Best Campgrounds near Montebello, VA
Montebello, Virginia sits in a scenic portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains with several campground options ranging from developed sites to dispersed camping areas. Montebello Resort provides tent and RV camping with full hookups, cabin rentals, and access to fishing ponds and small lakes. Crabtree Falls Campground offers waterfront sites along a river with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Spy Rock, a more primitive dispersed camping area, requires hiking to reach the campsites and provides no amenities but offers exceptional mountain views. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs nearby, connecting these camping destinations to hiking trails and scenic overlooks throughout the region.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak activity from April through October. Road access varies significantly between developed campgrounds and backcountry sites. "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," advised one visitor about reaching Montebello Resort. Cell phone coverage is extremely limited or nonexistent at many sites, particularly at Montebello Resort and the higher-elevation areas. The region experiences typical mountain weather patterns with cooler temperatures even in summer months, especially at higher elevations like Spy Rock. Advance reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds during summer weekends and fall foliage season.
Campers frequently mention the peaceful water features as highlights of their stays in the area. At Montebello Resort, the small fishing lake and pond provide recreation opportunities, with the campground offering complimentary kayaks and paddle boats. A recent review noted, "The trout pond is a nice touch - you can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch." Sites along rivers at Crabtree Falls Campground are particularly popular, with one camper writing, "We love staying right on the creek, the view and sound of it is the best." Many visitors appreciate the proximity to hiking trails, including the nearby Crabtree Falls and Spy Rock trails that offer panoramic mountain views. The primitive camping at Spy Rock requires more effort but rewards campers with 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley from atop the mountain.