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Best Campgrounds near Shawsville, VA

499 Reviews

Shawsville, Virginia sits within a diverse camping landscape where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Appalachian foothills. Camp Alta Mons, located directly in Shawsville, offers 37 RV sites with water and electric hookups plus 7 tent sites along a creek on its 850-acre property. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Dixie Caverns Campground near Salem, which serves as a convenient base for exploring popular hiking trails including Dragon's Tooth and sections of the Appalachian Trail. The region encompasses everything from primitive backcountry sites to full-service RV parks, with several state parks and national forest campgrounds providing varied accommodation options including cabins, yurts, and traditional tent sites.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this mountainous region. Spring brings abundant rainfall that can create muddy conditions on trails and access roads, while summer temperatures remain relatively moderate compared to lower elevations. According to one camper at Alta Mons, "Bring your bug spray, mosquitos here swarm you in apocalyptic proportion at nightfall. Also be prepared for rain, lush green meadows and sod farms give indication of ample rainfall." Cell service varies dramatically throughout the area, with many campgrounds offering limited or no connectivity. Reservations are essential during peak season (May through October), particularly for weekend stays when campgrounds near Blacksburg and Virginia Tech fill quickly during college events and football weekends.

Mountain streams and waterfalls feature prominently in camper reviews of the Shawsville area. Stiles Falls at Camp Alta Mons requires a moderate hike with three creek crossings and some boulder scrambling, but rewards visitors with a scenic cascade. Highway noise impacts several campgrounds in the region, particularly those near Interstate 81. As one reviewer noted about Dixie Caverns, "You are surrounded on three sides by roadway and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7." Wildlife sightings are common, with bears, turkeys, raccoons, and songbirds frequently mentioned in visitor reports. Campgrounds at higher elevations offer cooler temperatures during summer months, while those in valleys may experience more humidity but provide easier access to water features.

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Best Camping Sites Near Shawsville, Virginia (118)

    1. Dixie Caverns

    16 Reviews
    Salem, VA
    7 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. Claytor Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Newbern, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 643-2500

    "Conveniently located bath house. We got sites right next to our friends where we wanted to be. The lake and beach area were beautiful. Sand was soft and very clean."

    "Lots of space, cheap price, walking distance from the lake raccoons and skunks everywhere all night."

    3. Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue

    10 Reviews
    Floyd, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 808-4984

    "Not sure about other sections of the venue but we had privacy due to the very few people in sites around a huge field that appears to be a venue for outdoor music festivals."

    "This campground is located right outside of Floyd, VA and just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway."

    4. Camp Alta Mons

    2 Reviews
    Shawsville, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 268-2409

    $30 - $40 / night

    "v=E5_wV2ao_Jo)

    PROS

    •close to Salem/Roanoke

    •850 acres

    •mountain trails

    •Stiles Falls

    •peaceful

    •clean and cared for

    •cheerful staff

    CONS

    •limitations of use during youth camps

    •some"

    "Great hiking trails to a beautiful waterfall."

    5. Caldwell Fields Group Campground

    2 Reviews
    Blacksburg, VA
    12 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"

    6. Dragon's Tooth

    3 Reviews
    Salem, VA
    15 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"

    "This was a quiet spot that felt safe, with a pit toilet nearby to the trailhead parking area. Car camping is the only option at this time."

    7. Rocky Knob Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    15 Reviews
    Woolwine, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 745-9664

    $30 - $45 / night

    "Rocky Knob Campground is right outside of Floyd, VA off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southwest region of the state.

    Why stay here? It's right outside of Floyd."

    "Inner part of the loop sites are quite close to each other but have convenient access to bathhouse, which is kept pretty clean."

    8. COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park

    19 Reviews
    Henry, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 629-1847

    $26 - $68 / night

    "Great little park with lake views, sandy swimming beach, hiking, boating, and state parks and forests nearby for even more recreation options."

    "Great little park with lake views, sandy swimming beach, hiking, boating, and state parks and forests nearby for even more recreation options."

    9. New River Junction Campground

    7 Reviews
    Staffordsville, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 639-6633

    "The campground is not far from Virginia Tech and so there were several other campers staying a few nights with plans to go to the football game."

    "Several RV sites located right on Beautiful New River. Tent camping also available."

    10. Interstate Overnight Park

    1 Review
    Christiansburg, VA
    6 miles
    +1 (540) 616-4114
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Recent Camping Photos near Shawsville, VA

218 Photos of 118 Shawsville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shawsville, VA

499 Reviews of 118 Shawsville Campgrounds

  • D
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

    Awesome KOA!

    My family and I stayed here for a few days. The campground is beautiful. All of the staff members that we encountered were super friendly. We ordered campground room service from Daves Smokehouse which was excellent and arrived very quickly. The campground is very well maintained and clean. The wifi was great at our site. AT&T cell service was not so good though. This KOA is very close to Blue Ridge Parkway, Fancy Gap Pottery & Fabric Outlet , as well as the Fancy Gap Old Country store. Our stay was very peaceful and relaxing, If we go back to the area we will definitely stay here again.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Creekside Camping

    Beautiful sites

    Huge sites by the water (creek), power and water. Fire wood at each site. There are fire pits, barbecue grills, 2 sites have picnic tables, and one site has a wooden swing near the creek. The ground is uneven, so we had to move around a bit to get level. The sites do not have concrete or gravel pads. You park in the grass. Pick your spot, and you might need a long power cord. The bath house is up the hill (a bit of a climb), traditional toilet and sink inside, the shower is outside. Open air shower. Very quiet here, only a few cars pass by on the small road up the hill. We have a 14ft. teardrop camper and use an AWD vehicle. Not sure what the largest size camper would make it back here. The road is very narrow and you’re parking on the grass. There is also a small laundry building up the hill.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Brushcreek Falls RV Resort

    Nice campground

    Just a one night stay. Very clean and well kept campground. Our site was level. The pool was wonderful. Has everything you need... playgrounds, multiple laundry rooms, putt putt, store, restrooms... Would stay again

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Quiet, clean campground!

    This campground was exceptionally clean and very quiet/peaceful. We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old. The staff is amazing and clearly love what they do. They were friendly from the start and they let us know they were available for help, etc. The site itself was an easy pull-through. It was clean and hookups were easy to figure out (first time RVers here; not new to camping though). I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away! We will definitely be back!

    I thought being at the end of the loop would be noisy due to traffic coming through, but it didn't bother us one but!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Great location at SML

    Really well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground. Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office.

  • Roger V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Rocky Knob Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Quiet, nice, but no showers, very basic

    Minimalist facilities. Good location. Has rv and tent sites. Right off blue Ridge Parkway.

    Overall ok if you need a crash pad, but I would not seek it out

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Beautiful place, old campground

    On a Thursday night in July we were the only ones at the campground. Friendly host but the campsites are not level - and we had the best of the lot - very private (if others had been there) but only one side of the picnic table was accessible (bc of the slope). Worked for our setup with rooftop tent but would’ve been difficult for someone w a camper or tent. Lodge was nice and well-kept. Hike to top of peaks was strenuous and gorgeous at the top! Decent stop right off the BRP. Wildflowers were beautiful.

  • Susan W.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Meadows Of Dan Campground

    Mountain Quiet Campground

    We love this area already so as first time RVers, Meadows of Dan Campground was a natural pick. This campground has lovely tree cover in both the RV and tent camping areas. There are also cabins. The manager is very friendly & accommodating. We loved our first week so much we stayed two more!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Nice place

    A quiet and clean campground. The pool was great for my son and we had it to ourselves multiple days.

Guide to Shawsville

Camping near Shawsville, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, 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."
  • Fishing: Head to Douthat State Park Campground for some fishing. A camper shared, "There are also cabins here! Plenty of picnic areas and great fishing as well!"
  • Swimming: Enjoy the lake at Claytor Lake State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The swimming area is first rate and the warmest clean waters that will make you forget the ocean."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. A visitor at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are clean and functional."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the welcoming vibe. One reviewer at Mayberry Campground mentioned, "Great family friendly, pet loving campground."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A guest at Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA remarked, "Beautiful campground, nestled into forest with pines, deciduous trees, and native Rhododendron."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, have limited amenities. A camper noted, "There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop... you can get service."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise at certain sites. A visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area mentioned, "People partying late at night, loud motors all day."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Douthat State Park Campground, are only open during certain months. One camper said, "This park is in one of my favorite parts of VA."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Wytheville KOA. A family shared, "The campground was clean with large camp sites."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground said, "The campground is about 2 miles from the public access/beach part of the lake."
  • Bring Snacks: Stock up on snacks for the kids. One visitor at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "The on-site cafe has really good pizza."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to check the level of your site. A reviewer at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground noted, "Parking at Sites 23, 25, 26 is pretty level for a truck or camper van."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Wytheville KOA said, "Each site had a concrete pad."
  • Plan for Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Claytor Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The facilities are excellent! The lake beach area is particularly nice."

Camping near Shawsville, Virginia, has something for everyone. From hiking and fishing to family-friendly activities, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Shawsville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Shawsville, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Shawsville, VA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Shawsville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shawsville, VA is Dixie Caverns with a 3.2-star rating from 16 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Shawsville, VA.

What parks are near Shawsville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Shawsville, VA that allow camping, notably Philpott Lake and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.

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