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Campgrounds near Lexington, Virginia range from full-hookup RV sites and cabin accommodations to free primitive campsites 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.
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Very beautiful surrounds and plenty of family fun to be had here."
"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."
from $39 - $241 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Close to Lexington. Would stay again!"
"It's also a convenient walking or driving distance from the rest of town."
"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."
"Great all around virginia campsite"
"Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance."
from $30 / night
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GuideThis is one of the best campsites we’ve stayed at in VA. It’s easy to find and super well kept. There was an established fire ring and the bathrooms (pit toilets) were clean and in great shape. It seems pretty popular but we got there around 4-5 and were able to secure a spot.
ScoutResponsive hosts, great sites, fun family activities.
GuideQuiet campground, friendly neighbors. Great walking trails
ScoutFriendly staff, great riding right from the camper and a neat playground for the kids.
ScoutGorgeous campground. Super clean and many amenities for kids.
ScoutNice quiet campground, showers needed to be cleaned but were not bad. Communication was not good with park people.
TravelerDispersed camping beyond the actual quarry. A lot of rain occurred in the days prior but on my visit over two days. Bright and sunny. However, it was a lot of road wash out and a lot of standing water as you made your way toward dispersed spots. Apparently, I was the only one there, because they were many, many spots open for camping. Nice pre-visited sites and was able to camp near running stream.
TravelerVery disappointed in our recent four-night stay at Misty Mountain Campground this October.
Prior to our arrival, both my husband and I made numerous attempts to verify our site and reservation details. My husband called for five consecutive days and left messages each time, and I sent an email; however, we received no response.
When we arrived, the check-in process was extremely frustrating. I was initially told we had no reservation. After explaining that I was part of a wedding group, had already paid, and had been assigned a site number, the registration staff member continued to insist the reservation could not be found. After being ignored for 10 minutes and having to explain the situation again, she located our booking, but assigned us to the wrong site.
Additionally, the site and facilities fell far below expectations for an "RV Resort":
Overall, the lack of communication, poor customer service, and substandard conditions made for a very negative experience. I hope they deal with their issues because it is a lovely area.
ScoutGreat campground post season- open until 10/31. Good weather, leaf peeping. LOTS of trails to the lake, and very dog friendly
Camping options around Lexington, Virginia range from rustic forest sites to full-service campgrounds with RV accommodations. The region sits at elevations between 900-1,200 feet in the Valley and Ridge province of the Appalachian Mountains, creating varied camping conditions throughout the year. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer highs typically reach the mid-80s with moderate humidity compared to eastern Virginia.
Fishing opportunities: 3 miles from Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp, visitors can find stocked trout streams. "There is a lake and picnic grounds for day-use, along with a few hiking trails, however the day use areas are not regularly monitored; the lake is swim-at-your-own-risk, and there are no boat or fishing gear rentals," notes one visitor.
River tubing: Near Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge, the James River provides recreational water activities. "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," reports a camper who found plenty of water-based activities.
Swimming in mountain waters: At Douthat State Park Campground, campers can enjoy a lake with sandy beach. "A lovely falls over a dam, sandy beach, picnic areas, hiking on a trail maintained by the Youth Conservation Corps, kayaking. The tents-only area is close to the little lake," writes one visitor who appreciated the combination of swimming and hiking options.
Scenic mountain streams: At Oronoco Campground, campers frequently mention the water features. "Nice sites in a pretty open area. This area is designated as a national forest campground, but didn't have a fee or closure dates like others. Creek runs through. Pit toilet bathrooms were open when we visited in early March," notes one visitor who enjoyed the stream-side setting.
Privacy between sites: Many campers at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp appreciate the layout. "Site 36 is arguably the best site in the entire campground if you are comfortable carrying your gear a few dozen yards from the parking lot. This site has a high degree of privacy, especially from late spring to early fall when the trees have their leaves," one camper details about this specific site option.
Free camping options: At George Washington National Forest off 812, the cost savings attract many visitors. "Happened to pull up and snag this beauty. Had one other person later on drive by while I was scorching a fire, felt bad snagged it from them but hey oh well," mentions one camper who found this free site appealing but noted its popularity.
Primitive facilities: The dispersed camping in George Washington National Forest off 812 has minimal amenities. "Nice camping spot in George Washington NF. 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," advises one camper.
Variable water pressure: At Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, utilities can be inconsistent. "My water pressure was good but talking to other campers, the farther away you get from the front of the park the worse the water pressure gets. This came from a gentleman who had a site at the very back of the campground," notes a recent visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Local campgrounds require proper food storage. "Be sure to read the bear recommendations and pack up your site accordingly and you'll have a wonderful time," advises one camper at Cave Mountain Lake. The surrounding forests contain black bears, copperheads, and timber rattlesnakes, requiring awareness and proper precautions.
Swimming options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge offers multiple water features. "It has all the bells and whistles you'd hope for at a Jellystone. We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade," shares a family who visited with children.
Kid-friendly activities: Many lexington va campgrounds schedule regular events. "The rec staff had awesome activities planned and kept the kids entertained all week with kick ball and karaoke and shaving cream wiffle ball and dance parties," notes a visitor to Jellystone Park.
Nature exploration: Streams offer natural play areas. "Our boys loved playing in the stream and climbing the hill to get to our hammock on the site too. The lake has a beautiful view with green mountains surrounding it," shares a family who stayed at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp.
Site selection concerns: At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, RVers should research their options. "Call ahead about RV lengths to make sure you are booking the correct site for your size. I noticed more than a few people struggling with their units and some of this could have been avoided with proper booking," advises one RVer who observed challenges with larger vehicles.
Road conditions: Lee Hi Campground provides convenient access but can be difficult to navigate. "First, it's difficult to find and difficult to call for directions if the one clerk in the truck stop office is busy, which is most of the time. Yes, it is full hookup and many sites are pull through," notes one RVer who found the location convenient but challenging.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds near Lexington have partial hookups. At Otter Creek Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway, RVers will find "no showers but there are comfort stations. The rv and tent pads are older cement and not as level," according to one visitor who noted the more primitive nature of this campground.
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.
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