123 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Vinton, Virginia range from primitive shelters along the Appalachian Trail to RV parks with full hookups, giving campers a wide choice of settings and amenities. The region includes notable options such as Explore Park, located at milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering cabins, yurts and RV sites, and Dixie Caverns Campground providing tent and RV camping with electric hookups. Catawba Mountain Shelter provides free hike-in tent camping along the Appalachian Trail, while Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers developed sites for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts with water and electrical connections approximately 30 miles southeast of Vinton.
Several campgrounds in the area feature seasonal availability and varying levels of amenities. The higher elevation sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway typically operate from May through late October due to winter weather conditions. A camper noted, "Only a few campgrounds remain open during the winter with facilities," highlighting the importance of seasonal planning. Road access varies considerably, with some sites requiring significant hiking to reach, particularly those along the Appalachian Trail. Most developed campgrounds offer water and electrical hookups, while primitive sites typically provide only basic amenities such as fire rings and pit toilets. Cell service can be spotty in mountainous areas, especially at Appalachian Trail shelters and more remote camping locations.
Campers report particularly positive experiences at Explore Park, with multiple reviews noting the cleanliness of facilities. "All new facilities and only $25 a night. Electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby," mentioned one visitor. The proximity to outdoor recreation stands out as a significant advantage for camping in the Vinton area, with access to hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and water recreation at Smith Mountain Lake. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly Dixie Caverns, which one reviewer described as having "noise 24 hours" due to its location near the interstate. Campgrounds closer to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail tend to offer more serene settings, though with fewer amenities compared to developed sites closer to town.
"First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)."
"The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling. Also, an outlet to charge your phone."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Did I say it’s close to I 81?"
"just off the highway but easily accessible, everything works, friendly staff. Showers in bathhouse are a bit dirty but other than that great!"
"Picked for price Quiet
Enjoyed Blueridge parkway
NIce retreat in SW Virginia"
"It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"This is a well maintained area with access to several hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The lake is beautiful and my entire family enjoyed our time!"
"Stopping at Smith Mountain lake was well worth it during my mini road trip through VA. Pros: huge lake with tons of outdoor activities (trails for running/walking, boating activities, kayaking)."
from $27 - $159 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $150 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
"Near water (collect water with a filter only) I was able to make a fire but make sure it's okay when you go.
Lots of space for many people.
Not too far from McAfee knob."
"dragons tooth is off a path that is part of the Appalachian Trail, there is a good amount of parking with a bathroom and garbage, once you begin the trail there are a few dispersed obvious camping spots"
"This was a quiet spot that felt safe, with a pit toilet nearby to the trailhead parking area. Car camping is the only option at this time."
"There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North. The sites aren't bad though, pretty flat."
ScoutWell maintained blacktop road which made it easy to get a camper or a van through. Some of the sites further up the road are away from the creek but less buggy. They were large and well-maintained. I like the privacy of the sites further up. I would highly recommend this off upgrade site.
LegendVery beautiful surrounds and plenty of family fun to be had here. Pool, waterslides, splash pad, jumping pillows, playgrounds, mini golf, and of course the James River, to which our campsite was immediately adjacent. It's 8 minutes to the state park with the natural bridge, which is spectacular. . The staff are super nice and helpful.
ScoutFrom all the reviews on this site, we thought it would be more dispersed/private than it is. If you’re ok with seeing and hearing strangers as you sit in front of your own campfire, then this is the spot for you. Not for those who want privacy and true connection with nature and surroundings.
ScoutTruly a gem of a place if your on two wheels. The sites are perfect for tents and plenty of trees if hammocks are more your thing. The amenities are clean and work well. No complaints about anything other than not having a fireplace at your site, but there is a big community firepit.
ScoutBeautiful campground, all sites are paved with designated tent pads,h20,and power 20/30/50 amp. There is plenty to do at park fairy stone hunts, paddling, hiking, beach etc.
ScoutNice and quiet. Spots are a good size. Large rock ring fire pit. Would recommend
TravelerNice and quiet - friendly service. Plenty of amenities as well as options. Stayed here to attend a concert at The Coves Amphitheater in Union Hall, VA.
TravelerI can’t believe no one has rated this beautiful place. The sites are level, gravel, well spaced out and surrounded by trees. We stayed at White Pines Campground and there was a network of trails you can access a short walk away. The trails had views, lake, waterfall, and beautiful mountain laurel in bloom. These trails looked great for mountain biking too. The showers were nicely laid out, clean and had great pressure and there were plenty of them. The huge bonus was the dishwashing station with hot water. I can’t wait to come back and explore this beautiful area more!
GuideIt’s very green and scenic
Camping sites near Vinton, Virginia range from primitive Appalachian Trail shelters to full-service RV parks with swimming pools. The region sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations between 1,200-3,000 feet. Winter camping options are limited, with temperatures averaging 20-40°F from December through February, and most primitive sites lack water sources during colder months.
Hike to Dragon's Tooth: This moderate to strenuous 4.6-mile round-trip hike follows white blazes on the Appalachian Trail. "To get to the top of dragons tooth becomes a strenuous hike once you get to the big rock, it appears to look like a scary incline from the base but the arrows on the rocks show you where to step up and continue on the trail," notes one Dragon's Tooth camper.
Mountain biking at Explore Park: The park offers multiple trail difficulty levels for bikers of all experience levels. "This park is growing by leaps and bounds. 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.
Visit Dixie Caverns: Guided tours available for campers at a discount. "Take the tour! If you are an avid hiker, like me, it is only about 30 minutes from triple Crown access points for the A.T.," recommends a camper who stayed at the adjacent campground.
Winter camping options: Unlike most area campgrounds, some sites remain open year-round. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," notes a camper about Explore Park.
Stargazing opportunities: The higher elevation campsites provide excellent night sky viewing. "Boy are there some amazing stars out here," reports a visitor to Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground.
Budget-friendly campsites: Several locations offer affordable camping without sacrificing amenities. "All new facilities and only $25 a night. electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby," mentions a Don's Cab-Inns Campground visitor.
AT shelter water access: Plan ahead for water needs when staying at trail shelters. "There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North," warns a hiker who stayed at Johns Spring Shelter.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience significant traffic sounds due to proximity to major roads. "You are surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the actual Dixie Cavern is at the base of a mountain, so all the road traffic is above the campground and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7," cautions a Dixie Caverns camper.
Seasonal closures: Most Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds close during winter months. "The higher elevation sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway typically operate from May through late October due to winter weather conditions."
Pool access: When camping with children during summer, choose sites with swimming facilities. "The pool was great for my son and we had it to ourselves multiple days," shares a visitor to Sweetwater RV Park.
Cabin camping for kids: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor experience. "These cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway. The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling," notes a Don's Cab-Inns Campground visitor.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old," shares a Sweetwater RV Park camper.
Level sites: Many area campgrounds feature terraced layouts requiring careful parking. "Sites 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)," cautions a visitor to Peaks Of Otter Campground.
Hookup locations: Check utility placement before selecting a site. "Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground," notes a Sweetwater RV Park visitor.
Site width considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow sites affecting slide-out use. "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," reports a Dixie Caverns camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Vinton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Vinton, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Vinton, VA and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Vinton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vinton, VA is Don's Cab-Inns Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Vinton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Vinton, VA.
What parks are near Vinton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Vinton, VA that allow camping, notably Philpott Lake and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
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