Campgrounds near Rural Retreat, Virginia offer both private and public options with access to regional attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway and New River Trail. While most sites in this Appalachian region are situated between 2,000-3,000 feet elevation, temperatures can drop significantly after sunset even in summer. Cell service varies dramatically between valleys and ridges throughout the area.
What to do
Biking the New River Trail: Located just one block from Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, this 57-mile trail provides excellent cycling opportunities. "We rode 15 miles out and 15 back to campsite. New River Trail is one block from campground. You can ride bikes from your campsite to the trail," notes Martha S.
Local music experiences: Rural Retreat's location on the Crooked River Music Trail means opportunities to hear authentic mountain music. "Thursday evenings, the community center hosts a jam session - check it out!!" recommends Bran P. from Fries. Similarly, at Willville Motorcycle Camp, "A small group of folks, older, play music together on a regular basis. Bring your instrument and join them. One plays a lot of Gordon Lightfoot - they were friends."
Floating and fishing: Many campgrounds offer stream access for water activities. Peak Creek RV Campground provides inner tubes for guests. "Host was very accommodating and had inner tubes for floating in the stream," says Lynn, while another camper mentioned, "Creek is like a river, cool getaway during the day."
What campers like
Quiet mountain settings: Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere away from urban noise. At Doughton Park Campground, "Even though many of the sites were occupied, it was very quiet. It's high in elevation so it's cooler than the surrounding areas," notes Chris R. The campground sits directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway with hiking trails accessible from camp.
Level, well-maintained sites: Reviews frequently mention the quality of camping spots. At Fort Chiswell RV Park, "Each campsite has a level space, shade, and picnic table. Full hook ups, including cable!" Most travelers appreciate the care taken with site preparation, as one camper noted, "All sites are impeccable gravel sites, bathroom and common areas. Sites are close to level. Nothing severe at all."
Proximity to small towns: The region offers access to charming small towns. "West Jefferson, home of Ashe Cheese, and much more, less than 30 minutes away," mentions Rob R. At Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, campers note, "There's a little ice cream shop and a diner close by," with Sherri J. adding that the town has "a beautiful area" despite its small size.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most public campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway close during winter months. Doughton Park Campground operates "mid May to October 31," with fewer services in shoulder seasons. As one reviewer noted, "We were told by a ranger we talked with earlier in the day that this campground might be closed for the season but the gates were open."
Limited amenities at some locations: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Old Cranks Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "No Picnic tables or firepits. Nearby roadway noise fades by dark." Similarly, another camper noted the campground is "Located in closed factory in the industrial area. Good sized grass sites."
Water pressure considerations: Some RV parks have inconsistent utilities. "Being at the end of the water line for the park, our pressure wasn't great so we used our fresh water tank and water pump for showers and to wash dishes but the pressure was adequate for making coffee, brushing our teeth and filling the water bowls for the dogs," reported one camper at Fries.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming pools and recreation: Several rv parks near Rural Retreat, Virginia offer family-friendly amenities. Brushcreek Falls RV Resort provides multiple recreation options. "The pool was wonderful. Has everything you need... playgrounds, multiple laundry rooms, putt putt, store, restrooms," notes Noel L., who found the campground "very clean and well kept."
Playground access: Lake Ridge RV Resort features children's play areas and activities. "Great campground for families. Pools, fishing, and golf cart rentals available," mentions Melinda J. Similarly, another reviewer noticed multiple families "utilizing the fishing pond and there was a cornhole tournament going on at the other side of the park."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy wildlife encounters at area campgrounds. At Doughton Park, one camper reported, "This was the only place we saw bears but not in our campsite just wandering in another loop." Fort Chiswell RV Park has sheep and cows visible from campsites, with one camper noting, "You are surrounded by farm land on two sides and it was relaxing watching the cows and sheep graze on the hillsides."
Tips from RVers
Navigating narrow roads: Some RV parks require careful driving on mountain roads. For Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, Martha S. advised, "We followed the directions provided by Tom, the owner, to a 'T'. The roads were windy and a tad narrow but definitely do-able as long as you took your time."
Site selection for larger rigs: At Laurel Creek RV Park, Geoffrey F. notes it's "a good spot right on the Laurel Creek and the Creeper Trail. Walk to town for restaurants and bike/outdoor shops and a convenience store." Another camper mentions most sites at Fort Chiswell are back-in, though the campground can accommodate "several class A's and a large 5th wheel."
Overnight stopover locations: Many RVers use certain campgrounds as convenient stops along major routes. At Fort Chiswell, "Located not too far from I-81, easy to get to. This CG does a lot of overnight business, there is a parade of campers arriving from mid afternoon to after dark. In the morning there is a gradual exodus."
