Vesuvius, Virginia sits in a valley between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley at approximately 720 feet elevation, with surrounding peaks reaching over 3,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with fall temperatures ranging from 35°F to 70°F, making it ideal for extended camping seasons. Nearby forest roads provide access to primitive camping areas, while established campgrounds offer a range of amenities from basic tent sites to full RV hookups.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Crabtree Falls Campground, visitors can access the waterfall trail just minutes from their campsite. "Crabtree Falls is a mile up the road and very easy to get to the trail head. The AT is also close by and easily accessed," notes Britt S. The area provides multiple trail connections for day hikes.
Fishing in mountain lakes: Sherando Lake Campground offers fishing in two separate lakes. "There are two lakes—the lower lake is the largest at 25 acres, and the upper lake is for fishing only," says Stephanie J. Anglers need appropriate Virginia fishing licenses to fish either lake.
Music and entertainment: Local campgrounds often host weekend performances during summer months. "There is a pavilion with tables. There is a playground that is very nice! They offer entertainment on weekends and some other times of the year," explains Sara L. from Glen Maury Park.
Swimming in natural settings: Several area campgrounds maintain swimming areas for summer use. According to a camper at Stoney Creek Resort, there's a "great swimming lake. Family friendly," providing cool relief during hot summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
What campers like
Creek-side camping spots: At Oronoco Campground, free dispersed sites sit along small waterways. "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. These primitive sites lack amenities but provide natural settings.
Brewery access: Devils Backbone Camp offers a unique camping experience with brewery facilities a short walk from campsites. "A short walk through the tent area brought you to the large brewery area. This area includes a brewpub, large outdoor seating area with fire pits and an outdoor stage," notes Steve V. This provides entertainment options without driving.
Quiet weekday opportunities: Many campgrounds near Vesuvius experience heavy weekend traffic but remain peaceful midweek. "Coming in the middle of the week is the best time if you like to have peace and quiet and the place all to yourself," advises Katie M. about Sherando Lake.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses at established campgrounds. "The bathhouse was close and clean with laundry and dump site next to it. They pick up trash each morning and have propane refill, if needed," reports DK S. from Walnut Hills Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Some rv sites near Vesuvius, Virginia operate on limited schedules. Thousand Trails Lynchburg is "only open from May to October each year so be sure to check that out before just showing up," warns Bran P. Always verify operating dates before planning your trip.
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "Each site has its own food locker which is really important because bears actually frequent the area. A young bear was repeatedly visiting site A9," shares Lisa M. from Sherando Lake.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. At Stoney Creek Resort, "Verizon service works pretty well. Could be slow at times," reports Sammii D. Many forest campgrounds have no service at all—"No cell service for AT&T or T-mobile" at Oronoco Campground.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. Connor S. notes about Oronoco Campground: "Easy access for small vehicles, backed my sedan into the site," though larger RVs may struggle on forest roads with limited turning radius.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with children, look for sites near play equipment. "They have a pretty big lake available for fishing and swimming (in season) too. Despite having so many sites, they are rather spacious... If you have young kiddos, the C loop is closest to the playground," advises Sammii D. about Stoney Creek Resort.
Shallow water options: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley provides swimming facilities suitable for various ages. "They rent golf carts which is great because the place is huge. There is also a very small fishing pond in the campground," notes Emilia F., making it easier for families to navigate larger properties.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular programming for younger guests. "There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Gold cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments," shares Evelyn T. These scheduled events help entertain children during longer stays.
Bathhouse proximity: With children, consider site location relative to facilities. Katie M. recommends: "This is our 4th year camping here and we always look forward to the trip... The site we usually get (A-13) is well situated near the bathrooms and showers. Campsite A-12 makes a great buddy site!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites near Vesuvius, Virginia have different utility configurations. At Devils Backbone Camp, "All the full hookup sites are pull thru and in an open field so limited shade. The hookups in this area were different than I have ever experienced as the hookups were shared between two sites," cautions Steve V. Checking hookup locations before arrival helps prevent issues.
Water availability: At primitive campgrounds, water access requires planning. "This campground is pretty primitive, pit toilets and nothing more," explains Crystal C. about Oronoco Campground. Bring sufficient water for your stay when visiting undeveloped sites.
Dump station conditions: Clean-out facilities vary significantly. Rick G. noted at Stoney Creek Resort: "Had a BW site booked that just didn't work out. Needed an overnight stay late on a Saturday afternoon and this CG was available." Look for campgrounds with maintenance schedules for dump stations.
Seasonal differences: The camping experience changes drastically with seasons. "We had another great trip to Sherando Lake! This year the weather was cooler than it usually is, so we got to enjoy some of the other aspects of the park since it was too cold to swim," shares Katie M., highlighting the importance of planning activities appropriate for seasonal conditions.
