Camping near Vesuvius, Virginia offers a diverse range of accommodations nestled within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations between 800-1,500 feet. This area experiences distinct seasons with colorful fall foliage from mid-October through early November, while summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with moderate humidity. Winter camping options remain available at several locations, though facilities may be limited during the coldest months.
What to do
Trout fishing: $6 per pound at Montebello Resort, where the stocked pond makes fishing accessible for all skill levels. "The trout pond is not what they make it out to be on the website. It's a very small pond with zero shade at the entrance of the resort. It is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound," explains a camper.
Hiking to waterfalls: 0.5 miles from Crabtree Falls Campground, with the trailhead located just up the road. "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 a visitor who found the natural setting perfect for disconnecting.
Stream exploration: Multiple access points along the Tye River provide shallow wading areas ideal for cooling off. "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," reports a camper who enjoyed the riverside camping experience.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer the best chances to spot local wildlife including deer and various bird species. A visitor at Otter Creek Campground mentioned, "We watched them restock the pond in the morning before the holiday weekend. We had a site on the perimeter, which was nice, backing up to the woods certainly gave us a little more privacy."
What campers like
Privacy options: Creekside sites at several campgrounds provide natural sound barriers and more seclusion. "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. Campground hosts are very friendly," shares one Crabtree Falls visitor.
Digital detox: No cell service at most locations forces a true disconnect. According to a camper at Walnut Hills Campground, "While my initial feeling was one of a run down campground, it's obvious the new owners are working to make it better. The bathhouse is nice as is the pool. The store was sparse but adequate. The lawns were kept up and looking good."
Complimentary watercraft: No rental fees at select locations during summer months. "The campground provides kayaks and paddle boats as well, at no charge. We had a site on the perimeter, which was nice, as the interior sites are really on top of one another," explains a Montebello Resort visitor who appreciated the free amenities.
Trust-based campground culture: Some locations operate with an honor system for supplies. "A lot of things are bought on the trust system (pay for what you use for firewood, put store items on a tab until check out). Loved this place," recalls a Crabtree Falls camper who appreciated the relaxed atmosphere.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities: Limited capacity can be an issue during peak weekends. "The campground did have facilities that were about a quarter mile walk away from our sites; this is something to consider if you are camping with older folks or children," warns a Crabtree Falls visitor.
Site selection strategy: Corner locations offer the most privacy at most campgrounds. At Stoney Creek Resort, "Despite having so many sites, they are rather spacious. All are back in and some can be difficult due to some trees but all are manageable and they base your site on your rig size so they know their site sizes well."
Weather considerations: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months, typically between 2-5pm. "We spent five days here over Memorial Day weekend, the campsite itself is nicely wooded, has a well-supplied store with very friendly staff, a stocked trout pond, and has a nice small lake," reports a camper who experienced typical summer conditions.
Advance planning: Reserve 2-3 months ahead for premium sites during fall foliage season. "The location is awesome; close to some great hiking spots, very accessible & well laid out," notes a visitor who recommended booking early for the best glamping options in Vesuvius, Virginia.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly glamping options: Multiple tiers of accommodations suit different comfort needs. At Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley, "We recently stayed in one of the cottages. The cottage had a basic kitchen with sink, plenty of counter space, mini fridge, and some utensils and dishes. Perfect for the simple life! There were multiple picnic tables out back of the unit with a fire ring."
Safety considerations: Life jacket stations are available at waterfront campgrounds. "The campground has everything. We have spent two summers here after leaving Florida. It is clean, spacious, lots of activities for young and old, and the owners and staff go out of their way to ensure you have a great time," reports a family who appreciated the safety measures.
Evening entertainment: Campfire programs run at select locations on weekend nights. "The staff at SAFC is top notch - from Terry (T-Bone) who escorted us to our site and helped us set up (because our site was not level and it took us an hour to get our rig set up) to Chris (the camp manager)," shares a camper impressed with the family-oriented service.
Rainy day options: Game rooms and covered pavilions provide backup activities during inclement weather. "There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Gold cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments," notes a long-term visitor who found plenty for children to do regardless of weather.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring extra blocks for the older campgrounds with uneven sites. At Douthat State Park Campground, "Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles."
Hookup limitations: Water pressure varies significantly between sites and campgrounds. "The sites are okay- level, some shade- but felt like we were on top of people. The shower house needs work- no ventilation makes for a stifling shower and bathroom use," warns an RVer who found utility services inconsistent.
Access considerations: Follow recommended routes to avoid steep mountain roads. "Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive. Also FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway," advises an experienced RVer familiar with luxury glamping in Vesuvius, Virginia areas.
Site selection: Request satellite map when booking to assess tree cover and turning radius. "We stayed in a Pull Through, Full Hookup site on the hillside. It was surprisingly very level. The bathrooms & private showers were amazing & clean," reports a camper who chose their site strategically.
