The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Salem, VA

540 Reviews

Salem, Virginia and the surrounding region feature several public and private campgrounds catering to various camping styles. Established campgrounds like Dixie Caverns provide full hookups for RVs and tent sites near natural attractions, while dispersed camping options exist along the Appalachian Trail at locations like Johns Spring Shelter and Catawba Mountain Shelter. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway corridor offers additional camping opportunities within a short drive. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some sites like Explore Park and Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing also offering cabin rentals.

Weather and terrain vary considerably throughout the region, with campgrounds situated along Interstate 81 providing easy access but sometimes experiencing traffic noise. Higher elevation sites along the Appalachian Trail require hiking in but offer more solitude and scenic views. Facilities range from fully developed campgrounds with showers and electric hookups to primitive shelters with basic toilets. Summer is the primary camping season, though some locations like Don's Cab-Inns operate year-round. As one visitor noted about Dixie Caverns, "Right off the interstate so easy access. Small spaces but everyone was very friendly."

Appalachian Trail camping receives high ratings from hikers, with areas like Dragon's Tooth earning perfect scores for their natural beauty and trail access. Roadside campgrounds closer to Salem tend to be more developed but may experience highway noise, especially those near Interstate 81. Campers seeking a quieter experience often prefer the backcountry sites that require hiking in. Several reviews mention the proximity to popular hiking destinations as a major advantage. A camper described the Catawba Mountain Shelter as having "lots of space for many people" and being "not too far from McAfee Knob," one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, though some campgrounds surprisingly offer WiFi connectivity.

Map showing campgrounds near Salem, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Salem, Virginia (116)

    1. Dixie Caverns

    16 Reviews
    Salem, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 380-2085

    "just off the highway but easily accessible, everything works, friendly staff. Showers in bathhouse are a bit dirty but other than that great!"

    "We had a pull-thru site that was pretty much level but was very close to the other campers. This campground seems to have a lot of permanent residents."

    2. Don's Cab-Inns Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hardy, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 427-1800

    $25 - $100 / night

    "First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)."

    "The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling. Also, an outlet to charge your phone."

    3. Dragon's Tooth

    3 Reviews
    Salem, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 552-4641

    "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"

    "This was a quiet spot that felt safe, with a pit toilet nearby to the trailhead parking area. Car camping is the only option at this time."

    4. Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    Salem, VA
    7 miles
    Website

    "There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North. The sites aren't bad though, pretty flat."

    5. Catawba Mountain Shelter on the AT

    1 Review
    Hollins, VA
    7 miles
    Website

    "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.

    Not too far from McAfee knob."

    6. Tina's Dream

    2 Reviews
    Troutville, VA
    14 miles
    +1 (540) 855-4383

    $40 / night

    7. Explore Park

    1 Review
    Hardy, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 427-1800

    $25 - $150 / night

    8. Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing

    5 Reviews
    Oriskany, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 864-6792

    $25 - $75 / night

    "We were not sure about taking such a detour from our path to Asheville, but are so glad we did! We booked a spot “in the meadow” but when we arrived, they had rooms in the lodge for just $20 more."

    "If you’re up for a fun hike, take the Outerspace trail up to “The Bluff” and enjoy the mountain views."

    9. Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    23 Reviews
    Thaxton, VA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 586-7321

    $30 / night

    "Picked for price Quiet

    Enjoyed Blueridge parkway

    NIce retreat in SW Virginia"

    "It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill."

    10. Caldwell Fields Group Campground

    2 Reviews
    Blacksburg, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 552-4641

    $35 / night

    "Stayed here for two nights with 13 vehicles and 16 people to visit Potts Mountain Jeep trail. nice sized camp spot, vault toilet, and small stream running right behind the canpsite"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 116 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Salem Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Salem, VA

242 Photos of 116 Salem Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Salem, VA

540 Reviews of 116 Salem Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Beautiful and secluded

    Mostly seasonal campers, but an idyllic environment. I am parked alongside a babbling brook. Poor cell reception, no tv. A forced off the grid experience.

  • TangoRomeo 8.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sherwood Lake WV

    Lake Sherwood Dispersed Camping

    Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Quiet, clean campground!

    This campground was exceptionally clean and very quiet/peaceful. We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old. The staff is amazing and clearly love what they do. They were friendly from the start and they let us know they were available for help, etc. The site itself was an easy pull-through. It was clean and hookups were easy to figure out (first time RVers here; not new to camping though). I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away! We will definitely be back!

    I thought being at the end of the loop would be noisy due to traffic coming through, but it didn't bother us one but!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Great location at SML

    Really well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground. Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    Helpful staff and nice amenities

    It has all the bells and whistles you’d hope for at a Jellystone. It sounds like staffing has been challenging but the fellow campers and wonderful staff that are here make it well worth staying. We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade. I’d stay again and would love to head down to the river for some tubing and fish in the stocked pond.

  • Kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Exceeded expectations

    I was impressed with this campground from the minute I entered it. We were greeted at the entrance and then sent to an escort you smartly showed us to our site by taking the same path at the RV should take; making wise returns and so on. The site was pristine and laid out very nicely. Honestly the whole place was really clean and lovely. This is my first KOA visit and I was thoroughly impressed

  • Roger V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Rocky Knob Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Quiet, nice, but no showers, very basic

    Minimalist facilities. Good location. Has rv and tent sites. Right off blue Ridge Parkway.

    Overall ok if you need a crash pad, but I would not seek it out

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Beautiful place, old campground

    On a Thursday night in July we were the only ones at the campground. Friendly host but the campsites are not level - and we had the best of the lot - very private (if others had been there) but only one side of the picnic table was accessible (bc of the slope). Worked for our setup with rooftop tent but would’ve been difficult for someone w a camper or tent. Lodge was nice and well-kept. Hike to top of peaks was strenuous and gorgeous at the top! Decent stop right off the BRP. Wildflowers were beautiful.

  • Susan W.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Meadows Of Dan Campground

    Mountain Quiet Campground

    We love this area already so as first time RVers, Meadows of Dan Campground was a natural pick. This campground has lovely tree cover in both the RV and tent camping areas. There are also cabins. The manager is very friendly & accommodating. We loved our first week so much we stayed two more!

Guide to Salem

Camping near Salem, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax in nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hanging Rock State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The park has 5 waterfalls... almost all the hikes involve a steep hill climb of stairs." This makes it a great spot for those who love a good workout while enjoying nature.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Douthat State Park Campground, you can fish and swim in the lake. A reviewer said, "There are many camping areas in the park, some near creeks and on the lake as well." This makes it perfect for water lovers.
  • Bowling and Mini Golf: If you're staying at Wytheville KOA, you can enjoy bowling and mini-golf on-site. One camper shared, "We got in early enough that we were able to get a game of bowling in before they closed."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA. A visitor noted, "Park is fantastic, best I’ve ever seen for cleanliness and friendly staff."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA. One happy camper said, "There is a row towards the front that are pretty close together... We were in a tent and loved our spot."
  • Beautiful Scenery: The views at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground are a big hit. A reviewer exclaimed, "I have camped here for 15 years... the warmest clean waters that will make you forget the ocean."

What you should know

  • Limited Swimming Areas: At Douthat State Park Campground, swimming is restricted to a kiddie area. One camper mentioned, "Swimming in this beautiful and very swimmable and safe lake is limited to a kiddie area - useless if you're looking for exercise."
  • No Showers at Some Campgrounds: If you're heading to Peaks Of Otter Campground, be prepared for no showers. A visitor noted, "There are no showers. The staff were friendly and were able to help with all questions I had."
  • Cell Service Can Be Spotty: Many campgrounds, like Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, have limited cell service. One camper said, "There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop... you can get service."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Wytheville KOA has a playground and activities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "The pool was nice. Restroom/Showers were wonderful and clean."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Hanging Rock State Park Campground said, "We got our workout in seeing all the sites."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A visitor at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground noted, "The campground was busy while we were there, but was quiet at night."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: At Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, some sites may not be level. One RVer mentioned, "A lot of the sights were not level... the landscaping was not very well taken care of."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Campgrounds like Bolar Mountain Recreation Area may not have many amenities nearby. A camper advised, "There is a small general store that sells somethings and gas but it's not a real grocery."
  • Use the Dump Station: Make sure to utilize the dump station at campgrounds like Claytor Lake State Park Campground before leaving. One visitor said, "There is a dump station on the way out."

Camping around Salem, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any waterfront camping available near Salem, VA?

Yes, several excellent waterfront camping options exist near Salem. Lake Sherwood offers beautiful campsites right on the water, with the majority of sites providing direct lake access. The campground is situated against a small mountain ridge that divides West Virginia and Virginia. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area provides stunning lakeside sites with breathtaking views, clean facilities including showers and flushable toilets. Another option is Douthat State Park, which features a nice lake for kayaking and canoeing alongside well-spaced campsites. Most waterfront options are within 1-2 hours of Salem, making them perfect for weekend getaways.

What are the best campgrounds in Salem, VA for tent camping?

For tent camping near Salem, Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is consistently rated as one of Virginia's best campgrounds. It offers well-maintained sites with personality, clean bathrooms, and potable water throughout. Most sites accommodate vehicle parking right at your campsite. Another excellent option is North Creek Campground, which provides affordable tent camping ($15) in a serene natural setting. For those willing to drive a bit further, Caldwell Fields Group Campground offers drive-in tent sites with basic facilities. Dragon's Tooth provides a more primitive experience with hike-in access, perfect for adventurous campers seeking solitude in nature.

How far is Dixie Caverns Campground from Salem, VA?

Dixie Caverns is located at the outskirts of Salem, VA. The privately owned campground and tourist site is directly off Interstate 81, making it extremely accessible from Salem. The distance is minimal, approximately 5-10 minutes driving time from downtown Salem. Its convenient location means you're very close to town while still having access to camping facilities. For those seeking alternatives in the area, Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA is another option, though it's further from Salem (about 30-40 minutes south) but offers more amenities including a pool, game room, and playground.

Keep Exploring