RV sites near Newport, Virginia offer diverse options for campers seeking mountain experiences in the Blue Ridge region. Many campgrounds sit at elevations between 1,200 and 3,500 feet, providing cooler summer temperatures and colorful fall foliage viewing. During peak camping months (May-September), temperatures typically range from 60-85°F during day, dropping to 45-65°F at night.
What to do
Hiking trails with waterfall views: The area surrounding Crabtree Falls Campground offers multiple hiking options. "Crabtree Falls is a mile up the road and very easy to get to the trail head. The AT is also close by and easily accessed," notes one visitor. Sites are positioned along the Tye River, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Live music and events: Glen Maury Park hosts regular events throughout camping season. "There are many activities such as a bluegrass festival, fiddle festival, and jazz festival. This year they built large models of the twin towers and had a program about them on September 11th," shares one reviewer. The park also offers a large swimming pool and a swimming hole for more adventurous visitors.
Seasonal activities: The area transforms with the seasons, offering spring wildflower viewing, summer swimming, fall leaf peeping, and winter stargazing. Local breweries, wineries, and cideries provide additional entertainment options. "Close to Lexington with vineyards, restaurants and antique shops. Next door to the drive thru zoo and near Natural Bridge," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sherando Lake Campground receives consistent praise for its maintenance. "The campsites are equipped with bear boxes, a picnic table, a tall prep table, and a fire ring. It's a sandy dirt surface to put your tent on," shares one camper. Most sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, with many offering bear boxes for food storage.
Water recreation: Swimming areas are popular features at several campgrounds. "They have a pretty big lake available for fishing and swimming (in season) too. Despite having so many sites, they are rather spacious," notes a reviewer about Stoney Creek Resort. The resort's lake includes swimming areas with some campgrounds featuring beaches.
Brewery access: "Great campground with plenty of room. The bathhouse is top notch! Squeaky clean with lots of space. Love that you can just walk to the brewery from your site," writes one visitor about Devils Backbone Camp. Multiple campgrounds offer proximity to local breweries, with some featuring on-site brewing operations or walking paths to nearby establishments.
What you should know
Mountain access challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating mountain roads with steep grades and switchbacks. RVs over 35 feet may face difficult turns on some access routes, particularly during inclement weather. "Access was easy. The campground was busy and everything was clean and neat. The sites were a little tight," notes one camper about Walnut Hills.
Variable campsite conditions: "Each site has its own food locker which is really important because bears actually frequent the area. A young bear was repeatedly visiting site A9 up the road from me and I had to chase him off when he came near my site!" warns a camper at Sherando Lake Campground. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage.
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds close completely or limit services between November and March. Water systems at higher elevations are typically shut down during freezing months. Operating hours for amenities like pools, camp stores, and activity centers vary by season and campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: "They offer entertainment on weekends and some other times of the year. There is electric on some sites. There is a playground that is very nice!" shares a visitor at Glen Maury Park. Many campgrounds feature playgrounds, though quality and maintenance vary widely across properties.
Swimming options: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley provides multiple water recreation opportunities. "They had a band one night we were there and it was fun listening. The swimming 'lake' cools ya off but is pretty dirty—had to wash my suit twice to get it clean," notes one camper. Several campgrounds offer both natural swimming areas and pools.
Wildlife viewing: "Lots of small animals like bunnies and squirrels frequent camping areas. "Great campground with lots to do with the family. My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt," shares one visitor. Nature programs are available seasonally at select campgrounds, with some offering ranger-led activities during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Sewer connection challenges: At some rv sites near Newport, Virginia, the placement of utility connections can be problematic. "If you were on an odd number site, you either had to hope you had the length on your water and power lines to run to the opposite side of your rig or you had to pull into the site the opposite way to get the connections on the standards side of your rig," explains one RVer about their experience.
Campground access: "Nice campground with plenty of room. Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck," notes a reviewer. Many campgrounds feature mixed terrain requiring leveling blocks, particularly for longer rigs. Weather conditions can affect site conditions, with some campgrounds experiencing drainage issues after heavy rain.
Variable hookup availability: Full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer are limited at some properties and may require advance reservation, especially during peak season (May-October). "There is a pool and they also sell propane. Due to the COVID rules their pool may not be open 2020. Friendly staff and very quiet for overnighters. Easy access from I-85," shares one visitor describing the amenities.
