23 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Salem, Virginia offers tent campers several primitive camping options within short driving distances. Dragon's Tooth, located near the Appalachian Trail, provides walk-in tent sites with established camping areas near the trailhead. Catawba Mountain Shelter on the AT offers another tent camping option with an Adirondack-style lean-to shelter and surrounding tent sites. Dispersed tent camping is available at sites like the FR 812 location, providing free primitive camping about 30 miles east of Salem.
Most tent sites in the Salem area feature basic amenities typical of primitive camping. Dragon's Tooth includes vault toilets and bear-proof trash receptacles at the trailhead parking area, but no running water. Catawba Mountain Shelter has a picnic table and toilet facilities, with water available from nearby sources that requires filtering. Sites range from gravel parking areas where overnight parking is permitted to established tent pads with fire rings. The FR 812 dispersed site allows fires but offers no facilities, requiring campers to pack in all necessities and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Tent camping near Salem provides excellent access to hiking trails, particularly along the Appalachian Trail corridor. Sites at Dragon's Tooth serve as starting points for the popular hike to the rocky outcrop that gives the area its name. The terrain varies significantly, with some sites offering level spots for tents while others may require careful selection to avoid rocks or roots. A visitor commented that Catawba Mountain Shelter "has lots of space for many people" and is "not too far from McAfee knob," one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail. During peak seasons, especially in fall when leaf colors change, tent sites nearest to popular trail access points fill quickly, making weekday visits or advance planning advisable.
"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."
"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"
"You get a lean-to and tent sites. 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."
"No water, no electricity available. Not for RVs. There is a railroad track that runs along the James River near the sites, but it never bothered us. Great fishing."
"This site was in a great location and right on the crystal clear water. The train was loud at times, but we knew that would happen when we booked the site, so no surprises there."
from $40 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It is motorcycle only, but he has limited space outside the campground proper for trailers should that be your thing."
from $150 - $200 / night
Check Availability"There is no potable water."
"Cozy little site not too far from the main highway! Checked this out on my way to Tennessee. Primitive camping but has plenty of natural wonders to keep you busy!"
from $5 / night
Check Availability"Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."
"It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."
"I didn’t camp here, but I took out my kayak at the boat ramp and looked around. Vault M/F toilet, BYOTP. No hookups and I didn’t see a water spigot. Plenty of shade. Closed during flood."
"Beautiful spot on the New River in Giles County, VA located right outside downtown Narrows. There's a Disc Golf Course, Fishing, Camping, and Community Events. Well kept, clean, and perfect."
from $40 - $60 / night
"Nice campground outside Bland, VA. The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water. There are 5 sites at this location."
"1st: The water pump doesn't work at location. Bring your own water. 2nd: Bring all you need before you camp out. There is one gas station to find resources 2.2 miles from campsite."
"GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL MILE POST 9.5 PRIMITIVE CAMPSITE, KEISTER, WV Greenbrier River Trail Primitive Campsite at Mile Post 9.5 is close enough to North Caldwell, WV…the GBT Southern Terminus…"
ScoutNice campground for dry camping. Campground is fairly new and is still improving. The network of hiking trails are very nice and connect with nearby Ferrum College. The nonprofit that owns the campground has plans to add electric and water in the future.
ScoutGreat campground post season- open until 10/31. Good weather, leaf peeping. LOTS of trails to the lake, and very dog friendly
GuideThe campground is nice but needs a little upkeep. It is apparent from the algae and moss on the buildings that it's a very damp area. The restroom facilities were working but needed touched up All in all it was ok for a nights stay and the lake and sharp top mountain were incredible despite the little issues I wouldn't hesitate to come back.
GuideWe had a blast here. My kiddo was able to roam freely and safely with other kids. We enjoyed a hike with the dogs, as well as swimming at the beaches.
ScoutThe campground is very well kept. Super friendly staff and in a good location.
TravelerCamped here Aug 7-11. What a great place; the hosts were fantastic and the people were very friendly. If craft beer is what you like there are four (Im sure there is more) interesting breweries within 30 miles. There are also trails to take if you are a jeepster like myself. I'm going back in Sept!
GuideI stayed at Dixie Caverns Campground for two weekend nights and found it to be a good value for the money. This is a very basic campground, so if you're looking for resort-style amenities like a pool, playground, or organized activities, this probably isn't the place for you. However, if you understand what a typical rural campground is like, you'll likely find it meets expectations. One of the biggest advantages is the location. The campground is in the Dixie Caverns parking lot, making it incredibly convenient to visit the caves, and campers receive a discount on cave tours. There is also a brand-new gas station and Which Wich sandwich shop within sight of the campground, which made grabbing fuel, snacks, or a quick meal very easy. The staff deserves special recognition. Everyone I encountered was exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming, honestly some of the nicest campground staff I've met anywhere. The sites are fairly small and close together, but all the hookups worked properly during my stay, including water, sewer, and electric. I had read reviews complaining about unlevel sites and roads, but I didn't experience any issues with leveling my rig. The bathhouse was about what I'd expect from a rural campground. It was functional, but it could use a fresh coat of paint and a more thorough cleaning. It wasn't anything unusual for an older campground, but it is an area that could use some attention. One thing to be aware of is the road noise. The campground sits close to a roadway, so you'll hear traffic throughout much of the day and night. There are also some older RVs in the campground that add a bit of character and are interesting to look at. Overall, Dixie Caverns Campground is not fancy, but it was affordable, convenient, and served its purpose well. If you're a very particular camper who wants premium amenities and a pristine campground experience, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a reasonably priced place to stay with great staff and reliable hookups, I'd say it's exactly what you'd expect for the money and maybe a little better thanks to the outstanding people who run it.
ScoutIf you’re expecting service just don’t. I didn’t get service till i left and drove for about an hour till i finally got one bar. If that isn’t an issue for you this place is pretty great. Solitude yourself deep in the forest and if you’re lucky you can get a site near the creak. Unfortunately my site was absolutely littered with trash when i arrived. I’m talking beer bottles and trash all over the place, DIAPERS IN THE FIRE PIT… I mean get a grip people. Other than that it was amazing.
GuideIt’s not too often you get amazing hospitality anywhere these days, BUT THIS PLACE HAS IT! From the phone call to the arrival, the Indian Heritage RV Park is impressive. The park has level gravel sites, both pull-thru’s and back-ins, and they vary from fully- to partially-shaded to full sun. Solid-connecting WiFi is available with speeds to easily watch a movie. There’s even a trash can at each site. But wait, there’s more. If you’ve been on the road way too long and crave personal bathroom space, check out their bathhouse—individual rooms make it feel like you’re at a resort…plenty of space and super clean and inviting! The laundry room offers two washers, dryers, folding tables, and a hanging rack (bring your own hangers); again, super clean. This park is located on the Smith River and I highly recommend getting a lakeside spot if one’s available…spectacular view if you have a back porch on your rig! Jody was our host and makes you feel like you’re part of the family. The owner (sorry I forgot his name) is also very friendly. Restaurants are a few blocks down the street but you wouldn’t know it unless you took a short walk…that’s how tucked away this place is. Definitely staying here again the next time I travel Hwy 58!
Salem, Virginia's Appalachian foothills offer diverse primitive camping options at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with fall temperatures between 45-65°F, making it ideal for autumn camping trips. Forest roads and trails connect many secluded sites where campers can find solitude among oak, maple and pine forests.
Swimming access: Breeden Bottom Campground provides direct river access for water activities. One camper noted, "Sites are spacious and right along the river. Most sites have river access directly from the site. The James river is perfect for kayaking/SUP/canoeing and even swimming, nice and calm."
Hiking trails: Shirleys' River Retreat serves as a convenient base for nearby mountain trails. Located along the riverbank, it offers "wonderful host and amazing campsite right in the riverbank," according to a recent review.
Mountain biking: Greenbrier River Trail provides 77 miles of rails-to-trails riding opportunities. A visitor observed that "Trail conditions got soft and muddy after the previous night's deluge through the more heavily wooded areas, once the trail was exposed to constant sun, it dried quickly."
Spacious sites: Many tent camping areas near Salem provide ample room between campsites. At Breeden Bottom Campground, "Sites are extremely private and spaced out; we couldn't see or hear anyone." Another camper added, "Probably my favorite campsite in Virginia now."
Established fire rings: Most primitive sites include fire pits for evening campfires. The dispersed camping site off Forest Road 812 features "a giant fire circle in the middle and enough room to fit about 10 vehicles/groups if people don't mind being next to each other."
Stream access: Several tent sites are positioned near water sources. A visitor to Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 mentioned it has "several flat areas for tents" and "easy access to the stream." Another reviewer called it "the best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites require self-sufficiency. At Dragon's Tooth, a visitor noted, "This was a fine place to park overnight... There is no running water, but there are vault toilets stocked with toilet paper at the trailhead as well as bear proof trashcans."
Site access varies: Some locations require walking from parking areas. FR 812 has "a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."
Cell coverage gaps: Be prepared for limited connectivity. At Camp Success, visitors find "no cell service" but note the campground is a "beautiful spot on the New River in Giles County, VA located right outside downtown Narrows."
Weather considerations: The area experiences sudden weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. Some trails become temporarily impassable after heavy rain, with one camper noting "blow-down did slow us down a few times" after storms.
Look for flat terrain: Choose sites with level ground for easier tent setup. At Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, a visitor found "several flat areas for tents" making it suitable for families with multiple tents.
Seek sites with nearby activities: Whitt Riverbend Park offers a "cozy little site not too far from the main highway" with "plenty of natural wonders to keep you busy!"
Consider noise factors: Some sites experience periodic disturbances. At Breeden Bottom Campground, "The train was loud at times, but we knew that would happen when we booked the site, so no surprises there."
Pack extra water: Many primitive sites lack potable water sources. Even sites with pumps may have reliability issues, as one camper found at Greenbrier River Trail: "Hand pump well water was inoperable during our late June visit."
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent camping areas near Salem have restrictions for larger vehicles. For smaller rigs, Willville Motorcycle Camp offers amenities uncommon at primitive sites, with "clean showers, big fire pit, free coffee in the morning."
Pack extension cords: Where electric is available, it may not reach all sites. A visitor to Willville Motorcycle Camp noted, "Good spread of water spigots and electrical outlets if you need to charge your equipment, although electric isn't available at each spot (you can bring an extension cord if you need it for a CPAP or such)."
Scout access roads: Many forest roads leading to tent camping areas have challenging sections. One camper described FR 812 as having "a very rocky path" before reaching the main camping area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Salem, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Salem, VA is Dragon's Tooth with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Salem, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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