Best Campgrounds near Hot Springs, VA

Located within Virginia's Allegheny Mountains, Hot Springs features several established campgrounds along with primitive camping options. Douthat State Park Campground, about 25 miles southeast of Hot Springs, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurt accommodations amid wooded surroundings. Nearby campgrounds include Blowing Springs and Hidden Valley Recreation Area, which offer more rustic experiences. The Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, north of Hot Springs, provides free camping alternatives for those seeking minimal amenities.

Most camping facilities in the region operate seasonally, with many closing during winter months. Douthat State Park maintains sites from May through September while Hidden Valley remains open from March to early December. "For water, we walk across the street from the entrance, and back in the woods there's a pipe coming out of the rocks with super cold, fresh water. Takes some effort hauling your water containers, but so worth it," noted one Blowing Springs visitor. Weather conditions change rapidly in the mountainous terrain, with campers reporting sudden storms and surprisingly cold overnight temperatures even during summer months. Cell service is limited throughout the area, particularly at Hidden Valley where Verizon coverage is minimal.

Lakefront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region. McClintic Point Primitive Campground earns praise for its lake access and solitude, with one camper describing it as having "no neighbors" and being "beautiful" despite limited amenities. Douthat State Park's lake area stands out as a major attraction, featuring a beach, water playground, and boat rentals. Several visitors mentioned the park's extensive trail system for hiking and mountain biking as key highlights. Campers should note that some areas restrict swimming to designated zones only. The region's campgrounds maintain clean facilities, with multiple reviews mentioning well-kept restrooms, though amenities vary significantly between developed and primitive sites. Most camping areas welcome pets, though restrictions apply in certain locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Hot Springs, Virginia (137)

    1. Douthat State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Clifton Forge, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 862-8100

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails."

    "General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."

    2. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 279-4144

    $16 - $85 / night

    "I stayed on campground 1 on a lake side site with access to the lake, the views from my tent were breathtaking! The campground is clean, it has shower and flushable toilets."

    "This was our first camping trip to actually visit lake Moomaw in Warm Springs Virginia.  We had been close before but never made it to the lake itself."

    3. Morris Hill Campground

    10 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 279-4144

    $18 - $65 / night

    "Morris Hill campground is located in Alleghany County, Virginia, in the George Washington National Forest.  This campground does not have Water/Electric hookups... It is semi primitive."

    "This is a great camp located near lake Moomaw! Right off the road with easy access to the sites. First come first serve but this particular camp has a lot of sites!"

    4. Lake Sherwood

    7 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    10 miles
    Website

    $20 - $100 / night

    "The campground is butted up against Sherwood lake and a small mtn ridge range that divides West Virginia and Virginia. "

    "We spent Labor Day weekend 2021 enjoying Lake Sherwood when we stayed at the recreation area while visiting friends in nearby Clifton Forge, Virginia."

    5. Blowing Springs

    4 Reviews
    Warm Springs, VA
    6 miles
    Website

    "It is perfect for what we wanted... a primitive campground with large sites and access to the water (creek- for floating and baths, haha). Vault toilets, no lights, no sinks/showers."

    6. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Warm Springs, VA
    11 miles
    Website

    "Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220. There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley."

    "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."

    7. McClintic Point Primitive Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 839-2521

    "Beautiful morning, but seems to stay chillier than the surrounding area. It's in a valley and two sites back up to the lake. There is access to the lake for canoes/kayaks."

    8. Hidden Valley

    2 Reviews
    Warm Springs, VA
    7 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "It also has several hiking trails to enjoy along with a nice trout stream."

    9. Greenwood Point Campground

    1 Review
    Hot Springs, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 839-2521

    "Beautiful quiet lake, not heavily trafficked. Campsite is only accessible via water, so we packed our gear up on paddle boards to get there."

    10. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "

    "Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."

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Recent Reviews near Hot Springs, VA

676 Reviews of 137 Hot Springs Campgrounds


  • Bradley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Glen Maury Park

    Beautiful place with all the amenities

    Overnight stay off I-81. Easy in and out. VERY well kept and super friendly staff. I highly recommend. Larger rigs need to stay in the lower campground and there are no sewer connections, but the dump station is all good.

  • S
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Beautiful and secluded

    Mostly seasonal campers, but an idyllic environment. I am parked alongside a babbling brook. Poor cell reception, no tv. A forced off the grid experience.

  • TangoRomeo 8.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sherwood Lake WV

    Lake Sherwood Dispersed Camping

    Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest

  • Sonder B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    Clean, Remote, Pristine, off the beaten path = Mower Basin

    I chose for this trip to pay a visit to the Monongahela Nation Forest in West Virginia. I plan on dispersed camp in the Mower Basin for seven days. 

    The first three I would be solo and on that Friday my partner in crime would come to camp. I went to the primary camp site, and it was occupied. 

    I had four other camp sites chosen and continued to the other four. I found that other campers were on the other spots. I went to the last one and found it to be open. In setting up camp I found two piles of bear scat. 

    One pile was clearly fresher than the other, but still two piles! The attached photo is the last dispersed camp site. It was a little over a mile from the other site. I was dispersed camping in the Mower Basin. You can drive right up to your camp site, but don’t be fooled, this is primitive camping. 

    You need to bring everything with you and take it all out with you.

    Nearest Cell tower is here 38.688719,-79.979097

    Fuel &  small gocery store can be found here 38.710707,-79.979095

    Minor Automotive shop and tire repair here 38.713085,-79.979352

  • madison F.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    WALNUT

    first arrived weary of storm headed our way only to find out our campsite was the only in our section that wasn’t a flood zone.

    saw some liquid being pumped into naturally flowing creek water??! also if you want to see ducks… stay close to the pond.

    super honorable mention - lower bathhouses did not have warm water and had to hike up the hill to use, extremely nicer, bathhouse.

    POOL had a “tlc makeover” only to have a surmount of chemicals still not diluted by 5pm - MURKYYYYYYY

    also had a campsite that was placed between three trees - super tight but made it work.

    only stayed in passing - get what you get

  • Aaron S.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Stoney Creek Resort

    Lovely people, lovely place

    Overall a nice place to stay. We stayed one night. Hook ups were good, site was somewhat level. The staff are just lovely people, very friendly, helpful, and they go out of their way to do the next right thing.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    Helpful staff and nice amenities

    It has all the bells and whistles you’d hope for at a Jellystone. It sounds like staffing has been challenging but the fellow campers and wonderful staff that are here make it well worth staying. We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade. I’d stay again and would love to head down to the river for some tubing and fish in the stocked pond.

  • Kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Exceeded expectations

    I was impressed with this campground from the minute I entered it. We were greeted at the entrance and then sent to an escort you smartly showed us to our site by taking the same path at the RV should take; making wise returns and so on. The site was pristine and laid out very nicely. Honestly the whole place was really clean and lovely. This is my first KOA visit and I was thoroughly impressed

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Beautiful place, old campground

    On a Thursday night in July we were the only ones at the campground. Friendly host but 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. Lodge was nice and well-kept. Hike to top of peaks was strenuous and gorgeous at the top! Decent stop right off the BRP. Wildflowers were beautiful.


Guide to Hot Springs

Dispersed camping spots near Hot Springs, Virginia offer a range of experiences within the Allegheny Mountains, where elevations range from 1,600 to over 4,000 feet. The mountainous terrain creates distinct microclimates, with temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between valleys and ridges. Cell service is notably unreliable throughout the region, with Verizon providing the most consistent coverage though still spotty in remote camping areas.

What to do

Kayaking on Lake Moomaw: Access the water directly from Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, where you can enjoy the 2,530-acre lake surrounded by forest. "This place is amazing. I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it. Warm water, fresh air, no service," notes a camper at Bolar Mountain.

Mountain biking trails: Douthat State Park features extensive trail systems for all skill levels. "Fun trails to go ride around on your bike all day," shares one visitor, while another mentions, "We did a decent amount of biking here, the main road is nice for road biking, we rode out about 15 miles and back, saw a black bear. Beautiful country roads. And the trails are great for mountain biking. Bring your legs, lots of climbing!"

Trout fishing: The region offers excellent fishing opportunities at Morris Hill Campground, particularly below Gathright Dam. "The spillway located down in the bottom of the dam offers great trout fishing area as well," explains one visitor who added, "The US Army Corp of Engineers has a welcome center located just down from the campground with a replica of the lake inside along with boating information."

Hiking nearby trails: Lake Sherwood offers multiple hiking options including some with water crossings. "We hiked - the trail around the lake is beautiful," one camper reports, while another adds, "Great hiking trails - we chose the one with multiple water crossings."

What campers like

Lake views: Many campers praise the waterfront sites at McClintic Point Primitive Campground for their privacy and scenic settings. "No neighbors. Maybe we just got lucky. I encourage," writes one visitor. Another adds, "Nice, first come, first served campground... two sites back up to the lake. There is access to the lake for canoes/kayaks."

Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Morris Hill, "The campground has 3 shower/bathroom location within the campground loops... Each Bathhouse has a sink in the rear (outside) for washing dishes and cleaning fish," according to a recent visitor.

Swimming options: Dedicated beach areas provide safe swimming at several locations. "On the opposite side of the boat parking area there is a beach area for swimming. Soft sand and also a Volleyball net," describes a camper at Morris Hill, while another at Bolar Mountain notes, "The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming."

Diverse camping experiences: From primitive tent sites to RV hookups, the area offers various accommodation types. A visitor to Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA explains, "It has plenty of trees and sites for all different sized vehicles and tents. The cabins and bathrooms are nice and clean."

What you should know

Weather changes rapidly: Pack for temperature swings, especially at higher elevations. "Weather conditions change very rapidly in the mountainous terrain. It gets super cold at night even in the summer," reports a camper at Blowing Springs.

Water sources vary: Some campgrounds have limited drinking water access. "For water, we walk across the street from the entrance, and back in the woods there's a pipe coming out of the rocks with super cold, fresh water. Takes some effort hauling your water containers," explains a visitor to Blowing Springs.

Site availability concerns: Popular waterfront sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. At Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, "There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley. I took the one and only site just before the proper camp site (it was the best one IMO)."

Limited supplies: Most campgrounds are far from stores. A Lake Sherwood visitor notes, "This is off the grid and does not really have provisions especially after Labor Day. It is a stretch to call it a store but it did have ice, drinks, bait, peanut butter and few other essentials."

Tips for camping with families

Beach activities: Lake Moomaw offers sandy beaches with swimming areas safe for children. "We spent Labor Day weekend 2021 enjoying Lake Sherwood... Located beside picturesque Lake Sherwood, this facility features a family-friendly campground as well as fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities," shares a visitor.

Playground access: Several campgrounds include play equipment for children. At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, "The campground itself has a pool, open seasonally, a game room, and a playground. It's an old school playground but the gkids love it."

Educational opportunities: Douthat State Park Campground provides nature programs for various ages. "A favorite of our for years! All types of sites and hookups plus cabins. Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore. Security is good but not overwhelming," reports a frequent visitor.

Wildlife viewing chances: Kids can spot diverse wildlife throughout the region. "We saw tons of wildlife in the area. The hike around the lake was awesome and all our kiddos loved the island and beach," mentions a Lake Sherwood camper, while another at Morris Hill notes, "Watched some deer walk thru a few times they didn't seem fazed by me or my dog."

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. "Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles," warns a Douthat State Park visitor, who continues, "Whispering Pines is a few miles away along the entry road and has a different character. It's a very flat and wide-open campground perfect for big RVs with much larger sites."

Hookup options: Full-service sites are limited in the immediate Hot Springs area. The Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offers "Lots of pull thru sites, full hook up, even have dog park and laundry," according to a recent visitor.

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. One RVer at Douthat State Park notes, "We stayed here 4 days and 3 nights in November. We use a teardrop camper so we appreciated the water and electric hookup (although we disconnected the water at night to prevent freezing)."

Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires additional preparation. A Douthat State Park camper advises, "We stayed here 4 days and 3 nights in November... The sites are large but there really aren't trees between sites although we were on a corner and so had some sense of privacy. The bathrooms were incredibly clean and heated."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Hot Springs, VA?

When visiting Hot Springs, Virginia, several excellent campgrounds are within driving distance. Devils Backbone Camp offers a clean, quiet experience with the bonus of an on-site brewery featuring quality craft beers. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Hidden Valley near Warm Springs provides water access and toilets with options for drive-in or hike-in camping. Other notable options include Blowing Springs campground with its big-rig-friendly sites, and Thunder Bridge campground tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Natural Bridge State Park, which features a variety of accommodations from tent sites to fully furnished cabins in a historic former CCC camp setting.

How do I find campgrounds close to my location when visiting Hot Springs?

To find campgrounds near your location when visiting Hot Springs, use The Dyrt app or website to search with your current GPS coordinates. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA is conveniently located right off the highway with year-round availability, on-site amenities including a pool, playground, and game room, plus a nearby gas station and safari park. For a scenic waterfront option, Lake Sherwood offers beautiful lakeside campsites with fishing opportunities. Other tools include Recreation.gov for public campgrounds, Campendium for reviews, and Google Maps which can show campgrounds when you search "camping near me" with location services enabled.

What camping is available near Hot Springs, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hot Springs, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 137 campgrounds and RV parks near Hot Springs, VA and 20 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hot Springs, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hot Springs, VA is Douthat State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hot Springs, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Hot Springs, VA.

What parks are near Hot Springs, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Hot Springs, VA that allow camping, notably Monongahela National Forest and George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.