6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Campgrounds near Staffordsville, Virginia range from developed RV and tent sites to free dispersed options along the New River corridor. Claytor Lake State Park Campground offers year-round accommodation for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping options just south of Staffordsville, while Walnut Flats provides free dispersed camping with basic amenities. The region features numerous waterfront camping areas where visitors can enjoy proximity to rivers and lakes, with several sites situated directly on the New River, offering both recreational opportunities and scenic views.
Road conditions to campgrounds vary significantly across the region, with some sites requiring navigation on narrow, winding gravel roads. Most developed campgrounds like Claytor Lake and New River Junction provide water and electric hookups, while primitive sites typically offer only basic facilities such as pit toilets and fire rings. Weather in the area can change rapidly, especially in spring when heavy rains may cause the New River to overflow its banks and affect camping areas. Cell service is limited in many camping areas, particularly at more remote sites. A camper described their experience: "The New River can always be heard, the low rumble is peaceful at night. Overall, a nice and somewhat-remote camp that is accessible with a vehicle."
Several visitors note the region's mixed-use campgrounds provide excellent access to outdoor recreation. The New River serves as a central feature for many camping areas, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling directly from campsites. Campers frequently mention the beauty of morning fog rising off the water as a highlight of riverside camping. While some developed campgrounds like Eggleston Springs and Riverview offer full amenities including showers and electric hookups, others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with minimal facilities. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds – those closer to Interstate 81 experience consistent traffic noise, while river-adjacent sites feature the natural soundtrack of flowing water. During summer weekends, waterfront camping areas typically fill quickly, with many campers recommending reservations for established campgrounds during peak season.
"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."
Available next weekend
from $24 - $413 / night
"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."
"nice little free campground with about 5 sites with grill fire rings level gravel drive with tent pad and lantern pole, restrooms but I didn't use them well water pump for drinking water but didn't use"
"Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!"
"This was the first campground we got to try in Virginia and it did not disappoint! There’s a lot of ppl who stay here long term bc it’s so great."
from $30 - $50 / night
"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."
"Good hikes nearby, nothing too difficult and all are beautiful. The Appalachian Trail is close to the site, find some thru hikers and make some trail magic!"
"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
"Easy exit off Rt 81, with several truck stops/gas stations at the exit to fill up. The roads are a bit hilly going into the campground, but we didn’t experience any issues."
"We stayed here for 1 night, to break up an 8-hour drive home from points south. The facility is very well maintained, the staff is very friendly and the location was convenient (1 mile off of 81)."
from $50 - $170 / night
"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."
"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."
from $10 - $14 / night
"While driving out to the monument in his honor I found this site and loved what I saw!"
"Fort Chiswell RV park in Virginia is a very clean park beautiful trees paved driveways and a bathroom that is very clean and at the end of the bathrooms actually have tables at Pavilion They have Wi-Fi"
from $35 - $38 / night
TravelerROAD IN IS QUITE STEEP. DEFINATELY LOTS AND LOTS OF ROOM. VAULTED RESTROOM, VERY CLEAN. DEFINATELY WOULD NOT TRY WITH A BIG TRAILER OR CLASS A. ROAD AT THE END IS VERY NARROW WITH BRANCHES HANGING DOWN, BE CAREFUL.
ScoutI have known tbe owners for 30 years, great folks ,honest caring. We stayed from April 2026 through August 2026 while building our new place. Never any issues .Peaceful quiet setting, we made reservations, although we were a couple days the owners were glad to accommodate. We highly recommend staying here to anyone from tent to toy hauler they can cover your needs.
TravelerMy first ever love's stop. Very clean and nice people. Great reception and I don't think it was too noisy for sleep. I don't recommend the dunkin, couldn't make my sandwich right.
ScoutShady Rest RV Park — one night, Nov 7–8, 2026
We stayed one night in our 31.5-ft Class C and left early the next morning because we didn't feel safe — and we couldn't sleep.
Getting in was the first warning. The road in narrows to one lane for a long stretch, and it's muddy — I nearly got stuck, and the rig coming the other way nearly went over the drop-off. There's no office and no signs telling you where to check in. I called first and got voicemail; I emailed and it bounced. (The website even says the GPS coordinates are wrong, though our RV-safe navigation brought us right in.)
A kind older woman came out of the trailer at the top of the hill, calling for 'John.' John is the property manager — he's in the blue trailer at the front of the row, landscaping equipment by the porch. The woman is the owner; her husband recently passed away, and he was the one who ran everything. That's clearly why nothing gets answered. I feel for her — truly. But the place is in chaos.
The owner and John argue constantly, in public, and it turned physical more than once while we were there. She told us John would take care of us, then whispered that she's his foster mother and that he has an intellectual disability. She couldn't tell us the rates. Later John knocked on our door with a handwritten note: $50/night, $175/week. We considered the week — we didn't take it, and I'm glad.
This isn't an RV park anymore; it's a run-down trailer park with long-term residents, only about half the trailers occupied. Sites aren't marked — a man just waved us to a spot, and we had to move because it was 50-amp and we need 30-amp. The gravel sites are unlevel and ungroomed. The electric will make you glad you have a surge protector. The water is cold, the sewer is just a hole in the ground, and the 'bathrooms' are glorified outhouses. There's a horde of cats and kittens across the road, and the whole park is their litter box — our dog found every spot. Three trailers I walked past were empty and falling apart. The one next to us had been sitting so long the grass had grown over its sewer hose.
We left at 9 AM after spending half an hour looking for someone to pay. When we finally found John and handed him the $50, the owner stormed out of her trailer demanding to know if we'd paid him, how much, and why — she's the owner, after all. Then she tackled him to get the $50 from him. It was awful to watch.
I have nothing against mom-and-pop campgrounds. But this place is disorganized, unkempt, and — with the constant public fighting — we did not feel safe there, not leaving our dog, and not leaving our whole life in the rig while we went to see the New River Gorge. (Yes, it pained me to skip the Gorge.) The whole time, I swear I could hear the Deliverance banjo.
I don't recommend it. The value just isn't there at $50 a night. It's an old park in a great location that is way past its heyday — and until someone is actually running it, it's not a resting place for RVers.
TravelerVery clean, both showers and parking lot. Actually watched the crew pressure washing around the gas pumps. Close to highway but sheltered from the noise.
TravelerShowers themselves are nice but don't have privacy room to dry and get dressed. Spots are fairly close together. $50 for one night seemed kinda high. There is highway noise. You do get a discount on your cave tour.
ScoutWe were traveling through for an overnight stay, view was excellent and staff was very friendly.
GuideNeed an overnight stay on 81/77 this is the place. Booked is call them complete the reservation via Campspot app which they use so I had to download it. Place had plenty of sites pull through which I didnt need but they were so accommodating. I had a perfect view of mountains and cow pasture Relaxation and sleep close to bathhouse and office. They also have propane fill for your camper
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.
Camping sites near Staffordsville, Virginia offer diverse terrain along the New River watershed, where elevations range from 1,700 to 2,300 feet. The region experiences frequent temperature swings in spring and fall, with overnight lows often dropping 20-30 degrees below daytime highs. Most camping areas in this region remain open from April through October, with limited winter options available at Claytor Lake.
Fishing access points: Several campsites provide direct river access for anglers seeking smallmouth bass. At New River Junction Campground, campers can "bring your fishing pole for some great catch and release fishing" according to Robert J., who notes the campground has a boat ramp available for river access.
Tubing adventures: The gentle currents of the New River create ideal conditions for tubing during summer months. New River Junction offers "inner tub or canoe rentals and a shuttle bus that brings you back to the campgrounds" as mentioned by Robert J., making it convenient for campers to enjoy water recreation without arranging transportation.
Basketball and recreation: Some campgrounds maintain sports facilities for campers seeking land-based activities. At Wytheville KOA, families appreciate that it's "terrific for family fun with arcade, wagon and train rides around the campground, craft time, pool and fishing," according to Lisa T., who visited with children.
Riverside camping sites: Many campers praise the waterfront locations available throughout the region. Amanda J. described her experience at Eggleston Springs Campground: "The campsite was great! Right up against the river with beautiful mountain back drop. Most camp sites have electricity and a fire pit."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and shower facilities rank high on camper priorities. At Claytor Lake State Park, Michelle W. noted: "Plenty clean bathrooms and hot showers. Wood, ice and soda machines available. It's my favorite go-to campground!"
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the no-cost sites in the area. Walnut Flats offers "five established camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables" according to Alice S., who added that "the bathroom is a pit style but it was still clean and didn't smell."
Train noise: Railroad tracks run parallel to the New River, affecting several campgrounds with noise. At New River Junction, Cristina R. warned: "There were about 8 trains that passed through on our first night which led us to not sleeping well! So bring ear plugs!"
Water conditions: The New River's depth and current vary seasonally, affecting water activities. Robert J. mentions the ability to "float down River to a shuttle bus that brings you back to the campgrounds" at New River Junction, but other campers note seasonal variations in water levels.
Cell coverage limitations: Signal strength varies significantly across the Staffordsville area. At Walnut Flats Campground, Alice S. noted "there is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage."
Water recreation safety: The New River has variable depths and rocky sections requiring supervision. At Riverview Campground, Alicia L. observed that you "can access river from some sites, but steep in some areas" and recommended using the available ramp for safer water entry.
Evening entertainment options: Campfire activities provide entertainment when daylight fades. Alicia L. shared her experience at Riverview Campground: "I loved sitting by the river at night with a fire going; whole different vibe than any other campground I've visited!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's activities and facilities. At Wytheville KOA, Lisa T. appreciated the "arcade, wagon and train rides around the campground, craft time, pool and fishing" that kept her family entertained throughout their stay.
Maneuvering large rigs: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. Miguel E. noted about Sportsman Campground: "It's also very tight. I have a 35' BP and it was difficult getting it in."
Seasonal flooding awareness: The New River can overflow its banks during heavy rain periods. Kathy L. described Claytor Lake State Park Campground as "good for a one night stopover and we would return for that purpose. Clean, convenient sites off highway 81. Not much privacy between sites because they're quite close together but there are trees."
Overnight temperature planning: The mountain elevation causes significant temperature drops after sunset. John R. who stayed at Claytor Lake noted: "Did some Jeep camping here in November. Nice bathroom facilities and showers. Very clean. Hiking trails all accessible from the camp areas. My spot had electric and water hook ups."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Staffordsville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Staffordsville, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 160 campgrounds and RV parks near Staffordsville, VA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Staffordsville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Staffordsville, VA is Claytor Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Staffordsville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Staffordsville, VA.
What parks are near Staffordsville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Staffordsville, VA that allow camping, notably Bluestone Lake and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
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