142 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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
Check Availability"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. "
from $25 - $47 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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!"
LegendVery beautiful surrounds and plenty of family fun to be had here. Pool, waterslides, splash pad, jumping pillows, playgrounds, mini golf, and of course the James River, to which our campsite was immediately adjacent. It's 8 minutes to the state park with the natural bridge, which is spectacular. . The staff are super nice and helpful.
TravelerWe just stayed several nights at this campground and really enjoyed it. It was quiet, the bathrooms and showers were always exceptionally clean, and the pool was very nice. Some parts of the campground have a lot of trees and we enjoyed the shade. The staff was very kind and helpful, and kept a neat little camp store well stocked with a variety of essentials. It was easy to get into Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive, which we also enjoyed. It is not too far from Polyface Farms (a conference there was the purpose of our visit). We look forward to staying here again!
ScoutFrom all the reviews on this site, we thought it would be more dispersed/private than it is. If you’re ok with seeing and hearing strangers as you sit in front of your own campfire, then this is the spot for you. Not for those who want privacy and true connection with nature and surroundings.
ScoutShowers are well removed from the center of activity
Also the personalities at the office are extremely short
ScoutNice and quiet. Spots are a good size. Large rock ring fire pit. Would recommend
GuideThis is an awesome campground that is definitely worth the cost. The sites are really nice, there’s a decent bathhouse and you can walk to the brewery for beers and food. Plus the area is beautiful!
ScoutThis KOA was quiet and perfect for a short stay. We enjoyed our time here. The staff was friendly.
ScoutBeautiful and secluded. Primitive camping area for boondocking or tent camping. Large enough to set up several electric pens for horses.
ScoutAbsolutely no service here cell or internet. We have a starlink so are connected if needed Stayed at the furthest site removed from anyone. Very beautiful.
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 142 campgrounds and RV parks near Newport, VA and 19 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 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Newport, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 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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