Glamping options near Arrington, Virginia range from rustic tent sites to waterfront luxury cabins with full hookups. Situated at elevations between 600-1,500 feet, the region experiences moderate mountain climate with warm summers and cold winters. Rainfall averages 43 inches annually, creating lush forest conditions and seasonal water features that affect campsite selection.
What to do
Hiking varied terrain: Access trails directly from Otter Creek Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway. "The Otter Creek Trail was challenging but definitely doable. Highly recommended for outdoor youth groups that want to unplug and get back to basics," notes Chris S. Trail difficulty ranges from easy lakeside paths to moderate elevation changes.
Swimming in natural settings: Stoney Creek Resort offers a mountain lake for swimming without the crowds of state parks. "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," writes Steven S. Swimming areas typically open May through September with varying hours.
Fishing without licenses: Special fishing areas at some resorts allow license-free fishing. "You can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch, we enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay, and from what I saw, anybody with a hook can catch one," reports Adrian K. about the stocked ponds at Montebello Resort.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Crabtree Falls Campground provides tent sites with natural separation. "The sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night," says Britt S. Most riverside sites have trees or natural barriers creating semi-private camping areas.
Water features at campsites: Waterfront glamping sites provide constant natural soundscapes. "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy. Beautiful area for hiking, lots leading off of the AT," shares Heather L. Water proximity ranges from direct access to short walks from your tent or cabin.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive regular attention at most campgrounds. "The bathhouse was well maintained and super clean," notes Emily R. about Crabtree Falls facilities. Shower availability varies by campground, with some offering full bathhouses while others provide basic vault toilets.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most mountain campgrounds have spotty or no coverage. "There is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive," warns Quinn G. from Montebello Resort. WiFi availability limited to camp stores or specific zones at larger resorts.
Variable site conditions: Tent pads and RV sites often need leveling. "Bring leveling supplies! Some sites are reservable, some are not," advises Marcy S. about Holliday Lake. Many campgrounds have gravel pads requiring additional equipment for comfortable setup.
Seasonal operation: Park facilities change significantly based on time of year. "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway," notes Bridget H. about Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, which operates while many state parks close for winter. Shoulder season camping (April-May, September-October) typically offers better site availability.
Tips for camping with families
Glamping activities for kids: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley offers structured recreation programs. "There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Gold cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments," reports Evelyn T. Activities typically run weekends during peak season, with fewer options mid-week.
Safety around water features: Monitor children near natural water attractions. "I'm glad we had the beautiful view of the lake while camping, but didn't have to stress about the kids getting in the water the whole time," writes Katie M. at Bear Creek Lake State Park. Most waterfront sites lack barriers between camping areas and water.
Playground alternatives: When hiking feels too strenuous, look for built play structures. "There's also a huge playground with volleyball and basket ball court near the pavilion. Along with a small arcade room and a huge fire pit ring to hang out at," mentions Evelyn T. Playground equipment varies widely in quality and maintenance across campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Access road cautions: Mountain roads can challenge larger rigs. "VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway," advises Quinn G. about routes to Montebello Resort. Alternative approaches often add driving time but reduce stress on vehicles.
Site selection for RVs: Walnut Hills Campground accommodates various RV types. "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," explains Laure D. Many campgrounds limit RV length to 35 feet, including tow vehicle.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites remain limited in mountain areas. "Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck. Not all sites have full hookup," notes Laure D. Electric amperage varies between 30-50 amp service, with 50 amp connections less common at older campgrounds.
