Best Tent Camping near Max Meadows, VA

Several tent campgrounds scatter the landscape surrounding Max Meadows, Virginia, providing access to the New River and Appalachian Trail areas. Millrace Campground in New River Trail State Park offers riverside tent sites with walk-in access, while Walnut Flats Campground provides a more secluded tent camping experience with five primitive sites. The area features a mix of established state park campgrounds and more remote national forest options within a reasonable drive from town.

Most tent campsites in the region are primitive with basic amenities. Millrace Campground requires campers to carry all equipment from the parking area to their sites, though the walk is manageable. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, with drinking water available at select sites like Millrace and Walnut Flats. Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with Walnut Flats open from April 1 to December 7. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites, though campers should check current fire restrictions before their trip.

The tent camping experience near Max Meadows offers notable natural surroundings and peaceful settings. A camper described Millrace Campground as having "private spots" with "the river sounds amazing at night." Sites along the New River provide water access for fishing and paddling, while locations near the Appalachian Trail connect directly to hiking routes. Tree cover varies by location, with most tent sites offering at least partial shade during summer months. At New River Trail State Park, tent campers can also explore nearby historic sites, wildlife centers, and multi-use trails. Access to many tent-only areas requires preparation, with one reviewer noting that Walnut Flats Campground "needs a 4x4" for the approach road.

Best Tent Sites Near Max Meadows, Virginia (42)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Max Meadows, VA

693 Reviews of 42 Max Meadows Campgrounds


  • Shannon M.
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Rocky Knob Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Clean wooded caampground

    On BRP near Floyd, VA. A lot of amenities in town and hiking trails nearby. Clean and quiet: no generators allowed in tent camping area and quiet hours after 10pm. Tent sites $20 per night at time of my stay.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    Ranger Review: RōM Outdoors RōM Pack at Hungry Mother State Park

    Hungry Mother State Park, just a short drive off I-81 in southwestern Virginia, is an easily accessible gem offering modern cabins, yurts, and campgrounds equipped for tents or RVs, with limitless activities.

    We stayed in one of the cabins after Hurricane Michael rained out our plans for tent camping. This was our first time in one of the VSP cabins, and will not be our last. There are three types of cabins; log exteriors, part of the original Civilian Conservation Corps structures; wooden frame cabins with wooden interiors, and cinderblock exteriors with tile floors. Cabins range from economy to three bedroom, and all have a kitchen with microwave, stove, and refrigerator/freezer, a bathroom with a shower, and a fireplace, as well as heating and air conditioning. Most cabins also have covered porches, exterior picnic tables, and exterior fire rings.

    The Creekside Campground loop has water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. The layout is similar to most water/electric sites in state and national parks in Virginia; not much privacy between the sites, but fairly shaded, and a quiet atmosphere. This loop is true to its name, and right on the creek running through the park. We were there during the rains from Hurricane Michael and the creek was running so high that sites 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, and 19 looked like they were in danger of flooding.

    The Royal Oak campground has platforms for tents set into the mountain rather than dirt or gravel tent pads, however as there are hooks in each of the pads to anchor your tent they can only accommodate tents with a 20x20 footprint. These sites have picnic tables and fire rings on the dirt beside the platforms. The two VSP Yurts at Hungry Mother are in the Royal Oak loop, along the entrance that are set up from the road. This loop overall offers a lot more privacy for each site that I have typically seen in state parks due to the platforms, though you will still see/hear your neighbors. Both camping loops have bathrooms with electricity, flush toilets, and showers with warm water.

    Amenities in the park include a lake with a swimming area, boat/canoe rentals, fishing (with license), a restaurant, hiking, biking, and ranger programs. The park office also has several cool displays of local wildlife and history of the area, as well as backpacks you can check out with books and gear for tree, wildflower, and animal identification. Hiking varies from short and easy trails with minimal elevation gain, to the difficult Molly’s Knob trail with one of the most epic sunset views I’ve ever hiked in Virginia.

    I love Virginia State Parks, and this is definitely a new favorite. I’m skeptical of the comfort of the wooden platforms for future tent camping trips, but the cabins will definitely be a future stay for us, particularly during the winter months, and there is so much to do in this park even the most reluctant adventurer will find fun.

    **Product Review **

    As as Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time — on this trip I tested the RōM pack, from RōM Outdoors.

    I was skeptical about this pack when I first received it—it felt extremely heavy for a day pack, particularly as it doesn’t have a hip belt, and while I was impressed with the removable pockets, it didn’t seem like the pack itself had a lot of cargo capacity.

    After using this pack on our trip, I am a convert. We used it to pack clothes for my husband and I, knowing we would be able to leave our clothes at camp when we went hiking. This freed up space in the car that would normally go to a larger backpack, and we got to take advantage of the pack’s ability to convert to both a poncho and a blanket, not just for review purposes, but out of necessity.

    The poncho’s rain resistance held up well, considering we were hiking in the outer bands of a hurricane. The first hike we took this on we started in the rain, and my husband wore the poncho—he stayed dry for the first half mile of our hike, but by end of our mile the water had started leaking through so he did get a little wet—though mostly around the the seams/openings. On our second hike he wore it as a backpack. Because it was raining when we set out and we anticipated needing the poncho feature again, we elected not to bring the detachable pockets, but the interior of the pack was enough to hold our 5 year old’s day pack once she got tired of carrying it.

    It stopped raining by the time we got to the summit of our hike, and we tested the blanket feature of the pack for a picnic. It unfolds to a size that was perfect for our family of four. The canvas is thick enough to make a great picnic blanket—it protects from damp ground and sharp rocks, and the lining makes for a very soft surface to sit on. On the way back I took advantage of the poncho. By this point it had gotten extremely windy and was getting dark quickly, and the poncho was excellent at keeping me warm. It’s very heavy, which was welcome in the strong wind, though it did make it hard to hear with the hood over my ears.

    Pros to this pack:

    -Versatility. In one trip we used the backpack, poncho, and blanket feature, and were grateful for all three.

    -Durability. This is definitely a well-constructed pack, with heavy materials that seem like they will last for a long time.

    -User-friendly. The pack looks intimidating at first, but it unfolds/folds from pack to poncho/blanket very easily. Combined with the drawstring inner pack and detachable pockets it’s easy to convert while still keeping track of your gear.

    Cons to this pack:

    -Space. This is great to bring on a camping trip where you can bring additional packs/bags for your gear, but it doesn’t hold much on its own.

    -Weight. It only weighs in at 4.6lbs, which is less than a lot of backpacking packs, but as the pack doesn’t have the hip belt it’s a high starting weight.

    -Thin straps. The width of the straps is comfortable, but they could use a little more padding.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Creekside Camping

    At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant.  The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

    Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! 

    Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety. 

    The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 1, 2017

    Dixie Caverns

    Camping at the Crossroads

    Dixie Caverns is a privately owned campground, slash tourist site ( dixiecaverns.com ) located at the outskirts of Salem, VA.

    Warning: In the website, they do state the campground is "directly off I-81," and it is. The fact is, you are surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the actual Dixie Cavern is at the base of a mountain, so all the road traffic is above the campground and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7. Trust me when I say, semi-truck noise is loud during the twilight hours when the din of the day has disappeared.

    We spent two different multiple-day stays at Dixie Caverns in the Spring, partly out of necessity and partly because of its close proximity to a desired venue in Salem. So I can attest to the traffic noise never letting up.

    The Positive: Dixie Caverns Campground serves a need...a campground close to Salem. The next closest campground is an hour's drive and in heavy traffic...longer. It is also one of the closest campgrounds to several of Virginia's most popular hiking trails (AT) and scenic overlooks (Dragon's Tooth, Tinker Cliffs, etc). So people will use this as a "base camp" of sorts.

    The personnel that run the Dixie Cavern Gift Shop, are also those you see to pay for a camping site...and I found them very friendly and helpful.

    If you are visiting there to tour the Dixie Caverns...you are a hundred feet away from the mountain doorway.

    The campground is tiny, as in footprint, but they have carved out a number of RV/Camper sites along the mountain base and the inner loops...and during our stays very few openings were observed. Water, electric and cable is provided at each of those pull-through sites. They are of adequate size for the largest of RV's, but they are side-by-side the length of the loop. No vegetation exists between or on those sides but some grass and some spaced large trees. Perhaps the RV/Camper clan camp there out of necessity and convenience too. Though there is a limit on the days of your stay, it appears that some are exempt from this rule. Some campers are permanent fixtures...others that were not, were still in the same location from the first visit to the next visit 30 days later. Several employees live full-time on site.

    Tent camping is in the grass along the creek that runs down to the Roanoke River across the roadway. During the heavy rains we received, I had concerns that this raging creek would overflow its banks, but it did not. Trash was visible washed along its banks. The sites are marked only by a picnic table and rock fire ring...no other designation, so you chose a side of the fire ring to pitch your tent. Even with the heavy rains, I did not notice low, soggy areas. There is several large hardwood trees that provide a nice canopy, but no foliage between tenting areas...so the entire campground is line of sight. I believe there were only six tent sites (technically), but overflow tent sites are also along the grassy field across from the Gift Shop. Important note: If you are considering a good night's sleep in a tent (not sure of the sound dampening qualities of RV/Campers), ear-plugs are a must!

    The showerhouse/restroom are located at the beginning of the campground, which is just the other side of the day use picnic area and the Gift Shop/Attraction parking lot. The doors are locked 24/7 and only campers receive the "push-button" door code (which the code did not change from both visits...not a secure safety protocol). The showerhouse/restroom has running water, flush toilets and several showers, and an electric outlet. It shows its age and looks like a heavily used campground facility. For tent campers, its the only potable water source.

    There is both cell service and free wifi...which is amazing! I can count on my one finger how many campgrounds in W.VA and VA that had cell service.

    The Negative: You must leave the campground for anything you'd like to do, other than the Caverns...and sitting in your camp chair.

    There are no trails or other amenities...and the trails closeby...are still a 20-30 minutes drive on a good day.

    Whether or not tenters are in the tent area, this is the dog walking area. They are required to pick up...but it is aggravating...because if it doesn't pour, the smell remains.

    Did I mention the truck traffic noise? The overall condition of Dixie Caverns appears dated, a bit run-down, and dirty.

    Would I stay there again? Odds are I will spend one more collegiate softball post season and World Series staying at Dixie Caverns Campground next spring, purely out of convenience and necessity.

  • Rachael H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2020

    Stone Mountain State Park Campground

    Loved it

    Primitive tent camp site. Water but no electric. Nice grassy area around the gravel tent pad. We had one tree for shade. Fire ring and table. Clean showers and bathrooms. We stayed here specifically for the sliding rock at widow creek falls. But we did hike Stone Mountain falls trail. There are 432 steps going up to the parking area from the bottom of the falls. Beautiful shaded trail. Mountain to sea trail runs through for a little bit. Dogs welcome leashes. Fairly busy trail.

  • Kevin M.
    Mar. 18, 2017

    Rocky Knob Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Great overnight camping stay!

    Rocky Knob Campground is right outside of Floyd, VA off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southwest region of the state.

    Why stay here? It's right outside of Floyd. They host Floyd Fest each year as well as a Yoga Jam. It's right off the Blue Ridge Parkway if you are traveling. Did I mention it's to Chateau Morrisette Winery?!

    Our family stays here multiple times a year, it's a nice little getaway, yet still close to home. This Campground offers toilets and running water, but no showers so remember to bring your dry shampoo and bug spray depending on the time of year.

    Sites are pretty close together, but we didn't mind. We pitched an 8 person tent, a hammock, and were quite cozy in front of the fire ring. Can't wait to visit again.

    Good for families (kids ride their bikes through Campground), couples, singles.

    What this Campground offers: -Friendly Park Ranger -$16 bucks per night if you drive up, $20 online, can't beat that! -Rest and relaxation -Picnic table -Fire ring -Bathhouse (no showers or paper towels) -trash collection near front entrance -camping for tents or campers -dog friendly -short distance from Rocky Knob -right off the Blue Ridge Parkway -close to Chateau Morrisette Winery -right outside of Floyd, VA (Dogtown Roadhouse, Floyd County Store, Oddfellas, etc)

  • Joe H.
    Sep. 7, 2019

    White Rocks Campground

    Beautiful, quiet, and relaxing.

    This is a great spot to get away from almost everything. No cell, no wifi, no hook ups, no showers. 

    Lots of hiking with a short 1.3 loop mile trail right out of the campground, and several trails nearby, including a few different connectors to sections of the AT. 

    Usually few if any campers here, but lots of wildlife to be seen and heard in and around the campground. 

    Theres a camp host who takes care of both bath houses, which have sinks and  flush toilets. No hot water, and no showers. There are a few water hydrants throughout the campground for water.

  • Julie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway

    VERY Primative

    This site should not be confused with any other sites in area by similar name. You have to make a reservation with the park office for your site and drop by the ranger station to pick up your permit. The sites have NO vehicle access at all, you have to hike a mile into the campsite. The hike in is excellent, as it follows the river along the way.

    There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you. There are no picnic tables but each site does have wood logs as seats. There are fire pits and food storage lockers on site. 

    The site is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and is a great place to set as "base camp" for day hikes.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2022

    Beechnut Family Campground

    Nice Camping for Tents or RVs

    We camped in our tent at Beechnut for two nights. The owners are very friendly and helpful. The tent camping area is across a road from a stream, in a forest of tall trees, a very picturesque location. Each tent site had water, a picnic table, and a 30-amp electric outlet. It rained heavily both nights we stayed there, but we stayed dry. Unfortunately the rain had been going on for several days before we arrived, and wherever vehicles were parked on the ground, they left muddy ruts. The owner helped some guests who arrived at night at a tent site in small travel trailers, when they were stuck. He really is very helpful and kind. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept.


Guide to Max Meadows

Tent campsites near Max Meadows, Virginia occupy diverse terrain ranging from secluded forest settings to riverside locations along the New River. The camping season typically runs from spring through fall, with many primitive sites closing for winter months from December through March. Several campgrounds require preparation for limited amenities, with primitive sites offering basic facilities and access routes that may present challenges during wet weather.

What to do

Paddle the New River: Camp Success provides access to the New River with a boat ramp suitable for kayak launching. "I took out my kayak at the boat ramp and looked around. Vault M/F toilet, BYOTP," notes one camper about the facilities.

Hike to panoramic views: The Appalachian Trail passes near Chestnut Knob Shelter, offering views of Burkes Garden. "It is a great shorter hike with great views over Burkes Garden (nicknamed God's Thumbprint)," shares a visitor. The clearing at the top provides tent camping options with access to the shelter during inclement weather.

Explore historic sites: The Foster Falls area contains abandoned structures and interpretive areas accessible from nearby campsites. Several hiking trails connect to historic points of interest including old railroad infrastructure, abandoned buildings, and markers detailing the area's mining and transportation history.

Fish in mountain streams: Small streams and river access points provide fishing opportunities throughout the camping season. Several primitive campsites offer direct water access for anglers targeting smallmouth bass, catfish, and various panfish species native to the New River watershed.

What campers like

Natural soundscapes: Millrace Campground provides a peaceful auditory experience according to visitors. "Ever wake up on a foggy Virginia morning and walk only a few feet from your tent and watch the fog rise off the water? I DID and it was AMAZING!!" writes one enthusiastic camper about the morning atmosphere.

Proximity to recreation: Multiple tent camping areas connect directly to trail systems for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. "There is a Disc Golf Course, Fishing, Camping, and Community Events. Well kept, clean, and perfect," notes a visitor to Camp Success.

Wildlife viewing: Tent sites provide opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. "Lots of wildlife too. Great simple site representative of this part of the country," reports a camper at Walnut Flats Campground.

Affordable camping options: Most tent sites in the area charge modest fees or no fee at all, with primitive sites typically costing under $20 per night. Several backcountry options along the Appalachian Trail operate on a first-come, first-served basis without fees.

What you should know

Access challenges: Some camping areas require appropriate vehicles. "The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water. There are 5 sites at this location," a camper advises about Walnut Flats Campground.

Facility limitations: Most tent sites feature minimal facilities. "You will be required to carry your things into your site, however there is a nice paved walking area for you to do so," explains a visitor to Millrace Campground.

Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, particularly in spring and fall. "Don't make the same mistake I did and tent camp outside in a huge storm - just stay inside!" warns a camper who experienced severe weather at Chestnut Knob Shelter.

Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds close during winter months, typically from early December through March. Operating seasons vary by location, with higher elevation sites having shorter camping seasons due to access issues during winter.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with amenities: New River Yacht Club offers waterfront tent sites with access to showers and toilets, making it suitable for families with young children. "They offer waterfront tent sites so you can enjoy a weekend at the water," notes one review.

Pack additional water: While some sites provide drinking water via hand pumps, the supply may be limited or inconvenient. Families should bring 1-2 gallons per person per day, especially during summer months when temperatures can exceed 85°F.

Consider campground layout: Some sites require equipment to be carried from parking areas to tent sites. Families with young children should select sites with shorter carrying distances or bring wagons to transport gear.

Plan for limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout camping areas near Max Meadows, with mountain terrain creating numerous dead zones. Download maps and activity information before arrival.

Tips from RVers

Focus on tent camping: Most camping options near Max Meadows cater specifically to tent campers rather than RVs. "This is pretty bare bones camping, no electrical, no RVs, no flush toilets," explains a visitor to Millrace Campground.

Consider equestrian sites: White Cedar Horse Camp accommodates larger vehicles for horse camping with specific amenities. "Big trees at the campsites, beautiful place to camp with horses, pipe corral. No showers but there is a store 10 minutes away where you can pay to take a hot shower," notes one visitor.

Evaluate road conditions: Access roads to primitive tent sites may present challenges for vehicles with low clearance. Several camping areas feature gravel or dirt roads that deteriorate in wet conditions, requiring careful navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Max Meadows, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Max Meadows, VA is Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Max Meadows, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 42 tent camping locations near Max Meadows, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.