Best Tent Camping near Moneta, VA

Recent Tent Reviews near Moneta, Virginia

367 Reviews of 14 Moneta Campgrounds

• 

  Shannon M.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• M

  Matt W.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 14, 2023

  Salthouse Branch Campground

  Nice

  Nice and clean area as far as tent camping, beautiful area all and all. Would return for sure.

• 

  Andrea N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 3, 2019

  Middle Creek Campground

  Ranger Review: Nature's Coffee Kettle at Middle Creek Campground

  Campground Review

  As a Ranger on The Dyrt, I sometimes receive compensation for reviewing campgrounds like this one. Middle Creek Campground is the perfect place to use as a base camp for all of the outdoor activities in the area. Getting here was a lot easier than expected. The campground is only 6 miles off the I-81 Arcadia exit. We were quickly in the Jefferson National Forest where the road winds through the forest along Jennings Creek. It was absolutely gorgeous. Around every turn we saw fishermen wading into the water or sitting on the banks.

  Check-in is at the fully stocked camp store where you'll likely be greeted by the two resident dogs. They mostly lazed around all weekend and watched people coming and going. The RV sites are directly across from the camp store, but the tent sites were tucked back into the woods. The upper tent campground was closed for renovations during our stay, so we chose from the 8 or 9 sites located in the lower tent campground. All of the sites were roomy and featured a small fire pit, picnic table, water, and electricity. Several of them even had a pull-through site and would work well for a small pop-up. Bonus: most of the lower tent sites have direct access to the creek! There were only four other tent sites occupied the whole weekend. It was very quiet and peaceful.

  We chose site #76 because the creek wound around the back of the campsite and had a gentle slope leading down to the creek. We knew our dogs would love splashing around in it! Once we got everything set up I realized that the site was bigger than I'd originally thought. There was more than enough room to set up our Kingdom 4 tent, 10' canopy, and camp kitchen to glamp in style. We brought a 15' lead for the 2yo beagle so he could go down to the creek on his own or hang out with us. Even at the end of his lead he was nowhere close to the road. Check out the video below for a 360' view!

  The bathhouse was at the back of the camp store. Like the rest of the campground, the facilities aren't fancy, but they are functional and clean. Both men's and women's featured two showers where the water was nice and hot! There are even washers and dryers around the corner.

  Firewood is available for purchase onsite. We paid $7 for a bundle at the camp store, and it was delivered to our site just a few minutes later. The bundle was huge! We had more than enough wood for two cooking fires.

  Because our visit was so early in the year, we weren't able to access most of the amenities. There is a good-sized pool and pavilion on a hill behind the camp store. Right beside that is the swimming pond with two large slides in the middle, plus a small beach. There is another lake at the front of the campground designated for fishing. There are no trails in this campground, so if you want to hike, you'll need to drive about a mile out to where the Appalachian Trail meets Jennings Creek. Or, drive to one of many trail heads within the National Forest. There are also plenty of pull-off spots along the road if you want to wade into the creek.

  During our stay, we observed the staff cleaning, fixing, and getting ready for camping season. The bathrooms got a fresh coat of paint. The roads through the campground were recently groomed with new crushed gravel. All of the picnic tables and sidewalks were being power washed. The game room was also being renovated! Downside: we didn't have water at our site the first day. About half-way through the second day one of the workers came around to let us know they were turning it on and to let it run for a bit since it had been off all winter. That made it much easier to wash dishes in a bucket at camp. There isn't a wash station in the campground for doing dishes, so we had to improvise the first night. The biggest turn-off for us at the campground was the RV section right across from the camp store. It seemed like the sites were really packed in there, one on top of the other. I've never been RV-ing before, so I'm not sure if this setup is typical, but I wanted to point it out.

  All of the staff that we came into contact with were super friendly and helpful. We were immediately made to feel welcome. It felt like spending the weekend with friends and neighbors instead of strangers.

  Product Review

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - today I am testing Nature's Coffee Kettle with Colombian Arabica Coffee. I am completely unable to start my day without coffee even when I'm sleeping in the woods. Nature's Coffee Kettle is a packable system that provides you with delicious, pour-over coffee in the backwoods. The "kettle" is a specially designed pouch with two sections. The top section holds the pre-filled coffee filter in place while you slowly pour hot water over the grounds. It features a zip-top so you can close it up while you're waiting for the magic to happen.The bottom section is the reservoir that holds all of that coffee goodness. Coffee refills are also available separately. The entire system packs flat for storage in a camp tote or in your backpack.

  The directions on the back of the bag are super clear and even contain pictures. The key to making the perfect brew with Nature's Coffee Kettle is time. Don't rush it. This is not instant coffee. It is the real deal and will be worth every minute. Slowly pour 1 cup of hot water over the filter, zip up the top and let it sit for a minute or two so the grounds can soak up all of that water. This is the most important step. Then, unzip the top, and keep slowly adding the rest of the water. How much water? I used my coffee mugs to measure out the right amount of water into the kettle before boiling. After you've poured all the water into the bag zip it up again and let it sit. Then, just twist off the cap and pour!

  The pouch is reusable, so don't toss it out. Dispose of the filter and rinse out the pouch. It will be ready to go the next time you need some caffeine. Nature's Coffee Kettle comes in a variety of coffee flavors as well as orange pekoe black tea, apple cider, and hot chocolate.

• c

  cam M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 22, 2021

  Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

  Peaceful Surroundings

  Stayed in tent sites…Overlanding in my Jeep…single woman..felt safe Campground hosts were wonderful! Clean area

• E

  Eben O.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 17, 2024

  Thunder Bridge

  Idyllic forest campground

  Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp. Now it is home to many quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and even some fully furnished rental cabins.

  The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes  several artists' studios.  At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading. 

  The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.

  This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!

• J

  Jeremy E.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 24, 2019

  Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

  Well maintained

  The park itself is well maintained. Bath houses were clean. Tent sites are really close together. A little overpriced for what you’re getting compared to other areas in my opinion.

• B

  Brandon L.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 1, 2022

  Paradise Lake Family Campground

  Nice smaller lake, but we had a great time!

  We arrived during the day just after a rain storm. We tent camped and it was pretty muddy. The sites were nice and private for tent campers. RVs was a different story. The bathroom was a good walk up the hill so bring your bikes. We would definitely go back though!

• 

  josh S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 25, 2021

  Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

  Beautiful tent sites

  We tent camped at site A1 and had so much room and privacy. Sites are backed up against pond so there were people fishing here and there, but we weren't too bothered after a certain time. Campground offers family showers and a few kid friendly activities.

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  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.

• 

  Alex R.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 7, 2023

  Catawba Mountain Shelter on the AT

  Great campsite !

  You get a lean-to and tent sites.

  Near water (collect water with a filter only)

  I was able to make a fire but make sure it's okay when you go.

  Lots of space for many people.

  Not too far from McAfee knob.

• S

  Samuel

  Scout

  

  Nov. 24, 2020

  Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue

  Excellent

  My wife and I like to frequent this campground because it’s not too far from home. It’s usually not crowded. The premium tent sites are huge! Clean bath house. Friendly staff!

  One negative, the firewood they sell is next to impossible to light.

• r

  ralph P.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 8, 2020

  Horseshoe Point

  Quiet and Secluded Park

  It was as little off the beaten path but the roads were good. All of the sites were wooded, the outside loop sites had more privacy since your door opened to the lake/woods. You have water and electric in the RV sites and I think there are more tent sites, dry sites, which can also be used for RV's than there are water and electric. Most of the tent sites are right along the lake. The RV sites tended to be higher and a little farther from the water but in sight. It seemed that most sites required a little help to get level. Bath house was fairly close and very clean. They have a couple of nice beach areas for playing abound in the water with picnic tables and fire pits nearby. Did want to mention that they provided 30 amp service vs the 20 amp shown here.

• 

  Shannon L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 14, 2020

  Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

  Great campsite

  The tent sites were large and shaded. We were right by the fishing pond and it was a short walk to the playground, pool, jump pad, and very clean, private bathrooms. It stormed our first night, and the raised gravel tent platforms prevented us from flooding. It was quiet and peaceful, and we will definitely be back!

• 

  Paula J.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 5, 2020

  Salthouse Branch Campground

  Great place!!

  Great spot for tent camping! Loved the hillside spots bc of all the trees and the multiple levels that the spots are on. They are all built out and flat. Bathrooms are clean and campground was quiet. I had issues finding out if pets were allowed... they are! My dog and I had an awesome time and we will be back for sure.

• 

  Stafford W.

  Traveler

  

  May. 27, 2019

  Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue

  Very affordable RV and tent camping

  This campground is located right outside of Floyd, VA and just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a beautiful venue with rolling grassy hills and acres of woods with hiking and mountain biking trails. They have full hookup RV sites along with dry ones and multiple tent camping options!They also have free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!

• 

  Julianne S.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 25, 2019

  Smith Mountain Campground

  Very nice campground

  Nice family owned campground with site by a babbling brook. 4 private bathrooms that are very clean at a centrally located cabin. The RV side is one one half with tent camping on the other. We got in late our first night and went to a super cute restaurant right down the street called meat, fork &cork. Nice owners. Would definitely return. They also give a AAA discount

• K

  Kathleen M.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 17, 2020

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

  Great for young kids

  We camped on a busy fall weekend. The campground has Halloween themed activities for kids on specific weekends. We were there for one of these weekends. It’s geared for younger kids(10 and under).

  We had a tent site with water and electricity. There’s a bath house. There are other amenities, some of which were closed due to COVID.

• S

  Susan P.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 1, 2018

  Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

  Very Clean, Very Friendly, Great tent sites

  It was still off season when we stayed and it was very quiet. The staff was extremely friendly and the campground was super clean! There was plenty for kids to do playground, pool, jump pillow, fishing pond and hiking trails. The tent site was amazing right by the pond. The fire pit has a grate for cooking. It is very close to many hiking trails. We will definitely go back again.

• 

  Kaylee G.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 1, 2022

  Natural Bridge KOA

  Just right

  Normally we camp with our tent, but we decided to make the trip to check out Natural Bridge State Park at the end of December. Never quite sure what the weather is like we were able to get a one room camping cabin. It was perfect for our family of three plus two dogs. Our toddler was throughout entertained by exploring everything around us and we would have visits by a black cat. Can't wait to go back and check out their tent sites.

• N

  Nina S.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 22, 2024

  Paradise Lake Family Campground

  Favorite campground

  I stay here at least once every summer. Has beautiful pool and lake, playground, arcade, and boat rentals. Fishing, hiking, basketball. Very friendly staff all the time. Close to stores and restaurants but far enough out to not hear any noise. Phone service is superb. Clean shower and restrooms. Hot water. Electric tent sites!!! Has everything I live and will continue to go here as long as I’m in the state of Va. def recommended

• 

  Jennifer T.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

  Family Friendly

  Been here a few times as campers and as guests. They have play grounds, mini golf, a game room, air pillow, a pool with a kids area and water slides. If that isn’t enough, there is a lake with a big blow up slide and more in the center and also has river access. You can get free life jackets to use and can rent out boats for the river. They also do lots of activities for kids and families to participate and have fun. There is a small market on site, and a cafe with a grill. You can camp in a tent, RV/camper or you can rent a cabin. You are also right by Natural Bridge State Park and Dixie Caverns. Zoofari and more. So there is also plenty to do right around the area as well.

• 

  Lauren L.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 22, 2022

  COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park

  Beautiful campground

  As for the overall campground, 10/10! Bathrooms are clean and what you’d expect a campground bathroom to be. Waterfront beach available, hiking trails, two piers and a theater spot with a gorgeous view. We did show up right after a huge storm, and because the electric was out the bathrooms were inaccessible. They quickly got port-a-potties until the issue was resolved. I will say if you are a tent camper like us, site 35 is the best site to avoid noisy neighbors, and is right by the bathrooms. The c loop is gorgeous but the sites are very close together for tent campers and you can very much hear everyone else. Site 1 looks amazing for tent camping also, although the bottom loop books up far in advance.

• J

  Jennifer K.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 20, 2021

  Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

  Nice campground

  We stayed in 2020, first time at this campground and will definitely stay again. Very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, plenty of places to hike, and Natural Bridge is a must see. Plenty to do at the campground - corn hole, pool, playground, etc. We stayed in a pull-thru full-hookup site, they also have tent sites and cabins. The campsites are close together, but a nice place; staff are very nice. We have a toy-hauler and this is a great place to bring your motorcycles if you want to enjoy a great ride with beautiful scenery!

• J

  Joan

  Scout

  

  Sep. 23, 2020

  Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue

  Amazing campground & views

  Chantilly Farm RV & Tent Campground, Floyd VA

  This campground is amazing and a true hidden gem. Mike the owner was so nice and accommodating. He even delivered our firewood to our campsite. They have a nice little camp store in case you forget anything. Frisbee golf and cornhole is available too!

  We were on top of a hill with other RV’s with gorgeous views and sunsets. The grounds were very well kept and mowed. Trash cans were abundant and bathrooms were decent.

  This campground also accommodates tents that are spread out and we even witnessed a sweet wedding in their event space, that had guests with horses!

  We will return and stay longer!

• 

  Teresa K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 7, 2018

  Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

  Little Piece of Heaven

  We went off season in March of 2018. It was the perfect time to go as it was still "wintery", but had days of mild weather to allow for hiking. The lake is huge and allows for boating and fishing. There's a beach that you can swim from. They have several cabins that are well maintained and clean. We stayed in a cabin. But, we also checked out the tent camping pads. I would not recommend for camping with a tent as the sites are stacked on top of each other offering little to no privacy. The RV/camper sites might be better. I can't say for sure as I don't rv camp. The cabins were phenomenal. They offer a clean and basic setup with a wood stove. The exterior has a porch/deck, grill, firepit, and picnic table. Some of the cabins backup to the lake. The cabins are spread so that their is ample space between them offering privacy. Beautifully maintained, the park was pristine. The visitor center is large and offers education, camp store, literature. I am going back!

• 

  Susan E.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 16, 2020

  Dixie Caverns

  It was a comfortable, quiet stay.

  It was late, it had rained, but they found a tent site for me so I backed in my car and began to make up my bed. The camp manager was kind enough to air up my air mattress that I forgot to get an air pump for. I felt safe, watched over, and part of a small group of RVs and small trailers. I took a walk through and around the entire campsite and experienced friendly waves, people cooking, being very quiet, no loud music, no dogs off leash. I woke at four a.m. to step out under an inky black sky chock full of stars. $11.00 gave me access to this night of quiet repose with toilets and hot showers. I recommend them as a good value. Oh, and they have a small restaurant and gift shop.

• 

  Diane D.

  Guide

  

  May. 22, 2018

  Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

  Wooded campground with lake perks

  This is our favorite campground in the Roanoke area. The campsites are roomy, although some are definitely more private than others. The tent (non-electric, non-hookups) sites are at the back in their own section. They are the farthest from the bathhouse, but also the most private.

  Tent sites have a deep bedding of fine crushed stone. All sites include a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood is there to purchase. It will burn very quickly and we usually need several bundles in just one night.

  Price to camp is very reasonable, especially if you consider that you get a beach pass for both the day you arrive and the next day. For a family of 3 or more, it's actually cheaper to reserve a camping spot than to just come for the day to swim. Get reservations in the peak summer months. The campground is often full.

  There are also several hiking trails, but they aren't terribly long or difficult. Good if you have smaller children.

  The camp hosts have been hit or miss through the years. There are no rangers on site after hours.