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Best Campgrounds near Natural Bridge, VA

672 Reviews

The Natural Bridge area of Virginia features a variety of camping options within the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and along the James River. Several established campgrounds operate in this region, including Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp in George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Most locations accommodate tent camping and RV sites, while some provide cabin rentals and glamping accommodations. Dispersed camping opportunities can be found in the George Washington National Forest. The proximity to Natural Bridge State Park makes this area popular for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both recreational amenities and natural attractions.

Camping in the Natural Bridge region spans multiple seasons, with several facilities operating year-round while others close between November and April. "This is a very typical KOA and, with one exception, it provides the services one expects from a KOA. However, it is rather small and it has some sites that are not level but can be leveled with some effort by the camper," noted one visitor about the Natural Bridge KOA. Developed campgrounds generally provide amenities such as drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets, though hookup availability varies considerably between locations. The terrain consists primarily of wooded, hilly areas with some campgrounds featuring riverfront access. Cell service is generally available near established campgrounds, though coverage may be limited in more remote forest areas.

The family-friendly atmosphere represents a significant feature of camping in this region. Jellystone Park receives consistent praise for its recreational options. A camper observed, "Lots of stuff for kids, very close to river for tubing, reservation system in place because of Covid prevention guideline for swimming which worked out really well for kids." Several campgrounds feature swimming areas, with options ranging from pools to river access points. More rustic experiences can be found at the National Forest campgrounds, which provide fewer amenities but offer a quieter setting. Visitors frequently mention the convenient location, with many campgrounds positioned within short driving distance to Natural Bridge State Park, Blue Ridge Parkway scenic points, and cave systems, allowing for diverse day trip opportunities while maintaining a central camping base.

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Best Camping Sites Near Natural Bridge, Virginia (111)

    1. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "We stayed at the Natural Bridge KOA for one night on our way further north and loved it! They opened the pool a week early, and although the water was still ICE COLD (75 degrees?)"

    "Nice little store, gas station at the entrance. Very clean bathroom as and showers. We love our spot “99”! So much to do here in Natural Bridge and Lexington. Go to Pink Cadillac Diner - 4347 S."

    2. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Very close to natural bridge and caverns. The lake is very cold but fun. Sites are pretty private with half on a cute creek."

    "These sites are slightly more rugged, and best for smaller tents; site 35 however is both large, flat, and private, and is next to the trailhead to one of the campground's hiking trails."

    3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    16 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2727

    $39 - $241 / night

    "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."

    "Right next to the James River for all of your fishing needs. Have a pool, splash pad, pond/lake with a slide, beach, inflatable obstacle course, have an arcade room, and 2 additional water slides."

    4. Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    23 Reviews
    Thaxton, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 586-7321

    $30 / night

    "Picked for price Quiet

    Enjoyed Blueridge parkway

    NIce retreat in SW Virginia"

    "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."

    5. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    9 miles
    Website

    "There are multiple spots along the road - some are drive in and some require you to park and walk in. Definitely get there early to get a prime spot."

    "We arrived around 10:30am, we got everything set up before we ventured out. Very nice spot we found, very quiet except for nature. Best sounds ever."

    6. Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5125

    $30 / night

    "Great all around virginia campsite"

    "Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance."

    7. Natural Bridge KOA

    8 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-8514

    "Also, the KOA is just a few miles from Natural Bridge State Park. I found it to be worth the $9 admission fee.
    I had excellent cell service on Verizon."

    "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."

    8. Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "Hiked Natural Bridge which is a must on your bucket list.   Being a Veteran the highlight was visiting the D Day Museum in nearby Bedford.  Very emotional."

    "This campground had the friendliest staff, awesome, well maintained grounds, plenty of activities and a great location near many attractions such as the blue ridge parkway and natural bridge."

    9. North Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    7 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature."

    "The gravel road going around the tent loop was really loud, and there was a cabin behind our site that had a lot of activity and noise for awhile, but all was quiet after 10p."

    10. Middle Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    8 miles
    Website

    $20 - $85 / night

    "It was early season, mid- may, so there were few other campers around. We took a site up their gravel road away from the main campground area."

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Natural Bridge, VA

245 Photos of 111 Natural Bridge Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Natural Bridge, VA

672 Reviews of 111 Natural Bridge Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    The best so far

    Best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits. Highly recommend.

  • Bradley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Glen Maury Park

    Beautiful place with all the amenities

    Overnight stay off I-81. Easy in and out. VERY well kept and super friendly staff. I highly recommend. Larger rigs need to stay in the lower campground and there are no sewer connections, but the dump station is all good.

  • S
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Beautiful and secluded

    Mostly seasonal campers, but an idyllic environment. I am parked alongside a babbling brook. Poor cell reception, no tv. A forced off the grid experience.

  • TangoRomeo 8.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sherwood Lake WV

    Lake Sherwood Dispersed Camping

    Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Paradise Lake Family Campground

    Not more than one night

    This is an older campground and shows its age…and wear. There are several semi-permanent residents here. Some facilities need repair and/or maintenance. Water in the shower was hot, but the showers were small, and there was no place for d as iso, shaving things, shampoo, ets. And no place to sit to. There is a pool and a lake with a swim beach. Kayak rental. Playground, laundry, showers/ bathrooms are passable. Internet is very slow.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    WALNUT

    first arrived weary of storm headed our way only to find out our campsite was the only in our section that wasn’t a flood zone.

    saw some liquid being pumped into naturally flowing creek water??! also if you want to see ducks… stay close to the pond.

    super honorable mention - lower bathhouses did not have warm water and had to hike up the hill to use, extremely nicer, bathhouse.

    POOL had a “tlc makeover” only to have a surmount of chemicals still not diluted by 5pm - MURKYYYYYYY

    also had a campsite that was placed between three trees - super tight but made it work.

    only stayed in passing - get what you get

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Quiet, clean campground!

    This campground was exceptionally clean and very quiet/peaceful. We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old. The staff is amazing and clearly love what they do. They were friendly from the start and they let us know they were available for help, etc. The site itself was an easy pull-through. It was clean and hookups were easy to figure out (first time RVers here; not new to camping though). I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away! We will definitely be back!

    I thought being at the end of the loop would be noisy due to traffic coming through, but it didn't bother us one but!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Great location at SML

    Really well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground. Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office.

  • Aaron S.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Stoney Creek Resort

    Lovely people, lovely place

    Overall a nice place to stay. We stayed one night. Hook ups were good, site was somewhat level. The staff are just lovely people, very friendly, helpful, and they go out of their way to do the next right thing.

Guide to Natural Bridge

Camping near Natural Bridge, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking options. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground is located very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline drive. What a beautiful drive on the parkway."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the refreshing waters at local lakes. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground said, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an Island if you want to."
  • Fishing: Cast a line in the local lakes. A visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area noted, "Our neighbor was catching nice fish out in his boat. Many different kinds of fish and very nice sized brown trout."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Douthat State Park Campground stated, "Restrooms were in good shape with running water and showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites with privacy. A camper at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "The sites are small and close to each other, but well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. One visitor at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp said, "The staff is friendly and go out of their way to answer questions you may have."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground noted, "There isn’t any cell service so they will call him, the host called for us."
  • Water Availability: Some campgrounds may have water issues. A visitor at Douthat State Park Campground mentioned, "Major water problems with the entire park. The bath house by the beach, the small restrooms and a good deal of water spigots are closed or off."
  • Seasonal Access: Check the campground seasons before planning your trip. For example, Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is open from April 4 to December 5.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. A review for Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge said, "During the summer months they have activities 7 days a week from 9a-9p."
  • Safety First: Ensure kids understand campground rules, especially near water. A camper at Crabtree Falls Campground mentioned, "Dogs were hard to manage in this trail with two kids as the rocks are slippery."
  • Space for Everyone: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A visitor at Otter Creek Campground noted, "The sites had great space. Dog friendly."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA said, "The electric and water hook up. Site was not level but OK."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for noise from nearby campers. A visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area mentioned, "The main downside with this site seems to be the problem endemic to most campgrounds where people bring their motor boats."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the beautiful scenery around. A camper at Peaks Of Otter Campground said, "The campground sits at the foot of the iconic Sharp Top mountain but there is hiking galore here."

Camping near Natural Bridge, Virginia, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Natural Bridge, VA?

The Natural Bridge area offers several camping options. Thunder Bridge is a unique property in the Blue Ridge Mountains that was once a CCC camp, offering tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and fully furnished rentals. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp provides more primitive camping with sites along a creek, close to Natural Bridge and caverns with a cold but enjoyable lake. Other options include George Washington National Forest dispersed camping, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, and various campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Most campgrounds in the area provide convenient access to Natural Bridge State Park, local attractions, and the historic town of Lexington with its restaurants, vineyards, and shops.

Can you camp at Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia?

Natural Bridge State Park itself does not offer camping facilities. However, there are several camping options nearby. George Washington National Forest off 812 offers dispersed camping with multiple spots along the road - some drive-in and others requiring a short walk. For those seeking more amenities near the park, Peaks Of Otter Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides reservable sites with water and toilets, including big-rig-friendly options. When planning your visit to Natural Bridge State Park, you'll need to arrange accommodations at one of these nearby campgrounds rather than within the park boundaries.

Is there a KOA campground near Natural Bridge, Virginia?

Yes, the Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA is located very close to Natural Bridge. This year-round KOA offers standard amenities including a pool (typically open during warmer months), clean showers and bathrooms, and a camp store. There's also a game room in the basement of the store with arcade games and pool tables. The campground provides a convenient base for exploring local attractions, being next door to the drive-through zoo and near Natural Bridge itself. While some sites may require leveling, the campground is well-maintained with friendly staff and organized activities throughout the year.

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