Best Campgrounds near Salem, VA

Are you in need of a campground near Salem, VA? Salem is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Salem, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Salem, Virginia (114)

    1. Dixie Caverns

    15 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

    2 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"

    "The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well. It is a gravel lot, pretty level. There is a little road noise until about 1030 PM."

    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. 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"

    10. Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    21 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 114 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Salem, VA

520 Reviews of 114 Salem Campgrounds



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

What camping is available near Salem, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Salem, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Salem, VA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Salem, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Salem, VA is Dixie Caverns with a 3.1-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salem, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Salem, VA.

What parks are near Salem, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Salem, VA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.