The camping areas surrounding Ivanhoe, Virginia sit at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valley floors and ridge tops. The region experiences foggy mornings along waterways year-round, with mist often lingering until mid-morning at riverside campsites. Spring brings wildflower displays along many hiking paths connecting campgrounds to regional trail systems.
What to do
Biking on the New River Trail: Access the 57-mile rail trail directly from Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, located just blocks from the trailhead. "Catch the head of the 58 mile trail just 2 blocks from the RV site. We rode the first 6 miles (and back) of the New River Trail to the train trestle and through the tunnel, just beyond. Easy ride with 2% grade," reports Jennifer K.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Several campgrounds maintain private fishing areas for guests. At Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, you'll find a small stocked pond with catch and release fishing. "In peak season, there's a pool, a small pond (catch & release unless you want to pay), ping pong, rock mining, etc," notes Jean C.
Local music experiences: The region has strong musical traditions with accessible performances. Near Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, "Thursday evenings, the community center hosts a jam session - check it out!" suggests Bran P. The area is part of the Crooked River Music Trail, featuring regular performances throughout the summer months.
What campers like
Forest creek environments: Campers consistently praise the stream-side sites at Stony Fork Campground. "Stony Fork Creek flows through the middle of the campsite, and the bridges are marked with a flood scale, so avoiding this place during heavy rains might be advised," notes Brian M. The campground offers paved sites with electric hookups along the water.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Many campgrounds maintain surprisingly well-kept facilities. "Bathrooms were clean, campground is nice and quiet after 8pm. No complaints!" shares Kari B. about her stay at Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA. Even at basic facilities, maintenance is prioritized, with Greg S. noting about Stony Fork: "Super nice hosts and everyone we met was friendly. Very quiet place."
Level sites with good spacing: Pioneer Village offers particularly well-maintained sites. "Gravel pads with a picnic table and fire ring. Sites were open but a decent size, and mostly level," writes Brenda L. Similarly, at Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground, "Sites are level and spaced out for room to open your slide and awning," according to Bill R.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Foggy mornings are common at waterside campsites, especially along the New River. "The river sounds amazing at night," mentions RL about Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park, though this creates heavy morning mist that can keep tent sites damp until midday.
Variable amenities: Facilities range from primitive to full-service. At Millrace Campground, "This is pretty bare bones camping, no electrical, no RVs, no flush toilets. But there is drinking water available," notes Crystal C. In contrast, Fort Chiswell RV Park offers "full hook ups, including cable!"
Walk-in requirements: Some sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Millrace Campground, "You have to walk everything into the campground from the parking area, but it's not a long walk so you can still bring all of your 'car camping' luxuries," explains RL. Similar arrangements exist at several riverside campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for hot days: Families appreciate campgrounds with water access during summer heat. "We walked and biked the trail every day. It was a beautiful area," shares Sherri J. about staying at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, where creek access provides cooling opportunities.
Playgrounds and activities: Wytheville KOA offers extensive family facilities. "Our kids loved the arcade, the wagon and train rides around the campground, the craft time, pool and the fishing! The owners ran all the entertainment and were highly visible throughout our stay," says Lisa T.
Biking opportunities: Paved campground roads provide safe areas for younger riders. At Stony Fork Campground, "the whole place is paved so it was great for scooters. It's a 3/4 mile loop around the campground," mentions Greg S., making it ideal for families with children learning to ride.
Tips from RVers
Highway access considerations: When traveling with larger rigs, consider proximity to major routes. "Located not too far from I-81, easy to get to. This CG does a lot of overnight business," explains Michael H. about Fort Chiswell Campground. Sites are "mostly level, hookups are convenient," though highway noise can be noticeable outside.
Advance planning for tight turns: Some campgrounds present navigation challenges. At Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, one camper notes, "My only negative was that they had us camp up on the top of the hill and it was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel."
Water pressure variations: Water systems at mountain campgrounds can be inconsistent. At Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, "Being at the end of the water line for the park, our pressure wasn't great so we used our fresh water tank and water pump for showers and to wash dishes," reports Sherri J., suggesting travelers prepare accordingly.
