Radford, Virginia sits at 2,103 feet above sea level, bordered by Jefferson National Forest and the New River, which is considered one of the oldest rivers in North America. Seasonal temperature swings range from summer averages of 85°F to winter lows near 25°F, creating distinct camping seasons with peak periods from late spring through early fall when glamping accommodations see highest demand.
What to do
Disc golf at Camp Success: Located in Narrows, this community campground offers a disc golf course along with river access. "There's a Disc Golf Course, Fishing, Camping, and Community Events. Well kept, clean, and perfect," notes Wendy G., who appreciates the small-town charm.
Paddle the nearby lakes: Gatewood Park provides direct water access with multiple waterfront sites. "A great out of the way location. A bit of a drive in but worth the travel... Rent some kayaks and enjoy nature," shares Dane R., highlighting the peaceful setting at this secluded reservoir.
Explore small towns: The Blue Ridge Parkway region offers charming towns within easy driving distance of camping areas. One visitor at Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA discovered "that Mt Airy (of Andy Griffith fame), was nearby, so I wandered into NC to explore that. I also drove along the Parkway and enjoyed Mabry's Mill."
What campers like
Peaceful seclusion: Many campgrounds near Radford offer quiet settings away from crowds. A camper at Gatewood Park noted, "Peaceful and level spots. The hosts are awesome and a great place to relax with no cell phone coverage or WiFi." This lack of connectivity is a feature for those seeking true disconnection.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain excellent bathroom and shower facilities. At Fort Chiswell RV Park, a camper observed, "The public bathrooms and showers were clean, but really could use some upgrades." Another mentioned, "Very relaxing... Staff is very friendly. They have propane and a little store for those that might need."
Convenient highway access: For travelers using Radford as a stopping point, easy interstate access matters. "Located not too far from I-81, easy to get to. This CG does a lot of overnight business," notes a camper at Fort Chiswell RV Park, adding that "a large hill at the west side of the park blocks most of the noise."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Several campgrounds have minimal cell service by design. At Gatewood Park & Reservoir Campground, one visitor explained, "There's no cell service but they upgraded the WiFi and it's very good. This campground is miles from anywhere so make sure you have what you need or the trip into town will take a while."
Seasonal operations: Most glamping accommodations have limited availability outside summer months. One campground is "available from March 15 to November 15" while another operates "April to October."
Reservation requirements: Popular waterfront sites require advance booking. "The water front sites are difficult to book, but off water sites are more readily available," advises Stephen at Gatewood Park & Reservoir Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity options: Some campgrounds provide structured activities for children. At Wytheville KOA, "Our kids loved the arcade, the wagon and train rides around the campground, the craft time, pool and the fishing! The owners ran all the entertainment and were highly visible throughout our stay."
Spacious sites: Families need room to spread out. "Our campsite was large and quiet which was nice. It felt somewhat private because of the trees and design of the site," explains Angela J., appreciating the thoughtful layout that balanced community with privacy.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer swimming either in pools or natural water bodies. "It seems like a great place for kids with a pool with a waterslide," notes Edward C. about Wytheville KOA's family-friendly features.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should consider hookup locations and site levelness. At Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground, a visitor noted, "We stayed in a full hookup site 8 on top of a hill overlooking other areas of the park. They have sites for everyone and every type of camping!"
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight roads for larger rigs. "The grounds are kept mowed and cleaned, ample trash receptacles that are emptied daily and clean bathrooms," reports Don L., who found Chantilly Farm accommodating despite some navigation challenges.
Dump station access: Full-service sites with sewer hookups save the hassle of finding dump stations. "Sites are a good size and doesn't feel cramped. The store is stocked with essentials and staff is friendly," notes an RVer who appreciated having these amenities readily available.
