The Blue Ridge Mountains region surrounding Cedar Bluff, Virginia offers camping opportunities across elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 feet with terrain that varies from riverfront meadows to mountaintop forests. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are significant, with summer highs typically reaching 85°F and winter lows dropping to 25°F. Fall camping spots near Cedar Bluff provide colorful foliage viewing from mid-October through early November.
What to do
**Hiking on McAfee Knob: 4 miles north of Catawba Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail, this iconic rock outcropping requires a moderate 8-mile round-trip hike. "The little cabins include a full-size bed below and another in the loft, air conditioning, heat, electricity, a microwave, a small refrigerator, and a coffee pot," notes a reviewer about nearby Don's Cab-Inns Campground, making it a comfortable basecamp for day hikers.
**Mountain biking at Explore Park: 13 miles of dedicated trails available for riders of all skill levels, open year-round. A camper at Explore Park shares, "Not sitting in a field!!! Pretty and quiet. Lovely." Explore Park serves as both a recreation area and camping destination.
**River activities at Smith Mountain Lake: Swimming areas open May-September with designated beaches and boat rentals available for $25-45 per hour. "The water was calm and is perfect for everyone who is into water sports," reports a visitor to Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground, where water-based recreation is the primary draw.
What campers like
**Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the region feature wooded buffers. At Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing, a camper reports, "Meadow 10 with our friends. So much space and privacy and able to pull through. We had zero problems with mosquitos but enjoyed the night show of fireflies."
**Clean facilities: Bathhouses are regularly maintained at established campgrounds. "The bathhouse was immaculately clean and had everything you'd need," notes a Wilderness Adventure camper, while another at Don's Cab-Inns mentions, "The bathrooms were impeccable and close to the cabins."
**Year-round options: Several campgrounds remain open during winter months. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," says a guest at Don's Cab-Inns, highlighting an important consideration for off-season campers in the region.
What you should know
**Water access limitations: Not all sites offer reliable water sources. A camper at Johns Spring Shelter notes, "There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North." Always check current water availability before backcountry trips.
**Seasonal road closures: The Blue Ridge Parkway frequently closes sections during winter weather and construction. "The Blue Ridge Parkway is currently closed just south of the Peaks of Otter area. Traffic is being detoured just behind the campground," reports a Peaks of Otter Campground visitor.
**Varying site terrain: Many campgrounds feature uneven, terraced sites. "The campsites are not level - and we had the best of the lot - very private but only one side of the picnic table was accessible (bc of the slope)," shares a camper from Peaks of Otter Campground.
Tips for camping with families
**Creek exploration: Many campgrounds feature shallow streams safe for children. "The creek was the big hit for our family of small boys. Grab some lawn chairs and a cooler and let them play and explore for hours," recommends a parent who stayed at Wilderness Adventure.
**Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs during summer months. "It has mountain bike trails, a cool vintage village, access to the Roanoke River, an aerial obstacle course, and more cool stuff," reports a visitor to Don's Cab-Inns Campground.
**Tent site selection: Choose level spots away from water runoff paths. "Tent sites are large and a good distance apart," notes a camper at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground, indicating better family camping conditions.
Tips from RVers
**Limited hookup availability: Call ahead to confirm services. At Dixie Caverns, "FHU. Sites not level. Very narrow sites. Some full time residents' rigs give the Breaking Bad class C a run for their money, if they run. Only campground close to Roanoke Va."
**Power reliability: Many sites offer stable electrical connections. "All new facilities and only $25 a night. electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby," reports a visitor to Don's Cab-Inns Campground.
**Site accessibility: Larger rigs may struggle at some locations. "Campground is very new and bath facilities are immaculate. No shade at sites (hot July day)," notes a reviewer at Don's Cab-Inns, highlighting the trade-off between modern facilities and shade coverage.
