Camping spots near Natural Bridge, Virginia sit between 700 and 1,200 feet elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, creating microclimates that extend camping seasons later than surrounding areas. Winter temperatures typically remain above freezing during daytime hours, though dispersed campsites in George Washington National Forest don't maintain services during colder months. Creek-side camping is particularly popular from spring through fall.
What to do
Creek exploration: George Washington National Forest off 812 offers multiple creek-access sites for water activities. "There are 6-8 different sites, all are beautiful and most are right next to the creek. There was a fire ring and man made stone oven at the site we chose," explains Sawyer B. This free dispersed camping area has become increasingly popular with visitors seeking water access.
Hiking to swimming holes: Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp connects to several hiking trails with water features. A visitor noted, "The campground itself was equally as beautiful. A small creek going through made for a soothing and scenic view right from the campsite. There's a lake nearby that you can walk or drive to. Some of us spent all day swimming, catching salamanders and tadpoles while some of us fished."
Salamander spotting: North Creek Campground offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities along its waterways. "Small campground with about 10 sites in around a loop. Backs up to a river so great atmosphere, especially when sleeping. Fire pit, picnic table, lateen holder, and parking spot. Vault toilets, no running water. Fantastic spot to fish too," says Graham D.
What campers like
Seasonal celebrations: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park hosts themed weekends during fall. "We had a great weekend with the whole family! There was a carnival for the kids, trick-or-treating, hiking, tons of bike riding, campfire watching, hammock swinging, laughing, loving, and hanging out!" reports Bridget H.
Privacy levels: Sites at Peaks Of Otter Campground offer varying seclusion. "Sites were very clean and well taken care of. There are tons of campsites available but they are spaced out enough to still feel secluded. Great location in relation to several popular trails. Will definitely be returning," writes Stephanie M.
Water features: Many campers specifically seek waterfront sites. "We stayed in site #7, in the trailer loop. It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill. The whole campground is kind of "carved" out of the mountain, and is therefore quite terraced in appearance," describes Jen V. about Peaks of Otter.
What you should know
Facility variations: Services differ significantly between developed and dispersed sites. At Middle Creek Campground, "Our campsite was nice, fairly private and backed up to a creek. Relatively level site. Location of campground was excellent with convenient access to breweries, great hike, blue ridge parkway, etc. large campground with lots of camp sites."
Site reservation challenges: During peak seasons, many campgrounds fill quickly. "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," notes Andrea N. about Middle Creek Campground.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. A camper at George Washington National Forest noted, "You loose cell service a couple miles from the site. The site itself is nice, perfect for car camping. Fire ring and river are right there, no toilets. I didn't see anyone else near this site when I stayed."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Lynchburg NW/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA features both natural and built water amenities. "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," shares Shannon L.
Activity planning: Schedule around programmed events at family-focused campgrounds. "They had a foosball table and a jumping pad. But they also had a 'color a sack' thing where the kids got a KOA canvas tote and access to fabric markers. They had a 'trick or treat'/'scavenger hunt' for the kids, which was basically they all had flashlights and had to find the candy in the grassy field," explains Michael L. about Lynchburg KOA.
Site selection for kids: Choose creek-adjacent sites when possible. At Cave Mountain Lake, one camper noted, "This is probably our favorite campsite yet. We stayed at site 6 and it backed up to a little stream. The site itself was private even though there are other sites around. Our boys loved playing in the stream and climbing the hill to get to our hammock on the site too."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling realities: Many Natural Bridge area campgrounds require leveling equipment. "I selected this site because it was near Natural Bridge and all that it has to offer. There were not a lot of options in the area so I bit the bullet and paid $30 for a site for the evening," noted one camper.
RV site selection: Natural Bridge KOA offers varying site qualities. "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. We only stayed one night but was a nice area. The kids likes the petting zoo," reports Stephanie H.
Utility considerations: Water pressure varies within campgrounds. At Lynchburg KOA, a camper observed, "I was in site B31 full hookup and it was nearly at the front of the park. My water pressure was good but talking to other campers, the farther away you get from the front of the park the worse the water pressure gets. This came from a gentleman who had a site at the very back of the campground."
