Best Campgrounds near Forest, VA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Forest, VA? Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Forest, Virginia (84)

    1. Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    14 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."

    2. 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."

    3. Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    21 Reviews
    Thaxton, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 586-7321

    $30 / night

    "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."

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

    18 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    20 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
    18 miles
    Website

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

    "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."

    6. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    29 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "

    "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."

    7. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    15 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    20 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"

    8. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Penhook, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 297-6066

    $20 - $40 / night

    "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)."

    9. Thousand Trails Lynchburg

    7 Reviews
    Rustburg, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The campground is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking trails (a plus!) but, definitely opt for a full hook-up site!"

    "This was the perfect spot to stay after a long drive. We saw bunnies and then lightening bugs. The pool was great for the kids."

    10. North Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    20 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature."

    "The gravel road going around the tent loop was really loud, and there was a cabin behind our site that had a lot of activity and noise for awhile, but all was quiet after 10p."

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Showing results 1-10 of 84 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Forest, VA

564 Reviews of 84 Forest Campgrounds



Guide to Forest

Camping near Forest, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly spots to peaceful retreats, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Sherando Lake Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an island if you want to."
  • Fishing: At Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing from the pier. A camper shared, "The beach area is nice. Has a fishing pier."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the sandy beach at Douthat State Park Campground. One review noted, "Great camping, nice beach and swim area, lots of hiking and biking trails."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA. A visitor said, "Park is fantastic, best I’ve ever seen for cleanliness and friendly staff."
  • Family Activities: Many families enjoy the amenities at Misty Mountain Camp Resort. One reviewer mentioned, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
  • Scenic Views: The picturesque surroundings at Peaks Of Otter Campground are a hit. A camper remarked, "Caught the foliage here in October and it was amazing and not too crowded!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, have poor cell reception. One camper noted, "There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop you can get service."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can get loud, especially at Devil’s Backbone Camp. A visitor expressed frustration, saying, "The campground is basically a field with no trees. No amenities and it’s not worth the fee they’re charging."
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, like Sherando Lake Campground, are only open from April to October. Be sure to check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun amenities, like Misty Mountain Camp Resort, where kids can enjoy an inflatable jump pad. One parent said, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
  • Safety First: Choose sites that are away from busy roads. A family 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 during the night. One camper at Canoe Landing Group Campsite noted, "Our neighbors were noisy, obnoxious, and trashy into the wee hours of the morning."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A visitor at Virginia Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground warned, "Beware with pull-thrus your water and electric will be on the 'wrong side.'"
  • Space Considerations: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. One RVer shared, "We were practically on top of our neighbors."
  • Dump Station Access: Make sure to check the dump station conditions. A camper at Douthat State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station (just one) was muddy and could use a larger concrete curb."

Camping near Forest, Virginia, has its ups and downs, but with the right planning, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Forest, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Forest, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Forest, VA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Forest, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Forest, VA is Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Forest, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Forest, VA.

What parks are near Forest, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Forest, VA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.