The Sugar Grove area of southwestern Virginia offers high-elevation camping opportunities at approximately 2,500 feet, with temperatures often 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby lowland areas. The region sits within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, where numerous creeks and streams wind through dense hemlock and oak forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F while fall nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Access points near Grindstone Recreation Area connect to extensive trail networks. "There is a .6 mile trail nearby (Whispering Waters Trail) which is good for beginners & small kids. There is another trail, Mt. Rogers which is longer (7 miles) from the campsite. That one should be good for more seasoned hikers," notes Robert R.
Wildlife viewing: The mountain highlands host unique fauna including wild ponies. At Hickory Ridge Campground, "Great hikes close by with sweet wild ponies that let you get close for pictures," according to Julianne S. Deer sightings are common throughout the area.
Trout fishing: Creek-side sites at Hurricane Campground provide direct access to stocked waters. Jean C. reports, "This is a beautiful campground located alongside a stream with trout fishing. Site#2 in particular is susceptible to flash flooding, but if the forecast is for dry weather, it would be hard to beat this site."
Cycling the Virginia Creeper Trail: A 34-mile rail-to-trail route accessible from several area campgrounds. "AT, Virginia Creeper, White Top Mountain and Mount Rogers all near by. Make this trip twice a year would add a third if time allowed," shares Jeff D. about his stays at Grindstone.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Many glamping sites near Sugar Grove feature significant privacy. At Hurricane Campground, "Sites are large and wooded and first come, first serve. Bathroom facilities include vault toilets as well as flush toilets with showers," according to Jean C.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds throughout the region maintain high standards. At Camp Burson, "Our site was clean and quiet. Close to the bathhouse. The full hookups are just so far from the main park," notes Rosa S.
Cool mountain temperatures: The elevation provides natural climate control during summer months. "This campground was really well maintained and clean... The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole," reports Katrin M. about her camping experience at Hungry Mother State Park.
Diverse glamping platforms: Beyond standard tent sites, the area offers unique accommodation options. Royal Oak Campground at Hungry Mother features "tent platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff," according to Katrin M. who appreciated this elevated glamping feature.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty throughout the mountain region. At Stone Mountain State Park, Jean C. notes, "For cell phone coverage (Verizon), I had success at the viewpoint on the way up from the entrance. It was also where I watched the sunrise."
Seasonal operations: Most non-state park campgrounds close during winter months. Hurricane Campground typically operates "April 15 to October 31," with Hannah L. reporting it was "Closed as of January 25, 2021."
Flash flood potential: Some creek-side sites can experience rapid water rises. Justin F. at Hurricane Campground cautions: "Despite the 3 days of constant rain, we made the best of it and enjoyed the hell out of our stay!"
Road access considerations: Some glamping sites in Sugar Grove require driving on unpaved roads. Robin K. warns about Hurricane Campground: "I wish I had known that the best route into the campground is 16 to 650. Instead, I took 650 from the north west, which turns out to be a 4 mile stretch of gravel road - which my little car had a rough time handling."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: The area offers natural history learning experiences. At Hungry Mother State Park, Dave V. mentions, "The Visitor's Center is on the left after the first campground (Camp Burson) and across the roadway from the reservoir and beach area."
Kid-friendly recreation: Wytheville KOA offers structured activities for children. "This campground is terrific! all the facilities are extremely well kept and clean, the store has lots of necessities and some fun souvenirs. our kids loved the arcade, the wagon and train rides around the campground, the craft time, pool and the fishing!" shares Lisa T.
Swimming options: Several area lakes and streams provide cooling opportunities. At Stone Mountain State Park, Kristi D. notes, "Homestead was so neat to walk around at the base of the mountain. Only negative is there showers."
Open play areas: Some campgrounds feature gathering spaces for children. At Hickory Ridge, Stephanie J. explains, "Sites 31 and 32 are on a meadow the campsite loops around; they have no privacy and little shade, but ample room for kids to run around, and there is a set of swings near these sites."
Tips from RVers
Camp Burson suitability: This campground section at Hungry Mother State Park accommodates larger vehicles. "The Burston Campground has the largest sites and offers some full hook-up sites and water and electric sites (50 amp) with pull thrus and back-ins. Sites are level and can fit big rigs but the only problem we had were that some of the trees need to be trimmed back and scratched the upper sides of our coach," writes Nancy W.
Seasonal flexibility: Many RVers find spring and fall visits provide optimal conditions. At New River State Park in nearby North Carolina, Charles R. reports, "The campground was very nice and well kept the camp host was awesome and helped me get our wildwood in the spot just right. It's a beautiful quiet campground, just what we needed on our maiden trip."
Dump station availability: Jeff T. notes at Hungry Mother State Park: "There are 3 campgrounds in Hungry Mother SP. Camp Burson is the easiest to get to and the one we stayed at. Creekside and Royal Oak campgrounds are further into the park up a windy narrow road."
