Camping near Natural Bridge, Virginia offers options beyond the standard tent and RV sites. The area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with an average summer temperature of 75-80°F, making it comfortable for outdoor activities from April through October. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations during peak summer months when thunderstorms frequently roll through the Blue Ridge Mountains in late afternoon.
What to do
Explore local hiking trails: At Middle Creek Campground, visitors have convenient access to numerous hiking paths within Jefferson National Forest. "This place is freaking awesome. If you want cell service stay home that's not camping. You are Safe here and you Will enjoy your stay," notes Don H.
Fish in stocked waters: Montebello Resort maintains a trout pond where fishing licenses aren't required, and you pay by weight for what you catch. "The trout pond is not what they make it out to be on the website. It's a very small pond with zero shade at the entrance of the resort. It is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound," explains Adrian K.
Visit Natural Bridge State Park: Just a short drive from most area campgrounds, the state park features the 215-foot natural limestone arch. According to Carey R. who stayed at Natural Bridge KOA, "We just used this as a base for visiting Natural Bridge State Park, so it was only an overnighter... This KOA seriously restored my faith in KOA's."
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness at area campgrounds. At Douthat State Park, Thomas R. notes, "Generally this is a nice campground...not too big and pretty quiet. I met more people in this campground than all of the others combined, a nice group of folks."
Proximity to water: Many sites offer creek or lake access. "The site has a fine gravel pad, picnic table and fire ring. I was in site 2 near the lake," shares Michelle W. about Montebello Resort. Similarly, at Middle Creek, one reviewer noted that their "campsite was nice, fairly private and backed up to a creek."
Limited cell service: The disconnected nature appeals to many. Quinn G. mentions about Montebello Resort: "Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive." This creates a more authentic outdoor experience that many campers actively seek.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Crabtree Falls Campground, Sarah G. advises, "Dont miss walkin 15 min up the road to the waterfall hike - parking can be crazy up there but you can walk!"
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds close during winter months. Otter Creek Campground only operates from May 6 to October 29, while Bolar Mountain Recreation Area runs from April 4 to December 5.
Limited services: Despite being near Natural Bridge attractions, most campgrounds have basic amenities only. "The campground being my hub only I did enjoy that it was very close to the town of Lexington itself as well as Natural Bridge, which is a pretty cool site with a lot of interesting history," notes Crystal C. about their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas perfect for families. "A great place!! 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," shares Matt R. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature mini farms or animals on property. "The kids likes the petting zoo," mentions Stephanie H. about Natural Bridge KOA, which maintains a small animal area with chickens and goats.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds maintain playgrounds. Chris E. notes that Thunder Bridge "is one of Virginia's best kept secrets for Cabins, RV or Tent camping... The kids are guaranteed to catch something in the fishing hole & the camp store has EVERYTHING!!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and levelness. Jeremy W. observes at Douthat State Park: "Whispering Pines is a few miles away along the entry road and has a different character. It's a very flat and wide-open campground perfect for big RVs with much larger sites."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. Quinn G. advises about Montebello Resort: "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."
Utility hookup placement: Several campgrounds have awkward hookup locations. One reviewer noted about Montebello Resort: "The campground is old and has small sites with poorly marked utilities. Not big rig friendly, lots of trees."
