8 campgrounds with availability next weekend
The Blue Ridge Mountains region surrounding Newport, Virginia contains several established campgrounds accommodating both tent and RV camping. Facilities like Sherando Lake Campground and Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park provide developed sites with varying amenities. Many campgrounds in this area sit near lakes or along mountain streams, with locations ranging from 15-30 miles from Newport in national forest or privately operated land. Devils Backbone Camp and Crabtree Falls Campground offer cabin options alongside traditional camping, catering to visitors seeking different accommodation levels.
Road access varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring navigation on winding mountain roads. Most established sites remain open from April through October, though several operate year-round. A visitor noted, "The campground is butted up against Sherwood lake and a small mountain ridge range that divides West Virginia and Virginia," highlighting the cross-border recreational opportunities. Elevation changes affect temperature and weather conditions, with mountain locations providing cooler summer temperatures but potentially challenging access during winter months. Cell service can be limited or nonexistent in more remote areas, requiring advance planning for communication needs.
Waterfront campsites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly those along lakes and rivers. Sites at Sherando Lake Campground allow campers direct access to swimming and fishing. Proximity to natural features like Crabtree Falls and the Blue Ridge Parkway provides additional recreational opportunities beyond the campground boundaries. As one camper observed, "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night." Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping dominate the region, though site size and privacy vary considerably between locations. Weekend occupancy rates typically run high during summer months, making advance reservations advisable for peak season visits.
"You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."
"Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."
from $45 - $99 / night
"Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."
"The lakeside is wonderful for sitting, reading and swimming. The "upper lake" is great for fishing. "
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $47 / night
"The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night."
"I’ve camped at a completely different part of this place before which was a site without access to bathrooms and showers."
from $28 - $55 / night
"First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."
"We set up camp then walked over to the brewery/ restaurant for some flights and dinner. I recommend grabbing some growlers to go. Showers and restrooms were clean."
from $25 - $140 / night
"And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar , restaurant and off to the side a little store for floats with putt putt golf and Jenna,etc."
"Lots for them to do, great swimming lake, employees were a pleasure. Trash pick-up was awesome !! Our site was gorgeous. Not a full hook up(more on that later), but absolutely perfect."
from $29 - $45 / night
"It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."
"Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."
"Beautiful surroundings. No phone signal and wifi was a joke but that's not a bad thing!"
"Ate at their on-site restaurant while a local band played outside. Mostly used by local folks as a seasonal CG. Lots of semi-permanent fixtures attached to rigs. Did get a PassPort America discount."
"This is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets for Cabins, RV or Tent camping. The location is awesome; close to some great hiking spots, very accessible & well laid out."
"The upstairs neighbors were probably as quiet as they could be but you could still hear them walking around and using the plumbing. The trout pond is not what they make it out to be on the website."
from $38 - $55 / night
"We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly."
"It was clean, but had a trail of ants get into my belongings. Sites are close to one another and the cabins are not near the water. They are near the bath house though."
from $36 - $132 / night
"Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."
"the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. the water is also stocked with fish!"
GuideReally nice property and clean rest rooms. Milo and I only stayed one night as we were meeting up with fellow overlanders. Price seemed a bit high @ $57.00 for parking on the grass with no elec or water.
I don't think I'll be back, unless we all meet up there again.
GuideMilo and I spent two nights here October 19th and the 20th 2026 at site 11on Alhambra Rd in the George Washington National Forest. On the left side, just past the bridge is site 11. Right on the Piney River. You can hear the water flowing over the rocks. As you can see in the video, the first entrance is blocked with boulders. The second left after the bridge is the entrance. It's tricky pulling in with a trailer. The second entrance has two boulders, one on each side making it a chore not to damage anything.
I would love to spend a week here checking out the other 14 sites.
GuideGreat campground! Facilities were well-stocked and clean. Stayed at a walk-in site (005), which was nice because it's a very short walk from the reserved parking spot and it's on the outside of the ring so comparatively secluded. All traffic entering the campground passes by it, which might be annoying to some (esp. during peak season I'd bet) but we didn't find it disturbing. The site also has its own bear box (adjacent sites 006 & 007 have to share one). One note - the site map shows a separate trail going right from the parking spot to the site, but you actually have to walk through site 006 to get to it. Also, we learned that the camp store is not run by the NPS, and the kid who was running the store does not provide great service, to say the least; he was very rude when there was a credit card snafu, and made us go down to the wayside store to get our refund even though he was the one who double-charged us. Don't blame NPS though! Also, firewood is kind of expensive ($10/bundle); consider bringing your own treated/kiln-dried from a nearby store before entering the park!
GuideThis is a no frills campground with just a few sites. Tent camping, small rigs and even some larger rigs could easily fit in the large grassy center where there are two fire rings. Our 25 got nobo had no issues.
GuideThis is one of the best campsites we’ve stayed at in VA. It’s easy to find and super well kept. There was an established fire ring and the bathrooms (pit toilets) were clean and in great shape. It seems pretty popular but we got there around 4-5 and were able to secure a spot.
ScoutResponsive hosts, great sites, fun family activities.
TravelerNice open field off a fire access road. Need four wheel drive to access but has some great views.
TravelerGreat place if you want to off road a little and have an amazing view to wake up and go to sleepp too. Would definitely do this again!
ScoutFriendly staff, great riding right from the camper and a neat playground for the kids.
Camping near Newport, Virginia offers sites nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 feet. Temperature drops of 5-10 degrees occur between valley areas and higher mountain sites, particularly at night even during summer months. Seasonal creek access varies dramatically between spring runoff periods and late summer, affecting water availability at several primitive sites.
Hike the Appalachian Trail access points: Multiple campgrounds provide proximity to AT trailheads. At Devils Backbone Camp, campers appreciate the convenient access: "They provide a free shuttle to the camp, as well as group tent area for registered AT thru-hikers." Another visitor noted the variety of trails: "Close to the Appalachian Trail, so they are many outdoor activities to take advantage of."
Fish stocked waters: Montebello Resort offers fishing opportunities without requiring a license. "The trout pond is a nice touch you can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch, we enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay, and from what I saw, anybody with a hook can catch one," shares a camper. Another notes, "The kids are guaranteed to catch something in the fishing hole."
Visit Natural Bridge State Park: The natural limestone arch is within 25 miles of several campgrounds. A visitor at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "Very close to Natural Bridge," and another pointed out it's "close to Lexington with vineyards, restaurants and antique shops. Next door to the drive thru zoo and near Natural Bridge."
Waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise creek and riverside locations. At Crabtree Falls Campground, reviewers enjoy the natural soundtrack: "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night." Another camper appreciated that "sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy."
Clean bathroom facilities: Campground hygiene matters to visitors. At Sherando Lake Campground, "The shower houses are at the center of each loop and have been rebuilt to ACA standard with in the last five years." Devils Backbone Camp earned praise for "some of the nicest facilities of any campground I've stayed at" and "bathhouse is top notch! Squeaky clean with lots of space."
Onsite breweries and cideries: The Blue Ridge area offers unique camping with adult beverage production facilities. A Devils Backbone Camp reviewer explains the layout: "A short walk through the tent area brought you to the large brewery area. This area includes a brewpub, large outdoor seating area with fire pits and an outdoor stage, a distillery, cigar and cocktail lounge, an additional outdoor bar and grille, a breakfast building with craft coffee, and a gift shop."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. At Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park, "Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure." At Montebello Resort, visitors note there is "zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive."
Seasonal closures affect availability: While some campgrounds operate year-round, many close during winter. Sherando Lake Campground operates from "April through October." One camper recommends: "Coming in the middle of the week is the best time if you like to have peace and quiet and the place all to yourself."
Primitive sites offer budget options: Free camping exists in the national forest. At Oronoco Campground, "This campground being only about 25 miles from home has been one we've used several times over the years," and "Sites are free and surrounded by clear mountain streams."
Choose campgrounds with swimming options: Water features provide built-in entertainment. At Stoney Creek Resort, visitors appreciate the "great swimming lake. Family friendly." Shenandoah Valley Campground offers variety: "They had an awesome pool that was heated, hot tubs, mini golf and good playgrounds. My kids were in heaven."
Consider noise levels and site spacing: Family-focused campgrounds can be busy. One visitor noted at Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley: "This is not a primitive/secluded campground if you are looking to get away and spend some time in nature. It would make a great group/family glamping campsite as is has all of the amenities, including playgrounds, a pond with a 'beach' and golf cart rentals to get around."
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Scheduled events entertain children. A Sherando Lake Campground visitor noted, "They have activities during the summer like outdoor movies and live music." Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley offers "tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Gold cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments."
Site hookup locations matter: At Devils Backbone Camp, a visitor warns: "The hookups in this area where different than I have ever experienced as the hookups were shared between two sites. If you were on an even number site, this was no problem. However, if you were on an odd number site, you either had to hope you had the length on your water and power lines to run to the opposite side of your rig."
Mountain access requires preparation: The winding roads demand caution with larger vehicles. A Montebello Resort visitor advises: "Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive. Also FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway."
Check site dimensions carefully: Many RV sites have limitations. At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, a reviewer warned: "It was a very small site with a half deck. If we had camper with slide, we would not have been able to use our slide in this site." Another visitor recommends: "Call ahead about RV lengths to make sure you are booking the correct site for your size. I noticed more than a few people struggling with their units and some of this could have been avoided with proper booking."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Newport, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Newport, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Newport, VA and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Newport, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Newport, VA is Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Newport, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Newport, VA.
What parks are near Newport, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Newport, VA that allow camping, notably George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Monongahela National Forest.
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