Several campgrounds near Steeles Tavern provide camping options in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The area experiences cool mountain nights even in summer, with temperature differences of 15°F between valley and ridge locations. Fall camping brings brilliant foliage colors but requires advance planning due to high demand from September through late October.
What to do
Hiking trails: Multiple trailheads near Glen Maury Park offer walks ranging from easy lake loops to challenging mountain ascents. "I have been to many music festivals here, and always find myself impressed by the view and the river. Lots of great site options for whatever your preference is! It's also a convenient walking or driving distance from the rest of town," notes Lucy P.
Brewery visits: Campers staying at Devils Backbone Camp can access craft beer without driving. "Walking distance to devils backbone brewery. Clean bathrooms. Close distance to hiking trails and other breweries and cideries. Close to humbback rock, spy rock, crabtreefalls and many more trails to explore," shares Chyna K. The brewery offers a 5-minute trail walk from campsites.
Fishing opportunities: Stock up on tackle at local outfitters for trout fishing in mountain streams. "The fishing ponds are great, bring a fishing pole!" suggests John D. at Walnut Hills Campground. Many streams hold native brook trout, while stocked waters provide rainbow and brown trout options for anglers of all ages.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise bathroom conditions at campgrounds throughout the region. "The bathhouse is top notch! Squeaky clean with lots of space. Love that you can just walk to the brewery from your site," reports Jennifer E. who stayed at Devils Backbone Camp.
Spacious sites: Crabtree Falls Campground offers riverfront camping with adequate spacing. "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy. Beautiful area for hiking, lots leading off of the AT. Campground hosts are very friendly," writes Heather L. The sites back up to the Tye River, providing soothing water sounds for sleeping.
Mountain lakes: Several campgrounds feature swimming and fishing lakes for summer recreation. At Sherando Lake Campground, visitors enjoy both water activities and hiking. "Sherando Lake Campground is a place that we make a point to go every summer, even though it is almost a 5-hour dive from where we live... The lake is beautiful! It's a decent walk from the campground but we usually walk down in the morning and spend all day there."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Mountain weather changes rapidly, with frost possible into late May. During peak fall foliage, expect competition for sites. "We stayed over the weekend, had an amazing time! We had stopped by once (didn't have to stay but said we had to come back!) Beautiful scenery, clean facilities and great staff!" shares Sharon F. about Devils Backbone Camp.
Wildlife awareness: Food storage requirements vary by location, with some requiring bear-resistant containers. At Oronoco Campground, visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters. "Loved this little campground. Nice and quiet, toilets available (though not very clean but good enough). Only thing is that there's a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers," notes Wessel D.
Cell service limitations: Many campsites in the mountain region have limited or no connectivity. "No cell service for AT&T or T-mobile. Great location, 5 minutes from the BRP. Easy access for small vehicles, backed my sedan into the site," writes Connor S. about Oronoco Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley offers extensive children's activities. "This call family friendly campground has many things for families. During the week, the campground slows down a bit, but on the weekends, it is completely full. There are a lot of kiddos riding bicycles, hover boards, scooters, and skateboards around the loops," reports Charlene.
Easy water access: Lakes and streams provide natural entertainment for children. "The campground has plenty of activities from multiple playgrounds to activities every weekend. They rent golf carts which it great because the place is huge. There is also a very small fishing pond in the campground," explains Emilia F.
Noise considerations: Family campgrounds can be lively during peak times. "We were staying here with our two children and no dogs. As far as that's concerned was a great place! Lots for them to do, great swimming lake, employees were a pleasure," shares Christa C., noting the campground isn't quiet but works well for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking RV parks near Steeles Tavern, Virginia, consider hookup placement and access. "The hookups in this area where different than I have ever experienced as the hookups were shared between two sites. If you were on an even number site, this was no problem. However, if you were on an odd number site, you either had to hope you had the length on your water and power lines," explains Steve V.
Extension cord needs: Several RV parks around Steeles Tavern require longer-than-standard power cords. "Each full hook up site has a picnic table and fire ring. Fire wood available for purchase. *Warning, if you stay at a full hook up site and are parked in an odd number spot, you will need an extra long sewer hose to reach the connection," advises Erika S.
Size limitations: Some campgrounds have tight turns or tree obstacles. "The sites are okay- level, some shade- but felt like we were on top of people. The shower house needs work- no ventilation makes for a stifling shower and bathroom use," notes Heather about one campground, highlighting the importance of researching site dimensions before arrival.
