Camping options around Lexington, Virginia range from rustic forest sites to full-service campgrounds with RV accommodations. The region sits at elevations between 900-1,200 feet in the Valley and Ridge province of the Appalachian Mountains, creating varied camping conditions throughout the year. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer highs typically reach the mid-80s with moderate humidity compared to eastern Virginia.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 3 miles from Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp, visitors can find stocked trout streams. "There is a lake and picnic grounds for day-use, along with a few hiking trails, however the day use areas are not regularly monitored; the lake is swim-at-your-own-risk, and there are no boat or fishing gear rentals," notes one visitor.
River tubing: Near Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge, the James River provides recreational water activities. "Right next to the James River for all of your fishing needs. Have a pool, splash pad, pond/lake with a slide, beach, inflatable obstacle course," reports a camper who found plenty of water-based activities.
Swimming in mountain waters: At Douthat State Park Campground, campers can enjoy a lake with sandy beach. "A lovely falls over a dam, sandy beach, picnic areas, hiking on a trail maintained by the Youth Conservation Corps, kayaking. The tents-only area is close to the little lake," writes one visitor who appreciated the combination of swimming and hiking options.
What campers like
Scenic mountain streams: At Oronoco Campground, campers frequently mention the water features. "Nice sites in a pretty open area. This area is designated as a national forest campground, but didn't have a fee or closure dates like others. Creek runs through. Pit toilet bathrooms were open when we visited in early March," notes one visitor who enjoyed the stream-side setting.
Privacy between sites: Many campers at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp appreciate the layout. "Site 36 is arguably the best site in the entire campground if you are comfortable carrying your gear a few dozen yards from the parking lot. This site has a high degree of privacy, especially from late spring to early fall when the trees have their leaves," one camper details about this specific site option.
Free camping options: At George Washington National Forest off 812, the cost savings attract many visitors. "Happened to pull up and snag this beauty. Had one other person later on drive by while I was scorching a fire, felt bad snagged it from them but hey oh well," mentions one camper who found this free site appealing but noted its popularity.
What you should know
Primitive facilities: The dispersed camping in George Washington National Forest off 812 has minimal amenities. "Nice camping spot in George Washington NF. There are multiple spots along the road - some are drive in and some require you to park and walk in. Definitely get there early to get a prime spot," advises one camper.
Variable water pressure: At Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, utilities can be inconsistent. "My water pressure was good but talking to other campers, the farther away you get from the front of the park the worse the water pressure gets. This came from a gentleman who had a site at the very back of the campground," notes a recent visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Local campgrounds require proper food storage. "Be sure to read the bear recommendations and pack up your site accordingly and you'll have a wonderful time," advises one camper at Cave Mountain Lake. The surrounding forests contain black bears, copperheads, and timber rattlesnakes, requiring awareness and proper precautions.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge offers multiple water features. "It has all the bells and whistles you'd hope for at a Jellystone. We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade," shares a family who visited with children.
Kid-friendly activities: Many lexington va campgrounds schedule regular events. "The rec staff had awesome activities planned and kept the kids entertained all week with kick ball and karaoke and shaving cream wiffle ball and dance parties," notes a visitor to Jellystone Park.
Nature exploration: Streams offer natural play areas. "Our boys loved playing in the stream and climbing the hill to get to our hammock on the site too. The lake has a beautiful view with green mountains surrounding it," shares a family who stayed at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp.
Tips from RVers
Site selection concerns: At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, RVers should research their options. "Call ahead about RV lengths to make sure you are booking the correct site for your size. I noticed more than a few people struggling with their units and some of this could have been avoided with proper booking," advises one RVer who observed challenges with larger vehicles.
Road conditions: Lee Hi Campground provides convenient access but can be difficult to navigate. "First, it's difficult to find and difficult to call for directions if the one clerk in the truck stop office is busy, which is most of the time. Yes, it is full hookup and many sites are pull through," notes one RVer who found the location convenient but challenging.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds near Lexington have partial hookups. At Otter Creek Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway, RVers will find "no showers but there are comfort stations. The rv and tent pads are older cement and not as level," according to one visitor who noted the more primitive nature of this campground.
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