Best Campgrounds near Hardy, VA
Camping options surround Hardy, Virginia with a blend of state park, national forest, and privately-operated facilities. Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers developed campsites for tents, RVs, and cabins with lakeside access, while Explore Park features cabins, yurts, and RV sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Several private campgrounds such as Sweetwater RV Park and Don's Cab-Inns provide additional options with varying amenities and settings. The region includes a mix of recreational opportunities, with most developed sites located within 30 miles of Hardy.
Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer, particularly at Smith Mountain Lake State Park where waterfront sites book quickly. Many private campgrounds like Sweetwater RV Park offer full hookups for RVs, while primitive sites can be found at Cave Mountain Lake in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. Electric hookups, showers, and potable water are common at developed sites, though availability varies by location. A camper wrote, "Smith Mountain Lake is my favorite place on earth. Each site contains all you need - a table, pole for light and fire pit. Bathhouse is open, clean, and showers are hot."
Several visitors highlighted the Blue Ridge Parkway access as a significant benefit when staying at Explore Park, which serves as a convenient base for exploring the greater Roanoke Valley. The bathhouse facilities receive consistently positive reviews at multiple campgrounds, particularly at Don's Cab-Inns where they're described as "immaculate" by recent visitors. Campers with children appreciate the recreational amenities at Smith Mountain Lake and Sweetwater RV Park, including swimming areas and playgrounds. According to one visitor, "Explore Park is growing by leaps and bounds with mountain bike trails, a cool vintage village, access to the Roanoke River, and an aerial obstacle course." Noise levels remain generally low at most campgrounds in the area, though sites closest to the parkway may experience some road noise during peak travel seasons.
