Best Campgrounds near Bristol, VA

Camping near Bristol, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

• Hiking: There are amazing trails nearby. At Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park, one reviewer said, "Hiking is awesome. The kids LOVED the wild horses and the steer walking around."
• Fishing: Many campgrounds have access to rivers and lakes. A visitor at Hot Springs Campground mentioned, "The campground sits right on the French Broad River which is beautiful and wide."
• Exploring local towns: Check out nearby towns for food and shopping. One camper noted, "The little town of Hot Springs North Carolina is a charming little place with several good food choices and an excellent brewery."

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park stated, "The bathroom facilities were very clean (heated, showers, flushable toilets)."
• Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins said, "The staff are super friendly and helpful."
• Beautiful scenery: Campers love the natural beauty. One reviewer at Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway mentioned, "We got a quiet spot with no one around us."

What you should know

• Site spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Hickory Ridge Campground noted, "Sites were a little close, but peaceful and the trails made up for the close sites."
• Limited cell service: Many areas have poor cell reception. A visitor at Blue Bear Mountain Camp mentioned, "No cell service whatsoever even with a booster."
• Weather considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Roan Mountain State Park Campground shared, "There was an unseasonable cold snap when we were there in October."

Tips for camping with families

• Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and nearby hiking trails. A parent at Bear Den Family Campground said, "Kids loved the playground and there were a lot of other kids to make friends with."
• Safety around wildlife: Teach kids to respect animals. A reviewer at Hickory Ridge Campground warned, "Please respect the distance advice and don't feed them."
• Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. One camper at Hungry Mother State Park mentioned, "Lovely trails, clean facilities, the on-site host was awesome."

Tips from RVers

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground advised, "Pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites."
• Use the dump station: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Black Mountain Campground noted, "There is a dump station nearby."
• Bring extra supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Roan Mountain State Park Campground suggested, "Plan to stay and bring what you need."

Camping around Bristol, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and connect with nature.