120 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping areas near Big Island, Virginia range from developed campgrounds to primitive sites within the George Washington National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Several established campgrounds like Otter Creek Campground, Lynchburg/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, and Natural Bridge KOA provide facilities for tent and RV campers, while dispersed options exist for those seeking more remote experiences. The region's proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway creates opportunities for scenic camping, with most campgrounds positioned strategically for access to hiking trails and natural attractions.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. The Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds like Otter Creek typically close during winter months, operating from early May through late October. Road conditions vary by location, with paved access to established campgrounds while dispersed camping areas may require higher clearance vehicles on forest roads. Water pressure can be inconsistent at some locations, especially at sites farther from main facilities. A visitor commented, "The sites had great space. Dog friendly," noting the spacious layout at Otter Creek Campground.
Campgrounds throughout the region maintain different amenity levels based on management. KOA properties near Natural Bridge and Lynchburg offer full hookups, cabin options, and family-friendly facilities including pools and playgrounds. National Forest and Parkway campgrounds provide more rustic experiences with basic amenities such as vault toilets and drinking water. Campers frequently mention the quiet, natural setting as a primary appeal of the area. "The Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful and this campground is a great place to stop for camp," wrote one visitor about Otter Creek. Sites along the parkway offer excellent connectivity to hiking trails, with several campgrounds providing direct access to day hikes and connections to longer routes. Cell service can be limited throughout the region, particularly at campgrounds deeper in the forest and along sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
"This campground is open year round and is right off the highway. There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "
"Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise."
"We stopped here overnight on a trip from Chicago to Virginia Beach. We had reserved a pull through but were just short in length and had to disconnect the tow vehicle for the night."
"There was plenty for kids to do playground, pool, jump pillow, fishing pond and hiking trails. The tent site was amazing right by the pond. The fire pit has a grate for cooking."
"Great all around virginia campsite"
"Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Site was spacious and pleasantly situated for our 17' travel trailer. Clean bathrooms and shower."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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... not many activities due to"
from $39 - $241 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."
"Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"This KOA was a very nice surprise given that it was right off the highway. We only were there for 1 night and we didn't hear any highway noise."
"Was not too close to the pool but there were rest rooms nearby. We only stayed one night but was a nice area. The kids likes the petting zoo."
ScoutFrom all the reviews on this site, we thought it would be more dispersed/private than it is. If you’re ok with seeing and hearing strangers as you sit in front of your own campfire, then this is the spot for you. Not for those who want privacy and true connection with nature and surroundings.
ScoutShowers are well removed from the center of activity
Also the personalities at the office are extremely short
ScoutNice and quiet. Spots are a good size. Large rock ring fire pit. Would recommend
GuideThis is an awesome campground that is definitely worth the cost. The sites are really nice, there’s a decent bathhouse and you can walk to the brewery for beers and food. Plus the area is beautiful!
TravelerNice and quiet - friendly service. Plenty of amenities as well as options. Stayed here to attend a concert at The Coves Amphitheater in Union Hall, VA.
ScoutBeautiful and secluded. Primitive camping area for boondocking or tent camping. Large enough to set up several electric pens for horses.
TravelerI can’t believe no one has rated this beautiful place. The sites are level, gravel, well spaced out and surrounded by trees. We stayed at White Pines Campground and there was a network of trails you can access a short walk away. The trails had views, lake, waterfall, and beautiful mountain laurel in bloom. These trails looked great for mountain biking too. The showers were nicely laid out, clean and had great pressure and there were plenty of them. The huge bonus was the dishwashing station with hot water. I can’t wait to come back and explore this beautiful area more!
GuideIt’s very green and scenic
GuideThis is the city park with the campground and an old estate. They don’t accept reservations. We arrived at 5pm on Friday. Went to the office to check in,found that they closed at 4:30. There was a note on the door that said to leave money in an envelope and put it through the slot in the door, no further information. Wrote our name and a description of the vehicles and put $110.30 in cash for 2 nights in the door slot, and went to find camping. There are no picnic tables or fire rings, in the large lower section of the campground there is just water and electric, no sewer connection. We chose a site near the river and set up camp. Then found the power isn’t working. First thing the next morning I went to the office to ask about refunding the difference for the full hook up to dry camping spot. The woman was not helpful at all, and insisted that she doesn’t do refunds, even though I explained that I had left cash. She said no one was supposed to be camping on the riverside, and that they don’t turn the power on down there. I said without a note on the door to explain that or a sign near the path, there’d be no way to know that. Beware, when you pay, make sure you know what site you’re in and what services you’re getting, then go and pay for it. She was most unpleasant, and unhelpful. On the plus side, the river is pretty, there’s an ice cream stand, and there’s nice hiking trails.
Camping options around Big Island, Virginia cluster along the Blue Ridge Parkway and within George Washington National Forest where elevations range from 700 to 4,000 feet. The region's forest service campgrounds typically operate from April through October with primitive sites remaining accessible year-round. Weather varies significantly with elevation, creating temperature differences of 5-10 degrees between valley and mountain campsites.
Hiking from camp to mountain summits: At Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp, trails connect directly to campsites. "There is ample hiking and the lake is something different to do," notes Chaz M., while another camper shares, "There's a lake nearby that you can walk or drive to. Some of us spent all day swimming, catching salamanders and tadpoles while some of us fished."
Fishing in stocked creeks: North Creek Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities with sites positioned along the water. "Backs up to a river so great atmosphere, especially when sleeping. Fire pit, picnic table, lateen holder, and parking spot. Vault toilets, no running water. Fantastic spot to fish too," reports Graham D.
Water activities for hot days: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge features multiple water features. A visitor mentions, "We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade. I'd stay again and would love to head down to the river for some tubing and fish in the stocked pond."
Privacy in forested settings: Many sites at George Washington National Forest off 812 offer seclusion with natural features. "Nice camping spot in George Washington NF. There are multiple spots along the road - some are drive in and some require you to park and walk in... The spot was nice and flat, backed up to a little creek and had an established stone fire ring," describes Sarah and James H.
Camping beside water: The sound of flowing water enhances many camping experiences in this region. At Oronoco Campground, a reviewer notes, "Nice spot, it's small but the sites are free and surrounded by clear mountain streams. We originally were only going to stay the night but liked it so much we stayed for three."
Wildlife encounters: Peaks Of Otter Campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Very territorial deer, will stalk you on way to dumpster!" warns Karen W., while other visitors report seeing salamanders and other forest creatures throughout the area.
Primitive facilities at free sites: Oronoco Campground offers no-cost camping but minimal amenities. "The campground itself is pretty primitive, pit toilets and nothing more. There are some fire rings built by stones found around camp but not all the areas have them," explains Crystal C.
Variable water pressure: Some campgrounds experience inconsistent water pressure, particularly at sites farther from main facilities. At Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, a camper noted, "My water pressure was good but talking to other campers, the farther away you get from the front of the park the worse the water pressure gets."
Bear awareness requirements: Cave Mountain Lake requires proper food storage. "Be sure to read the bear recommendations and pack up your site accordingly and you'll have a wonderful time," advises Gloria G., highlighting the importance of wildlife safety protocols at campsites throughout the region.
Kid-friendly water activities: Natural Bridge KOA offers numerous options for children. "The kids liked the petting zoo," mentions Stephanie H., while another camper adds, "The bathrooms & private showers were amazing & clean. We didn't use the pool, but the kids enjoyed the Gameroom!"
Seasonal activities: Jellystone Park schedules special events throughout the season. "We had a great weekend with the whole family! There was a carnival for the kids, trick-or-treating, hiking, tons of bike riding, campfire watching, hammock swinging, laughing, loving, and hanging out!" shares Bridget H.
Nature exploration opportunities: Cave Mountain Lake provides natural discovery options. "Our boys loved playing in the stream and climbing the hill to get to our hammock on the site too. The lake has a beautiful view with green mountains surrounding it," reports Lanie B., highlighting the natural play areas available.
Site selection for leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Peaks of Otter, Jen V. explains, "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. The whole campground is kind of 'carved' out of the mountain, and is therefore quite terraced in appearance."
Hookup availability varies widely: From primitive to full-service, RV sites offer different amenities. At Natural Bridge KOA, a camper reports, "We had a deluxe patio area. Which was on nice level concrete. Was not too close to the pool but there were rest rooms nearby."
Length restrictions on mountain roads: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger rigs. At North Creek Campground, a reviewer noted, "Some pretty large sites, 35' plus. Campground road may be tight for large rigs. Check website."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Big Island, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Big Island, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near Big Island, VA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Big Island, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Big Island, VA is Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Island, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Big Island, VA.
Keep Exploring
