Pembroke, Virginia camping opportunities extend beyond established campgrounds into free dispersed sites in the Jefferson National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 1,700-2,500 feet, contributing to moderate summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping season. Road access varies significantly depending on location, with forest service roads often requiring higher clearance vehicles.
What to do
Disc golf access: Claytor Lake State Park offers multiple recreational amenities beyond swimming and boating. "Many trails to hike well maintained. Great place for the 4th of July," notes William P., highlighting the park's appeal for holiday weekends.
Paddle activities: Explore the New River by kayak from multiple access points in the region. "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," shares one Claytor Lake visitor.
Hiking options: White Rocks Campground connects to extensive trail systems including Appalachian Trail segments. "Lots of hiking with a short 1.3 loop mile trail right out of the campground, and several trails nearby, including a few different connectors to sections of the AT," explains Joe H.
What campers like
Natural swimming: Eggleston Springs Campground offers direct river access for cooling off. "The campsite was great! Right up against the river with beautiful mountain back drop. Most camp sites have electricity and a fire pit," explains Amanda J.
Wildlife viewing: Campers report frequent deer sightings around dawn and dusk at multiple riverside locations. "We sat by the river in at the base of the tram and enjoyed the quiet serene views of folks fishing, deer grazing, and watched the sun go down," reports one camper visiting the broader region.
Campsite privacy: Walnut Flats provides free camping with well-spaced sites. "Nice little free campground with about 5 sites with grill fire rings level gravel drive with tent pad and lantern pole," notes one camper who stayed nearly two weeks.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in the mountains surrounding Pembroke. Pack rain gear even for short overnight trips.
Water availability: Some campgrounds have unreliable water sources. "No water for 4+ years. If you go take water and something to cut the overgrowth," warns a White Rocks Campground visitor.
Emergency planning: Cell service is extremely limited at Camp Success and other remote campgrounds. "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," reports Sue B.
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds along the New River experience train noise throughout the night. "The trains though! My dog did not appreciate them," notes Roland R. about Eggleston Springs Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "Claytor Lake was a great campground for families. We hiked, played at the lake and attended the roving ranger talks," shares Angela J.
Educational activities: Look for ranger programs that engage children with local ecology. "We really did not have any issues with the site itself! We got super lucky because we were the only people to use the provided bathroom as we were the only people tent camping," notes a camper at New River Junction.
Equipment rentals: New River Junction Campground offers tubing equipment and shuttle services. "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," suggests Robert J.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose RV sites based on seasonal considerations. "We stayed in site 21. Full H/U. Pros: Wooded campsites, Quiet, Amenities, Picnic tables & fire rings at each site," shares one camper about sites in the broader region.
Leveling challenges: Some RV sites require substantial leveling. "Sites 1-4 are handicapped sites. There are pretty good sites, but watch the site descriptions for the incline," advises an experienced RVer.
Hookup positioning: Check utility connection placement before setting up. "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," notes one camper about regional state park camping.
