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.
