Best Campgrounds near Thaxton, VA

Campgrounds near Thaxton, Virginia cluster along the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding national forest lands, offering a mix of established sites and more rustic options. Peaks of Otter Campground, located at Milepost 85.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with amenities like drinking water and fire rings. Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest features walk-in tent sites and RV spaces without hookups, while Middle Creek Campground and Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offer more developed options with full hookups and cabin rentals. North Creek Campground provides a more primitive experience for those seeking solitude.

Road conditions and seasonal availability vary significantly throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. The Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds typically open from May to late October, while some private campgrounds remain open year-round. According to one visitor at North Creek Campground, "Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature." Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many forest campgrounds, particularly those at higher elevations or in valleys. Travelers should check current conditions before arrival, as mountain weather can change rapidly and affect accessibility, especially during winter months.

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and peaceful settings of the area's campgrounds. Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp receives high marks for its creek-side sites and wooded privacy. "This is hands-down my favorite campground in Virginia," noted one reviewer, highlighting the "feeling of peace and wilderness that can be hard to find in front country camping." Breeden Bottom Campground, described as a "hidden gem" by visitors, offers spacious sites with river access. While some campgrounds like Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA provide amenities such as pools, game rooms, and playgrounds, others like North Creek focus on simplicity and natural surroundings. Highway noise affects some locations, particularly those near Interstate 81, so campers seeking quiet should consider more remote options within the national forest.

Best Camping Sites Near Thaxton, Virginia (98)

    1. Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    23 Reviews
    Thaxton, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 586-7321

    $30 / night

    "Picked for price

    Quiet

    Enjoyed Blueridge parkway

    NIce retreat in SW Virginia"

    "It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill."

    2. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $20 - $40 / night

    "These sites are slightly more rugged, and best for smaller tents; site 35 however is both large, flat, and private, and is next to the trailhead to one of the campground's hiking trails."

    "Site was spacious and pleasantly situated for our 17' travel trailer. Clean bathrooms and shower."

    3. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Penhook, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 297-6066

    $20 - $40 / night

    "This is a well maintained area with access to several hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The lake is beautiful and my entire family enjoyed our time!"

    "Stopping at Smith Mountain lake was well worth it during my mini road trip through VA. Pros: huge lake with tons of outdoor activities (trails for running/walking, boating activities, kayaking)."

    4. Middle Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    12 miles
    Website

    $20 - $85 / night

    "It was early season, mid- may, so there were few other campers around. We took a site up their gravel road away from the main campground area."

    "They mostly lazed around all weekend and watched people coming and going. The RV sites are directly across from the camp store, but the tent sites were tucked back into the woods."

    5. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "

    "Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."

    6. North Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    13 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature."

    "The gravel road going around the tent loop was really loud, and there was a cabin behind our site that had a lot of activity and noise for awhile, but all was quiet after 10p."

    7. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    16 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2727

    $39 - $241 / night

    "Right next to the James River for all of your fishing needs. Have a pool, splash pad, pond/lake with a slide, beach, inflatable obstacle course, have an arcade room, and 2 additional water slides."

    "Lots of stuff for kids, very close to river for tubing, reservation system in place because of Covid prevention guideline for swimming which worked out really well for kids... not many activities due to"

    8. Don's Cab-Inns Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hardy, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 427-1800

    $25 - $100 / night

    "First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)."

    "The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling. Also, an outlet to charge your phone."

    9. Breeden Bottom Campground

    4 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 261-7334

    $40 - $70 / night

    "Our site had a little path right to the river. Very very spacious campsites. Awesome trees in site 5 for hammocks. Probably my favorite campsite in Virginia now."

    "This site was in a great location and right on the crystal clear water. The train was loud at times, but we knew that would happen when we booked the site, so no surprises there."

    10. Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5125

    $30 / night

    "Great all around virginia campsite"

    "Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance."

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Recent Reviews near Thaxton, VA

570 Reviews of 98 Thaxton Campgrounds



Guide to Thaxton

Camping near Thaxton, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers at Peaks Of Otter Campground rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer stating, "Peaks of Otter is a Blue Ridge Parkway must see. The campground sits at the foot of the iconic Sharp Top mountain but there is hiking galore here."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at local lakes. A visitor at Smith Mountain Campground mentioned, "Great fishing pond and close to Smith Mountain Lake for fishing/boating."
  • Swimming: Take a dip in the pool or nearby lakes. Campers at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge enjoyed the pool and lake, saying, "The pool and lake looked fun and the bathrooms were nice."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer from Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA said, "Park is fantastic, best I’ve ever seen for cleanliness and friendly staff."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. One visitor at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground noted, "The staff ride around checking on folks and answering questions."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp highlighted, "Quiet campground with well spaced campsites."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Dixie Caverns mentioned, "You will see broken equipment on campground," and noted the constant highway noise.
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A visitor at Oronoco Campground pointed out, "There were some outhouses, but they were locked, presumably for the winter season."
  • Bear activity: Some areas have bear warnings. A camper at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp shared, "The one negative about this campground is it has a bear issue."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. A family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge enjoyed, "During the summer months they have activities 7 days a week from 9a-9p."
  • Safety: Choose campgrounds with good visibility and friendly staff. A camper at Otter Creek Campground felt safe, saying, "Stayed in tent sites…single woman..felt safe."
  • Space for play: Look for campgrounds with open areas for kids to run around. A visitor at Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA mentioned, "The layout is weird but most sites are pull through."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA noted, "I can only speak to the site we are in (91) but it was a breeze to pull in our 30-foot trailer."
  • Wi-Fi availability: Some campgrounds have limited internet access. A visitor at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The WiFi is good enough to Google or post this, but no streaming."
  • Dump station access: Ensure the campground has a dump station. A reviewer at Dixie Caverns appreciated the facilities, saying, "Easy access from the interstate; felt safe; no problems with electrical/water/sewer."

Camping near Thaxton, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Thaxton, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Thaxton, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 98 campgrounds and RV parks near Thaxton, VA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Thaxton, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thaxton, VA is Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thaxton, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Thaxton, VA.

What parks are near Thaxton, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Thaxton, VA that allow camping, notably Philpott Lake and George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.