Best Glamping near Stuart, VA

This weekend was a great adventure in SW Virginia. We stayed in a Yurt. It has no electricity or water but the bath house was close. The yurt has a double bed, a twin trundle, a couch and some chairs, and a table and chairs. It also has a large wrap around deck with rocking chairs. A picnic table, lamp post, and fire ring are also provided at the site. We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun. It was just after covid 19 started and lessening restrictions began so the beach was closed and there were few people at the campground but we had a great time riding bikes and hiking. We even went to the Creeper Trail and rode our bikes from White Top to Damascus.

Campground Review:

We stayed in Yurt#4 for 2 nights at Fairy Stone State Park, about a 4 hour drive from where we live. The Yurt overall was very clean and cozy. The outside of the Yurt looks like it needed a powerwashing, but that didn’t really affect us at all, just kind of unsightly. They have a nice large deck that is great for hanging out on while the kids were asleep. The inside of the Yurt has a full size bed with a twin sized trundle bed that rolls under the full. It also had some rocking chairs inside, a small table and chairs, and a couch. We ended up eating and hanging out inside the Yurt or on the deck most of the time. 

There are 4 Yurts to choose from. Two of them (Yurts#1 & 2) do not have a parking spot right in front of them, they are a short walk from a parking area, so I made sure to get one that did since we would be arriving after dark. The Yurt we stayed in was a little weird because the Fire Pit and Picnic table is behind and almost under the yurt, down a decently step slope and the yurt sits on stilts on the back side. The Yurt next to us#3 had the fire pit and table right up front next to the parking spot which would be better I think. I would try to get Yurt#3 next time! Overall Yurt camping is so fun! We have done it once before, and it is such a great mix between cabin and tent camping. You get the protection from the elements, a real bed to sleep in, and it’s quick to pack-up- but still a bit rustic since there’s no ac or electricity. 

There are hiking trails right across the street from the Yurt, which was awesome! The bathrooms and showers were fine and in close walking distance. They could probably use some updating but didn’t have any major issues with them. Overall the campground is pretty big and a bit of a maze getting around, we needed to use the park map a lot! Probably due to the park being so old there are a lot of old buildings not in use that are pretty cool. 

The park is big and there is lots to do! There is a beautiful lake for swimming Tons of hiking trails. They had a great playground for the kids nearby. They had a concert going on somewhere at the park so we had some beautiful orchestral music playing as we were winding down for bed one night. We saw lots of deer roaming around. Note that there is not great cell service in this area. 

The place to find the Fairy Stones are outside of the park, down the street a little bit beside a gas station. It was tricky knowing exactly what to look for, but once we found a few Fairy Stones, they were everywhere! So fun searching for them with the kids! 

It was such a fun trip, very peaceful, beautiful scenery everywhere!

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Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - we tested out the Banner& Oak Men’s Nebo Hat– Olive  

The quality of this hat is great. Nice and thick but breathable fabric, durable construction. We’ve put this hat through the ringer so far with sweaty hikes, long beach and lake days, and everyday wear and tear and it has performed spectacularly. The adjustable snapback makes fitting easy. Has a nice shape, looks great! Love this hat’s patch with well-designed graphics and the neutral olive color– goes with everything. Will definitely purchase again! Also appreciate the fact that the hats are made in the USA! It is my husband’s new go-to daily hat and I think it will last for a long time.

I love this park! Plenty of tent and RV sites. 4 yurts available in nice wooded area. Lake beach passes included in price (when not under Covid restrictions). Boat rentals. Plenty clean bathrooms and hot showers. Wood, ice and soda machines available. IT’s my favorite go-to campground!

Campground Review - 

We pulled into this campground the long way!  We followed dirt roads through hollers and through cow pastures, passing turkey's and all kinds of creatures along the way!  We learned upon arrival - there is a much easier trek between Floyd VA and Fairy Stone - note to self!  

We started at the camp office and met the kind camp workers.  They were friendly and helped explain the layout and set up of Fairy Stone Park.  About a year ago, this park became half first come first served and half reservation only.  Each site has a yellow or red tag on it - the yellow tags have to be reserved by site number.  The red tags can be walk up sites.  

We met Ron, the camp host immediately.  He was making his way around campsites in his golf cart - as friendly as can be!  The rangers said he was the best camp host they ever had - and they were right!  He was wonderful, kind and helpful.  

We learned about the mysterious "Fairy Stones" and went to the hunt site to see for ourselves.  Sure enough - we found several fairy stones and the kids were very happy!  We came back to the visitor center and learned about the different types of fairy stones and how they form.  There is also a very cool bee hive at the visitor center - check it out!  

We camped at site #5 this time - at the top of the hill because the sky was rather ominous.  We had a bit of daylight and decided NOT to set up because the sky looked looming.  We picked our site though and then hung out at a shelter near the yurts.  The shelter was fantastic!  It was dry and the kids could play games and we cooked dinner and the dog hung out while we waited for the thunderstorm to pass.  Afterwards, we trekked back across the park to the campground and pitched our tent and uncovered our firepit and had a campfire!  

It poured - for hours - but our site stayed dry for the most part.  The tent pads at this campground are excellent and drain well - making that possible!  The fire flies were happy during one of the rain breaks - and the kids were happy in the tent with a light up balloon I found in our camping box!  (Hooray!!  Score one for the adults!) We had a great night sleep listening to the patter of rain on our tent and woke up to beautiful blue sky the next morning.

We went swimming down at the beach in the morning - $3 per person, but free for campers - just bring your pass!  There were beach volleyball courts - a kids water area and a free swimming water area open while we were there.  There was also a diving board off in some deep water - but that was not open this time. 

We would definitely be back to this site - but I recommend stronger bug spray.  We all left with more bites that we usually do camping!  

Side note:  There is an equestrian camp just outside the park gates - see pictures below! 

Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to review items.  I got to review Stream2Sea sunscreen while we were at Fairy Stone State Park.  https://stream2sea.com/ Stream2Sea is a mineral sunscreen that is reef safe and does not contain oxybenzone.  We have been using mineral sunscreen for several years and truly prefer it.  There is such a difference when you put it on your skin and you don't feel slimy!  On the other hand - if you use to much, you end up looking like a ghost, or slightly purple! 

We used just a small amount and rubbed it in really well.  Even the bottle is ecofriendly - made from sugar cane instead of plastic!  We were big fans of the company - really supporting what they stand for and glad to help a company that is trying to help protect the environment.  

After a couple hours of beach play - we had no burned faces and only exhausted children to pack into the car.  I am a big fan of the suncreen and love what the company stands for!

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 they also have cable TV so that was nice to have the extras while camping we camped there for four days and it was very nice the people are extremely nice

This KOA is located in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge close to Galax, home of the annual Fiddlers Convention. The site has several lots with private dog runs where your pooch can have space to stretch their legs while you enjoy the beauty of the facilities.

The pool is well maintained and is adjacent to a spring fed mining sluse where for a small fee you can pan for gold and other precious gems.The only down side is the steep access road to the back in campsites.

While overall our stay here was okay, we were not in love with this campground. The mosquitos were really bad despite using tons of bug spray and candles. There was no privacy at all. The campground was noisy at night, lots of parties going on. Our next door neighbors snored extremely loudly all night and they were so close we go no sleep at all until they left. The campground is pretty big so you have to drive to get fire wood. Our campsite backed up to the main road into the campground so there were cars driving by the whole time. It was mostly too hot to hike too much so we spent most of the time exploring nearby Blacksburg to avoid the mosquitos at the campsite. The lake is beautiful but it was closed because of COVID so we couldn't swim.

The campsites are pretty typical of Virginia State Parks and were great with plenty of space and nice flat area to put the tent. Picnic table, fire ring, etc. Very friendly and helpful Rangers here as well.

We love this area of Virginia so I would be willing to give it another chance in the spring or fall when it is cooler, less buggy, and less crowded. Lots of fun stuff to do nearby!

Campground Review: Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin, VA

Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin, VAhttp://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/claytor-lake#general_information

A beautiful and well situated waterfront State Park 2.7 miles from I-81. Claytor Lake SP basically inhabits a peninsula that juts out into the meandering Claytor Lake. A free public boat landing splits off to the right at the park entrance…where power boaters gain their access for fishing, water sport activities or relaxing.

Claytor Lake State Park sprawls out in every direction, with four RV/camper/tent campground loops A, B, C, and D loops (A was closed during our visit in early May). B loop also has four new Yurt rentals with functional wraparound decks (one handicap accessible). Each loop has a bathhouse, and each site has water/electric. C and D loops offer little to no site to site privacy, and loops A and B sites are wooded and angled to afford a scant more privacy.

Cabin rentals are available along the lake in a more separate area, as if the designated swimming and marina areas. Some sites are reservable online and brightly marked as such, others are self-pay. Prices seem high to me ($36.59 water/electric sites)and out-of-staters get dinged with an even higher rate ($41.86).

Want to use the State Park simply to hike the trails?…$5 parking fee for residents and $7 for non-residents. State Park Launch/Park $7 and $9 respectively. I realize parks are always underfunded and need to offset the deficit, but I don’t appreciate singing out-of-staters with a higher fee. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wGgIqZOH2Ps

Each loop has its own host and each cares for the loop’s grounds and bathhouse with meticulous care.

There are a fair amount of trails in the park (roughly 5 miles worth). Trails are wide and seemingly cleared of leaves…new trail signage and tree placards abound, as new benches strategically located near lake views. Signage also admonishes against use of nonmarked or unauthorized trail blazing…as well as no random swimming or cliff jumping. The big plus…you can MTB the trails! I did not inquire, but some signage lends itself to the idea a local Boy Scout troop maintains part of the trail, as Scout signage exists. There was also evidence a local 5K run takes place on the trails.

The beach and boat area are nicely distanced from the RV/Camper/tent campsites.

Lake views are serene. Homes dot the opposite banks, but most are so nicely manicured you wistfully gaze dreaming of owning one. My particular favorite rests upon a high, sheer rocky cliff.

Weekdays early May saw minimal campers.

A very nice, well-maintained State Park worth visiting!

Product Review: Renogy Solar Backpack

Renogy Solar Backpack https://www.renogy.com/

As a review ranger for TheDyrt.com, the Renogy Solar Backpack https://www.renogy.com/renogy-solar-backpack/ was provided by Renogy for testing and review.

Dimensions: 18.1”h x 11.8”w x 5.9”d

Capacity: 20 liter

Weight: 2.2 lbs.

Solar Panel Dimensions: 11.3”x9.7”

The Integrated solar panel has one USB port.

The solar panel module converts solar power into DC power…utilizing an electrical management system with a stable 5V DC output.

User Guide solar panel specifications place maximum rate of power at 5.6W and maximum current output at 1.2A.

Interestingly, instructions warn of using the solar panel “when relative humidity is higher than 80%…” Not too encouraging for here in SWFL. We’ll see if and how it’s affected.

Both materials and construction of the backpack look and feel high quality. Stitching is even and clean.

Fabric is a medium weight packcloth with a blue denim-like coloration, giving it a classy urban appearance.

Interior seams are banded and sewn, preventing fabric fraying or snagging and increasing durability.

Exterior zippers have double-sided closure fabric, minimizing water penetration.

While I would classify this on the lighter side of a daypack, it is loaded with pockets and hidden zippered sleeves. Though it does have dual “zipper-expandable” water bottle pockets on each side…I believe this fits more into an urban backpack style. It’s so sharp, I don’t want to soil it’s sophisticated look.

But who am I to limit how someone may choose to use this wonderfully clever backpack.

Shoulder straps are 2.5” wide and possess an “anatomical curve.” The padding is rather thin. Strap webbing is stout and buckles are bar-tacked for strength. The padded lower lumber region contains a clever “hidden” zippered pocket. A similar padded area like the lumbar pad tops the upper shoulder area but does not have the hidden zippered pocket. Much to my dismay, no waist-belt or sternum strap are offered. When wearing a nylon rain jacket during downpours, I did get frustrated with shoulder straps that wanted to slide off my shoulders…a problem that a sternum strap would eliminate. To be fair, if the outer rainshell was a different texture or material, shoulder straps may not have been prone to slide.

A cavernous zippered padded computer sleeve is located on the wearer’s back-panel right side…the full height and width of the backpack. My 17” Toshiba laptop slid right in.

The outermost pocket zips entirely off and reverses which exposes the integrated 5W solar panel. A center zipper reveals a myriad of interior pockets, some designed for the charging devices (marked by device icons) and others for writing utensils and smaller personal items in three mesh pockets. The iPad sized pocket is thinly padded. A snap hangs from webbing for your keys.

The main body of the pack has a 3/4 zipper and offers one large pocket to separate from the rest of the main compartment. This area offers roughly 4” of depth to store belongings.

Solar panel:

Follow directions and remove the thin clear protective sheet on the solar panel grid.

Full exposure to direct sunlight is imperative to assist in charging. I found this Renogy Solar Bsckpack at 5.6W is obviously a much slower charge than their 10W Portable Folding Solar Panel.

Through automotive glass I experienced a reading of a charge but the mobile device never gained a percentage. In direct sunlight, while using my iPhone 7, I saw a 1% gain every four minutes. USB ports feel loose or sloppy in their connectivity, which I’m certain affects charging…this is the OEM iPhone7 charging cord, my Verizon work phone’s OEM cord and an aftermarket cord.

If using the Renogy Solar Backpack for light hiking purposes, care must be given not to damage the solar panel screen, from outside abuse if left exposed or from packed items if zipped facing the pack interior. Sharp or pointed objects can perforate the panel. If this were to occur, Renogy claims this will not render the solar panel inoperable but be assured it will reduce charging capabilities.

Initially, I was concerned about the water repellency of the fabric and zippers…but after being caught in several West Virginia downpours, both performed admirably. No water penetrated. However, I would highly recommend picking up a rain cover if you truly want to hike with the Renogy Solar Backpack.

Final Thoughts

Personally, I really like the Renogy Solar Backpack. Though it may not see much of the backcountry, it accompanies me, daily, in my work truck and short treks into the woods. It’s overall functionality far outweighs any negatives I have mentioned, keeps my job site paperwork nicely organized and keeps my handheld devices charged and operational. Not to mention it’s good looks!

I went back and forth on whether I should give this rating two stars or three. In the end, I chose three stars because the mountain itself is so amazing. Geologically this was great place to visit and the trails were well marked and maintained. Beautiful hike. The campground was beautiful but the facilities were run down and dirty. It had, by far, the nastiest park/campground facilities I’ve seen in Kentucky, North Carolina or Virginia this year. I know this park is mobbed on the weekends, but I checked in on a Tuesday and stayed for two nights. The facilities, including the campground bathhouse and the park’s “comfort stations” were dirty, smelly and had bugs in them. The trash in the bathhouse was not emptied in the two days I was there. There was not a single exterior light to the bathhouse, not even something as reasonable as a motion sensor light that would be more energy efficient than a constant lighting option.
Compared to New River State Park, despite the giant Stone Mountain, this was the bottom of the barrel.

I took a 4 day Father Daughter motorcycle trip to Meadows of Dan and explored the countryside. While there, we base camped at Willville. If you’re into moto-camping, or curious about trying it, I’d highly recommend Willville. This was my daughter's first touring adventure on a motorcycle, as well as her first camping experience. I could not have imagined a better experience with Will and fellow campers. The facility is incredibly well kept. I frequently stay at state parks, and Will keeps his facility on par, if not better. This was my first stay at a motorcycle camp and all I can say is I would feel as safe as a father can, in any situation, if my daughter wanted to go there on a solo ride.

I've stayed here many times over the past few years. It's an ideal spot for base camping and exploring the area or just an over-nighter on your way somewhere. I won't mention the layout, as the other reviewers covered that accurately, just to say you won't feel crowded.  

The host, Will, is a motorcyclist and nice guy. Most evenings riders will gather on the porch to talk bikes and life - should you care to join in.  Coffee in the mornings, restaurants less than a mile away, a grocery store just down the road - this place is ideal. Will even has ice for sale and grills for use (free) under the pavilion.  It is motorcycle only, but he has limited space outside the campground proper for trailers should that be your thing.

So, if you are looking for a campground, as opposed to a spot on the side of the road, have a look.

Great motorcycle campground. Clean facilities, friendly host. Good spread of water spigots and electrical outlets if you need to charge your equipment, although electric isn't available at each spot (you can bring an extension cord if you need it for a CPAP or such). Lots of great riding in the area and only a couple of minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you ride a motorcycle and have never stayed at a motorcycle specific campground, give it a try.

Perfect places for families. We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones.

Kayaking was fun.

Our family has camped here multiple times.  Great place to stay due to clean facilities and well kept sites. The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids. Also love the trails that surround the campground.  Would definitely recommend for a camping trip.

The park is so beautiful. The sites are a little rough but easy to level your rig. The park has great trails around it, they can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain. The lake is wonderful. They were updating cabins when we were there last, they look great. The showers were clean and the bathroom was the same. The host was a nice gentleman. No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away.

Lots to do here, great trails for hiking. The campground was nice, some spots were more level than others and there wasn’t much screening between sites, but in all the setting was beautiful and the park was worth the visit. The bathhouse was clean . The hot water in the shower wasn’t that hot, but I reported it to the office in the morning and they seemed inclined to investigate.
I’d definitely stop here again.

It’s an amazing drive to this campground, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite. Most of the sites are not level and it felt very crowded. The bathrooms and showers were pretty gross and I don’t think they were cleaned the 3 days we were there. Our site was by the dump station which was in sitting black and grey water when we arrived. It had an awful smell. I contacted the camp host regarding the issue and he immediately fixed it. I was happy for that! We did enjoy some trails and bikes to the swimming area they offer. The camp store people were not very helpful. I gave these spot 3 stars simply because the campground host was so wonderful!

We took to Fairystone for the maiden voyage of our pop up camper July 4th weekend, the day after we purchased it. We were not disappointed.

Facilities were clean, campground was well laid out and accessible, check-in was smooth, and the online reservation process had zero kinks!

The programming was also amazing for our eight and four-year old boys. Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt!

Great family campout with plenty to do for our kids. They also loved the swimming area, although it was a little disappointing our reservation only earned us a one-day pass - but better planning on our part will make that part smoother when we return!

Overall, a great trip for our family!

Spending a week by the lake was one of the best experiences here. Lots of adventures to explore including hunting Fairystones, swimming, boating, fishing.

MY husband and I stayed two nights in a 1 bed efficiency CCC Cabin at Fairy Stone State Park for a short weekend away from the kids. We visited in December so it was pretty cold weather but the cabin was so cozy and comfortable! We loved having the fireplace! The cabins have a bathroom, shower, kitchen with sink, fridge, oven/stove, microwave, toaster, everything you need! They have heating and a/c as well. The cabin was built in the 1930s and is so charming! Loved everytihg about our experience here.

There is no cell service or internet/wifi at the cabins though so come prepared with something to do! We found it to be very relaxing to unplug!

We always enjoy staying at Corp campgrounds when we travel. The sites are consistently level, spacious, with reliable facilities (dumpstation,  electric service, potable water, bath house. And you can always count on a pristine body of water for camping and kayaking. The launch ramp was adjacent to the campsite and while we could have portaged our kayak to the ramp, there is an ample parking lot ramp-side. Philpott reservoir is magnificent! The camp hosts were gracious and extremely helpful in helping us determine the best route from our home. We were only there mid week and it was very quiet.