Mount Rogers National Recreation Area spans over 200,000 acres in southwestern Virginia with elevations reaching 5,729 feet at the summit of Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest point. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. Dispersed camping is permitted in most areas with campsites situated at varying elevations from 2,500 to 4,500 feet.
What to do
Hike to mountain vistas: Doughton Park Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers multiple trails accessible directly from camp. "There is a .6 mile trail nearby (Whispering Waters Trail) which is good for beginners & small kids. There is another trail, Mt. Rogers which is longer (7 miles) from the campsite. That one should be good for more seasoned hikers," explains Robert R.
Trout fishing in creek waters: Helton Creek Campground provides immediate access to quality fishing. "Delayed Harvest trout stream, well stocked in spring, larger fish stocked in fall, October I think. Probably 2 - 3 miles of good fishable water," notes Scott G. The campground runs alongside a designated fishing stream.
Kayaking on the New River: Water enthusiasts can access multiple river points from New River State Park. "The gentle sound of the New river is the most peaceful sound! Extremely clean bath house and very helpful rangers," writes Brittany H. Park visitors often bring their own kayaks or rent them at nearby outfitters.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Consistent maintenance is frequently mentioned for Hurricane Campground. "Great campground with large sites and a nice bathroom with warm showers. Stayed 2 nights but would have liked to stay longer," mentions Leah C. The campground maintains flush toilets and showers despite its remote mountain setting.
Private, shaded sites: The wooden platforms at Royal Oak Campground provide level camping surfaces. "We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground was fantastic. All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole," Katrin M. explains.
Wildlife viewing: The open fields at Stone Mountain State Park Campground provide excellent wildlife watching opportunities. "We camped at RV site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it," shares Charli R. Deer sightings are common year-round, especially at dawn and dusk.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. "Closed as of January 25, 2021," notes Hannah L. about several facilities. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Mouth of Wilson operate from April through October, with a few remaining open year-round.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically across the area. "If you want to escape it all, this campground is for you! There is no cell phone service," writes Carissa D. about Grindstone Recreation Area, while Jennifer K. notes the opposite about another location: "Great internet at site 4."
Flash flood potential: Some riverside campsites can be vulnerable to sudden water rises. "Site#2 in particular is susceptible to flash flooding, but if the forecast is for dry weather, it would be hard to beat this site," warns Jean C. Campers should check weather forecasts and avoid creekside sites during rainy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational programs: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Mouth of Wilson offer ranger-led activities. "The nature center was very interactive and great for kids," Lisa T. mentions about New River State Park. Programs typically run on weekends during summer months.
Choose sites with play areas: Some campgrounds provide natural play spaces. "The bathrooms were clean, fellow campers were respectful and nice. 10/10 would camp here again and again," Emily D. shares about Stone Mountain State Park, which offers open grassy areas for children to play while remaining visible from campsites.
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations cause significant daily temperature variations. "Love this park. The campsites were perfect for a few days and there were enough hiking trails around to keep us busy," notes Maggie J. Daytime temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees after sunset, requiring layered clothing even in summer.
Tips from RVers
Reserve full-hookup sites early: Twin Rivers Family Campground offers limited premium riverside spots that book quickly. "Our site (#3) was right on the New River. There are some permanent sites, tent sites, RV sites, and several primitive sites. The campground was clean and very well maintained," Kevin A. reports. Reservations open six months in advance.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entrance roads. "I wish I had known that the best route into the campground is 16 to 650. Instead, I took 650 from the north west, which turns out to be a 4 mile stretch of gravel road - which my little car had a rough time handling," advises Robin K. about Hurricane Campground.
Site length limitations: Many campgrounds have size restrictions. "Each site has two pads– I'm assuming one is if you have a trailer or 5th wheel and one to park your car. However, even though there are two, they are not long, so bringing a large 5th wheel might be problematic, and a large Class A would definitely be challenged," Lee D. warns about Doughton Park.
