Forest, Virginia camping offers access to the Blue Ridge Parkway with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,500 feet. Multiple campgrounds in the area operate seasonally with spring through fall availability, and summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F. Winter camping options remain limited with only select facilities providing year-round access.
What to do
Hiking the Blue Ridge trails: Crabtree Falls Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway's extensive trail system. "The campsites have trails that go directly to the river!" notes camper Aakansha J. Crabtree Falls itself features a challenging 1.7-mile hike with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Water activities: Multiple streams and lakes provide swimming and fishing opportunities throughout the summer months. At Sweetwater RV Park, campers enjoy easy access to Smith Mountain Lake. "The pool was great for my son and we had it to ourselves multiple days," reports Joel B. The park offers on-site water recreation with additional options at Smith Mountain Lake State Park just 10 minutes away.
Historical exploration: The area surrounding Forest contains significant historical sites within 30-45 minute drives. "Being a Veteran the highlight was visiting the D Day Museum in nearby Bedford. Very emotional," shares Linda B. about her stay at Lynchburg/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, where the Civil War effectively ended, lies 20 miles east of Forest.
What campers like
Quiet camping environments: Many Forest-area campgrounds provide peaceful settings away from highway noise. At Glen Maury Park, campers appreciate the tranquil atmosphere. "The evening/night was peaceful. Good Verizon signal to stream as well," notes Rick G. The park offers river frontage with varying levels of site privacy.
Convenient location: Forest's position grants access to multiple outdoor recreation areas within short drives. "Remote and quiet location. In season this place is very busy," reports John B. about Thousand Trails Lynchburg. The campground's proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it a practical base for day trips to multiple hiking areas.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the maintenance level of bathroom and shower facilities. "The bathhouse is nice as is the pool. The store was sparse but adequate," notes Laure D. about Walnut Hills Campground. Most established campgrounds near Forest maintain regular cleaning schedules for shared facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal availability limitations: Many campgrounds near Forest operate only from spring through fall. "Only open from May to October each year so be sure to check that out before just showing up!" warns Bran P. about Thousand Trails Lynchburg. Advanced planning becomes essential during peak leaf season in October when sites fill quickly.
Site conditions vary significantly: The terrain around Forest creates diverse camping experiences with varying levels of shade, privacy and accessibility. At Walnut Hills Campground, "The sites along the lower area near the lake were shaded mostly, some more than others, while the sites up the hill at the top and near the front entrance (pull through sites) were not shaded much."
Road quality considerations: Access roads to campgrounds sometimes present challenges, particularly after weather events. "Lots of road wash outs," notes one visitor about conditions at Thousand Trails. Sites on hillsides may require careful positioning of vehicles and campers.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas: Family-friendly rv sites near Forest, Virginia often include playgrounds and recreation facilities. At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, "It has a pool, open seasonally, a game room, and a playground. It's an old school playground but the gkids love it," shares Bridget H.
Consider seasonal activity schedules: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation during peak seasons. "They had activities every day for the kids. As well as lots of unstructured activities," reports Michael L. about Lynchburg/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA's summer programming. Activities often include organized games, craft sessions, and outdoor movie nights.
Water features for hot days: Swimming options provide essential summer cooling. "We saw bunnies and then lightening bugs. The pool was great for the kids," notes Liz F. about Thousand Trails Lynchburg. Many campgrounds maintain pools from Memorial Day through Labor Day with varying hours.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: When booking rv sites near Forest, Virginia, carefully consider your rig's specific requirements. "If you're on the left side of the road and another camper parks their truck with their camper on the other side, it totally blocks the 'lake' view," cautions Jennifer A. about site positioning at Walnut Hills. Request specific information about site dimensions before booking.
Hookup limitations: Electric service varies significantly between parks. "Limited 50 amps. Lots of road wash outs," notes one reviewer about Thousand Trails. At Explore Park, "All new facilities and only $25 a night. Electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby," reports Terry F. about the RV area.
Seasonal access limitations: Year-round RV camping options exist but with reduced amenities. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," notes Stephen D. about Don's Cab-Inns Campground. Winter campers should verify not just operational status but also which specific services remain available.
