Best Campgrounds near Vesuvius, VA
The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Vesuvius, Virginia feature several established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas suitable for various camping styles. Oronoco Campground in Vesuvius provides basic tent and RV camping with primitive amenities, while nearby options include Devils Backbone Camp offering full hookups for RVs and tent sites adjacent to a popular brewery. Crabtree Falls Campground, located along the Tye River, provides tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals with easy access to hiking trails. The region encompasses both National Forest land and privately managed facilities with varying levels of development.
Roads throughout the camping areas range from paved highways to rougher Forest Service roads, with some sites requiring moderate clearance vehicles. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from spring through fall, though several remain open year-round. "The campground is butted up against Sherwood lake and a small mtn ridge range that divides West Virginia and Virginia," noted one visitor describing the peaceful setting. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation, and summer temperatures typically remain cooler in the mountains compared to surrounding valleys. Cell phone coverage is limited in more remote areas, particularly within George Washington National Forest boundaries, making advance planning essential for longer stays.
Waterfront camping locations receive particularly positive feedback from visitors to the area. Campers frequently mention the peaceful sound of flowing water as a highlight of their experience. "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night," one camper remarked about Crabtree Falls Campground. Sites along creeks and rivers tend to fill quickly during peak season. Several campgrounds feature fishing opportunities, swimming areas, and hiking trails accessible directly from camping areas. Privacy between sites varies considerably across facilities, with National Forest campgrounds generally offering more seclusion than private campgrounds. Wildlife viewing opportunities include black bears, deer, and numerous bird species, requiring proper food storage practices at all camping areas.
