Campgrounds near Ripplemead, Virginia range from established sites with amenities to more primitive options along the New River. The area features several camping areas including Eggleston Springs Campground directly on the New River and Walnut Flats, a free dispersed camping area. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, while some like Claytor Lake State Park and Kairos Wilderness Resort offer cabin and glamping options. The region's campgrounds typically provide access to water activities like fishing, tubing, and kayaking, with many sites positioned along riverbanks.
Road conditions and campground accessibility vary throughout the region, with some locations requiring vehicles with higher clearance. Many mixed-use campgrounds experience periodic flooding, particularly those positioned along the New River. "We were lied to and ignored. Conditions were very poor at the beginning of May. That can certainly be expected with the flooding in the area, though that was not known to us until arrival. It wiped out their entire campground," noted one visitor to Eggleston Springs. Most established campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from spring through fall. Cell coverage remains limited at more remote sites like White Rocks Campground, where visitors report no signal, creating a true wilderness experience.
Riverside camping represents a significant draw in the Ripplemead area, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. Train noise emerges as a common concern in user reviews, particularly at sites near railroad tracks. According to one camper at New River Junction, "The trains are awful for tent camping and I'm sure the thin-walled travel trailers too. Had it not been for the trains, the place would have been okay." Campers frequently mention the New River as a highlight, with fishing, tubing, and swimming opportunities available at multiple locations. Sites with electrical hookups and shower facilities tend to receive higher ratings from reviewers, though several primitive camping areas like Walnut Flats maintain perfect ratings despite minimal amenities. Summer weekends see increased demand at water-adjacent sites, particularly at established campgrounds with boat launches or swimming areas.
"Conveniently located bath house. We got sites right next to our friends where we wanted to be. The lake and beach area were beautiful. Sand was soft and very clean."
"Lots of space, cheap price, walking distance from the lake raccoons and skunks everywhere all night."
"The campground is not far from Virginia Tech and so there were several other campers staying a few nights with plans to go to the football game."
"Several RV sites located right on Beautiful New River. Tent camping also available."
$30 - $50 / night
"This was the first campground we got to try in Virginia and it did not disappoint! There’s a lot of ppl who stay here long term bc it’s so great."
"There is plenty to do within walking distance or a short drive. There is hiking all around the Pipestem area. There is a lake to fish and boat on."
"Pipestem Resort State Park Southern West Virginia. We spent 4 nights here. Used this park as a base camp for New River Gorge NP. There's many other State Parks we visited too.
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"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."
"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."
$5 / night
"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!"
"nice little free campground with about 5 sites with grill fire rings level gravel drive with tent pad and lantern pole, restrooms but I didn't use them well water pump for drinking water but didn't use"
"Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!"
"The hill to climb to get there is SUPER sketchy but it’s a gorgeous location. If you want to go ride dirt bikes or UTVs this place is definitely the spot."
"It sits on 1500 acres and has 41+ miles of trails. The only complaint is the campsites are very close but everyone was friendly and respectful so all in all it was a great place."
$35 / night
"It's secluded in the National Forest, but still really close to civilization."
ScoutIf you’re an outdoor lover like myself and you want to enjoy the gorgeous sights and sounds of Mother Nature, this campground is the perfect location.
Don’t forget your telescope for when the sun goes down. There’s a perfect spot on the side of mountain for breathtaking views.
ScoutCamped a few times with a group of veterans. The site is perfect for tent camping with multiple fire pits and firewood on site. Place isnt too far from Roanoke where I live so was a perfect weekend getaway without having to go far. We had cookouts and hung by the fire just relaxing and taking in the mountain scenery. Plenty of trails to walk and a few ponds on property to fish. Open year round but im too much a wimp to winter camp, cant wait to head back in the spring!!
ScoutCaldwell Fields is a great group campground with clean, large bathrooms (one for men, one for women, but they're identical pit toilets in the toilet facility) with a large firepit and creek access. Nice hikes walking distance with lots of beautiful stars, trees, and wildlife! Make sure you don't need to text though, you only are able to send messages via satelite.
ScoutI would definitely recommend this place.
Scout⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five Stars– A True Mountain Sanctuary Camp S’mores in Floyd, Virginia is something truly special. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains on nearly 100 acres, this property isn’t just a campground— it’s a place of peace, restoration, and purpose. From the moment you arrive, you feel the quiet. The kind of quiet that settles your spirit. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Rolling mountain views, stocked ponds, winding creeks, well-kept trails through beautiful hardwoods— it feels untouched yet thoughtfully cared for. Evenings around the fire pit under a sky filled with stars are unforgettable. You wake up to birds singing instead of traffic noise. It’s the reset we all need. What makes Camp S’mores stand out is the potential and the heart behind it. This is the perfect setting for:• Church retreats and ministry gatherings• Veterans looking for rest, healing, and brotherhood• Scout troops building skills and character• Families wanting a safe, peaceful outdoor experience• RV travelers seeking a quiet, resort-style mountain escape Whether you’re tent camping, van camping, or bringing your RV, the setting feels private, spacious, and serene. You truly feel like you have room to breathe. If you’re looking for a place to unplug, reconnect with nature, and spend meaningful time with people who matter— Camp S’mores delivers in every way. We will absolutely be back. Highly recommend supporting this hidden gem in Floyd, VA.
ScoutMyself and a small group of friends spent an extended weekend on the property of Camp S’mores and thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful and serene setting. The property has an abundance of everything that you would want when wanting to get away. The nature trails, ponds, creeks, beautiful trees, fire pit, and a night sky lit up by stars. So PEACEFUL! We couldn’t have found a better site to stay at! We have decided to make this an annual trip and will be heading back this spring!
ScoutVery beautiful scenery, amazing views.
GuideTypical campground with rv spots close together with no shade. Fill hook ups at each site.
LegendYou can only access Doubles Shoals Campground from the New River Trail of from the New River in a Kayak. It is a great place to camp if you are traveling the trail or river. The two sites include picnic tables, fire ring with grill, benches and a pit toilet.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Ripplemead, Virginia provide alternatives to established campgrounds, with multiple free or low-cost sites within Jefferson National Forest. Most primitive sites have elevation ranges between 1,600-2,400 feet, which keeps summer camping temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. Water access varies significantly by location and season, with several sites positioned along the New River where water levels fluctuate 3-5 feet between spring and late summer.
Hiking access from camp: At Walnut Flats, campers can directly access hiking trails from their site. "This is a wonderful spot. It has five established camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables... There is a trail right through the campground and the Appalachian Trail just across the road," notes one camper who stayed nearly two weeks.
Water recreation options: The New River offers multiple swimming and fishing spots, but accessibility varies by campground. At New River Junction Campground, "Bring your fishing pole for some great catch and release fishing, or rent an inner tube or canoe and float down River to a shuttle bus that brings you back to the campgrounds."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing at several riverside locations. "The tent camping is closest to the tracks which makes zero sense to me as the RV's would be less subject to the noise... We were able to catch a small-mouth bass pretty quickly and missed a few others," reports a visitor who appreciated the fishing despite other challenges.
Direct river access: Many campers prioritize sites with immediate water access despite seasonal fluctuations. At Camp Success, "Vault M/F toilet, BYOTP. No hookups and I didn't see a water spigot. Plenty of shade. Closed during flood," reports one visitor who utilized the boat ramp but didn't stay overnight.
Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer sites with natural buffers for privacy. At Claytor Lake State Park Campground, "The campsite was large and quiet which was nice. It felt somewhat private because of the trees and design of the site. Our camp hosts were great at keeping us informed and sharing ideas to make the weekend fun."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-fee locations. "5 sites, stayed in the double site. Quiet place with plenty of firewood on the ground. Occasional people driving through but a great experience!" reports a visitor to Walnut Flats, where water pumps and pit toilets provide basic amenities without cost.
Train noise considerations: Railroad tracks run parallel to many riverside campgrounds, creating noise issues primarily at night. "There were about 8 trains that passed through on our first night which led us to not sleeping well! So bring ear plugs!" advises a camper at New River Junction.
Seasonal flooding impact: Spring flooding can significantly alter campground conditions, especially at lower elevations. "This campground is good for a one night stopover and we would return for that purpose. Clean, convenient sites off highway 81. Not much privacy between sites because they're quite close together but there are trees."
Vehicle requirements: Access roads to several sites require higher clearance vehicles. At Kairos Wilderness Resort, "The hill to climb to get there is SUPER sketchy but it's a gorgeous location. If you want to go ride dirt bikes or UTVs this place is definitely the spot. The staff are excellent, they brought us firewood in the rain."
Best family campgrounds: Some locations specifically cater to families with amenities and activities. At Pipestem Resort State Park Campground, "We hiked, played at the lake and attended the roving ranger talks. The bathrooms and shower facilities were clean and convenient to our campsite... They also had a nicely updated park for the kids to play."
Swimming safety: River swimming locations have variable conditions depending on recent rainfall and season. "Pipestem is chock full of plenty of activities to keep your family busy. You can trout fish at the bottom of the mountain from the main lodge accessible by a four person tram ride," notes a return visitor.
Evening activities: Several campgrounds offer organized events during summer weekends. "The night sky was amazingly clear and stars were bright. It was a great weekend and a great park," reports a visitor who enjoyed stargazing during their stay at Pipestem Resort State Park.
Site selection strategies: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. At Riverview Campground, "Camped here for a couple of nights and was very pleased! Stayed at a spot by the river and ramp is available to access river. Can access river from some sites, but steep in some areas."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical access varies significantly between campgrounds. "I love this park! Plenty of tent and RV sites. 4 yurts available in nice wooded area... Plenty clean bathrooms and hot showers. Wood, ice and soda machines available. It's my favorite go-to campground!" reports a frequent visitor to Claytor Lake State Park.
Weather considerations: RV campers should monitor forecasts during spring and fall when temperature fluctuations can be extreme. "Did some Jeep camping here in November. Nice bathroom facilities and showers. Very clean. Hiking trails all accessible from the camp areas. My spot had electric and water hook ups."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ripplemead, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ripplemead, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Ripplemead, VA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ripplemead, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ripplemead, VA is Claytor Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ripplemead, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Ripplemead, VA.
What parks are near Ripplemead, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Ripplemead, VA that allow camping, notably Bluestone Lake and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
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