Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp offers primitive camping options within 30 miles of Hardy, Virginia. The campground contains 41 campsites nestled in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest with tent sites situated along a small creek. Most sites don't have hookups, though drinking water is available throughout the camp. The campground operates seasonally from April 1 to October 31, providing opportunities for tent and RV camping plus access to hiking trails connecting to the Appalachian Trail.
What to do
Swimming in natural settings: Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp features a small lake where visitors swim during summer months. One camper noted, "The lake is very cold but fun. Sites are pretty private with half on a cute creek." Swimming areas without lifeguards require caution, especially with children.
Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway: Peaks of Otter Campground provides access to hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. A visitor shared, "Sharp top and flat top hikes. Both were beautiful, but slightly difficult so just be prepared. Also bring bug spray because the flies were terrible at the top." The campground connects to several day hikes within walking distance.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access with varying regulations. A visitor to Smith Mountain Lake State Park observed, "Perfect clean clear water to fish, swim." Some campgrounds require licenses while others maintain catch-and-release policies for on-site ponds.
What campers like
Star viewing: Rural camping locations near Hardy provide excellent night sky viewing opportunities. A camper at Smith Mountain Lake State Park commented simply, "boy are there some amazing stars out here." Limited light pollution creates optimal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Creek-side sites: Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp offers sites with creeks running directly through the camping area. A visitor explained, "A small creek going through made for a soothing and scenic view right from the campsite. There's a lake nearby that you can walk or drive to." These water features provide both aesthetic and recreational value.
Site spacing and privacy: Many campsites offer reasonable distance between neighbors. According to a Smith Mountain Lake State Park visitor, "Tent sites are large and a good distance apart. RV sites are good and have decent privacy. Power and water are reliable." Campgrounds vary in site density with more secluded options available at forest service locations.
What you should know
Year-round availability: Smith Mountain Campground remains open through winter while others close seasonally. A Peaks of Otter visitor noted, "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities." Off-season camping typically means fewer amenities and possibly limited staff presence.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to highways or parkways. A Peaks of Otter camper reported, "The Blue Ridge Parkway is currently closed just south of the Peaks of Otter area. Traffic is being detoured just behind the campground. This was the 4th of July weekend so may be unusual, but the traffic was all day and night." Sites farther from main roads offer quieter conditions.
Bathroom facilities vary: Campground bathhouse quality differs significantly between locations. One camper at Dixie Caverns observed, "Bathrooms at the campground are not great. They women's is better then the men's. Needs to coat of paint but they are decently clean." Check bathroom availability when booking primitive sites without hookups.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Middle Creek Campground offers multiple water features for children. A visitor shared, "They had a fishing pond, lake to swim in with fun inflatable slides and trampoline and a pool. We made use of all them during our stay." Water activities provide entertainment for children throughout hot summer days.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy observing local wildlife at campgrounds. At Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp, a camper recalled, "Some of us spent all day swimming, catching salamanders and tadpoles while some of us fished." Bring nets and containers for temporary observation of aquatic creatures.
Site selection for families: Choose sites with natural play features when traveling with children. A Cave Mountain visitor advised, "Site 36 is arguably the best site in the entire campground if you are comfortable carrying your gear a few dozen yards from the parking lot. This site has a high degree of privacy, especially from late spring to early fall when the trees have their leaves, it can accommodate 6+ person tents, and is right beside the creek which gives you a wonderful sound to fall asleep to. This one is especially great for kids!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. A visitor to Peaks of Otter noted, "The campsites are not level - and we had the best of the lot - very private (if others had been there) but only one side of the picnic table was accessible (bc of the slope). Worked for our setup with rooftop tent but would've been difficult for someone w a camper or tent."
RV hookup availability: Don's Cab-Inns Campground at Explore Park provides reliable utilities. A visitor commented, "Campground is very new and bath facilities are immaculate. No shade at sites (hot July day)." Most RV sites offer at least electric hookups, but full hookups are limited in the Hardy area.
Pull-through site access: For larger rigs, certain campgrounds offer better access. At Smith Mountain Campground, one RVer stated, "Sites were very clean and well taken care of. There are tons of campsites available but they are spaced out enough to still feel secluded." Always confirm site dimensions when booking for large motorhomes or trailers.
