Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Stuart, Virginia sits at an elevation of approximately 1,400 feet with mild spring temperatures averaging 65°F and cool autumn nights dipping into the 40s. The region features a mix of hardwood forests and open meadows ideal for camping, with most sites offering electric hookups and access to nearby hiking trails. Glamping close to Stuart, Virginia has gained popularity in recent years with several campgrounds upgrading their accommodations to include luxury tent options and yurts.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground offers a brand new 9-hole disc golf course along with hiking and mountain biking trails. "They have a brand new 9 hole disc golf course! They also have free wifi along with multiple tent camping options," notes Stafford W.
Kayaking Philpott Reservoir: Salthouse Branch Campground provides excellent water access for kayaking and fishing. According to Patrice, "Philpott reservoir is magnificent! The camp hosts were gracious and extremely helpful in helping us determine the best route from our home."
Motorcycle touring: The Blue Ridge Parkway is less than a mile from Willville Motorcycle Camp, making it an ideal base for riders. "Great motorcycle campground. Clean facilities, friendly host. Lots of great riding in the area and only a couple of minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway," shares Brian F.
Hunting for unique geology: Stone Mountain State Park offers interesting rock formations beyond fairy stones. As Charli R. mentions, "We camped at RV site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it."
What campers like
Private dog yards: Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA offers specialized amenities for pet owners. "In addition to a pet play area, there are a few sites (51, 43 & 45) with pet backyards, fenced in areas for your pet to roam and play," reports Jean C.
Clean shower facilities: Meadows Of Dan Campground maintains excellent bathrooms. "The bathrooms and showers were excellent, and a washer and dryer was available— a great bonus," notes Denis P., who also mentioned the campground's compatibility with Starlink satellite internet.
Morning coffee service: Willville Motorcycle Camp provides communal morning coffee. "Free coffee in the morning. Several restaurants nearby," writes John W., highlighting the convenience for campers who don't want to prepare their own breakfast.
Cell service availability: Different campgrounds in the area vary widely in connectivity. At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, "Internet and phone service available in some parts of the park," according to Annell N., while other campgrounds may have limited or no service.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Stuart area experiences variable weather conditions throughout camping seasons. During one stay at Fairy Stone State Park Campground, one camper reported, "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!"
Alcohol restrictions: Some public campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. At Salthouse Branch, "The police visited us bc we were drinking outside of our camper. He was very nice and explained no alcohol allowed. This is clearly stated and we were in the wrong," cautions Anne F.
Reservation policies: Campgrounds in the region have different booking systems. Kirsten J. notes, "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."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. At Salthouse Branch, one camper warned, "The roads going into the campground is very narrow and steep up and downs. My breaks were gone by the time I got to the entrance."
Tips for camping with families
Ranger programs: Pilot Mountain State Park Campground offers educational activities. Kirsten J. mentions, "We hiked to the top on the Grindstone Trail (about 2 miles) to the top and enjoyed an early morning view of the surrounding communities."
Kid-friendly hiking options: Stone Mountain State Park has trails suitable for various ages. "Stone loop mountain trail is incredible! Long and strenuous but all ages were hiking it," shares Kristi D.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. At Mayberry Campground, "You got full hookups, nice level sites, and two playgrounds. This place is full on the weekends so reserve in advance," advises Jason E.
Beach swimming: Claytor Lake State Park includes lake access for swimmers. "Lake beach passes included in price (when not under Covid restrictions). Boat rentals. Plenty clean bathrooms and hot showers," notes Michelle W.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds in the mountainous Stuart area have uneven sites. At Chantilly Farm, Don L. explains, "We stayed in a full hookup site 8 on top of a hill overlooking other areas of the park. They have sites for everyone and every type of camping! Sites are a bit small for anything over 35' but we did mange our 41' in there."
Gate closure hours: Some parks restrict nighttime access. Fletcher S. cautions about Pilot Mountain, "Also be aware that the campground entrance closes at 10 pm. You will not be able to enter or exit until the gate opens the next morning."
Luxury camping options: For those seeking upgraded glamping close to Stuart, Virginia, Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA offers various accommodation types. "Like many KOAs, this has a combination of tent sites and well-equipped RV sites, ranging from back-in to pull-through as well as cabins," reports Jean C.
Hookup availability: Pilot Mountain State Park offers electric hookups but limited additional services. "Nice campground, no electric or water at the sites. Rocky, shaded sites, with nice bathrooms and showers," reports Joe B.