Campgrounds near Roanoke, Virginia range in elevation from 1,200 to 3,000 feet throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains region. The area receives approximately 43 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions during summer camping season. Cell reception varies significantly depending on valley location and proximity to mountain ridgelines.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Camp Alta Mons, trails lead to Stiles Falls through moderate terrain requiring three creek crossings. "The property trails are open to the public. Visitors have available parking and must sign-in to use the trails. Most come to see Stiles Falls," notes one visitor who recommends allowing "an hour each direction from the parking lot."
Disc golf courses: Chantilly Farm offers a 9-hole disc golf course as part of their recreational amenities. A camper mentioned "They have full hookup RV sites along with dry ones and multiple tent camping options! They also have free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!"
River access: Multiple campgrounds provide water recreation opportunities on the nearby rivers. "We just enjoyed walking to the river and jumping in to cool off!" reported one visitor at Don's Cab-Inns. The Roanoke River and Smith Mountain Lake offer kayaking and swimming options within 30 minutes of most rv sites near Roanoke, Virginia.
What campers like
Spacious premium tent sites: Tent campers appreciate the ample space at certain campgrounds. At Chantilly Farm, "The premium tent sites are huge! Clean bath house. Friendly staff!" according to one reviewer who noted only one drawback: "the firewood they sell is next to impossible to light."
Mountain views: The elevated terrain provides scenic vistas from many camping areas. One camper at Sweetwater described "We were on top of a hill with other RV's with gorgeous views and sunsets. The grounds were very well kept and mowed."
Event venues: Several campgrounds near Roanoke double as event venues. At Willville Motorcycle Camp, "The facility is incredibly well kept. I frequently stay at state parks, and Will keeps his facility on par, if not better." The camp offers community gathering spaces where "Will has a fire most nights."
What you should know
Seasonal bugs: Prepare for insects during summer months. One camper at Camp Alta Mons warned, "Bring your bug spray, mosquitos here swarm you in apocalyptic proportion at nightfall."
Narrow access roads: Many campgrounds require careful driving on mountain roads. At Don's Cab-Inns Campground, visitors noted the challenging drive: "Getting there was quite a journey over narrow curvy roads but once there it was a nice area."
Weather preparation: The mountain elevation creates variable conditions. "Also be prepared for rain, lush green meadows and sod farms give indication of ample rainfall," observed a camper at Alta Mons.
Laundry facilities: Some campgrounds offer laundry services with unique payment systems. At Chantilly Farm, "The laundry was nice and if you ran low on quarters the campground store would give you quarters in sandwich bags."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. At Sweetwater RV Park, "The pool was great for my son and we had it to ourselves multiple days." The park provides family-friendly amenities within a well-organized setting.
Multiple dog parks: Pet-friendly amenities enhance family camping experiences. One reviewer at Sweetwater noted "Multiple dog parks....so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool."
Playground facilities: Family campgrounds typically include play areas. "There is a playground that is very nice!" reported a visitor at Glen Maury Park, adding that the park "sits on water front" and "offer(s) entertainment on weekends and some other times of the year."
Recreation diversity: Many campgrounds provide various activities for different age groups. Glen Maury Park includes "many activities such as a bluegrass festival, fiddle festival, and jazz festival" and "the pool is very large, very clean, and has a diving board."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RV campers should come prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Sweetwater, a visitor noted "Sites level somewhat," suggesting bringing leveling blocks for optimal setup.
Hookup placement: Experienced RVers appreciate well-designed utility connections. At Sweetwater, campers found "utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground."
Extension cords: At some campgrounds, electrical connections may require additional equipment. One RVer at Glen Maury Park mentioned "Electric posts support four different sites, so needed to drag out the extension cord. But, power was good and the evening/night was peaceful."
Winter camping options: For year-round RV camping near Roanoke, options exist even in colder months. At Don's Cab-Inns Campground, a visitor highlighted it as "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities."
