Tent and yurt camping near Monroe, Virginia places visitors in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer highs averaging in the 80s and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area sit along creeks and rivers that flow from the mountains, creating natural water features at many campsites.
What to do
Creek wading opportunities: At Crabtree Falls Campground, tent sites are positioned along the Tye River, offering direct access to shallow water areas. One camper noted, "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."
Appalachian Trail access: Several campgrounds serve as launch points for day hikes on the AT. "This site is close to the AT and blue ridge parkway and about an hour from Shenandoah Nat'l Park. Clean bathroom, spacious sites, very pretty creek," shared a camper at Crabtree Falls.
Historical exploration: Natural Bridge KOA provides easy access to Natural Bridge State Park. As one visitor explained, "This KOA is right off the highway. There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park." Another mentioned it's "Just a few miles from Natural Bridge State Park."
Fishing variety: Montebello Resort offers multiple fishing environments. "The pond at front has stocked trout and a small lake in the back has bass and crappie. Suitable for paddle boats or kayak," according to a recent camper.
What campers like
Proximity to breweries: Middle Creek Campground serves as a base for exploring local breweries and wineries. "Location of campground was excellent with convenient access to breweries, great hikes, blue ridge parkway, etc.," reported one reviewer.
Private water-adjacent campsites: Tent campers appreciate secluded spots along creeks. A Crabtree Falls visitor wrote, "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy. Beautiful area for hiking, lots leading off of the AT."
Animal encounters: Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offers a small petting zoo that kids enjoy. "They had a petting zoo and laundry. Chickens run free thru the campground," noted one guest, while another mentioned "They even had chickens and a petting farm upon entry."
Off-grid relaxation: Several campgrounds offer limited cell service, creating a more disconnected experience. One Holliday Lake visitor commented, "We love camping at Holliday Lake. It is completely off grid, and we like that! With busy jobs during the week it's nice to unwind and enjoy nature."
What you should know
No-reservation tent sites: Finding tent sites without prior booking can be challenging. At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, a reviewer noted, "There are tent sites which cost less here, BUT there are only 5 of them in the entire campground so if you end up there on a weekend don't count on them being open at all."
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have minimal cell service. "No Cell service or Internet but that was what I was looking for," reported a Montebello Resort guest, while another stated, "Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive."
Seasonal lake activities: Holliday Lake State Park Campground offers swimming with restrictions. "There weren't any lifeguards on duty during our stay, but the beach was still open. Plenty of families were in the water. The sign says swim at your own risk."
Firewood availability: Some campgrounds have limited hours for firewood purchases. At Middle Creek, a camper advised, "Firewood is available at the camp store but the store closes at 6pm so make sure you stock up on check in."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers multiple water features for children. A parent shared, "The kids loved the water park! So much for them to do! There were craft nights, build an ice cream sundae night, dance parties! Giant inflatable trampolines were a blast."
Ranger programs: State parks offer educational activities. "The rangers here are awesome! Very helpful and knowledgeable. They even came around passing out flyers Friday night for the activities that weekend. Some of the activities included spear throwing, how to start different types of fires, nocturnal animals sounds, and watching fish at night."
Yurt camping Monroe, Virginia options: Several campgrounds near Monroe offer yurt accommodations for families wanting comfort without hotel costs. These structures typically include real beds, electricity, and sometimes heating/cooling systems.
Simple pleasures: Kids enjoy basic nature interactions at many sites. "The creek ran right through our spacious and secluded site. It was quiet and serene- just what we were looking for before heading back to city life," noted a visitor to Otter Creek.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require significant leveling equipment. A Holliday Lake camper advised, "Bring leveling supplies! some sites are reservable, some are not," while another mentioned, "The sites are nice. The ones in the newer area (laurel ridge) are close to the nice bathhouse."
Premium sites available: Some campgrounds offer upgraded RV spaces. "We had a deluxe patio area. Which was on nice level concrete. Was not too close to the pool but there were rest rooms nearby," reported a Natural Bridge KOA guest.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. For Montebello Resort, an RVer cautioned, "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."
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "Campground is older and not as well maintained as some of the other campgrounds on the parkway. The rv and tent pads are older cement and not as level," noted an Otter Creek visitor.
