158 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Pearisburg, Virginia encompasses a range of options along the New River Valley, with established campgrounds and riverside sites within a short drive of town. The area features several state parks and private campgrounds, including Claytor Lake State Park Campground and Riverview Campground in nearby Narrows. Visitors can choose from tent camping, RV sites with hookups, cabins, and even glamping accommodations at locations like Kairos Wilderness Resort. Free dispersed camping is available at Walnut Flats, which provides basic amenities while maintaining a more primitive experience. As one camper noted about riverside camping in the region, "The flowing Gorge can always be heard, the low rumble is peaceful at night."
Most campgrounds in the Pearisburg area are open from spring through fall, with some like Claytor Lake State Park operating year-round. Summer brings warmer temperatures but also increased mosquito activity and higher occupancy rates. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better connectivity at campgrounds closer to towns and limited or no service in more remote areas. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near highways or railroad tracks. According to a recent visitor to Gentry's Landing, "The issue is the highway the camp is next to, and the railroad across the river. The trains use it every other hour and use their brakes and horns."
The New River provides a focal point for many camping experiences in the area, with water-based recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming, and boating. Campgrounds like New River Junction (open May through September) offer direct river access for water activities. Family-friendly options include campgrounds with playgrounds and open spaces for recreation. Pet owners will find most campgrounds in the region accommodate dogs, though specific rules vary by location. RV campers have multiple options with full hookups, while tent campers can find both developed sites with amenities and more secluded spots for a quieter experience. Winter camping options are limited, with many facilities closing during the colder months.
"Conveniently located bath house. We got sites right next to our friends where we wanted to be. The lake and beach area were beautiful. Sand was soft and very clean."
"Lots of space, cheap price, walking distance from the lake raccoons and skunks everywhere all night."
from $24 - $459 / night
Check Availability"The campground is not far from Virginia Tech and so there were several other campers staying a few nights with plans to go to the football game."
"Several RV sites located right on Beautiful New River. Tent camping also available."
"There is plenty to do within walking distance or a short drive. There is hiking all around the Pipestem area. There is a lake to fish and boat on."
"Pipestem Resort State Park Southern West Virginia. We spent 4 nights here. Used this park as a base camp for New River Gorge NP. There's many other State Parks we visited too.
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"This was the first campground we got to try in Virginia and it did not disappoint! There’s a lot of ppl who stay here long term bc it’s so great."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful spot on the New River in Giles County, VA located right outside downtown Narrows. There's a Disc Golf Course, Fishing, Camping, and Community Events. Well kept, clean, and perfect."
"I didn’t camp here, but I took out my kayak at the boat ramp and looked around. Vault M/F toilet, BYOTP. No hookups and I didn’t see a water spigot. Plenty of shade. Closed during flood."
"Cozy little site not too far from the main highway! Checked this out on my way to Tennessee. Primitive camping but has plenty of natural wonders to keep you busy!"
from $5 / night
Check Availability"nice little free campground with about 5 sites with grill fire rings level gravel drive with tent pad and lantern pole, restrooms but I didn't use them well water pump for drinking water but didn't use"
"Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!"
from $10 - $14 / night
Check Availability"The hill to climb to get there is SUPER sketchy but it’s a gorgeous location. If you want to go ride dirt bikes or UTVs this place is definitely the spot."
"It sits on 1500 acres and has 41+ miles of trails. The only complaint is the campsites are very close but everyone was friendly and respectful so all in all it was a great place."
RangerThe second time I stayed was in site 36, which was far preferable to 41 as it was a larger site, but still moderately unlevel. Fun hiking trails down the creek and close proximity to New River Gorge.
RangerI ended up enjoying the park more than expected—disc golf was a nice surprise! However I found that loop 2 wasn’t nearly as nice or spacious as the other camping areas. The sites were small and unlevel, but the bathrooms were nice enough for a state park. I enjoyed walks around the lake (lots of fun fungi and fish to spy) but the main draw for me was the proximity to New River Gorge—only a 20-25 min drive.
TravelerBeautiful decor and extremely clean interior. The bed is very comfortable and linens are crisp and inviting. You can tell they don't harsh products because your skin is not itchy. The kitchen accommodations are perfect for a family with refrigerator, microwave and gas grill included with every cabin. The jacuzzi tub is a nice touch. Plenty of towels and even robes to use!
The rocking chairs on the back porch allow you to sip coffee, while watching trout swim in Chestnut Creek. The exteriors are clean as well. The grounds are natural and well maintained. There is also a nice common area with chairs and a firepit with wood to use.
The staff was pleasant and helpful.
We went to the local movie theater and a splash pad and park for the kids in town. The downtown 4th of July parade was wonderful! We rode the Blue Ridge Parkway which is very close by and enjoyed live music at the Blue Ridge Music Center. The cabins are about 30 minutes to Mt. Airy (Mayberry). Local antiques, coffee shops, specialty stores are abundant. Car Shiws on Thursday monthly downtown and BINGO at the Moose Lodge here in Galax is the best which is on Tuesdays. If you are an antique lover or picker don't miss my favorites, many in downtown Galax and a couple coffee shops and make sure you go to "Nest and Hive" in Fancy Gap and "The River House And Home Company" in Hillsville. You won't regret it!
I've been coming here for 20 years and will 20 more. The mountains are calling!
TravelerWe stayed at Little Beaver in late June and were overall very pleased with the campground! Site 38 is probably the most private within loop 1 (tent camp area) its two buddy sites are a little ways away (shouting distance) with plenty of trees in between. The site is relatively level and pretty rocky. Note that there is a walking path that runs directly behind the site and will take you over to loop 2. There weren't too many people using it while we were there though. Camp staff were friendly and helpful, if you get a confirmation email there is no need to check in you can drive straight to your campsite.
The one drawback of this campground is how far away the bathrooms are. You have to drive to the bathrooms/showers from loop 1. It's about a 10 minute walk. Tough in the middle of the night...
This is always a toss up, but while we were there the campground was very quiet even with most of sites booked.
Beautiful little walking path around a small lake that you can take paddle boats out on. Also a few little picnic areas and more than one playground, including one right by the lake and one right by the camp office.
We went white water rafting with ACE (had a great time!) which was about 45 min away and my parents who were camping with us went on a bridge walk (also about 45 min away) and enjoyed that, too.
Overall, great campground to explore New River Gorge area.
ScoutThis is the perfect camp ground whether you’re wanting a quiet spot, or family fun. The grounds are spacious and the sites offer a great variety.
TravelerHuge driving area, no problem maneuvering. Very simple set up. Nice bath house. RV spots are nice concrete pads and pretty level. Hookups work.
Wide open skies- great for solar. Quiet campground other than the nearby road that has trucks driving by using their Jake brakes
TravelerPlace seams tidy. Spots are nicely appointed, in that they are slightly separated.
ScoutThis was a gorgeous and perfect spot for a night, though you could definitely stay for longer. Secluded but easy to get to, right on the river, and had everything you could need. I would have liked if the spots felt a bit more private but that’s nitpicking. I got there at about 4pm on Father’s Day and there were roughly 4 spots still open.
ScoutThey seem to be doing a lot of upgrades to the campground, and they are much needed to be honest. The arcade is great
Dispersed camping near Pearisburg, Virginia offers access to the Appalachian Trail and Jefferson National Forest. Located in the New River Valley at approximately 1,600 feet elevation, the area features a mix of mountain forests and riverside sites. Weather varies significantly with summer temperatures reaching 85°F while winters can drop below freezing, affecting camping accessibility on forest roads.
Tubing adventures: At New River Junction Campground, campers can rent tubes and float down the river with shuttle service back to camp. "Bring your fishing pole for some great catch and release fishing, or rent a inner tub or canoe and float down River to a shuttle bus that brings you back to the campgrounds," notes Robert J.
Hiking trails: Walnut Flats provides direct access to hiking paths with the Appalachian Trail just across the road. A camper observed, "Trail right through the campground and the Apalation trail just across the road," making it convenient for day hikes.
Water recreation: Fishing, swimming and boating opportunities exist at multiple locations including lakes and rivers. One visitor at Claytor Lake State Park mentioned, "We paddled around the lake on Sunday; there are a couple of different boat launches in the park. The cliffs are freaking amazing from the launch closest to the park entrance."
Free camping options: Walnut Flats provides no-cost camping with basic amenities. "This is a wonderful spot. It has five established camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The bathroom is a pit style but it was still clean and didnt smell," reports Alice S.
River proximity: Many campsites offer immediate water access. At Eggleston Springs Campground, "The campsite was great! Right up against the river with beautiful mountain back drop. Most camp sites have electricity and a fire pit," according to Amanda J.
Natural sounds: The natural environment creates a peaceful atmosphere, though with some exceptions. "I loved sitting by the river at night with a fire going; whole different vibe than any other campground I've visited!" writes Alicia L. about Riverview Campground.
Train noise: Railroad tracks near several campgrounds can disrupt sleep. At Gentrys Landing, one camper noted, "The issue though is the highway the camp is next to, and the railroad across the river. The train do use it every other hour and do use their brakes and horns."
Cell service limitations: Communication can be challenging in more remote spots. At Walnut Flats, "There is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage."
Seasonal conditions: Spring flooding can affect campground availability and conditions. One camper at Eggleston Springs reported in early May that "flooding in the area... wiped out their entire campground, leveled their bathhouse, and even moved their office building several feet."
Kid-friendly activities: Pipestem Resort State Park Campground offers numerous family activities. "They have zipling, axe throwing, disc shooting and archery, play grounds and splash water park," reports Marie B., making it ideal for families needing entertainment options.
Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with room for kids to play. At Claytor Lake State Park, one camper mentioned, "The campsite was large and quiet which was nice. It felt somewhat private because of the trees and design of the site."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs. "We hiked, played at the lake and attended the roving ranger talks. Our camp hosts were great at keeping us informed and sharing ideas to make the weekend fun," shares Angela J. about her family's experience.
Site selection: At Claytor Lake State Park Campground, RV campers should research specific sites. "This campground is good for a one night stopover and we would return for that purpose. Clean, convenient sites off highway 81. Not much privacy between sites because they're quite close together but there are trees. Sites 11 and 12 have more privacy space," advises Kathy L.
Hookup locations: Check the placement of utilities before setting up. At Pipestem Resort, "Electrical hook up was on the opposite side of where they should be and in the middle of the small area. Water pressure was good and there was sewage hookups."
Size limitations: Larger RVs may struggle at some campgrounds. One camper at Kairos Wilderness Resort mentioned, "The hill to climb to get there is SUPER sketchy but it's a gorgeous location," indicating access challenges for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pearisburg, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pearisburg, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 158 campgrounds and RV parks near Pearisburg, VA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pearisburg, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pearisburg, VA is Claytor Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pearisburg, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Pearisburg, VA.
What parks are near Pearisburg, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Pearisburg, VA that allow camping, notably Bluestone Lake and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
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