The Tazewell area sits within Virginia's rugged Appalachian plateau, characterized by elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 feet. Campgrounds in this region follow the contours of river valleys and mountain ridges, with late spring through early fall offering the most moderate temperatures. Winter camping remains available at several RV parks near Tazewell, Virginia, though seasonal road closures may affect access to more remote locations.
What to do
Trail exploration: 57 miles of rail trails for hiking and biking near Fries New RiverTrail RV Park. "The start of the trail is less than 1/2 mile from the campground and travels along the New River for miles. It is also possible to reach Galax by bike along a spur - about 11 miles from the campground," according to one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Stock up on tackle at local shops before trying your luck in the New River watershed. "The New River runs through the town adding to the scenic-ness of the town," notes a camper. Multiple streams and creeks offer additional fishing spots throughout the region.
ATV adventures: Direct trail access from some campgrounds to the Hatfield McCoy trail system. A visitor at Hilltop Escape LLC reported, "This is it! Trails are literally out your front door. Popular place to stay yet not crowded. Don't be fooled by other places claiming to be right on the trails."
Creek floating: Cool off during hot summer days. "Host was very accommodating and had inner tubes for floating in the stream," mentioned one camper about their experience at a local creek-side campground. Water temperatures remain refreshing even during July and August.
What campers like
Small town charm: Proximity to local festivals and events within walking distance from campsites. "Thursday evenings, the community center hosts a jam session - check it out!" suggested one visitor to Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, highlighting the area's musical heritage.
Mountain scenery: Panoramic views from elevated campsites. "Beautiful with large campsites and fantastic scenery," noted a visitor about Pipestem RV Park & Campground. The surrounding mountains create natural privacy between many camping areas.
Creek-side sites: Relaxing water sounds day and night at many area campgrounds. "This campground is small and no bathrooms, but it is directly on the Creeper so that makes up for it! Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town," shared a camper at Laurel Creek RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening bird watching opportunities. "I'm under a weeping willow. Birds chirping, blue jays, cardinals, tiny bright yellow birds & a squirrel," described one nature enthusiast during their stay at a local campground.
What you should know
Internet connectivity: Variable by location with better service on ridgetops. "Great wifi and cable hookups," mentioned a visitor to Fries New RiverTrail RV Park, though valley locations typically experience more limited cellular coverage.
Site spacing: Private campgrounds vary in density and privacy levels. "Like a lot of private RV parks, the sites tend to be very close to each other," shared one camper about Brushcreek Falls RV Resort. Request specific site numbers when making reservations if space is a priority.
Road conditions: Narrow mountain roads require careful navigation for larger rigs. "We didn't have a lot of issues getting here but it is quite mountainous," noted a visitor about driving conditions in the region.
Weather variability: Prepare for rapid changes especially during spring and fall. "This Wknd trip was a washout in rain but there were moments where we had a reprieve from rain and had nice weather," reported a camper at Pipestem RV Park & Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature pools for family swimming. "The pool was wonderful. Has everything you need... playgrounds, multiple laundry rooms, putt putt, store, restrooms..." shared a visitor to Brushcreek Falls RV Resort.
Playground facilities: Check availability before booking as not all campgrounds include play areas. "We had plenty of room to park our RV and there was a very nice new swingset nearby," noted a camper who appreciated the family-friendly amenities at one resort.
Recreational rentals: Some parks offer equipment like inner tubes, kayaks, and bikes. "Kayak and bike drop offs are available at the gas station. (About 2 miles down.)" mentioned a visitor about convenient options near Fries New RiverTrail RV Park.
Wildlife awareness: Food storage guidelines protect both campers and local animals. "The racoons at night have a schedule of getty any foods left out. Putting everything away is a must," warned a camper at Lake Ridge RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Reserve early as these premium spots book quickly during peak season. "Great campground. Quiet, well spaced, nice roads for biking. We enjoyed lots of the amenities, including the horseback riding, nature center and giant water inflatables," reported an RVer with a 37-foot travel trailer at Pipestem RV Park & Campground.
Leveling requirements: Bring blocks for additional stabilization at some campgrounds. "Our site was level. The pool was wonderful," noted one RVer who appreciated the convenient setup at their campsite.
Site layout considerations: Understand door orientation when booking. "Each site is a pull-thru and is in the form of a crescent, so everyone's door faces the stream," explained a visitor to a riverside RV park, highlighting the thoughtful design that maximizes views.
Supply availability: Stock up in larger towns before arriving at remote campgrounds. "Supplies slim in Fries area. CVS/Dollar General," mentioned one RVer about the limited shopping options in smaller communities surrounding Tazewell.
