Dispersed camping near Marion, Virginia offers several mountain and forest settings from 2,000-5,000 feet elevation. The Jefferson National Forest surrounds the area with multiple recreation areas for primitive and developed camping. Average summer temperatures range from 75-85°F daytime to 55-65°F at night, with spring and fall offering 15-20 degree cooler temperatures than summer.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: The Creekside Cabin trail in Grayson Highlands State Park offers a challenging path to a waterfall. "The Creekside Cabin hike is very technical as in tree roots and rocks, but so worth the exertion! Very cool waterfall and aside from some modern day trash there is still the old wood stove and pantry in the cabin."
Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail: Located near Grindstone Recreation Area, this popular trail offers easy riding options. "Takes reservations, nice sites... Creeper trail is a must do." The trail extends 34 miles with shuttle services available from Damascus for downhill riding.
Night sky viewing: Dark skies at higher elevation campgrounds provide excellent stargazing opportunities. "The night sky was one of the most memorable moments from our trip. I've never seen so many stars!" Many campgrounds have minimal light pollution due to their distance from towns.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Royal Oak Campground at Hungry Mother State Park offers unique tent platforms. "We tent camped here in the Royal Oak section. Campsites in this section are tent only and very nice and have platforms." These elevated platforms keep tents dry during rain and provide a level surface.
Creek-side camping: Multiple campgrounds feature sites adjacent to running water. "We had site 17. It was long and wide enough. Trees kept us cooler. Very clean. Restrooms and showers very clean. Had a store." The sound of water provides natural white noise for sleeping.
Privacy between sites: Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground offers secluded camping. "The sites were built in a forest of rhododendron and there is so much privacy compared to most other campgrounds. As a result, it seems quieter." Rhododendron bushes create natural barriers between campsites.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal or no connectivity. "There is no cell phone service. The campsite is wooded and the spaces are distanced well." Download maps and information before arriving.
Campground access challenges: Some locations have steep or narrow access roads. "Grayson Highlands has a front gate where you can pick up your packet if pre-registered. I'm not sure what I picked at online registration other than electric and water but I had the choice of over 10 sites."
Weather variability: Mountain elevations cause quick weather changes. "I was very much hoping to take photos of the night sky, but there was a storm with wild winds and cold, so that didn't happen!" Pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Camp Burson at Hungry Mother State Park offers a beach area. "The lake is beautiful and has boat rentals and a swimming beach! Great place to kayak!" A small fee applies for beach access during summer months.
Kid-friendly biking: Several campgrounds feature paved roads for beginners. "The whole place is paved so it was great for scooters. It's a 3/4 mile loop around the campground." Many sites connect to easier sections of longer trails.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wild ponies are a major attraction. "Wild horses and ponies. (Short hike from the campsite). This campsite had everything we needed- Firewood, fire starters, etc. for purchase right there at the campsite." Morning and evening offer best viewing times.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Stony Fork Campground accommodates larger RVs. "This National Forest CG is located only 4 miles from I-77 (left from exit 47) and has paved roads and sites. About half of the 50 sites don't have facilities but about a dozen have W/E (30A) while the other dozen have just electric hookup."
Tree clearance considerations: Watch for low-hanging branches at some campgrounds. "The tree branches along the road in the cg could use a good trim in a couple of places." Some roads within campgrounds have tight turns for larger rigs.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with hookups have on-site dump stations. "Nice level spots with great hookups. Very quiet. Close to highway and easy dump station/water station across the street." Plan ahead for waste disposal needs.
