Claytor Lake State Park Campground offers year-round glamping near Ivanhoe, Virginia in Dublin, about 30 miles north of Ivanhoe. Camping options include sites with electric and water hookups across four loops, with Loop B containing four yurts on wooden platforms. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer highs average in the mid-80s with occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing at local reservoirs: Gatewood Park & Reservoir Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities with waterfront campsites. "This is a small place and was mostly full in early April. Some of the sites are very small but we've chosen we'll both visits. Site 3 has a nice amount of space and is waterside," notes a visitor.
Historic exploration: Visit Mount Airy, NC, just south of the Virginia border. "You are close to all the amenities when staying here. Check out the Andy Griffith museum, Main Street, and the granite quarry," recommends a camper from Mayberry Campground.
Hiking diverse terrain: For challenging hiking, visit Grayson Highlands State Park where "the Creekside Cabin hike is very technical as in tree roots and rocks, but so worth the exertion! Very cool waterfall and aside from some modern day trash there is still the old wood stove and pantry in the cabin."
Wildlife viewing: Observe wild ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park. "We saw ponies, but more than that it's like you are on top of the mountain range, 'Lord Of The Rings' or something like that!" shares one visitor who enjoyed the unique landscape and wildlife encounters.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness at Fort Chiswell RV Park. "Very relaxing. Great to take a couple days relaxing out of the hurry of city life. There is plenty of room to walk your pet and some of the sites provide shaded areas. You are just about .25 miles from the freeway, but you do not hear it," reports one visitor.
Lake activities: Claytor Lake State Park Campground offers excellent water recreation. "We paddled around the lake on Sunday; there are a couple of different boat launches in the park. The cliffs are freaking amazing from the launch closest to the park entrance. It's so beautiful on the water, especially this time of year."
Disconnecting from technology: Several campgrounds offer true unplugged experiences. At Gatewood Park, "there's no cell service but they upgraded the WiFi and it's very good. This campground is miles from anywhere so make sure you have what you need or the trip into town will take a while."
Platform camping: Royal Oak Campground at Hungry Mother State Park offers elevated tent sites. "All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole," notes a recent visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Some campgrounds near Ivanhoe operate seasonally. Stone Mountain State Park Campground in nearby North Carolina remains open year-round, but facilities may have reduced services in winter months.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping accommodations require advance booking. "We only got to spend one night of a two night reservation on the property due to weather. Staff was exceptional and welcoming. Bathhouse was phenomenally clean. Campsite #3 was a 2 tier site with water front access. The water front sites are difficult to book, but off water sites are more readily available."
Weather preparedness: The mountain climate can bring unexpected conditions. "We went in December and there wasn't many people there at all, maybe 4 other campers all weekend," notes a Stone Mountain camper, suggesting off-season visits offer solitude but require proper cold-weather gear.
Pet policies: Rules vary by campground and accommodation type. Some yurts allow pets while others don't. For tent campers, a visitor to Fort Chiswell notes: "The only issue I had was with the multiple signs to pick up after your dog, but the only waste receptacle was the dumpster near the front entrance."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wytheville KOA offers excellent family amenities. "Great campground with an amazing added bonus- WILD HORSES AND PONIES. (Short hike from the campsite). This campsite had everything we needed- Firewood, fire starters, etc. for purchase right there at the campsite."
Swimming options: Claytor Lake State Park features a beach area perfect for families. "I love this park! Plenty of tent and RV sites. 4 yurts available in nice wooded area. Lake beach passes included in price (when not under Covid restrictions). Boat rentals. Plenty clean bathrooms and hot showers."
Educational activities: Many state parks offer ranger-led programs. "Claytor Lake was a great campground for families. We hiked, played at the lake and attended the roving ranger talks. The bathrooms and shower facilities were clean and convenient to our campsite."
Off-site attractions: When glamping near Ivanhoe, plan day trips to nearby attractions. "There's a nice dog park, and the facilities are clean. My only negative was that they had us camp up on the top of the hill and it was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose your site based on specific needs. At Mayberry Campground, "The campsites vary in size so check the map and talk to the staff to figure out your best option when making your reservation."
Utility hookups: Most campgrounds near Ivanhoe offer various hookup options. "Sites are a good size and doesn't feel cramped. The store is stocked with essentials and staff is friendly. They have propane and a little store for those that might need."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. "Very nice campground, and the dog yard sites are awesome! Clean and friendly camp store, pool, fishing pond, and a lot of other amenities!" shares a visitor to Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, though others note steep drives in parts of the campground.
Seasonal considerations: RVers should consider weather impacts. "We stayed here for vacation last year. There's a nice dog park, and the facilities are clean. My only negative was that they had us camp up on the top of the hill and it was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel."
