RV camping near Salem, Virginia offers mountain access with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet throughout surrounding valleys and ridges. The region's camping season runs longest from April through October, though many Salem-area campgrounds operate year-round with reduced winter services. Weather can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations where temperatures average 5-10 degrees cooler than in town.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Chantilly Farm in Floyd features a newly installed 9-hole disc golf course that's free for campers. "They have free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!" notes one visitor to Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue.
River swimming: Alta Mons Campground offers access to multiple creeks and streams ideal for cooling off during summer months. According to a camper, the site has "mountain trails, Stiles Falls, peaceful, clean and cared for" surroundings, making it a refreshing alternative to crowded pools.
Local music events: Many campgrounds host concerts and festivals throughout the season. A visitor to Glen Maury Park shared: "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."
Blue Ridge Parkway exploration: Willville Motorcycle Camp provides immediate access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, just one mile away. "Only a couple of minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway," writes one motorcyclist, making it an ideal base for day trips along this scenic route.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. At Sweetwater RV Park, a camper reported: "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."
Sense of community: Many Salem-area campgrounds foster social interaction. "We were able to spend a couple of weeks enjoying the park... we really enjoyed our morning walks along the trails and lake. We spent one evening playing in the arcade room where I may currently hold the high score on one of the pinball machines," shared a visitor to Lake Ridge RV Resort.
Event spaces: Several campgrounds double as event venues. One camper at Chantilly Farm mentioned: "Went for a weekend vw campout (Buses at Chantilly) and had a blast. We all camped on the hill. There was a concert with an awesome stage, beer tent, and vendors."
Motorcycle-specific amenities: Specialized camping options exist near Salem. A motorcyclist reported about Willville Motorcycle Camp: "Great motorcycle campground. Clean facilities, friendly host. Good spread of water spigots and electrical outlets if you need to charge your equipment."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: While most rv campgrounds near Salem, Virginia operate year-round, amenities vary seasonally. A visitor to Explore Park noted it's "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities."
Mountain road challenges: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating steep terrain. A camper at Don's Cab-Inns described: "Campground is very new and bath facilities are immaculate. No shade at sites (hot July day)."
Varied terrain: Site levelness varies considerably throughout the region. At Lake Ridge RV Resort, a visitor advised that spots are "Plenty of space for RV's/campers" but mentioned that some areas have uneven terrain.
Insects and wildlife: Prepare for local fauna, especially during warm months. "Bring your bug spray, mosquitos here swarm you in apocalyptic proportion at nightfall," warned a camper at Alta Mons, who also mentioned a bear had been spotted the day they arrived.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access during weekdays: Family swimmers often find quieter pool times midweek. At Sweetwater RV Park, a parent mentioned: "The pool was great for my son and we had it to ourselves multiple days."
Playground options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Indian Heritage RV Park, visitors can access "There are ground hogs and crawdads. Near a main road, but still very quaint," providing natural discoveries for children.
Multiple bathroom facilities: Family-friendly campgrounds typically offer accessible bathrooms. A visitor to Don's Cab-Inns Campground highlighted that "These cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway... Bathrooms are clean and right across the way."
Pet policies: Family pet restrictions vary between campgrounds. One camper at Alta Mons noted the campground is "pet-friendly; just got to scoop the poop!" while others have stricter limitations.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: RV sites vary in electrical service arrangements. At Indian Heritage RV Park, a camper found that "The site we have was easy to back in. Everything works well. The WiFi is decent."
Site spacing concerns: Privacy between RV sites differs widely between campgrounds. A reviewer at Glen Maury Park observed: "The spots are very close to each other, there is a bath house available, camp sits on water front."
Extension cord needs: Some campgrounds require additional electrical cords. A visitor at Willville Motorcycle Camp advised: "Good spread of water spigots and electrical outlets... although electric isn't available at each spot (you can bring an extension cord if you need it for a CPAP or such)."
Leveling requirements: Many RV sites require adjustment for proper leveling. A visitor to Lake Ridge RV Resort noted sites are "Plenty of space for RV's/campers" but terrain may necessitate leveling blocks.
