Best Campgrounds near Hollins, VA
Camping options near Hollins, Virginia range from primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail to full-service developed campgrounds. The Blue Ridge Parkway corridor provides several camping areas, including Peaks of Otter Campground located about 25 miles northeast of Hollins at milepost 85.9. Explore Park near Roanoke offers cabin rentals, RV sites, and tent camping within a mixed-use recreation area. Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing provides cabin accommodations alongside tent and RV options in a natural setting approximately 30 miles northwest of Hollins.
Several campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, with many open from spring through fall. Peaks of Otter Campground typically operates from May through late October, while Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground remains open year-round. Higher elevation camping areas experience cooler temperatures even during summer months, while lower-elevation sites along the Roanoke River valley offer milder conditions. Dispersed camping opportunities exist along sections of the Appalachian Trail at designated shelters like Johns Spring and Catawba Mountain, though these primitive sites lack amenities and require proper water filtration. One visitor noted that at Johns Spring Shelter, "There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North."
Campers frequently highlight the proximity to popular hiking destinations as a key benefit of staying in the Hollins area. Dragon's Tooth, a distinctive rock formation accessible via the Appalachian Trail, draws hikers and overnight campers. Several visitors mentioned its challenging terrain but rewarding views. The Dragon's Tooth trailhead provides vault toilets and bear-proof trash receptacles for hikers and campers. Developed campgrounds like Dixie Caverns and Explore Park receive positive reviews for their convenient amenities and proximity to attractions, though roadway noise affects some sites. According to a recent review, Explore Park offers "all new facilities and only $25 a night. Electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby" with mountain biking trails and educational programs available within the park boundaries.