RV sites near Willis, Virginia provide easy access to mountain recreation in the Blue Ridge region. The area features numerous campgrounds along creeks and rivers with seasonal conditions varying significantly between spring floods and drier summer months. Most campgrounds are situated at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures compared to nearby cities.
What to do
Creeper Trail access: At Laurel Creek RV Park, visitors can directly access the Virginia Creeper Trail for cycling. "This campground is small and no bathrooms, but it is directly on the Creeper so that makes up for it! Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer creek-side camping with fishing access. "We had a lovely experience during our stay in our Class C RV. Wayne the owner operator was the sweetest gentleman. Spot was level with full hookups. Laundry & Propane. Pond to fish," reports a visitor about Grandview Ranch RV Park.
Historical mining tour: The exhibition coal mine at Portal 31 RV Park offers educational opportunities. "This small park is located across the street from an exhibition coal mine, portal 31. It is in the former train depots former switch yard. If you want to see the history of coal production in southeast Kentucky, this is the place."
What campers like
Riverside locations: Multiple campers highlight the waterfront locations available at many sites. "Very beautiful place!! Our campsite was on the bank of the river with a fire pit and very level soft ground," writes one reviewer about Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground.
Community facilities: Many parks offer shared spaces for socializing. "At the entrance, there is an amazing covered shelter with picnic tables, rocking chairs and grills. The park is well manicured with flowers and trees - and, make sure you search for the tree gnomes (carved into the trees)," notes a visitor at Jessie Lea.
Walking trails: Connected greenways provide additional recreation. "There's a great walking trail that runs right by," mentions one camper about the trail near Jessie Lea RV Park, while another adds, "They even have a draw bridge to walk across the powell river to access the Big Stone Gap town's walking trail."
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. "The camp on the west side is Dangerous to drive up in a motorhome. I personally drove my 36' up the most curvy incline I wouldn't recommend anyone to give this a second thought if your not a seasoned driver," cautions a visitor at Rocky Top Campground.
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary significantly between parks. "Gave it 4 stars because no bathrooms/showers," mentions one camper about Laurel Creek RV Park, while another notes about Jessie Lea, "The bath house was clean and decorated very nice. Looks like it has been freshly painted."
Flood risks: Low-lying campgrounds may face periodic flooding. One visitor noted, "We didn't realize that this place had pretty much washed away in the flood that hit in September of 2024, but they'd been working hard to get it back up and going again!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "This campground has been transformed into a beautiful place to get away from it all! River front sites, pull thru sites and tent sites. New playground for the kids!" notes a visitor at River Country Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to observe local animals. "I'm under a weeping willow. Birds chirping, blue jays, cardinals, tiny bright yellow birds & a squirrel," shares one camper about their experience.
Educational trips: Local museums provide learning opportunities. "We just got back yesterday 12/28/2021. We stayed 5 nights through Christmas and it was absolutely wonderful. We visited the local museums and walked the green belt. The green belt is next to the camp ground within walking distance."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose campsites based on RV size and specific needs. "The sites up on the ridge are probably sized only for tents and Class B units; many are sloped," advises one camper, while another mentions, "Plenty of pull through sites. Grass between each site."
WiFi availability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Campground sites are a bit close together but it is well maintained and has friendly staff. Wifi works well," notes a visitor at Lakeview RV Resort.
Supplies planning: Some rural locations have limited services. "About half a mile from a nice little gas station and a KFC as well, which is nice for ice trips or chicken runs," mentions one camper about Jessie Lea RV Park location.