through the tent area brought you to the large brewery area. This area includes a brewpub, large outdoor seating area with fire pits and an outdoor stage."
Playground access: Campgrounds with dedicated play areas provide better options for children. "They have a play area for the kids, swimming pool, several fishing ponds, bike trails and more. Bath house is very clean. The sites are a good size and laid out well," reports a visitor to Cozy Acres.
Organized activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged at certain campgrounds. "They had a 'color a sack' thing where the kids got a KOA canvas tote and access to fabric markers. They had a 'trick or treat'/'scavenger hunt' for the kids, which was basically they all had flashlights and had to find the candy in the grassy field," describes Michael L. about Lynchburg KOA.
Wildlife viewing: Nature observation opportunities appeal to children. At Staver Farm, a visitor noted: "Trail cams are showing an increase in wildlife this past month (May 2023) Black Bear, Deer, Coyotes, Bobcats, & Turkeys."
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: RV campers report unusual utility layouts at some campgrounds. At Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park, "Our site 112 had water, 50amp and cable. Dump station on premises," notes Mimi B.
Extension cord requirements: Power access varies by site position. At Devils Backbone Camp, "If you stay at a full hook up site and are parked in an odd number spot, you will need an extra long sewer hose to reach the connection. For example, we have a small travel trailer and we needed a 30 foot hose."
Water pressure variations: Position within campgrounds affects utilities. At Lynchburg KOA, a camper reported: "My water pressure was good but talking to other campers, the farther away you get from the front of the park the worse the water pressure gets."
Site selection for shade: Exposure varies significantly across rv sites near Greenway. At Walnut Hills, "The sites along the lower area near the lake were shaded mostly, some more than others, while the sites up the hill at the top and near the front entrance (pull through sites) were not shaded much."
