Searching for the best camping near Rustburg, VA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Rustburg, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Smith Mountain Lake Campgrounds' Site Types:
Two-bedroom frame - Two bedrooms; wood frame; one queen bed; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. Two-bedroom cabins have a bathroom with shower.
Two-bedroom frame waterview - Two bedrooms; wood frame; one queen bed; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. The two-bedroom cabins have a bathroom with shower.
Three-bedroom frame - Three bedrooms; wood frame; two queen beds; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. The three bedroom cabin has two bathrooms (one universally accessible shower; the other has a tub). The three-bedroom cabins are meant to sleep six. Eight are allowed, but this relies on the use of a fold-out sofa for the extra two people.
Total cabins: 20
Although the only fully universally accessible cabin in the park is cabin 7, numerous cabins, while not fully accessible, are better suited for customers having disabilities. Because of hilly terrain, all cabins other than cabin 7 have steps. Cabins 15, 17 and 19 have two steps, cabins 10, 13 and 20 have three steps, cabin 14 has four steps, and cabins 6, 12 and 18 have five steps. The remaining cabins are unsuitable for those with disabilities because of numerous steps or steep grades leading into the cabin.
Bunkhouse
Camping Lodge (bunkhouse) - no weekly requirement.
The park has a camping lodge (bunkhouse), which is not a full service lodge, for rent. It's a two-room trailer with seven bunk beds ( five in one room and two in another), a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a coffee pot and air conditioning. It has no heating. The bunkhouse has a has a porch and a large covered deck with two picnic table, two other tables and eight chairs. It also has a charcoal grill and a fire ring. Smoking, portable heaters and cooking, except with the microwave oven, are not permitted in the lodge. There's a fire hydrant next to the lodge in the parking lot. Four vehicles are permitted with rental of the lodge; the daily parking fee must be paid for additional vehicles. RVs and trailers may not be parked in the bunk house parking lot; there's an overflow parking lot about 100 yards away.
$20 - $40 / night
$35 / night
Otter Creek Campground is located at the Blue Ridge Parkway's lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. Picturesque Otter Creek winds through this quiet, rustic campground. Night skies are spectacular here, and there are several nearby trails to hike including the Otter Creek Trail, which is accessible from the campground. Just imagine enjoying the crackle of an evening campfire with the murmur of the creek in the background! Relax....
The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has fishing in Otter Lake and a number of hiking trails including Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop, and James River Canal. Hike the Otter Creek Trail to James River Visitor Center. There visitors can view a restored canal lock from the Kanawha Canal, part of the historic James River transporation artery which was once the primary commercial route in the state of Virginia.
The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has fishing in Otter Lake and a number of hiking trails including Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop, and James River Canal. Hike the Otter Creek Trail to James River Visitor Center. There visitors can view a restored canal lock from the Kanawha Canal, part of the historic James River transporation artery which was once the primary commercial route in the state of Virginia.
This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. A short walk along the Trail of Trees or a hike along the clear, cool waters of Otter Creek will give ample proof that there is more to the Blue Ridge Parkway than mountain-top vistas.
Otter Creek Trail (3.5 miles/5.6 km) parallels the Parkway road as it meanders from Otter Creek campground to the James River Visitor Center. Most sections of this trail are easy to hike and can be reached from many points along the motor road. Otter Lake Loop Trail (0.9 miles/1.4 km) provides scenic views of Otter Lake. This is also a good trail for watching wildlife. Look for beaver lodges and dams along tributary streams. Early morning and late evening are prime times for wildlife observations. Trail of Trees (0.4 miles/.6 km) begins near the James River Visitor Center and wanders through a shaded stream drainage. Trail signs identify many of the trees and shrubs of the river valley. This trail also affords a handsome view of the James River water gap, a rare geological feature. Canal Lock Trail (0.4 miles/.6 km) begins at the visitor center and crosses the James River on a walkway beneath the bridge. The restored Battery Creek Lock, located a short distance from the bridge, is typical of those constructed in the 1800s as part of the James River and Kanawha Canal. This canal, with nearly 100 locks, helped make the river a major transportation corridor before the Civil War. Exhibits at the Battery Creek site explain how locks were used to raise and lower boats to adjust for the changing elevation of the river.
$30 / night
$30 - $80 / night
$28 - $55 / night
Middle Creek Campground is located in central Virginia, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just moments from the Appalachian trail, this campground is a desirable location for backpackers and thru-hikers alike. Whether you need a place to rest your aching feet, or if you need a weekend escape, you’ll enjoy sleeping in the shadow of Virginia’s Fork Mountain.
There’s plenty to do near Middle Creek Campground; don’t forget the paddles and hiking boots! Bring your kayak for a whirl on the upper James River, bikepack the Blue Ridge Parkway (7mi away), or take the AT on for yourself. And when you’re ready to unwind, rest easy knowing that you can learn some history in the nearby town of Roanoke, or spend a lazy day casting a line close to your site.
This campground has 30 sites with 30/50 amp hookups and water, though the campground is also home to a few sites with sewer connections too – so don’t hesitate to ask! Middle Creek has cabins on the premises, and can also accommodate tents, hammock campers, RVs, and even tour buses! You’re sure to fit right in.
Come see why so many Virginia campers love spending their weekends at Middle Creek. Cell service and wifi are limited in this neck of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which only adds to the serenity. So “unplug, unwind, and get back to this beautiful natural world!”
$20 - $85 / night
Campground and Cabins: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/staunton-river#cabins_camping
Ready to truly get away from it all? We welcome you to unplug, unwind, and relax at Montebello Resort. Rental Cabins, Camping, Fishing, and a Country Store are all available at our mountain top resort.
We are nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just three miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Nelson County VA. Montebello means “beautiful mountain” and is a pristine hamlet tucked into the folds of Appalachia. Steeped in history and rich in charm, hearts are warmed and memories are made for all those who come to visit.
Route 56, which winds and climbs up to the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Montebello, was once an old Indian trail that connected present-day Nelson County with Steele’s Tavern in Augusta County two hundred years ago.
Atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, and near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, Montebello is a beautiful gem that attracts visitors from around the world.
Whether it’s camping, a cozy cabin retreat, apple and berry picking, wine tasting, trout fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, wildlife viewing, or just exploring, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
$38 - $55 / night
Probably a great place to camp during the fall. During the summer they lease space to the 4-H club that teaches people to shoot black powder muskets for the civil war reenactments. From 8:30am until 3-5pm it sounds like a gun range. It’s not a shot here and there, its volleys of black powder guns (think cannons) being shot all at once. It echos off the water and is the opposite of peaceful. The ranger said it would only be for an hour a day, unless it was a competition day, well for the 5 days we were there it must have been competition. We ended up leaving the park during the day.
The sites are good. Most need lots of leveling help (bring spare wood!). The newer part has a nice bathhouse. The older part had a really old bathhouse. (So old it’s hard to tell if it’s dirty or just old.)
It’s not a bad place to visit. But combat veterans should avoid during the summer months.
The sites are nice. The ones in the newer area (laurel ridge) are close to the nice bathhouse. Both bathhouses have WiFi. No cell service to speak of. (We have Verizon but most of these places have none.)
Bike packed in from my house yesterday evening, camped for the night, and heading back this morning. Shower/toilet facilities are clean, good water/power, etc. This park isn’t bad for just chilling out and getting some nature time in, but there aren’t any breathtaking views and so on. Most campsites are on a very slight slope, shouldn’t have any issues if you set up right.
We love staying right on the creek, the view and sound of it is the best. The ones down by the creek don’t have an electric or water but they’re so worth it. The bathroom is at the top of the hill so that’s kind of a pain but the the only downfall for us. Everyone has always been kind and friendly, our dogs love it here too!
The campground needs some updating- there’s only one bathhouse with just 2 showers- if the campground would’ve been full, it would’ve been miserable. Also only one dumpster and it’s on the way out of the campground. BUT it’s a designated dark sky park & the stars were amazing. They also lend out telescopes. They also have nice walking trails & if you like to paddle, the river is nice & flat. There is little to no cell service.
Very nice small campground I stayed in Site 42 E/W with a view of the Lake. It has one Bath House but it was a 9 out of 10 for cleanliness. No Cell service or Internet but that was what I was looking for. Campground well maintained and fishing was nice that have a couple of Courtesy watercraft for the campers use.
This is a pretty standard campground. Sites are extremely close together and campground is kind of tiny. One bathhouse for the whole campground. This park would probably appeal to equestrians, boaters, and RVers over tent campers. Unfortunately the promixity of other campers was stressful this weekend because of the screaming family right next to us. River views are nice. Probably won’t return.
The camp ground is in need of upkeep. Campsites fine. All have a fire ring. Beware with pull thru’s your water and electric will be on the “wrong side”- you’re door will be facing the road and picnic table, fire ring will be behind you. The trails are poorly if at all maintained and trail signage is not good. Dump station (just one) muddy and could use a larger concrete “curb” and some gravel. The host is a bit militant. Immediately came over after we arrived and told us to keep our dogs on a leash (they were already tied up. Beach area is nice. Has a fishing pier. It’s about a 2 mile walk on a trail to it or you can drive to it. We live in VA and camp at all the state parks. This state park in no way measures up to those.
A very well kept campground. Bathhouses are very clean and sites are well maintained. Sites are paved and not too close. Sites in the older section (red bud) will require leveling. As indicated on park web site there is no cell service in the park. WiFi is available outside the contact station
This is a very typical KOA and, with one exception, it provides the services one expects from a KOA. However, it is rather small and it has some sites that are not level but can be leveled with some effort by the camper.
The office staff was very professional while still being country-friendly and helpful. Also, the KOA is just a few miles from Natural Bridge State Park. I found it to be worth the $9 admission fee.
I had excellent cell service on Verizon. Although the KOA offers WiFi, I was never able to get a strong enough signal to connect to the internet even though I tried several times during the afternoon, early evening, and late at night.
My biggest disappointment was that although the showers, sinks and toilets were very clean and well maintained, they did not meet my ADA expectations.
I was there on Tuesday, May2, 2023.
We camped here for a couple of nights in February for my sister’s birthday. Super clean cabin, lots of dishes and pots/pans, and utensils. Our cabin had beautiful water views and access to the trails. Saw an albino squirrel! We loved our trip!
We stayed in a tent, and enjoyed the quiet and the bird, but especially the skies. This is part of the International Dark Sky Association. We brought stargazing folding chairs (Nemo Stargaze Luxury Recliner, find on Amazon, et al) and binoculars. The campground will loan very easy-to-use telescopes, too! That was really cool. It was clean and quiet. The camp host was very nice as were the rangers and the Park Manager.
They have public star parties there, so check with the park on when they are.
Beautiful campground in VA, nice people and great restroom and showers. They even had a dishwashing station, I am impressed.
Met some really nice people and had a lovely time. Nice lakes, beaches and grilling options with shelters.
Great mix of full hook up, water and electric, and tent sites. A wooded campground with beautiful ponds, and a trout fishing pond. Big enough for small and medium size campers but not being surrounded by giant RV’s and fifth wheels. Just off the blue ridge parkway. GreAt access to all the hiking. Stayed here twice. The little country store is great.
Loved the campsite, very quiet and the bath house was very clean! The bathroom was stocked and did not smell. I recommend this campsite!
Great campground. Very quiet, clean and right off of 81. Great place to stop on a southern trip. Pool was clean and bath house was newer and very clean.
Would stay here again.
Clean campground. Very relaxing surrounded by trees. The sites had great space. Dog friendly.
I stayed 4 nights in my Coleman 17b a rolling hills campground 20' max. Lake views and surrounded by hardwoods. Very nice gift shop with very nice staff. Cabins are available as is the archery range. Beautiful beach and surroundings make for a quite tranquil week stay.
This place was certainly beautiful; our site was right on the pond; even though the electric and water hookups were a little funky. Overall a beautiful spot high in the mountains. Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it’s a bit of a drive. Also FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway.
We stayed in a Pull Through, Full Hookup site on the hillside. It was surprisingly very level. We just used this as a base for visiting Natural Bridge State Park, so it was only an overnighter.
The bathrooms & private showers were amazing & clean. The laundry room looked just as nice, but we didn’t use it.
We didn’t use the pool, but the kids enjoyed the Gameroom!
Of everything we used there, the only thing to mention that was dirty was the game room. But I’ll take that, we were very impressed with the playground, dog park & they even had chickens & a petting farm upon entry.
This KOA seriously restored my faith in KOA’s. I will renew our membership, (which is about to expire), based on this visit. There are great ones out there!
The facilities are excellent! The lake beach area is particularly nice and staffed by lifeguards. However, the behavior of the camp host was shocking. We were packing up to leave when he knocked on our door at 1 o’clock sharp to let us know that we had to be out. He then proceeded to sit where he could watch us until we left 10 minutes late. Obviously I am not proud of running a little late, but there was no one coming in at the moment and I have never had an experience like that with any other campground, public or private
I have camped here for 15 years most in tents, each site contains all you need a table pole for light and fire pit. Bathhouse is open,clean showers are hot. They have classes for the children at the nature center. This park is all hands on, the staff ride around checking on folks and answering questions. Swimming area is first rate and the warmest clean waters that will make you forget the ocean.
Twin Lakes State Park Campground is pretty small, but the sites were large and well spaced out. It was very shady and the sites were pretty level. There are a few trails and a beach on one of the lakes. People were also fishing from the banks of the lake and in boats. The bathhouse was very clean and well maintained. All in all a nice place to camp while riding on the High Bridge State Park Bike Trail and visiting Appomattox Courthouse.
We had a deluxe patio area. Which was on nice level concrete. Was not too close to the pool but there were rest rooms nearby. We only stayed one night but was a nice area. The kids likes the petting zoo.
We spent five days here over Memorial Day weekend, the campsite itself is nicely wooded, has a well-supplied store with very friendly staff, a stocked trout pond, and has a nice small lake. The trout pond is a nice touch you can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch, we enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay, and from what I saw, anybody with a hook can catch one. We watched them restock the pond in the morning before the holiday weekend. The other lake on the property is a nice place to walk, the campsite provides kayaks and paddle boats as well, at no charge. We had a site on the permitter, which was nice, as the interior sites are really on top of one another, we were just a few sites off the lake, but backing up to the woods certainly gave us a little more privacy. The sites are rather small and close to one another, and definitely showing signs of age from the washed-away, uneven gravel pads, to some other aging amenities. We noticed serval sites loaded with perhaps a dozen people, often blasting music (during the day and not during quiet hours, but still…) really living it up, not the fault of the campground, but it did seem a little unregulated and overrun with multiple vehicles in the roads etc. There is a central restroom facility, just the one, for the entire campground, and the men's room was 2 stalls and a urinal with 2 showers, it was cleaned daily, although not what I'd call spotless, and the woman's room apparently had some plumbing issues the weekend we were there. The location of the campground is remote with zero cell coverage or wifi, and other than the store on-site, there isn't much outside of a few hiking trails, within 30 minutes. Roughly 45 minutes away are from some breweries and wineries. I think we would have enjoyed this campground a little more had it not been as busy, the older facility couldn't really keep up with the crowd.
The good: We came for 2 nights during the week. Easy check-in, found our site (T3) and set up right on the water. Host was also keen to set us up as far apart (in our group of sites) from another family that came in the same day as to give us both maximum privacy and seclusion. Sites T1-T5 are a couple hundred yards down a fairly rocky path which was a booger to haul supplies up and down as you park and carry.
Firewood was on honor system and very reasonably priced.
The not great: Bathhouses left much to be desired and were, very truthfully, some of the worst I’ve seen. When you’re primitive camping with kids, a semi-clean bathhouse is important. Additionally, the entire property seemed like it was overdue for just a good cleaning up. Not trashy by any means, but a little attention to detail would go a long way.
Nonetheless, for what we paid ($35/night) it was well worth it and I would return again any time. Host was very hospitable and welcoming and I’m glad we tried this place out.
Great job building level sites in a hillside. Easy in and out. Clean facilities.
Remote not much to do. We don't have a toad. Not an area to ride bikes.
Great as a stop over.
Normally we camp with our tent, but we decided to make the trip to check out Natural Bridge State Park at the end of December. Never quite sure what the weather is like we were able to get a one room camping cabin. It was perfect for our family of three plus two dogs. Our toddler was throughout entertained by exploring everything around us and we would have visits by a black cat. Can't wait to go back and check out their tent sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Rustburg, VA is Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 24 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 13 glamping camping locations near Rustburg, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
