The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Lexington, VA

755 Reviews

Campgrounds near Lexington, Virginia range from established facilities with amenities to primitive sites in national forest land. The Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations approximately 15 miles south of downtown Lexington. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest provides a more rustic camping experience with tent and small RV sites but no hookups. Dispersed camping options can be found in the George Washington National Forest off Route 812, offering free primitive sites for those seeking a more secluded experience.

"This campground is butted up against Sherwood lake and a small mtn ridge range that divides West Virginia and Virginia," noted one visitor about a nearby camping area. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October, though some like the Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA remain open year-round. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation changes throughout the area. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many forest service sites, particularly in the more remote areas of George Washington National Forest. Campers should be prepared for varying road conditions, as some forest service roads may require higher clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall.

Several visitors mentioned the natural beauty and recreational opportunities as highlights of camping in the Lexington area. The region includes access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Natural Bridge State Park, and numerous hiking trails. One camper described Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp as "hands-down my favorite campground in Virginia" noting that "it's very well maintained, but has a lot of personality." Campgrounds with water features tend to be particularly popular, with sites near creeks, rivers, or lakes filling quickly during peak season. While some campgrounds offer modern amenities like showers, flush toilets, and electric hookups, others provide a more primitive experience with vault toilets or no facilities at all. The proximity to historic sites in Lexington and Natural Bridge adds cultural interest for campers looking to explore beyond their campsite.

Map showing campgrounds near Lexington, VirginiaExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Mane Gait Equestrian Center

Mane Gait Equestrian Center

8 min away

Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

30 min away

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Lexington Contest

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Lexington, Virginia (124)

    1. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."

    "Nice little store, gas station at the entrance. Very clean bathroom as and showers. We love our spot “99”! So much to do here in Natural Bridge and Lexington. Go to Pink Cadillac Diner - 4347 S."

    2. Oronoco Campground

    15 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."

    "Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."

    3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    16 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2727

    $39 - $241 / night

    "Right next to the James River for all of your fishing needs. Have a pool, splash pad, pond/lake with a slide, beach, inflatable obstacle course, have an arcade room, and 2 additional water slides."

    "Lots of stuff for kids, very close to river for tubing, reservation system in place because of Covid prevention guideline for swimming which worked out really well for kids... not many activities due to"

    4. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $20 - $40 / night

    "These sites are slightly more rugged, and best for smaller tents; site 35 however is both large, flat, and private, and is next to the trailhead to one of the campground's hiking trails."

    "Site was spacious and pleasantly situated for our 17' travel trailer. Clean bathrooms and shower."

    5. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    12 miles
    Website

    "There are multiple spots along the road - some are drive in and some require you to park and walk in. Definitely get there early to get a prime spot."

    "There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise."

    6. Natural Bridge KOA

    8 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-8514

    "This KOA was a very nice surprise given that it was right off the highway. We only were there for 1 night and we didn't hear any highway noise."

    "Was not too close to the pool but there were rest rooms nearby. We only stayed one night but was a nice area. The kids likes the petting zoo."

    7. Lee Hi Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lexington, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 463-3478

    "You can’t hear the highway, which is on the other side of the mountain in the back of the campground.

    Restrooms were older but clean during our stay and a short walk from the camp site."

    "You can’t hear the highway, which is on the other side of the mountain in the back of the campground.

    Restrooms were older but clean during our stay and a short walk from the camp site."

    8. Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "We stopped here overnight on a trip from Chicago to Virginia Beach. We had reserved a pull through but were just short in length and had to disconnect the tow vehicle for the night."

    "There was plenty for kids to do playground, pool, jump pillow, fishing pond and hiking trails. The tent site was amazing right by the pond. The fire pit has a grate for cooking."

    9. Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5125

    $30 / night

    "Great all around virginia campsite"

    "Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance."

    10. Douthat State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Clifton Forge, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 862-8100

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails."

    "General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 124 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Lexington Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Lexington, VA

286 Photos of 124 Lexington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lexington, VA

755 Reviews of 124 Lexington Campgrounds

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Paradise Lake Family Campground

    Not more than one night

    This is an older campground and shows its age…and wear. There are several semi-permanent residents here. Some facilities need repair and/or maintenance. Water in the shower was hot, but the showers were small, and there was no place for d as iso, shaving things, shampoo, ets. And no place to sit to. There is a pool and a lake with a swim beach. Kayak rental. Playground, laundry, showers/ bathrooms are passable. Internet is very slow.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    WALNUT

    first arrived weary of storm headed our way only to find out our campsite was the only in our section that wasn’t a flood zone.

    saw some liquid being pumped into naturally flowing creek water??! also if you want to see ducks… stay close to the pond.

    super honorable mention - lower bathhouses did not have warm water and had to hike up the hill to use, extremely nicer, bathhouse.

    POOL had a “tlc makeover” only to have a surmount of chemicals still not diluted by 5pm - MURKYYYYYYY

    also had a campsite that was placed between three trees - super tight but made it work.

    only stayed in passing - get what you get

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Quiet, clean campground!

    This campground was exceptionally clean and very quiet/peaceful. We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old. The staff is amazing and clearly love what they do. They were friendly from the start and they let us know they were available for help, etc. The site itself was an easy pull-through. It was clean and hookups were easy to figure out (first time RVers here; not new to camping though). I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away! We will definitely be back!

    I thought being at the end of the loop would be noisy due to traffic coming through, but it didn't bother us one but!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Great location at SML

    Really well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground. Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office.

  • Aaron S.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Stoney Creek Resort

    Lovely people, lovely place

    Overall a nice place to stay. We stayed one night. Hook ups were good, site was somewhat level. The staff are just lovely people, very friendly, helpful, and they go out of their way to do the next right thing.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    Helpful staff and nice amenities

    It has all the bells and whistles you’d hope for at a Jellystone. It sounds like staffing has been challenging but the fellow campers and wonderful staff that are here make it well worth staying. We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade. I’d stay again and would love to head down to the river for some tubing and fish in the stocked pond.

  • Kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Exceeded expectations

    I was impressed with this campground from the minute I entered it. We were greeted at the entrance and then sent to an escort you smartly showed us to our site by taking the same path at the RV should take; making wise returns and so on. The site was pristine and laid out very nicely. Honestly the whole place was really clean and lovely. This is my first KOA visit and I was thoroughly impressed

  • Francelia A.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Mom and son new adventure

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort is located in Crozet, Virginia, off of 250 below Afton Mountain. I'm familiar with this resort. Many, many years ago, when it was Yogi Bear's park, a lot of updates since then. Great accommodations. I've not enjoyed camping as much as I have these last 2 weeks with my son Matthew, who is 30 years old down syndrome, autism and a leukemia survivor. I am 66 years old. I'm on the best adventure of my life. Just bought a new motorhome after my partner of 15 years passed away. I'm on a new journey. And taking care of my life with good health. I recommend this park to anyone. Friendly staff, accommodating, pet friendly dog parks, bathhouse, laundry, sun, and shade, with 30 and 50 amp hookups with sewage. I couldn't ask for a better place. Have a fun-loving life, I am!

  • C
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Our favorite campground so far!

    Very laid back atmosphere, plenty for the kids to do! Kept them occupied the whole trip! Enjoyed the music and smores offered by the campground, site was close to level and felt we had plenty of room around us!

Guide to Lexington

Camping near Lexington, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Loft Mountain Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Easy access to the Blackrock Summit and Doyles River Falls trails!"
  • Fishing: At Sherando Lake Campground, you can fish from the shore or take a boat out. A reviewer noted, "There is a fishing area that you can drive to and park your car to fish."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the sandy beach at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground. One camper said, "The swimming area is first rate and the warmest clean waters that will make you forget the ocean."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Douthat State Park Campground remarked, "The bathhouse was clean and modern."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous space between sites. A reviewer at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area mentioned, "The site was nice sized and shaded."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA said, "The folks I interacted with in the office were very nice."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds, like Sherando Lake Campground, have little to no cell service. A visitor noted, "No Verizon or ATT cell service I could find and no WiFi."
  • Crowded on weekends: Expect busier sites during weekends, especially at popular spots like Shenandoah Valley Campground. One camper mentioned, "Weekends were packed, but much quieter during the week."
  • Extra fees for amenities: Some campgrounds charge for showers or other amenities. A reviewer at Loft Mountain Campground pointed out, "Showers were pretty expensive at $5 for 10 minutes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like pools or playgrounds. A family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort enjoyed, "The inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
  • Safety first: Ensure your campsite is away from busy roads. One parent at Misty Mountain Camp Resort mentioned, "Our site was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially at campgrounds like Canoe Landing Group Campsite, where one camper noted, "Our neighbors were noisy, obnoxious, and trashy into the wee hours of the morning."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Devil’s Backbone Camp mentioned, "The water, electric and sewer hookups are on the wrong side for half of the RV sites."
  • Bring extra supplies: Some campgrounds, like Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, are remote. A camper advised, "There is a small general store that sells somethings and gas but it's not a real grocery."
  • Be prepared for noise: Campgrounds near water can be lively. A reviewer at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area said, "The main downside... is loud motors all day, etc."

Camping around Lexington, VA, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free or budget-friendly camping options in Lexington, VA?

Glen Maury Park offers very reasonably priced campsites with beautiful mountain views. The upper campground provides full hookups while the lower campground has water and sewage connections. For those willing to venture slightly further from Lexington, George Washington National Forest off 812 offers free camping with basic amenities including water access. Budget-conscious campers might also consider Lake Sherwood and Sherando Lake Campground in the surrounding area, which provide affordable public camping options with good facilities and scenic lakeside settings.

What amenities are available at Lexington, VA campgrounds?

Campgrounds around Lexington offer a wide range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Thunder Bridge provides various accommodation options from tent sites to fully furnished rental cabins in a tranquil mountain setting. Sherando Lake Campground features multiple camping loops with both standard non-electric sites and sites with electrical hookups, along with lake access for swimming and fishing. Many area campgrounds offer clean shower facilities, restrooms, and hookups for RVs. Some properties like Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA include additional amenities such as pools, playgrounds, game rooms, and on-site stores. Most campgrounds in the region also provide convenient access to nearby attractions, hiking trails, and recreational activities.

What are the best campgrounds near Lexington, VA?

The Lexington area offers several outstanding camping options. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA is highly rated for its cleanliness, year-round availability, and proximity to attractions like Natural Bridge and downtown Lexington. The campground features a pool, playground, and game room. Another excellent option is Lake Robertson, which provides spacious sites, fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and a pool. The campground is well-maintained by friendly staff and serves as a great base for exploring historic Lexington. Other notable campgrounds in the region include Thunder Bridge with its unique CCC history and Devils Backbone Camp near the popular brewery.

Keep Exploring