1 campground with availability next weekend
The New River Valley surrounding Radford, Virginia offers several tent-only camping options within a 30-mile radius, ranging from primitive riverside tent campsites to backcountry sites along the Appalachian Trail. Whitt Riverbend Park provides primitive tent campsites with basic amenities including vault toilets and fire rings. Approximately 20 miles southwest, Walnut Flats Campground near Pearisburg features five tent sites open from April through early December, with hand-pumped drinking water and vault toilets. For backcountry tent camping, Dragon's Tooth trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail with dispersed tent sites available for hikers.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature natural, ungraded surfaces with minimal site development. Access roads vary significantly in quality, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. According to one camper, "The road up to Walnut Flats needs a 4x4" though the campground itself offers level sites. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, but running water is limited. Millrace Campground in New River Trail State Park requires campers to carry all gear from the parking area to walk-in tent sites, though the distance is manageable. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during dry summer months. Most primitive tent camping areas maintain a 14-day stay limit.
In early fall, tent campers often experience the most comfortable conditions with fewer crowds and changing foliage. Sites along the New River provide water access, with one visitor noting that "the river sounds amazing at night" at Millrace Campground. Dragon's Tooth offers tent sites with varying degrees of seclusion - some near the trailhead for easier access and others requiring a strenuous two-hour hike to reach more remote locations. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hikes or fishing excursions. Most backcountry tent sites lack amenities but compensate with natural settings and privacy not available at developed campgrounds. Bear-proof trash containers are provided at some locations, particularly those along the Appalachian Trail corridor.
"There is no potable water."
"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
"Nice campground outside Bland, VA. The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water. There are 5 sites at this location."
"1st: The water pump doesn't work at location. Bring your own water. 2nd: Bring all you need before you camp out. There is one gas station to find resources 2.2 miles from campsite."
"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."
"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."
"No showers but there is a store 10 minutes away where you can pay to take a hot shower. In back of store."
"Just less than a mile west of the Blue Ridge Parkway on US 58 Business, Willville is THE motorcycle camping slot for me in Virginia. thwres a community fire ring where Will has a fire most nights."
"It is motorcycle only, but he has limited space outside the campground proper for trailers should that be your thing."
from $150 - $200 / night
"The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well. It is a gravel lot, pretty level. There is a little road noise until about 1030 PM."
"dragons tooth is off a path that is part of the Appalachian Trail, there is a good amount of parking with a bathroom and garbage, once you begin the trail there are a few dispersed obvious camping spots"
from $30 - $45 / night
"You get a lean-to and tent sites. Near water (collect water with a filter only)
I was able to make a fire but make sure it's okay when you go.
Lots of space for many people."
"You’ll have quite the drive to get here, but once you’ve arrived, you’ll be incredibly grateful for all the effort."
"Tho, no immediate fresh water pumps, walking distance water access for horses and dogs. As well as bathing down from the campgrounds. Creak water. Very spacious and scenic."
from $5 / night
GuideNeed an overnight stay on 81/77 this is the place. Booked is call them complete the reservation via Campspot app which they use so I had to download it. Place had plenty of sites pull through which I didnt need but they were so accommodating. I had a perfect view of mountains and cow pasture Relaxation and sleep close to bathhouse and office. They also have propane fill for your camper
ScoutNice campground for dry camping. Campground is fairly new and is still improving. The network of hiking trails are very nice and connect with nearby Ferrum College. The nonprofit that owns the campground has plans to add electric and water in the future.
ScoutWe stayed in Site number 24 which is full hook ups, however, just about all of the sites number is one through 32 are less than desirable either very little room outside your camper or the back in sites are steep hard to level your camper and very little room to set a set of chairs out I would not camp in this area of the campground again.
ScoutFrom check in to our stay, large big rig drive through lot. Quiet and clean park. Even had pizza and delicious wings delivered right to our coach. Next time through we hope to stay again.
ScoutOwner is friendly, people staying here consist of workers and retired people for the most part so the people are very quiet, beautiful river running through the end of the campground and a nice little hiking trail and a wide open area for kids to run and play. Only “bad” part is the road noise you are about 200 yards off that highway and can here it all day and night! But if your like me and don’t mind you will love it here!
GuideWhat a great find! Private sites, nice walking areas, and great hosts. Top it off with clean bathrooms with great showers and this was a win for us. It may not be suitable for bigger rigs but for our 22’ van, it was perfect.
ScoutGreat campground. Very clean. Campsites are well placed.
GuideWe had a blast here. My kiddo was able to roam freely and safely with other kids. We enjoyed a hike with the dogs, as well as swimming at the beaches.
LegendI loved my experience. I got spot 6 which back right next to a creek. It was really peaceful. The shower facilities were clean though did smell a bit like mildew. There was no signal in the park itself but signal really close by incase of emergency.
Tent camping opportunities near Radford, Virginia span across Jefferson National Forest and the surrounding region, with elevations ranging from 1,700 to 3,100 feet. The area sits within the Ridge and Valley geological province, creating diverse terrain for primitive camping experiences. Most locations remain accessible from April through November, with fall temperatures averaging 45-65°F.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access nearby sections from Dragon's Tooth trailhead, which connects to multiple camping areas. "The trail to get to it is on the AT, The arrows and the trail are very clear, it's a moderate to hard hike! Bring lots of water!" according to one camper who noted the two-hour hike required to reach prime camping spots.
New River fishing and paddling: The gentle current at Camp Success provides water access. "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," one reviewer mentioned. Boat ramps allow for easy kayak launching.
Horseback riding: Several campgrounds accommodate equestrian campers, particularly at White Cedar Horse Camp which offers dedicated facilities. A camper noted, "Big trees at the campsites, beautiful place to camp with horses, pipe corral. No showers but there is a store 10 minutes away where you can pay to take a hot shower."
Riverside camping: Tent sites along the New River provide water views and natural soundscapes. At Millrace Campground, campers appreciate the setting: "Really cool campground located right on the New River, located at Foster Falls. The river sounds amazing at night."
Privacy between sites: Many primitive campgrounds offer naturally separated sites. At Walnut Flats Campground, campers find "Good hikes nearby, nothing too difficult and all are beautiful. The Appalachian Trail is close to the site, find some thru hikers and make some trail magic!"
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. A visitor to Whitt Riverbend Park described it as a "Cozy little site not too far from the main highway! Primitive camping but has plenty of natural wonders to keep you busy!"
Vehicle access requirements: Some of the best tent camping near Radford requires appropriate vehicles. Walnut Flats needs "a 4x4" according to a reviewer, while other sites have varying road conditions.
Water availability: Drinking water isn't universal at primitive sites. At Catawba Mountain Shelter, campers must "collect water with a filter only" from nearby sources.
Parking logistics: Trailhead parking serves as the base for hike-in camping. A Dragon's Tooth visitor shared: "This was a fine place to park overnight. The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well."
Reservation systems: Most primitive sites operate first-come, first-served. One camper noted the unusual payment system at Indian Mills: "There's a drop box upon entry where you just tuck a $20 bill in an envelope, drop it in the box and off you go."
Look for walk-in sites: Families appreciate the short carry-in distances at certain campgrounds. At Millrace Campground, "You have to walk everything into the campground from the parking area, but it's not a long walk so you can still bring all of your 'car camping' luxuries."
Plan for basic facilities: Most primitive tent sites have minimal amenities. A visitor to Whitt Riverbend Park noted it offers "Primitive camping but has plenty of natural wonders to keep you busy!"
Pack all essentials: The remoteness of the best tent camping sites near Radford means limited access to supplies. At Possible Property, visitors can "enjoy the silence of nature, and maybe even learn some amazing new outdoor skills from us."
Limited RV options: Most primitive sites near Radford accommodate tents only. For those traveling with both RVs and tents, look for campgrounds with parking areas near tent sites.
Motorcycle-friendly alternatives: Riders find specialized camping at Willville Motorcycle Camp where "there are water spigots scattered throughout along with electrical stanchions...just not at every site."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Radford, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Radford, VA is Whitt Riverbend Park with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Radford, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Radford, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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