Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park

Millrace Campground, near Foster Falls, Virginia, is a charming spot right on the banks of the New River, perfect for those who appreciate a bit of rustic camping. With its tent sites and the soothing sounds of the river at night, it offers a peaceful escape into nature.

This campground is all about simplicity, featuring picnic tables and fire rings for your campfire gatherings. Visitors have noted that the sites are clean and well-kept, making it a pleasant place to unwind. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to carry your gear in from the parking area, but it’s a short walk, so you can still bring along your favorite camping comforts.

For adventure seekers, the surrounding area is packed with activities. You can rent canoes and bikes nearby, or explore the park's extensive trails, which are great for hiking and biking. Some campers have enjoyed the local wildlife and even stumbled upon historic sites, adding a little extra charm to their stay. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat with a touch of adventure, Millrace Campground is a great choice.

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Millrace and the Shelter area do not have trash cans. There are centralized dumpsters located in the parking areas to dispose of waste. Please bring trash bags so you can carry your waste to the dumpster.

The renter is responsible for any damages or excess cleaning created during their visit. The renter agrees to being charged the full cost to cover such damages and / or excess cleaning. A letter will be mailed giving details of the damages / cleaning and break down of the cost involved to rectify the problem. Should a credit card be on file, it will be charged. If not, an invoice will be included with the letter for immediate payment.

Guarded lake swimming is generally available at the designated swimming beach during scheduled hours between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. One day of swimming is free for each night reserved for overnight guests. During this time period the weather and other issues beyond our control may reduce the availability of guarded swimming. No refunds will be given if guarded swimming is not available. Outside of guarded swimming times, park guests may swim at the designated beach within marked areas. Swimmers using these areas do so at their own risk. Swimming anywhere else in the park at any time is prohibited.

Reservations only guarantee the facility or site being rented. Programs and park amenities may be cancelled or closed for various reasons and do not constitute a refund.

Pursuant to the Code of Virginia, all open fires (including wood and charcoal) are prohibited between February 15 and April 30 annually (except between the hours of 4PM to midnight). Camping stoves that are self-contained are permitted (ex. Coleman Stove). We have received permission from the Department of Forestry to allow open fires between midnight and 4 p.m. in our campgrounds if we have a camphost. Failure to observe the burning law could result in a fine of up to $500.00.

As part of your trip planning, before you arrive at the park, check out our events database to see the programs scheduled at your park. You can find the database here: http://bit.ly/vspevents. The events are sometimes added as late as the start of the month they will occur, so check back right before you leave. Another way to keep in touch with programs and offerings is to subscribe to our weekly enewsletter. It takes just a few minutes to sign up here: http://bit.ly/vspenews. You can also follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/virginiastateparks) and Twitter (@VAStateParks).

Campers cannot be assured of access to reserved sites before 4 p.m. on their arrival date, but early check-in is often available. Camping check-out is 1 p.m. Generators are not permitted in the campgrounds.

Cabin/Lodge/Camping Cabin/Camping Lodge/Trailer/Yurt check in time is 4:00 p.m. Check out is 10:00 a.m.

State law prohibits state employees from accepting gratuities. If you are so inclined, you may direct gifts or donations to: The State Park Projects Fund, c/o The Department of Conservation and Recreation, 600 E. Main St., 16th Floor; Richmond, VA 23219. These funds will be used for the development, maintenance, and operation of Virginia State Parks.

Customer satisfaction is a priority with State Parks and our Reservation Center. Please feel free to call the Operations Director, Nancy Heltman, with your compliments or concerns regarding your treatment by our staff. Nancy can be reached at 1-800-933-7275 (786-5057 if local Richmond). For changes to your reservation, please call 1-800-933-7275 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Please tell us what you think. Fill out our online survey for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate and other prizes in our monthly drawing. http://bit.ly/surveyvsp

Virginia State Parks offer numerous opportunities for volunteers. If you are interested, please contact vspvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov.

To book the Inn at Foster Falls, please visit this website.

Notice for Campers and Cabin Guests:

We're hiring! dcr.virginia.gov/jobs

Linens are not provided, so guests will need to bring their own sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, washcloths and dish towels.

Portable showers that do not drain to wastewater storage tanks are prohibited by state law. Collected wastewater must be disposed of properly.

There is a per night per pet fee for cats and dogs in all cabins and lodges (pets are not allowed in the yurts). Customers making reservations via the web are responsible for visiting the park office to pay all applicable pet fees. Customers may also call the reservation center at 800-933-7275 to pay the pet fees in advance.

Play it safe - Leave your firewood at home.

One of the most important things we can do to protect Virginia's trees and forest diversity is to stop moving firewood. New infestations of tree-killing insects and diseases are often first found in campgrounds and parks. Why? Because people have accidently spread invasive species when they brought firewood along with them. In Virginia, there are numerous counties under quarantines issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to an invasive insect pest or disease. These quarantines restrict the movement of firewood or wood by products from certain tree species. For more information on areas under quarantine, go to http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/firewood-quarantine. Virginia State Parks recommends that you do not bring firewood from home but buy it at the park or in the parks locality. Any wood brought to the park should be fully burned before leaving.

Cancellations must be made by calling the Park or Customer Service Center by the day prior to your reservation. Cancellations can also be made online for most sites. If you choose to cancel your reservation, the reservation service fee will not be refunded and, once a reservation is paid for, a cancellation fee will be charged. Depending on the facility and/or the length of the advance notice, this fee may be a significant portion of the amount paid. Cancellation fees are as follows:

Standard campsites (up to 6 occupants): $10 per reservation, includes horse stalls.

Group campsites (sites that allow 7 or more occupants): $30 per reservation

Camping Cabins: $10 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $10 per night within the last 30 days.

Yurts and Bunkhouses: $30 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last month.

Cabins and Kiptopeke's EW Yurt: $30 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last 90 days.

Lodges: $60 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $60 per night with the last 90 days.

Picnic Shelters: $10 up to 14 days prior to the start of the reservation, no refund within 14 days of the scheduled arrival.

Please verify cancellation fees for other facilities on our website before making your reservation. Once the official check-in time is reached or after a customer checks in (whichever comes first), any reduced stay constitutes an early departure. For camping there is a one night penalty for early departure. For cabin stays, there is a $30 per night penalty ($60 per lodge night) for early departure and the two night minimum is enforced regardless. Due to the week discount for cabins, reducing the stay down from a week will result in a higher nightly fee.

Transfers can be handled by the Customer Service Center or online (most sites). For cabins, lodges, yurts, camping cabins, and bunkhouses, transfers can be requested up until 4 days prior to your reservation start date. Camping transfers can be handled up until the day prior to check-in. Shelter transfers can be handled up until the day before your reservation, or the last day the Customer Service Center is open before your arrival. All transfers are free, but different seasons and sites may incur additional fees.

Our parks are strictly enforcing honor parking rules. To avoid any inconvenience, overnight guests who arrive when the contact station or office is closed are asked to register promptly the next day so park staff will not ticket your vehicle(s) in error. Campers and cabin guests are allowed two vehicles per site. Additional vehicles and visitors are subject to the daily parking fee. If you receive a parking ticket in error, please be sure to report the error to park staff immediately so the ticket can be canceled before it is processed.

Due to freezing temperatures, New River Trail SP will not be able to offer water at the park November 1st through March 31st. Guests must bring their own water for Cliffview and Millrace campgrounds.

Late Cabin/Lodge/Yurt/Camping Cabin/Bunkhouse Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.

Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take State Route 58 to Galax. Go north on SR 887 to Cliffview Road (SR 721). Take SR 721 one-quarter of a mile and turn right onto Creekview Road. Go one mile to the Dannelly Complex. Cliffview Campground parking is on the right. Cross the footbridge into the campground. Horse campers may not use the footbridge.

Address

176 Orphanage Dr
Foster Falls, VA 24360

Coordinates

36.88455116745505 N
80.85908127310282 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 3/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 3/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the clean, primitive sites right on the New River with peaceful surroundings. Guests frequently mentioned the carry-in camping setup and basic facilities including pit toilets and potable water, though some found the restrooms funky.

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2019

3 Different Campgrounds

There are four different campgrounds in this state park, one being paddle-in. The park is a linear park that is known for its flat-ish trails and bike/horse paths. Of the 57 miles of this park, about 39 are on the New River. All campgrounds are primitive; no RV sites, no bathhouses (pit toilets only), but potable water is available.

Millrace Campground is right on the river and near Foster Falls; you can rent canoes and bikes here. Reservations required.

Cliffview Campground is in Galax and has 13 sites on the Chestnut Creek. Reservations required. There are a few equestrian sites here (room for your trailer).

Double Shoals Campground: first-come, first-served.

The paddle-in sites are located at Baker Island Campground.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park by RL , November 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park by RL , November 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park by RL , November 1, 2019
  • (30) View All
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2019

Riverside!

Really cool campground located right on the New River, located at Foster Falls. The river sounds amazing at night. You have to walk everything into the campground from the parking area, but it's not a long walk so you can still bring all of your "car camping" luxuries. There are no RV sites and there are no bathhouses, only pit toilets which can be a little funky, but it is what it is. Just a short walk from the campground, you can explore the area which includes stables, a wildlife center, visitor center with local artisan goods (we got some local teas, stevia, and handmade jewelry/ornaments as gifts), an abandoned hotel/grounds (you can check them out from the outside), an old train car, and much more. Pet-friendly. 

Sites 2, 6, and 9 would be my personal picks for next time. If you have a large group, G17 is HUGE. You can also use this campground for day-use, picnicking, etc.

Shot Tower State Park isn't far from here either, so definitely check that out while you're in the area. Millrace Campground is located within the New River State Park. We went in October and the colors were really starting to change.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park by RL , November 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park by RL , November 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park by RL , November 1, 2019
  • (31) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2019

Very quiet

Very quiet. Everything has to be carried in from the parking lot. No showers but there is water and pit toilets. The camp sites were very clean.

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2018

Loved The Grounds!!

Ever wake up on a foggy Virginia morning and walk only a few feet fro your tent and watch the fog rise off the water? I DID and it was AMAZING!!

This place is pretty amazing, it is used for camping but also for day use depending on what area of the park you travel toward. There is a historic site with great information, a boat ramp and launch area which is spacious, playgrounds, horse stables, pavilion, canoe area and on site security to make sure your stay is safe and enjoyable.

Reservations are preferred however they do have same day availability some times. You do need to make sure you display your paperwork on your dash to confirm your parking in the lot before hiking into your site itself. If you don't like carrying your things in, this is not the camp for you! You will be required to carry your things into your site, however there is a nice paved walking area for you to do so.

My site was close to the main entrance, so no biggie!

This is pretty bare bones camping, no electrical, no RVs, no flush toilets. But there is drinking water available and also each site is equipped with the standard picnic table and fire ring.

There was a store on site but I never went in so I am not sure about what all they have, being kind of removed from town I just went ahead and brought my goods in.

While I was here I did see a lot of nature roaming and loved it!! They did let me know it gets pretty crazy during prime season and weekends can be a bit tough as well.

TIPS:

  • Book online in advance!!
  • Bring your canoe, there is an island you can row across to and enjoy just a few hundred yards from camp. Well worth the exploration!!
  • Review photo of Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park by Crystal C., September 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park by Crystal C., September 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park by Crystal C., September 12, 2018
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Millrace Campground located in Virginia?

Millrace Campground is located in Foster Falls, Virginia, situated directly on the New River. The campground is part of New River Trail State Park, a linear park that spans 57 miles through the Virginia countryside. This scenic location offers campers a picturesque waterfront setting with the soothing sounds of the river providing a natural soundtrack for your camping experience.

What activities can you do near Millrace Campground at Foster Falls?

The area around Millrace Campground offers numerous outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking on the park's relatively flat trails, biking along dedicated paths, and horseback riding. Water activities on the New River include fishing, paddling, and simply enjoying the scenic water views—particularly beautiful on foggy mornings when mist rises from the river. The campground is located at Foster Falls, which provides additional scenic beauty. The park also features historic sites nearby for those interested in local history and day-use areas for picnicking.

What camping sites are available at Millrace Campground in Foster Falls?

Millrace Campground offers primitive tent camping sites located right along the New River. The sites are well-maintained and clean, with some offering privacy between spots. All sites are walk-in only from the parking area, though the distance isn't far, allowing campers to bring most car camping gear. There are no RV sites available at this campground. Facilities include pit toilets and access to water, but no showers.

Is Millrace Campground part of New River Trail State Park?

Yes, Millrace Campground is one of four campgrounds within New River Trail State Park. The state park is a linear park with approximately 39 of its 57 total miles running along the New River. All campgrounds in the park, including Millrace, are primitive in nature with basic amenities like pit toilets but no RV hookups or shower facilities. One of the four campgrounds is paddle-in only, while Millrace is accessible by a short walk from the parking area.