Fairy Stone State Park offers yurt camping near the Blue Ridge Mountains of southern Virginia, with elevations ranging from 1,200-2,000 feet providing moderate temperatures even in summer. The park sits along the border between Henry and Patrick counties, about 20 miles from Martinsville with direct access to a 168-acre lake for fishing and non-motorized boating activities.
What to do
Hunting for fairy stones: Head to the designated hunting area near Fairy Stone State Park for a unique geological treasure hunt. These natural staurolite crystal formations are found in the soil. "Most of the trails lead from the campground. We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun," notes a visitor to Fairy Stone State Park Campground.
Explore Blue Ridge Parkway: The parkway offers scenic drives and numerous hiking opportunities within 5-10 miles of local campgrounds. "The roads going into the campground is very narrow and steep up and downs. My breaks were gone by the time I got to the entrance," warns a camper at Salthouse Branch Campground.
Boating activities: Multiple lakes in the region provide opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. "The launch ramp was adjacent to the campsite and while we could have portaged our kayak to the ramp, there is an ample parking lot ramp-side. Philpott reservoir is magnificent!" writes a reviewer at Salthouse Branch Campground.
What campers like
Quiet, natural settings: Many campgrounds in the area offer peaceful surroundings away from city noise. "We stayed in mid June 2020, the site was perfect. Bath house and laundry were clean. The owner stopped by we had a lovely conversation, he works hard to ensure that everyone has a pleasant stay," shares a visitor to Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue.
Variety of accommodation options: Beyond traditional tent and RV sites, the area offers multiple yurt camping options near Martinsville. "This campground has lovely tree cover in both the RV and tent camping areas. There are also cabins. The manager is very friendly & accommodating," notes a guest at Meadows Of Dan Campground.
Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses and common areas receive consistent positive feedback. "Very nice and quiet place to spend a few days. The staff was wonderful and polite! Sites are a bit small for anything over 35' but we did mange our 41' in there," comments a camper at Salthouse Branch Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in this rural area have spotty connectivity. "We go here to get away. No Verizon service or WiFi," explains a camper at Fairy Stone State Park Campground.
Elevation challenges: Several campgrounds feature steep terrain that may be difficult for larger vehicles or those with mobility issues. "The campground sits on a hillside with multiple gravel roads. Although the landscaping is nice, there's no trees near any campsites for shade," mentions a visitor to Mayberry Campground.
Seasonal availability: While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasons. "We have been there summer, fall and winter. We love this campground," notes a camper at Mayberry Campground, one of the facilities open throughout the year.
Tips for camping with families
Pack for varying temperatures: Mountain elevations mean cooler evenings even in summer. "We were only there mid week and it was very quiet and we had a great time riding bikes and hiking," shares a visitor at Fairy Stone State Park Campground who experienced comfortable outdoor recreation conditions.
Reserve well in advance: Popular family-friendly sites fill quickly, especially on weekends and during summer. "This place is full on the weekends so reserve in advance," advises a camper at Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. "There's 2 good-sized ponds for catch and release and also 2 kids playgrounds," notes a Mayberry Campground visitor, highlighting features that appeal to families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: For yurt camping near Martinsville, Virginia, many parks offer both wooded and open sites. "We stayed in a full hookup site 8 on top of a hill overlooking other areas of the park. They have sites for everyone and every type of camping!" shares an RVer at Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground.
Watch road conditions: Mountain roads leading to campgrounds can be challenging for larger RVs. "My only negative was that they had us camp up on the top of the hill and it was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel," cautions a camper at Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA.
Check amenities before booking: Availability of hookups, dump stations, and shower facilities varies widely. "Level site with good drainage made this a nice spot for a 3-day rest during a time of limited personal mobility. Washrooms are at quite a distance from this site so we were glad to be completely self-contained," notes a Salthouse Branch Campground visitor.
