Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 3,400 feet, the Hot Springs area offers rustic camping and premium glamping experiences with average summer temperatures around 80°F and cooler 60-70°F nights. The region's mountain terrain features a mix of deciduous forests and open meadows, with several camping areas providing direct access to waterways for recreation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Moomaw near Morris Hill Campground has multiple access points for anglers. "The spillway located down in the bottom of the dam offers great trout fishing area as well... and for those who want to see how massive this man made rock dam is, you will want to drive down and take a look at the massive size," notes a visitor who explored the Gathright Dam area.
Hiking trails: Watoga State Park has an extensive trail network with varying difficulty levels. "The park has a lot of hiking trails and things to do in the park. So many great hiking trails and things to do in the park," explains a camper who appreciated the well-maintained paths. Access to the 80-mile Greenbrier River Trail is available just two miles from the park.
Water activities: The region offers swimming, kayaking and tubing options. "Lake Moomaw is a gorgeous hidden gem that not many people go to. It has a boat launch, shaded fishing areas, bathrooms, Grills, picnic tables and plenty of parking at the lake," reports a camper at Morris Hill Campground. Many campgrounds have beaches, boat launches, or river access within walking distance of sites.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Douthat State Park features spacious sites with good separation. "Douthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Each one had a campground host (volunteer) and wood for sale," explains a camper who appreciates the layout options. The different campground sections offer varying degrees of privacy and amenities.
Clean facilities: Walnut Hills Campground maintains exceptionally clean bathhouses. "The bathhouse is nice as is the pool. The store was sparse but adequate. The lawns were kept up and looking good," reports a visitor who noticed ongoing improvements. Many reviewers specifically mention the cleanliness of shower facilities across campgrounds in the region.
Access to water: Multiple campgrounds provide lake or river proximity. "The sites along the lower area near the lake were shaded mostly, some more than others, while the sites up the hill at the top and near the front entrance (pull through sites) were not shaded much," explains a camper at Walnut Hills describing the site layout. Waterfront sites often fill up faster than other areas.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have restricted connectivity. At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, "there is no cell service within 30 miles, so for an outsider who doesn't know the area, it was difficult to find the campsite." Plan routes and download maps before arrival, especially in more remote locations.
Weather variability: The mountain location means rapid temperature changes can occur. "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)," notes a Douthat State Park visitor, highlighting seasonal considerations.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites book well in advance. "If you want a primitive site book well in advance. These are apparently quite a difficult ticket to score at this camp," advises a camper at Douthat State Park. Holiday weekends and summer dates often require booking months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive children's activities. "We had a great weekend with the whole family! There was a carnival for the kids, trick-or-treating, hiking, tons of bike riding, campfire watching, hammock swinging, laughing, loving, and hanging out!" shares a family who visited during a themed weekend. The park runs regular scheduled activities for different age groups.
Swimming options: Multiple locations have dedicated swimming areas with varying amenities. "There were a ton of things for the kids to do here which was great. I really enjoyed the water park myself as it was in the high 90's/low 100's when we were there," notes a parent who appreciated the water features at Jellystone Park during hot weather.
Wildlife viewing: Children can observe local animals in their natural habitat. "Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures," reports a camper at Seneca State Forest, highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities. Early morning and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing times.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra equipment for leveling. "Our camp site #54 was big enough for a large 8-man tent plus a pop up camper. No electrical hookups are provided at the tent sites and drinking water piped near the bathrooms only," notes a visitor to Morris Hill describing site conditions. Many RV sites in mountain campgrounds require leveling blocks or jacks.
Road navigation: Mountain roads require careful driving with larger rigs. "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 camper. Check campground websites for specific road information and recommended maximum RV lengths.
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited in some parks. "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," explains a Douthat State Park visitor describing the specialized RV area. Call ahead to confirm specific hookup details and amp service.
