Glamping options near Red Oak, Virginia range from waterfront luxury canvas accommodations to all-season structures with full amenities. This rural area sits along the Virginia-North Carolina border, with most luxury camping destinations positioned near Kerr Lake or Buggs Island Lake. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s, making water access particularly valuable for comfort during peak glamping season from May through September.
What to do
Dark sky stargazing: At Staunton River State Park, visitors can experience premier astronomical viewing. "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. It is an International Dark Sky Park. There is a large open field by the park check in and store. The park offers rentals of telescopes too," notes Bridget H. The park has designated observation areas away from light pollution.
Lakefront water activities: Occoneechee State Park offers multiple water recreation options. "We spent most of our free time at the splash pad. The kids loved that!" reports Katie M. The park also features boat rentals and fishing opportunities along its shoreline.
Historical exploration: Trails at nearby parks lead to preserved historical sites. According to Bridget H., Twin Lakes State Park is "also close to Sailor's (Sayler's) Creek and High Bridge State Park. If you have your bikes you definitely want to check out High Bridge. Go to the Paradise Rd. Entrance." Many trails feature educational markers documenting local history.
What campers like
Accessible beaches: Kimball Point Campground features waterfront sites with swimming areas. "We camped lake side at Kimball Point on Kerr Lake. Nice site and views, very quiet great for relaxing fishing and watching the stars at night," shares Andy K. The swimming areas have sandy beaches making water entry comfortable.
Privacy between sites: Some glamping locations provide substantial separation between units. At Hyco Lake State Park, "GORGEOUS location, many sites with water views and directly on the water. Beautifully maintained park," reports Kathy G. This spacing creates more intimate experiences compared to traditional campgrounds.
Cabin amenities: For those seeking maximum comfort, Bullocksville Park offers upgraded cabin options. Stuart K. describes it as "a complete natural respite that is incredibly quiet(save the roar of noise from nature!). The grounds themselves are laid out superbly." Cabins typically include kitchens, bathrooms, and climate control.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Sites at popular glamping locations book quickly during peak season. For Kimball Point Campground, Steven D. advises: "Only negative it's hard to book a space. You need to book it EXACTLY 6 months out, call at 08:00 in morning." Many glamping sites require booking 6-11 months in advance.
Pack extra cords/hoses: Electric and water hookups at some sites require longer connections. At Kimball Point, Michael P. notes: "Sites vary pretty widely in size and grade. We have a 32' travel trailer that fit in spot 65 with no problem but there were many more that we could not fit in because of the steep grades." Bringing extra-length utility connections is recommended.
Limited cell service: Many glamping areas have spotty connectivity. Bathroom facilities vary widely between parks, from modern climate-controlled facilities to more basic amenities. Katie M. observed at Occoneechee: "Yurt 1 is a bit of a walk to the bathrooms, that is the only negative thing I can think of."
Tips for camping with families
Children's programs: Twin Lakes State Park offers structured activities for younger visitors. Jennifer G. recommends: "The swimming area is so amazing. Great area for the kids to enjoy a safe and fun swimming experience." The park features shallow swimming zones and lifeguards during summer months.
Playground access: Many glamping sites include play areas for children. "There's a nice beach area and the park seems to offer boat rentals. The playgrounds and amenities for kids are cute," notes RL about Twin Lakes State Park. Consider sites within walking distance of play structures.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing provides learning experiences for children. At Eno River State Park, one camper observed: "While staying there I saw a skunk, a groundhog, several deer and a great variety of birds." Many parks offer junior ranger programs and nature centers with interactive displays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection caution: At Hyco Lake State Park, RVers should research specific sites before booking. Barb T. warns: "We did find our reserved site but unlike many places we have been there wasn't any receipt or tags attached to pole. The site itself was up hill which caused our car wheels to spin and made it difficult to park." Some glamping sites have significant grade changes.
Hookup placement: Water and electric connections may be inconveniently located. "We also noted that our water and electricity was on the passenger side of our vehicle so it was a good thing we had an extra hose to reach the water as well as a long enough cord to reach the electric box," adds Barb T. about Hyco Lake. Extension cords and additional water hoses are recommended.
Seasonal considerations: During summer months, waterfront sites provide natural cooling. In Kimball Point, Jess notes: "The water is very clear! You can see probably about 5-6 feet down." Most glamping locations offer year-round accommodation options with heating for winter visits.
