The Tyro area of Virginia sits at approximately 800 feet elevation in the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, forming a natural corridor between the mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F during the day, dropping to comfortable 60s at night. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to fully equipped RV parks, with several locations offering yurt camping near Tyro, Virginia for those seeking alternative accommodations.
What to do
Hiking to waterfall views: Crabtree Falls Campground offers direct access to its namesake waterfall. According to one visitor, "Crabtree falls are beautiful but watch out for large crowds" while another notes, "The AT is also close by and easily accessed." The falls trail provides both beginner and moderate hiking options.
Fishing without licenses: At Montebello Resort, guests can fish in stocked waters without additional permits. One reviewer mentioned, "The trout pond is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound." The pond is regularly restocked, particularly before holiday weekends.
River activities: At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, campers can enjoy tubing on the James River. A camper notes, "Very close to river for tubing," making this an accessible option for cooling off. Life jackets are available free of charge for water activities.
Wildlife viewing: Near Walnut Hills Campground, visitors can experience the safari park. As one camper reports, "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." The safari park features drive-through animal exhibits.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: At Crabtree Falls Campground, campers appreciate the water-adjacent sites. One reviewer shared, "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river" and another mentioned, "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy." These riverside sites provide natural cooling and relaxation.
Complimentary water recreation: Campers at Montebello Resort enjoy the included boat rentals. A reviewer stated, "The campsite provides kayaks and paddle boats as well, at no charge." This allows guests to explore the property's lake without additional rental fees.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers at Walnut Hills Campground comment on the cleanliness. According to one visitor, "The bath houses were pristine" and another noted, "The bathhouse is nice as is the pool. The store was sparse but adequate." Regular trash collection and clean showers stand out to visitors.
Yurt accommodations: For those seeking yurt camping in Tyro, Virginia area, Douthat State Park offers these unique structures. A visitor mentioned, "This park has everything. We have spent two summers here after leaving Florida. It is clean, spacious, lots of activities for young and old." Yurt rentals provide a camping alternative with more comfort than tents.
What you should know
Off-grid reality: At Otter Creek Campground, cell service is virtually nonexistent. One camper notes, "Nearest cell signal is about ten miles up at the House Mountain Overlook." Plan to disconnect completely during your stay.
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Otter Creek Campground runs from "May 6 to October 29," while others like Douthat State Park operate "May to September." Always check schedules when planning spring or fall visits.
Bathroom facilities vary: Facility quality differs between campgrounds. One camper at Otter Creek noted, "Slightly dirty bathrooms, not sanitary, but a lot of bugs, spiderwebs etc." Consider bringing toilet paper and shower shoes as backup options.
Water availability: During peak summer months, water sources may be limited. A visitor to Montebello Resort shared, "There is one Bath House but it was a 9 out of 10 for cleanliness." Portable water containers help manage during busy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Off-season visits: Visiting during shoulder seasons can provide a more peaceful experience. One family at Shenandoah Acres commented, "We used this in the offseason as is was one of the only ones in the area that stays open for most of the year." Lower crowds mean more space for children to explore.
Activity variety: Some campgrounds offer programmed recreation for different age groups. A parent at Shenandoah Acres shared, "There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Gold cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments." These scheduled activities help keep children engaged.
Water-focused options: Lake swimming offers family-friendly recreation. A visitor to Douthat State Park mentioned, "Lovely falls over a dam, sandy beach, picnic areas, hiking on a trail maintained by the Youth Conservation Corps, kayaking." Designated swimming areas provide safer water play for children.
Budget considerations: Camping costs vary significantly. A reviewer at Otter Creek noted, "Downsides are that it is pretty pricey ($40?) and the sites by the lake are not especially private." Families should factor in activity fees beyond the base camping rate.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Natural Bridge KOA, RVers recommend specific areas. One visitor mentioned, "We had a Pull Through, Full Hookup site on the hillside. It was surprisingly very level." Request sites away from main roads for less traffic noise.
Hookup realities: Electrical capacity varies widely between campgrounds. A camper at Natural Bridge KOA noted, "We just used this as a base for visiting Natural Bridge State Park, so it was only an overnighter." For longer stays, verify amp service matches your requirements.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. A Montebello visitor warned, "Be aware; VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway." Larger rigs should call ahead for routing recommendations.
Site spacing concerns: Proximity to neighbors varies by campground. An RVer at Walnut Hills observed, "The sites were a little tight. We were there for the local hiking so we didn't spend too much tie in the park." Consider end sites or corner locations for additional privacy.
