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.

This campground overlooks the New River. There is no vehicular access to the campground. There is a short hike to the sites from the parking lot. There are 21 primitive tent camping sites. Note: This campground is 24 miles from Cliffview Campground.

All sites are timbered and marked. Each has a fire ring, lantern post, picnic table, access to the New River Trail and non-flush toilet. Drinking water is available. One site, MR012, is universally accessible and is reserved last if not required for a disabled camper. There is no life-guarded swimming. The New River's current is unpredictable and potentially dangerous; underwater hazards are possible.

Reservations are required. Same-day reservations are permitted. Campers must leave their confirmation letter on their dashboard for overnight parking. Campers will need access to a fax machine or need to pick up the letter at the Foster Falls office if there is insufficient time to receive the letter by mail.

Directions: From I-77, take Exit 24. Go east on State Route 69 to SR 52. Go north to SR 608. Go east and follow signs.

Number of sites of each type: Primitive Tent, 21

Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Austinville, VA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Austinville and user-submitted reviews.

Austinville

The Best Camping Near Austinville, Virginia

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!!

Loved The Grounds!!

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. 

Very quiet 

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.

Riverside!

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.

3 Different Campgrounds

Clean reset room, friendly staff ,  private spots

Photos of Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park

Real photos from real campers