Camp Alta Mons, located directly in Shawsville, provides the main camping option within town limits, while several other campgrounds can be found within a 30-minute drive. Situated at around 1,700 feet elevation, this area experiences temperature swings between summer highs in the 80s and winter lows that can dip below freezing. The region's mountains create diverse microclimates, with ridgetop camping spots often 5-8 degrees cooler than valley locations.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Camp Alta Mons offers trail access to Stiles Falls, requiring moderate hiking ability. "The hike to the falls moderate to strenuous with three creek crossings and some boulder scampers...give yourself an hour each direction from the parking lot," notes one camper.
Tubing the New River: New River Junction Campground provides river tubing opportunities with shuttle service. "Rent a inner tub or canoe and float down River to a shuttle bus that brings you back to the campgrounds. One of my all time favorite places to camp and fish," shares a visitor.
Cave exploration: Dixie Caverns offers underground tours adjacent to their campground. "The caverns are worth visiting pretty cool cave system. We got in late in the afternoon after the last tour woke up early and caught the first tour before heading on our way," reports one camper.
Disc golf: Some local campgrounds have added this recreational option. One visitor to Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground notes it "has free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!"
What campers like
Mountain sunset views: Higher elevation campsites near Shawsville provide memorable evening views. At Chantilly Farm, campers appreciate being "on top of a hill with other RV's with gorgeous views and sunsets. The grounds were very well kept and mowed."
Fishing opportunities: Local waters offer good angling. A visitor to New River Junction reports: "Bring your fishing pole for some great catch and release fishing...One of my all time favorite places to camp and fish."
Proximity to Floyd: This artsy mountain town is accessible from several nearby campsites. A visitor to Rocky Knob Campground reports "On BRP near Floyd, VA. A lot of amenities in town and hiking trails nearby. Clean and quiet: no generators allowed in tent camping area."
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites. At Rocky Knob, "C loop is best IMO. Far from RV sites, the spaces are quiet with plenty of room."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience significant railroad noise. At New River Junction, one camper warns: "THE TRAINS: HOLY HELL. The trains alone are reason enough not to camp here. Especially with a tent. Five trains between midnight and 5am. Every one of them blew the horn well past the crossing."
Highway noise: Similarly, road noise affects some camping areas. Dixie Caverns is "directly off I-81...surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7."
Cell service variability: Reception depends on specific campsite location and provider. Dragon's Tooth trailhead camping has decent coverage, while deeper mountain sites may have none.
Primitive facilities: Many campgrounds offer basic amenities only. Rocky Knob provides "Minimalist facilities. Good location. Has rv and tent sites. Right off Blue Ridge Parkway."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Several campgrounds feature creek or river access. Claytor Lake State Park offers "Waterfront beach available, hiking trails, two piers and a theater spot with a gorgeous view."
Family programming: Some campgrounds organize activities. One family notes Claytor Lake "was a great campground for families. We hiked, played at the lake and attended the roving ranger talks."
Site selection for families: Choose sites strategically based on needs. At Claytor Lake, "site 35 is the best site to avoid noisy neighbors, and is right by the bathrooms."
Rocky river caution: New River Junction has challenging water entry: "The river...ranges in depth, but nothing deeper than waste deep really. It's rocky and slippery so it's dangerous and not very family friendly. Especially for young children and older people."
Tips from RVers
Site layout considerations: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. At COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park, "Loop a has 19 sites with water and electric hookup. This loop is a little distance from the lake."
Loop selection importance: Different campground areas offer varied experiences. At Goose Point, "Loop c is located on a peninsula and offers 34 sites, many of which are lake front sites. There is a nice swimming area, boat ramp and dock in the loop."
Hookup availability: Utilities vary by campground and loop. At Claytor Lake, "My spot had electric and water hook ups."
Site spacing: Some RV sites provide minimal separation. At Chantilly Farm, visitors note "It was a little taken aback when we first arrived at our site but quickly began to appreciate the beautiful field we were camped in with electric and water hook-ups."
