Camping options near Oriskany, Virginia range from primitive forest sites to full-service campgrounds with modern conveniences. Situated in Virginia's Allegheny Mountains at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the area experiences warm summer days with cooler nights, even during peak season. Winter camping is available at select locations, though amenities are reduced from November through April.
What to do
Hiking trails accessible from campsites: At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, several sites offer direct lake access through pathways. "We had the pleasure of having a campsite with lake view and access both times. Campground 2 site 53, has a nice private beach area where you can go fishing or swim. Bring water shoes, the rocks can be sharp," shares one visitor.
Fishing for stocked trout: Seasonal fishing opportunities exist in numerous waterways surrounding Oriskany. "The spillway located down in the bottom of the dam offers great trout fishing area... It's $8 a day for a fishing pass and you can rent John boats or kayaks here as well. In season the lake and creek are stocked with plenty of Rainbow trout," reports a camper from the area.
Stargazing from lakeside sites: Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor noted there are "some amazing stars out here," making it perfect for astronomy enthusiasts. The park's location away from major cities limits light pollution, creating ideal conditions for constellation spotting.
What campers like
Secluded creek-side tent sites: Lower tent areas at Middle Creek Campground provide direct water access. "All of the sites were roomy and featured a small fire pit, picnic table, water, and electricity. Several of them even had a pull-through site and would work well for a small pop-up. Bonus: most of the lower tent sites have direct access to the creek!" reports a ranger reviewer.
Clean, heated bathrooms: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities at Natural Bridge KOA. "The bathrooms & private showers were amazing & clean. The laundry room looked just as nice," notes a family who stayed in a pull-through site. Winter campers particularly value the heated facilities during colder months.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Forests surrounding the camping areas host diverse wildlife. "We did a decent amount of biking here, the main road is nice for road biking, we rode out about 15 miles and back, saw a black bear. Beautiful country roads," shares a camper from Douthat State Park.
What you should know
Train noise affects some riverside camps: When selecting sites at Greenbrier River Campground, be aware of nearby railway lines. "Right next to river. A bit noisy since the RV sites are next to the road & railway is across from river," notes a recent visitor. However, many campers find the occasional train a minor distraction compared to the river access benefits.
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies significantly between campgrounds. "Cell Phone Service is spotty also, as there is no pay phone at the campground either," reports a Morris Hill camper. Some locations have designated areas where reception improves, such as "the House Mountain Overlook" approximately ten miles from Otter Creek Campground.
Seasonal operation schedules: Many campgrounds close or reduce services during winter months. Morris Hill operates from "early May-late October," while Otter Creek Campground runs "May 6 to October 29." Year-round options include Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Natural Bridge KOA, though with limited amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge offers extensive aquatic options. "We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade," shares a family camper. The water park features include "a lake with a big blow up slide and more in the center."
Playgrounds and recreation: Multiple campgrounds maintain play areas for children. "There's a pool, splash pad, pond/lake with a slide, beach, inflatable obstacle course, have an arcade room, and 2 additional water slides," notes a Jellystone visitor, making it ideal for families seeking structured activities.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs run throughout summer at several parks. "Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore. Security is good but not overwhelming," reports a Douthat State Park camper, highlighting the balance between safety and exploration freedom.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: At Douthat State Park, consider which campground section best suits your RV size. "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," advises an experienced camper.
Bridge clearance awareness: Some access roads have low-clearance points. "Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles," warns a camper about one Douthat State Park section, highlighting the importance of researching access routes before arrival.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, electricity and sewer connections are available at several campgrounds but require advance booking. A Middle Creek Campground visitor notes, "Our campsite was nice, fairly private and backed up to a creek. Relatively level site." Most glamping options near Oriskany, Virginia also offer full hookups, providing comfort while maintaining a wilderness setting.
