Camping near Hollins, Virginia ranges from primitive shelters on the Appalachian Trail to developed state parks with full amenities. The region sits at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Roanoke Valley, creating diverse camping environments between 1,200 and 3,000 feet elevation. Winter temperatures at higher elevations can drop below freezing while summer highs typically reach 80-90°F with higher humidity in valley campgrounds.
What to do
Hike the Dragon's Tooth trail: Located about 20 minutes from Hollins, this challenging trail leads to a distinctive rock formation. "This is a huge campground it has 137 sites that is right in between two mountains... Lots of hiking trails, but make sure you look at the map because we unfortunately did not look at it well enough and thought that the trail was a loop when it led to the opposite side of the mountain and we had to hitch hike back to the campsite," reports one camper at Peaks Of Otter Campground.
Visit nearby caverns: Dixie Caverns offers underground tours near camping facilities. "You are in budget country. Great price and affordable attraction that will not disappoint. Right off the interstate so easy access. Small spaces but everyone was very friendly," notes a visitor at Dixie Caverns Campground.
Explore mountain biking trails: Multiple trail systems are accessible from Explore Park. "It has mountain bike trails, a cool vintage village, access to the Roanoke River, an aerial obstacle course, and more cool stuff," shares a reviewer who stayed at Don's Cab-Inns Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer good spacing despite being developed. "Tent sites are large and a good distance apart. RV sites are good and have decent privacy. Power and water are reliable. There is one dumping station," reports a camper at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Proximity to water: Multiple camping areas offer lake or river access. "I actually stayed in an Airbnb along Smith mountain lake, but can imagine camping would be beautiful. Lake was super calm, clear and not too cold. We went out kayaking and swam out in the open," notes a reviewer about the Smith Mountain Lake area.
Star viewing opportunities: Clear skies away from city lights provide excellent star gazing. "Boy are there some amazing stars out here," reports a simple but enthusiastic review from Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
What you should know
Highway noise affects some sites: Some campgrounds near Hollins are located close to major roads. "The fact is, you are surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the actual Dixie Cavern is at the base of a mountain, so all the road traffic is above the campground and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7. Trust me when I say, semi-truck noise is loud during the twilight hours when the din of the day has disappeared," warns a camper from Dixie Caverns.
Limited water sources on trails: Some primitive camping areas require planning for water. "You do have to bring your own bed linens or a sleeping bag with you. The brand new bathhouse includes private bathrooms with showers, and there is a small store on site for buying ice, firewood, and necessities like bug spray or soap," explains a visitor to Don's Cab-Inns.
Seasonal campground closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," notes a camper about Explore Park, highlighting its year-round accessibility.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational opportunities: Some parks offer programs specifically for children. "All new facilities and only $25 a night. Electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby...and education classes for children. Mountain biking. Quiet location," shares a visitor to Explore Park.
Consider cabin options for easier family stays: Several campgrounds offer cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping. "These cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway. The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling," explains a visitor to Don's Cab-Inns.
Find campgrounds with swimming access: Water activities can keep children entertained. "During the day, the state park offers trails and a beach area to swim, kayak or canoe," notes a camper from Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling before setup: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain have uneven sites. "FHU. Sites not level. Very narrow sites. Some full time residents' rigs give the Breaking Bad class C a run for their money, if they run. Only campground close to Roanoke Va. Moldy rv's, broken picnic tables, and rutted roads. The staff is nice," warns a brutally honest reviewer at Dixie Caverns.
Prepare for tight spacing at some locations: RV sites can be close together at certain campgrounds. "We had a pull-thru site that was pretty much level but was very close to the other campers. This campground seems to have a lot of permanent residents. Overall, this campground is good for one or two nights but not for long periods of stays," explains a visitor to Dixie Caverns.
Look for pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access sites. "We stayed in site #7, in the trailer loop. 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," describes a camper from Peaks of Otter.
