Best Cabin Camping near Rocky Mount, VA

Recent Cabin Reviews near Rocky Mount, Virginia

195 Reviews of 18 Rocky Mount Campgrounds

• E

  Eben O.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 17, 2024

  Thunder Bridge

  Idyllic forest campground

  Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp. Now it is home to many quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and even some fully furnished rental cabins.

  The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes  several artists' studios.  At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading. 

  The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.

  This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!

• 

  keith F.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 4, 2022

  Fairy Stone State Park Campground

  Our favorite

  The park is so beautiful. The sites are a little rough but easy to level your rig. The park has great trails around it, they can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain. The lake is wonderful. They were updating cabins when we were there last, they look great. The showers were clean and the bathroom was the same. The host was a nice gentleman. No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away.

• 

  Katie M.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 9, 2019

  Fairy Stone State Park Campground

  CCC Cabin - Couple's Weekend Away!

  MY husband and I stayed two nights in a 1 bed efficiency CCC Cabin at Fairy Stone State Park for a short weekend away from the kids. We visited in December so it was pretty cold weather but the cabin was so cozy and comfortable! We loved having the fireplace! The cabins have a bathroom, shower, kitchen with sink, fridge, oven/stove, microwave, toaster, everything you need! They have heating and a/c as well. The cabin was built in the 1930s and is so charming! Loved everytihg about our experience here.

  There is no cell service or internet/wifi at the cabins though so come prepared with something to do! We found it to be very relaxing to unplug!

• 

  Teresa K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 7, 2018

  Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

  Little Piece of Heaven

  We went off season in March of 2018. It was the perfect time to go as it was still "wintery", but had days of mild weather to allow for hiking. The lake is huge and allows for boating and fishing. There's a beach that you can swim from. They have several cabins that are well maintained and clean. We stayed in a cabin. But, we also checked out the tent camping pads. I would not recommend for camping with a tent as the sites are stacked on top of each other offering little to no privacy. The RV/camper sites might be better. I can't say for sure as I don't rv camp. The cabins were phenomenal. They offer a clean and basic setup with a wood stove. The exterior has a porch/deck, grill, firepit, and picnic table. Some of the cabins backup to the lake. The cabins are spread so that their is ample space between them offering privacy. Beautifully maintained, the park was pristine. The visitor center is large and offers education, camp store, literature. I am going back!

• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  

  May. 21, 2018

  Claytor Lake State Park Campground

  RANGER REVIEW: Renogy Solar Backpack at Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin, VA

  Campground Review: Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin, VA

  Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin, VAhttp://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/claytor-lake#general_information

  A beautiful and well situated waterfront State Park 2.7 miles from I-81. Claytor Lake SP basically inhabits a peninsula that juts out into the meandering Claytor Lake. A free public boat landing splits off to the right at the park entrance…where power boaters gain their access for fishing, water sport activities or relaxing.

  Claytor Lake State Park sprawls out in every direction, with four RV/camper/tent campground loops A, B, C, and D loops (A was closed during our visit in early May). B loop also has four new Yurt rentals with functional wraparound decks (one handicap accessible). Each loop has a bathhouse, and each site has water/electric. C and D loops offer little to no site to site privacy, and loops A and B sites are wooded and angled to afford a scant more privacy.

  Cabin rentals are available along the lake in a more separate area, as if the designated swimming and marina areas. Some sites are reservable online and brightly marked as such, others are self-pay. Prices seem high to me ($36.59 water/electric sites)and out-of-staters get dinged with an even higher rate ($41.86).

  Want to use the State Park simply to hike the trails?…$5 parking fee for residents and $7 for non-residents. State Park Launch/Park $7 and $9 respectively. I realize parks are always underfunded and need to offset the deficit, but I don’t appreciate singing out-of-staters with a higher fee. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wGgIqZOH2Ps

  Each loop has its own host and each cares for the loop’s grounds and bathhouse with meticulous care.

  There are a fair amount of trails in the park (roughly 5 miles worth). Trails are wide and seemingly cleared of leaves…new trail signage and tree placards abound, as new benches strategically located near lake views. Signage also admonishes against use of nonmarked or unauthorized trail blazing…as well as no random swimming or cliff jumping. The big plus…you can MTB the trails! I did not inquire, but some signage lends itself to the idea a local Boy Scout troop maintains part of the trail, as Scout signage exists. There was also evidence a local 5K run takes place on the trails.

  The beach and boat area are nicely distanced from the RV/Camper/tent campsites.

  Lake views are serene. Homes dot the opposite banks, but most are so nicely manicured you wistfully gaze dreaming of owning one. My particular favorite rests upon a high, sheer rocky cliff.

  Weekdays early May saw minimal campers.

  A very nice, well-maintained State Park worth visiting!

  Product Review: Renogy Solar Backpack

  Renogy Solar Backpack https://www.renogy.com/

  As a review ranger for TheDyrt.com, the Renogy Solar Backpack https://www.renogy.com/renogy-solar-backpack/ was provided by Renogy for testing and review.

  Dimensions: 18.1”h x 11.8”w x 5.9”d

  Capacity: 20 liter

  Weight: 2.2 lbs.

  Solar Panel Dimensions: 11.3”x9.7”

  The Integrated solar panel has one USB port.

  The solar panel module converts solar power into DC power…utilizing an electrical management system with a stable 5V DC output.

  User Guide solar panel specifications place maximum rate of power at 5.6W and maximum current output at 1.2A.

  Interestingly, instructions warn of using the solar panel “when relative humidity is higher than 80%…” Not too encouraging for here in SWFL. We’ll see if and how it’s affected.

  Both materials and construction of the backpack look and feel high quality. Stitching is even and clean.

  Fabric is a medium weight packcloth with a blue denim-like coloration, giving it a classy urban appearance.

  Interior seams are banded and sewn, preventing fabric fraying or snagging and increasing durability.

  Exterior zippers have double-sided closure fabric, minimizing water penetration.

  While I would classify this on the lighter side of a daypack, it is loaded with pockets and hidden zippered sleeves. Though it does have dual “zipper-expandable” water bottle pockets on each side…I believe this fits more into an urban backpack style. It’s so sharp, I don’t want to soil it’s sophisticated look.

  But who am I to limit how someone may choose to use this wonderfully clever backpack.

  Shoulder straps are 2.5” wide and possess an “anatomical curve.” The padding is rather thin. Strap webbing is stout and buckles are bar-tacked for strength. The padded lower lumber region contains a clever “hidden” zippered pocket. A similar padded area like the lumbar pad tops the upper shoulder area but does not have the hidden zippered pocket. Much to my dismay, no waist-belt or sternum strap are offered. When wearing a nylon rain jacket during downpours, I did get frustrated with shoulder straps that wanted to slide off my shoulders…a problem that a sternum strap would eliminate. To be fair, if the outer rainshell was a different texture or material, shoulder straps may not have been prone to slide.

  A cavernous zippered padded computer sleeve is located on the wearer’s back-panel right side…the full height and width of the backpack. My 17” Toshiba laptop slid right in.

  The outermost pocket zips entirely off and reverses which exposes the integrated 5W solar panel. A center zipper reveals a myriad of interior pockets, some designed for the charging devices (marked by device icons) and others for writing utensils and smaller personal items in three mesh pockets. The iPad sized pocket is thinly padded. A snap hangs from webbing for your keys.

  The main body of the pack has a 3/4 zipper and offers one large pocket to separate from the rest of the main compartment. This area offers roughly 4” of depth to store belongings.

  Solar panel:

  Follow directions and remove the thin clear protective sheet on the solar panel grid.

  Full exposure to direct sunlight is imperative to assist in charging. I found this Renogy Solar Bsckpack at 5.6W is obviously a much slower charge than their 10W Portable Folding Solar Panel.

  Through automotive glass I experienced a reading of a charge but the mobile device never gained a percentage. In direct sunlight, while using my iPhone 7, I saw a 1% gain every four minutes. USB ports feel loose or sloppy in their connectivity, which I’m certain affects charging…this is the OEM iPhone7 charging cord, my Verizon work phone’s OEM cord and an aftermarket cord.

  If using the Renogy Solar Backpack for light hiking purposes, care must be given not to damage the solar panel screen, from outside abuse if left exposed or from packed items if zipped facing the pack interior. Sharp or pointed objects can perforate the panel. If this were to occur, Renogy claims this will not render the solar panel inoperable but be assured it will reduce charging capabilities.

  Initially, I was concerned about the water repellency of the fabric and zippers…but after being caught in several West Virginia downpours, both performed admirably. No water penetrated. However, I would highly recommend picking up a rain cover if you truly want to hike with the Renogy Solar Backpack.

  Final Thoughts

  Personally, I really like the Renogy Solar Backpack. Though it may not see much of the backcountry, it accompanies me, daily, in my work truck and short treks into the woods. It’s overall functionality far outweighs any negatives I have mentioned, keeps my job site paperwork nicely organized and keeps my handheld devices charged and operational. Not to mention it’s good looks!

• 

  Bran P.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 15, 2016

  Claytor Lake State Park Campground

  Fantastic Stay!

  My family and I stayed in one of the cabins offered at this park. We were very pleased and would absolutely return! The facility was very nice and cozy. The bed wasn’t super comfortable but it beat sleeping on the floor! We had a cabin right next to the lake and loved it! It was overall a quick trip but worth it!

• 

  Joel U.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 12, 2020

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

  Memorial weekend Fun

  Memorial weekend was great! Rented a cabin near the fishing pond. Kids loved the activities, huge water slides, bounce place, pool, and The James River. Even caught a fish! 😁

• 

  Katie

  Guide

  

  Oct. 13, 2020

  Middle Creek Campground

  Great location but...

  Stayed here for a long weekend. We had our 20 foot camper trailer and our friends stayed in - cabin. Pro’s:Our campsite was nice, fairly private and backed up to a creek. Relatively level site. Location of campground was excellent with convenient access to breweries, great hike, blue ridge parkway, etc. large campground with lots of camp sites.

  Con’s: we called and called to to inquire about some of our reservation needs, could rarely reach anyone. Rarely staffed in the shoulder season of the fall. Asked about fire would and was told told that they don’t have it ( they didn’t say they were out or didn’t have any at that time, just they don’t sell firewood) Later in the evening a new set of campers checked in after hours and had fire wood waiting for them. Our friends checked in after hours and we’re not provided a door code for their cabin and someone had to crawl through an unlocked window. No after hours number. When staff informed the next day, no attempt to apologize. The cabin seemed to be infested with stink bugs. Bathrooms were poorly maintained. Definitely functioning and clean but needs sim TLC and upgrades. Trash bins through out site tipped over every morning and didn’t seem to be collected. The electric hookup circuit breaker was very loose.

  Overall, I would choose somewhere else to stay next time.

• J

  Joe S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 12, 2017

  Willville Motorcycle Camp

  An absolutely favorite place

  Always a great time here! 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. There are no reservations except for either the one cabin or the bunkhouse, and there're no designated spots. However, there are great places with shade or in the open, ample grass, and picnic tables aplenty.

  The bathhouse at at the top of the hill is quite clean. There's a pavilion for group events or just to hang out.

  All in all, a favorite place just for motorcycles.

  pets aren't allowed as far as I can tell. There are water spigots scattered athoughout along with electrical stanchions...just not at every site.

• C

  Chip R.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 4, 2020

  Willville Motorcycle Camp

  Motorcycle Hideaway

  This campground has the potential to be more. It is small and quaint, shaded, and limited facilities. Has a small cabin and a small bunkhouse. Owner has two dogs that ruin any privacy you may expect to have as the run the campground at their leisure. They should sell t-shirts for this campground; “Been there, got the t-shirt, and left!”

• 

  Trey C.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 20, 2022

  Paradise Lake & Campground

  Could be better

  I lived at this campground full-timing for almost a year. It wasn’t so bad until these folk’s camper burned up at the entrance of the campground, so they let them live in the cabin beside me. I worked 12 hour shifts and these people would be partying until the time I got home until it was time for me to get up the next morning. I’d be lucky if I got 2 hours of sleep. The office admin never addressed the issue. Plus, they made the cabin look like a junked up hoard. When fall hit you had to beg for someone to come blow the leaves off your lot, you have to pay extra for wifi and electric. A month of lot rent was $420/month + electric. In the winter months we paid about a combined total of $756/month. It was truly outrageous. I moved my camper to a more affordable campground and just commute to my job in that area. I’m still coming out better with the drive factored in. The office lady’s were really sweet. That was the only good thing.

• M

  Mychele B.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 18, 2024

  Lake Ridge RV Resort

  SO MUCH FUN!

  We were able to spend a couple of weeks enjoying the park. We stayed in one of the cabins after the high season.  Comfortable and cozy, we really enjoyed our morning walks along the trails and lake.  We spent one evening playing in the arcade room where I may currently hold the high score on one of the pinball machines and got to have lazy days around the park.  We enjoyed the area so much!  The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. 

  They are continuously improving the park love seeing what they are doing as they keep going.

• 

  Jennifer T.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

  Family Friendly

  Been here a few times as campers and as guests. They have play grounds, mini golf, a game room, air pillow, a pool with a kids area and water slides. If that isn’t enough, there is a lake with a big blow up slide and more in the center and also has river access. You can get free life jackets to use and can rent out boats for the river. They also do lots of activities for kids and families to participate and have fun. There is a small market on site, and a cafe with a grill. You can camp in a tent, RV/camper or you can rent a cabin. You are also right by Natural Bridge State Park and Dixie Caverns. Zoofari and more. So there is also plenty to do right around the area as well.

• 

  Melinda J.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 25, 2021

  Lake Ridge RV Resort

  Great for families

  Great campground for families. Pools, fishing, and golf cart rentals available. Plenty of space for RV’s/campers.

• M

  Michelle W.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 25, 2020

  Claytor Lake State Park Campground

  A favorite !

  I love this park! Plenty of tent and RV sites. 4 yurts available in nice wooded area. Lake beach passes included in price (when not under Covid restrictions). Boat rentals. Plenty clean bathrooms and hot showers. Wood, ice and soda machines available. IT’s my favorite go-to campground!

• 

  Jared B.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 29, 2020

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

  Family family family

  They go out of there way for kids. Something for everyone. If you camp near the activities you get some basic closer spots. If you camp across the road the spots are very nice. So.... not on the River but nice or on the water but tight? Ether way it was very pretty and they even have golf cart rentals.

• 

  Chandra R.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 11, 2018

  Hanging Rock State Park Campground

  spacious

  Spacious camp sites within walking distance to the lake which offers daily swimming for $5 a person. They also offer canoe rentals for $5/hr. Camp site restrooms offer free hot showers. The negatives are the camp sites are rocky and bathrooms are bug ridden, but hey you are camping in NC, so that should be expected. overall we enjoyed ourselves. we’ve camped here twice and we will return.

• 

  Pawsfuradventure T.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 30, 2018

  Claytor Lake State Park Campground

  Something for everyone

  This beautiful state park offered large, leveled, gravel area for our teardrop trailer. Site had a picnic table, large fire ring, electric and water hook up. Sites were private due to trees around each site.

  Our site was #35 which was a lovely end spot. It was also diagonally across from the bathrooms/shower. Site had plenty of room for our teardrop camper, The Clam screened shelter, and our Jeep. 

  Campground was around a beautiful lake that had a full marina - boat ramp, slips, dock house, kayak and paddle board rentals. May have also had other watercraft rentals - saw really cute pontoon boats. There was a bass fishing tournament being held while we were there. Also had a bunch of hiking trails in various lengths and levels of difficulty. Park ranger had scheduled lectures for children and adults around a campfire in the early evening. 

  Bathrooms: 3 showers, 3 stalls. Clean, no bugs. Were a little run down but clean. Shower had good water pressure and water was hot. Lighting in the women’s bathroom was dark by the showers and flickering (horror movie style) but clean. 

  We saw turkey vultures, deer, and woodpeckers near our campsite. Wish we had more time there to explore the trails - had something for everyone.

• 

  Kirsten J.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 8, 2018

  Hanging Rock State Park Campground

  Popular campground for locals and weekenders - great little hikes!

  Hanging Rock campground is a popular spot for locals and visitors. It has both hook-ups and tent sites, with bath houses that provide showers, toilets and sinks. This campground is within walking distance to the lake - with a little beach where the kids can play and swim! There is a charge to swim in the lake, as well as rowboat rentals available! We enjoy hiking several trails in the area and there are many creeks for kids to explore! Several waterfalls are accessible in this park and enjoyed by all! Trails show signs of heavy traffic as pieces of trash are often found while hiking. The campground is kept very clean and we enjoy it!

• J

  Joe S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 1, 2020

  Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

  Quiet, Not Crowded, Lovely

  We truly enjoyed our stay at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

  The rangers were helpful and friendly. They checked us in, provided an overview of the park and directions/instructions to/for everything.

  The campsites were cozy and far enough apart that neighboring sites didn't intrude on our quiet.

  The bath house/toilets were clean and well stocked. The showers were individual rooms with locking doors, a changing area, and the shower. They were very clean.

  The lake was quite beautiful. There is a beach area with concession stand (that was open even with the COVID Kerfluffle). Paddle boat and canoe rental was also available. There is a boat ramp if you bring your own boat.

  The trails were nice and mostly well marked. Our only quibble was a few places where you weren't sure if you were on the path or a game trail. 

  We will definitely be returning.

• 

  Sarah C.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 18, 2017

  Hanging Rock State Park Campground

  Beautiful Waterfalls!

  Another great getaway from the suburb hustle and bustle of Greensboro. Only a short 45 minute drive will get you to this spot for a quick day trip or a few nights. Super pet friendly and well maintained campground. The campground bathrooms/facilities close in December and re-opens mid March. There are pit toilets available during the off-season. Amenities include picnic tables, grills and tent pads. There are showers, flush toilets and large utility sinks for dish washing and other non-hygiene related tasks.

  The hiking here is top-notch especially in the fall as the leaves turn all sorts of amazing colors. There are several waterfalls with nice swimming pools (for you or your pups). Take a few days to explore this spot!

• 

  Katie M.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 12, 2019

  Fairy Stone State Park Campground

  Ranger Review: Banner & Oak Hat at Fairy Stone State Park

  Campground Review:

  We stayed in Yurt#4 for 2 nights at Fairy Stone State Park, about a 4 hour drive from where we live. The Yurt overall was very clean and cozy. The outside of the Yurt looks like it needed a powerwashing, but that didn’t really affect us at all, just kind of unsightly. They have a nice large deck that is great for hanging out on while the kids were asleep. The inside of the Yurt has a full size bed with a twin sized trundle bed that rolls under the full. It also had some rocking chairs inside, a small table and chairs, and a couch. We ended up eating and hanging out inside the Yurt or on the deck most of the time. 

  There are 4 Yurts to choose from. Two of them (Yurts#1 & 2) do not have a parking spot right in front of them, they are a short walk from a parking area, so I made sure to get one that did since we would be arriving after dark. The Yurt we stayed in was a little weird because the Fire Pit and Picnic table is behind and almost under the yurt, down a decently step slope and the yurt sits on stilts on the back side. The Yurt next to us#3 had the fire pit and table right up front next to the parking spot which would be better I think. I would try to get Yurt#3 next time! Overall Yurt camping is so fun! We have done it once before, and it is such a great mix between cabin and tent camping. You get the protection from the elements, a real bed to sleep in, and it’s quick to pack-up- but still a bit rustic since there’s no ac or electricity. 

  There are hiking trails right across the street from the Yurt, which was awesome! The bathrooms and showers were fine and in close walking distance. They could probably use some updating but didn’t have any major issues with them. Overall the campground is pretty big and a bit of a maze getting around, we needed to use the park map a lot! Probably due to the park being so old there are a lot of old buildings not in use that are pretty cool. 

  The park is big and there is lots to do! There is a beautiful lake for swimming Tons of hiking trails. They had a great playground for the kids nearby. They had a concert going on somewhere at the park so we had some beautiful orchestral music playing as we were winding down for bed one night. We saw lots of deer roaming around. Note that there is not great cell service in this area. 

  The place to find the Fairy Stones are outside of the park, down the street a little bit beside a gas station. It was tricky knowing exactly what to look for, but once we found a few Fairy Stones, they were everywhere! So fun searching for them with the kids! 

  It was such a fun trip, very peaceful, beautiful scenery everywhere!

  ……………………………… 

  Product Review:

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - we tested out the Banner& Oak Men’s Nebo Hat– Olive  

  The quality of this hat is great. Nice and thick but breathable fabric, durable construction. We’ve put this hat through the ringer so far with sweaty hikes, long beach and lake days, and everyday wear and tear and it has performed spectacularly. The adjustable snapback makes fitting easy. Has a nice shape, looks great! Love this hat’s patch with well-designed graphics and the neutral olive color– goes with everything. Will definitely purchase again! Also appreciate the fact that the hats are made in the USA! It is my husband’s new go-to daily hat and I think it will last for a long time.

• 

  Jeff B.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 1, 2019

  Hanging Rock State Park Campground

  Great for Scout Troops

  Two weeks ago, my Scout troop (Troop 2 out of High Point)  used campsite 3 in the group area.  It was perfect for us.  We've stayed at several others before as well.  While a student at Wake, I hiked the trails frequently.   So, I know the park pretty well. 

  The SP is in a great location, especially if you are in Central NC.  There is easy access, and good roads for a decent driver.  The roads are marked well.  

  The park is also close to a good canoe/kayak rental outfitter called The Dan River Company.   (If you want a craft beer after your trek, they have a small tavern there.)

  The campsites in the group areas were good and clean.  There were picnic tables and fire rings.  Our site actually had 3 fire rings with benches and 4 picnic tables.   These are rustic, which is fine for me.  If you are looking for showers and gravel tent pads, don't stay there.   Frankly, I'd just as soon as camp on concrete as a gravel tent pad.  There is also a mowed field next to the group campsites to play in or just chill and watch the stars. Oh, and the ranger basically encouraged us to hike and roam the park at night.  I don't think I've ever had a ranger ask if I planned to drive around a park at night. 

  The trails to the top are made for hikers and people who walk.  You will not get up to either summit by driving or riding anything.  The trails aren't that tough, but are going to test you if you do not get out much.   I prefer the view from Moore's Knob.

• 

  Anne K.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 26, 2020

  Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

  NIce Place, Nice Price

  Picked for price

  Quiet

  Enjoyed Blueridge parkway

  NIce retreat in SW Virginia

• 

  Katie M.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 2, 2020

  Claytor Lake State Park Campground

  Close quarters

  While overall our stay here was okay, we were not in love with this campground. The mosquitos were really bad despite using tons of bug spray and candles. There was no privacy at all. The campground was noisy at night, lots of parties going on. Our next door neighbors snored extremely loudly all night and they were so close we go no sleep at all until they left. The campground is pretty big so you have to drive to get fire wood. Our campsite backed up to the main road into the campground so there were cars driving by the whole time. It was mostly too hot to hike too much so we spent most of the time exploring nearby Blacksburg to avoid the mosquitos at the campsite. The lake is beautiful but it was closed because of COVID so we couldn't swim.

  The campsites are pretty typical of Virginia State Parks and were great with plenty of space and nice flat area to put the tent. Picnic table, fire ring, etc. Very friendly and helpful Rangers here as well.

  We love this area of Virginia so I would be willing to give it another chance in the spring or fall when it is cooler, less buggy, and less crowded. Lots of fun stuff to do nearby!

• 

  Bridget H.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 28, 2020

  Fairy Stone State Park Campground

  Great Adventure in SW Virginia

  This weekend was a great adventure in SW Virginia. We stayed in a Yurt. It has no electricity or water but the bath house was close. The yurt has a double bed, a twin trundle, a couch and some chairs, and a table and chairs. It also has a large wrap around deck with rocking chairs. A picnic table, lamp post, and fire ring are also provided at the site. We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun. It was just after covid 19 started and lessening restrictions began so the beach was closed and there were few people at the campground but we had a great time riding bikes and hiking. We even went to the Creeper Trail and rode our bikes from White Top to Damascus.

• 

  Myron C.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 1, 2019

  Hanging Rock State Park Campground

  This is a great state park for hiking, seeing waterfalls, and for views!

  There are a lot of reasons to love Hanging Rock State Park. That’s why it is probably my favorite state park in North Carolina.  However, I am torn between giving it two stars and giving it five stars.  In general, I would give the park five stars, but for the camping facilities, I would rate it two stars.  There is so much to do without having to leave the state park.  First, let’s look at the park itself, and close to the end I will discuss the campground.

  To get to the park, you drive through beautiful rolling hills. The park has a modern visitor center with a nature center and friendly rangers.  There are lots of trails to explore, but they are not just trails to nowhere.  There are five waterfalls to see, a climbing access area, Cook’s Wall, and much more.  Moore’s Wall Loop Trail is a 4.3 mile strenuous hike, and it begins by walking by the lake.  There is a platform about halfway through the hike in which you can see the skylines of Greensboro and Winston-Salem.  My favorite trail is the Hanging Rock Trail, which is listed as moderate.  Parts of it are moderate, very short stretches are easy, and much of it is strenuous.  The last part of the Hanging Rock Trail is the most difficult, but the view at the end is worth the hike because it is spectacular.  From the hanging rock (I should say rocks since there are more than one), you can see for many miles across several counties.  The shortest hike to see a waterfall is relatively easy and is only three-tenths of a mile one way.  The lake has a swimming beach with mountains in the background, and there are also rowboats and canoes for rent.  According to what I understand from their website, canoe rentals and concession stands at the lake are open weekends only in the spring and fall (10am - 5:30pm).   I was hoping to take my kayaks next time, but unfortunately, private boats are not allowed.  Two large picnic shelters are also close to the lake. 

  Here is why I would give it two stars.  The camping sites are shaded and spacious with picnic tables, lantern poles, and fire rings, but the bathroom facility is outdated (built in the 1960s).  Even though it has hot water, it is NOT handicap accessible, and the shower doors are narrow.  If you are not a skinny person, you might have trouble squeezing through the shower doors.  There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups; however, there is access to water by way of frostproof hydrants. The campground hosts were very helpful and answered my questions.  You can also purchase bundles of firewood since taking your own firewood into the park is frowned upon.  If you are like me, however, and camp to experience the outdoors, you will not want to stay at your campsite very long.  There are just too many things to explore at this state park.  If you are going and want to truly experience the park, plan to camp at least three nights.  One day you can explore Upper Cascades falls and the hanging rock.  On another day, you can hike the Moore’s Wall trail and cool off in the lake.  On another day, see a couple more waterfalls or hike the Reuben Mountain Trail.

  There is also a group camping area.  I took the Boy Scouts there once, so I decided to visit this time to see if it was still the same.  They have added bathrooms and more well-defined tent sites—quite an improvement since the last time.