Salem, Virginia and the surrounding region feature several public and private campgrounds catering to various camping styles. Established campgrounds like Dixie Caverns provide full hookups for RVs and tent sites near natural attractions, while dispersed camping options exist along the Appalachian Trail at locations like Johns Spring Shelter and Catawba Mountain Shelter. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway corridor offers additional camping opportunities within a short drive. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some sites like Explore Park and Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing also offering cabin rentals.
Weather and terrain vary considerably throughout the region, with campgrounds situated along Interstate 81 providing easy access but sometimes experiencing traffic noise. Higher elevation sites along the Appalachian Trail require hiking in but offer more solitude and scenic views. Facilities range from fully developed campgrounds with showers and electric hookups to primitive shelters with basic toilets. Summer is the primary camping season, though some locations like Don's Cab-Inns operate year-round. As one visitor noted about Dixie Caverns, "Right off the interstate so easy access. Small spaces but everyone was very friendly."
Appalachian Trail camping receives high ratings from hikers, with areas like Dragon's Tooth earning perfect scores for their natural beauty and trail access. Roadside campgrounds closer to Salem tend to be more developed but may experience highway noise, especially those near Interstate 81. Campers seeking a quieter experience often prefer the backcountry sites that require hiking in. Several reviews mention the proximity to popular hiking destinations as a major advantage. A camper described the Catawba Mountain Shelter as having "lots of space for many people" and being "not too far from McAfee Knob," one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, though some campgrounds surprisingly offer WiFi connectivity.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
"Did I say it’s close to I 81?"
"just off the highway but easily accessible, everything works, friendly staff. Showers in bathhouse are a bit dirty but other than that great!"
$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."
"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."
"Five Stars– A True Mountain Sanctuary Camp S’mores in Floyd, Virginia is something truly special."
"Plenty of trails to walk and a few ponds on property to fish. Open year round but im too much a wimp to winter camp, cant wait to head back in the spring!!"
"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."
"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."
$45 - $55 / night
"We spent two overnights— on our way south, then again north— at the Love’s RV Hookup in Elliston, Virginia. "
$35 / night
"Nice hikes walking distance with lots of beautiful stars, trees, and wildlife! Make sure you don't need to text though, you only are able to send messages via satelite."
"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"
ScoutWe stayed 2 nights in a tent by the river.
April 2026
The staff bent over backwards for us making our stay comfortable.. Had a nice camp fire each night and had access to water spigot. Very nice showering facilities and grounds very well maintained.
There was plenty of room for parking .
A lot of permanent RVs but it felt private and not a lot of noise. Really appreciated the stay.
ScoutIt is a wonderful place to camp. However, it is $15 a night not five. There is a $50 deposit to get a key to the gate. There is no potable water.
ScoutHad a great time for our first trip out in our new-to-us pop-up! Brought the dogs and had a great time.
LegendWe spent two overnights— on our way south, then again north— at the Love’s RV Hookup in Elliston, Virginia.
THINGS I LIKED:
Easy access just¼ mile from I-81
Spacious, level, clean, good-working hookups, and concrete RV site
Convenient to fuel up— diesel and food
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
Plenty of noise from 24-hour truck traffic and an occasional train, but it was expected and not a problem
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Guide1st: 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. If its not open you have 20-30mins drive to get to resources needed. There is 5 campsites close to each other. Constant 4 wheeling and horseback riding through sites. Your really never alone. To each their own , on privacy. Some want it, some dont mind it. Very scenic! Love the Dismal waterfalls!! Love walking trails but truly a busy site during holidays. We arrived Friday morning and sites was filled by noon. Arrive early as you can to find a camp spot. Truly well kept, trash bins and latrine is in walking distance.
ScoutVery convenient for travelers. Not a bunch of things to do in the campground if that’s your thing. Bath house is clean but dated. Some traffic noise. Did I say it’s close to I 81?
LegendThis is the first site after you leave Douthat State Park. It is on the left and large enough for a small to medium camper or a few tents. Good flat area between Wilson Creek and Douthat State Park Road. There may been an area in the woods for this site but I wasn't able to explore to check it out.
TravelerDrove here to find it closed.
TravelerThis is a lovely little cabin resort with 3 RV sites. We are here just 1 night enroute. It is beautiful and well maintained. I would definitely come back.
Dispersed camping near Salem, Virginia ranges from streamside primitive sites to high-elevation backcountry spots with temperature variations of 15-20 degrees between lower and higher elevations. The camping season typically runs April through October, with some locations experiencing heavy traffic during fall foliage season when nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing even in early autumn.
Explore cave systems: Dixie Caverns Campground sits on the property of actual caverns worth touring. As one camper noted, "You are in budget country. Great price and affordable attraction that will not disappoint." The cave tour offers a discount to campers staying on-site.
Mountain biking trails: Explore Park offers extensive trail networks for mountain bikers of all skill levels. The park continues to expand its offerings, with one visitor mentioning, "This park is growing by leaps and bounds. It has mountain bike trails, a cool vintage village, access to the Roanoke River, an aerial obstacle course, and more cool stuff."
Hike to scenic viewpoints: The Dragon's Tooth trail connects to the Appalachian Trail and leads to spectacular overlooks. A hiker described it as "a moderate to hard hike" where "once you get to the top of the rock the view is incredible" with "a few maybe four or five good camping spots" at the summit.
Private cabins: Don's Cab-Inns Campground offers climate-controlled cabin options with amenities. According to one reviewer, "These cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway. The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling."
Riverside camping: Multiple campgrounds offer access to the Roanoke River for cooling off. One camper stated, "We just enjoyed walking to the river and jumping in to cool off!" during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
Wide group sites: Caldwell Fields Group Campground accommodates large parties with spacious group sites. A visitor reported, "Stayed here for two nights with 13 vehicles and 16 people... nice sized camp spot, vault toilet, and small stream running right behind the campsite."
Highway noise levels: Several campgrounds near Interstate 81 experience continuous traffic noise. One camper at Dixie Caverns explained, "You are surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the actual Dixie Cavern is at the base of a mountain, so all the road traffic is above the campground and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7."
Water availability: Many primitive sites require planning ahead for water needs. At Dragon's Tooth, a camper advised, "Bring lots of water! No need to pack a life straw of any kind because there's not really water around except right in the beginning of the trail from the parking lot."
Varying toilet facilities: Bathroom conditions range widely across locations. At Peaks of Otter Campground, a visitor noted, "Bathrooms were running water, but no showers and could use some updating (broken tiles, latches on doors, etc.) but all cosmetic."
Cabin camping for beginners: At Don's Cab-Inns, families can ease into camping with cabin rentals. One family reported, "Our family loved this campground! It is close to Roanoke and it is off the Blue Ridge Parkway... We stayed in one of the cabins and it was definitely roomier than it looks."
Adventure activities: Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing offers structured activities for children. A parent mentioned, "The creek was the big hit for our family of small boys. Grab some lawn chairs and a cooler and let them play and explore for hours."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds feature educational programming. At Peaks of Otter, visitors can learn about mountain ecology and history, while Explore Park offers "education classes for children" according to a reviewer.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. One RVer at Dixie Caverns noted, "Sites not level. Very narrow sites. Some full time residents' rigs give the Breaking Bad class C a run for their money, if they run."
Code access conveniences: Some facilities use keypad entry systems rather than keys. A camper explained, "Bathrooms/showers and cabin are push code to get into. This makes it so easy and convenient. You don't need to worry about losing a key or wondering who in your travel party has the key."
Winter camping options: For off-season camping, Tina's Dream offers year-round accessibility. A reviewer mentioned it's "a nice alternate campground" where "Tina is a very nice lady! Camp in her house driveway... quiet and safe neighborhood."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any waterfront camping available near Salem, VA?
Yes, several excellent waterfront camping options exist near Salem. Lake Sherwood offers beautiful campsites right on the water, with the majority of sites providing direct lake access. The campground is situated against a small mountain ridge that divides West Virginia and Virginia. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area provides stunning lakeside sites with breathtaking views, clean facilities including showers and flushable toilets. Another option is Douthat State Park, which features a nice lake for kayaking and canoeing alongside well-spaced campsites. Most waterfront options are within 1-2 hours of Salem, making them perfect for weekend getaways.
What are the best campgrounds in Salem, VA for tent camping?
For tent camping near Salem, Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is consistently rated as one of Virginia's best campgrounds. It offers well-maintained sites with personality, clean bathrooms, and potable water throughout. Most sites accommodate vehicle parking right at your campsite. Another excellent option is North Creek Campground, which provides affordable tent camping ($15) in a serene natural setting. For those willing to drive a bit further, Caldwell Fields Group Campground offers drive-in tent sites with basic facilities. Dragon's Tooth provides a more primitive experience with hike-in access, perfect for adventurous campers seeking solitude in nature.
How far is Dixie Caverns Campground from Salem, VA?
Dixie Caverns is located at the outskirts of Salem, VA. The privately owned campground and tourist site is directly off Interstate 81, making it extremely accessible from Salem. The distance is minimal, approximately 5-10 minutes driving time from downtown Salem. Its convenient location means you're very close to town while still having access to camping facilities. For those seeking alternatives in the area, Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA is another option, though it's further from Salem (about 30-40 minutes south) but offers more amenities including a pool, game room, and playground.
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