Around Lynchburg, Virginia, camping options spread across the Blue Ridge foothills at elevations ranging from 600-3,000 feet. The area features a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly favorable for tent and yurt camping. Water access drives many campsite selections, with creek-side and lakefront options available throughout the region.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1.5 miles to Crabtree Falls. From Crabtree Falls Campground, campers can directly access one of Virginia's most impressive waterfalls. "This campground is a mile up the road and very easy to get to the trail head. The AT is also close by and easily accessed," notes Britt S. The falls trail features multiple viewpoints along its ascent.
Paddle sports on Smith Mountain Lake: 500-acre water playground. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers kayak and canoe access with rental options available seasonally. "I actually stayed in an Airbnb along Smith mountain lake, but can imagine camping would be beautiful. Lake was super calm, clear and not too cold. We went out kayaking and swam out in the open," shares Sarah M. The lake provides both protected coves and open water areas.
Creek exploration: wade-accessible waterways. Multiple campgrounds feature creek access for cooling off. "The sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy. Beautiful area for hiking, lots leading off of the AT," explains Heather L. about her experience at Crabtree Falls Campground. Many creek-side sites include natural wading pools.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: varied by location. Otter Creek Campground offers wooded sites with natural screening. "The creek ran right through our spacious and secluded site. It was quiet and serene- just what we were looking for before heading back to city life," explains Rosie R. Site selection can dramatically impact privacy levels.
Off-grid experience: limited connectivity. Middle Creek Campground and other locations provide true disconnection opportunities. "Nearest cell signal is about ten miles up at the House Mountain Overlook. Rangers on site were super sweet," shares Nicole D. Many campers appreciate the forced digital detox.
Clean facilities: regular maintenance. Most campgrounds maintain their bathhouses and amenities. "Very clean showers and sites are well maintained. Sites are paved and not too close," reports George L. about Holliday Lake State Park. Facility quality varies by season and usage levels.
What you should know
Site leveling requirements: bring equipment. Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require leveling. "Bring leveling supplies! Some sites are reservable, some are not," advises Marcy S. about Holliday Lake State Park Campground. RV sites often need more substantial leveling than tent pads.
Seasonal considerations: water activities. Swimming areas typically operate seasonally with varying lifeguard coverage. "During summertime I can see how this place would attract a lot of people with the pool and various options," notes one camper. Off-season camping offers more seclusion but fewer water-based activities.
Reservation timing: book well ahead for yurts. Yurt camping near Lynchburg, Virginia requires advance planning, especially at Smith Mountain Lake. "We ended up getting in late but the place was very quiet and clean. Perfect for our first night in the woods," shares a camper about finding last-minute standard sites, though specialty accommodations book months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: multiple locations. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge offers extensive water features. "A great place!! 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," explains Matt R. The water amenities provide all-day entertainment.
Seasonal activities: check event calendars. Several campgrounds host special events throughout camping season. "The campground has Halloween themed activities for kids on specific weekends. We were there for one of these weekends. It's geared for younger kids (10 and under)," mentions Kathleen M. about Jellystone Park.
Fishing opportunities: stocked options. Several locations offer fishing without extensive hiking. "Perfect clean clear water to fish, swim," reports William P. about Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Some locations require Virginia fishing licenses while others maintain private stocked ponds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: research before booking. Natural Bridge KOA offers various RV site options. "We had a deluxe patio area. Which was on nice level concrete. Was not too close to the pool but there were rest rooms nearby," shares Stephanie H. Site maps often don't fully convey elevation changes and privacy levels.
Road access considerations: approach routes matter. Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway," advises Quinn G. about approaching Montebello Resort. Many RVers recommend scouting routes before attempting them with larger rigs.
Hook-up specifics: verify before arrival. Electric service varies considerably. "The RV sites are directly across from the camp store, but the tent sites were tucked back into the woods," notes Andrea N. about Middle Creek Campground. Some locations offer 50-amp service while others provide only 30-amp or basic electric.
