Camper submitted image from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway - 3
Water
Camper submitted image from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway - 5
Facilities

Established Camping

Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

Otter Creek Campground, near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, is a fantastic place to unwind and soak in nature. With its clean, spacious sites surrounded by trees, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This campground allows for campfires, so you can enjoy evenings roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the stars. Many visitors have praised the friendly campground hosts and the overall peaceful vibe, making it a great choice for families and solo travelers alike. One camper noted, “It’s so serene and peaceful! A great place to unwind and relax!”

For outdoor lovers, Otter Creek is close to several hiking trails, catering to different skill levels. The nearby creek adds a nice touch, with some sites right by the water, which fills up quickly during peak times. Clean restrooms and drinking water are available, ensuring you have the essentials covered while you enjoy your stay.

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat away from crowded campgrounds, Otter Creek Campground is a great option. Whether you’re tent camping, RVing, or trying out glamping, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of natural beauty to explore.

Description

National Park Service

Blue Ridge Parkway

Overview

Otter Creek Campground is located at the Blue Ridge Parkway's lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. Picturesque Otter Creek winds through this quiet, rustic campground. Night skies are spectacular here, and there are several nearby trails to hike including the Otter Creek Trail, which is accessible from the campground. Just imagine enjoying the crackle of an evening campfire with the murmur of the creek in the background! Relax....

Recreation

The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has fishing in Otter Lake and a number of hiking trails including Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop, and James River Canal. Hike the Otter Creek Trail to James River Visitor Center. There visitors can view a restored canal lock from the Kanawha Canal, part of the historic James River transporation artery which was once the primary commercial route in the state of Virginia.

Facilities

The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has fishing in Otter Lake and a number of hiking trails including Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop, and James River Canal. Hike the Otter Creek Trail to James River Visitor Center. There visitors can view a restored canal lock from the Kanawha Canal, part of the historic James River transporation artery which was once the primary commercial route in the state of Virginia.

Natural Features

This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. A short walk along the Trail of Trees or a hike along the clear, cool waters of Otter Creek will give ample proof that there is more to the Blue Ridge Parkway than mountain-top vistas.

Nearby Attractions

Otter Creek Trail (3.5 miles/5.6 km) parallels the Parkway road as it meanders from Otter Creek campground to the James River Visitor Center. Most sections of this trail are easy to hike and can be reached from many points along the motor road. Otter Lake Loop Trail (0.9 miles/1.4 km) provides scenic views of Otter Lake. This is also a good trail for watching wildlife. Look for beaver lodges and dams along tributary streams. Early morning and late evening are prime times for wildlife observations. Trail of Trees (0.4 miles/.6 km) begins near the James River Visitor Center and wanders through a shaded stream drainage. Trail signs identify many of the trees and shrubs of the river valley. This trail also affords a handsome view of the James River water gap, a rare geological feature. Canal Lock Trail (0.4 miles/.6 km) begins at the visitor center and crosses the James River on a walkway beneath the bridge. The restored Battery Creek Lock, located a short distance from the bridge, is typical of those constructed in the 1800s as part of the James River and Kanawha Canal. This canal, with nearly 100 locks, helped make the river a major transportation corridor before the Civil War. Exhibits at the Battery Creek site explain how locks were used to raise and lower boats to adjust for the changing elevation of the river.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Traveling from the Lynchburg area on Rte 29, turn onto Rte 130 West. Travel approximately 25 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. From the ramp, turn right (north) onto the Parkway. Travel one mile to the Otter Creek Campground. Traveling from the Lexington/Buena Vista direction on Rte 81, take the Blue Ridge Parkway exit to Rte 60 E towards Amherst. Drive approximately 16 miles, turning at the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance sign. At the Stop sign, turn left (south) onto the Parkway. Travel approximately 16 miles to the entrance of Otter Creek Campground.

Address

Milepost 60.9 Blue Ridge Parkway
VA

Coordinates

37.5756028 N
79.3388 W

Open in Google Maps

Is Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
43%
0%
10%
0%

4.5

out of 5

14 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2022

Relaxing

Clean campground. Very relaxing surrounded by trees. The sites had great space. Dog friendly.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

Peaceful Surroundings

Stayed in tent sites…Overlanding in my Jeep…single woman..felt safe Campground hosts were wonderful! Clean area

Sitetent site 36
Month of VisitOctober
  • JeepSleep in BlueBird❤️
    Play button icon
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2021

Most Amazing Weekend!

This past weekend was absolutely wonderful!! The park ranger was super nice and helpful and the campground was one of the best we have been to yet. We highly recommend this campground.

SiteB3
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

Amazing late night stop

We ended up getting in late but the place was very quite and clean. Perfect for our first night in the woods. Nearest cell signal is about ten miles up at the House Mountain Overlook. Rangers on site were super sweet.

SiteB40
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by nicole D., June 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by nicole D., June 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by nicole D., June 26, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2020

Quiet campground

Quiet campground along Blue Ridge PKWY, hardly anyone there in middle of summer. Slightly dirty bathrooms, not sanitary, but a lot of bugs, spiderwebs etc. Alternative to crowded Shenandoah campgrounds, although is a good drive away <60+ miles away from entrance.

Reviewed May. 26, 2020

Cute little area!

The campsites are slightly small and they’re fairly close together so there’s not much privacy, but they are very well maintained. It’s close to three different hikes, each a different grade and there’s a nice pond you can drive too.

  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by Aakansha J., May 26, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2019

Good and Basic

Beautiful and Basic. Tent pads looked like cement or sand in the photos but they are soft dirt based. Exceptional Park Service and Camp Guide. Water and toilets were available and clean. The Otter Creek Trail was challenging but definitely doable. Highly recommended for outdoor youth groups that want to unplug and get back to basics.

Site24-30
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 4, 2019

What a wonder place.

It’s so serene and peaceful! A great place to unwind and relax! Wonderful park host... no better place than this!

  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by Angela P., May 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by Angela P., May 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by Angela P., May 4, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2018

Perfect overnight stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway

My wife and I stayed here for one night driving along The Blue Ridge Parkway. The creek ran right through our spacious and secluded site. It was quiet and serene- just what we were looking for before heading back to city life.

  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by Rosie R., August 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by Rosie R., August 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by Rosie R., August 26, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2018

Family friendly and close to a lot of great hiking!

This site is close to the AT and blue ridge parkway and about an hour from Shenandoah Nat’l Park. Clean bathroom, spacious sites, very pretty creek. The sites are pretty open without much privacy.

Sitecreekside
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway by Catherine S., July 22, 2018
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Older campground

This campground is older and not as well maintained as some of the other campgrounds on the parkway. The rv and tent pads are older cement and not as level. There are no showers but there are comfort stations. The creek is more like a stream so it becomes quite desolate once you get back in there .but good if you are looking to avoid a crowd.

Reviewed May. 2, 2018

Great

Great all around virginia campsite

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2016

Blue Ridge Pkwy

The Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful and this campground is a great place to stop for camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway?

    Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway allows vehicles up to 66 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway?

    There are 68 campsites at Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts