The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through Virginia's mountains for 469 miles, and Peaks of Otter Campground sits carved into the mountainside between Sharp Top and Flat Top peaks. This National Park Service facility operates from May through October, offering 137 sites across terraced terrain that creates a distinctive multi-level layout.
Many sites feature what campers describe as a "double-decker" setup—RV parking areas below with picnic tables and fire rings accessed by steps leading uphill. Jen V. notes the campground is "carved out of the mountain, and is therefore quite terraced in appearance." The heavy forest canopy provides extensive shade during summer months, though the overgrown appearance leads some visitors to describe the setting as having a "secluded feel."
Abbott Lake sits adjacent to the campground, with a lodge and visitor center providing dining and trail information. Sharp Top and Flat Top hiking trails start nearby, though multiple reviewers warn these climbs are strenuous. The campground offers no electrical hookups, showers, or cell service—campers report needing to drive to Bedford or nearby overlooks for internet access. Bear boxes are distributed throughout the facility, and Richard S. confirms "lots of wildlife" including bear sightings.
Road access presents challenges for larger RVs. Several reviews mention steep grades and switchbacks that make navigation difficult for rigs over 30 feet, despite the campground's 77-foot maximum length rating. Sites range from first-come, first-served to reservable through Recreation.gov, with 63 sites available for advance booking. The facility includes flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station, but no shower facilities.
Plan to bring all supplies from Bedford, located 10 miles away, as the on-site store offers limited items at premium prices—firewood costs $8.50 per bundle according to recent visitors.
Description
Overview
The Peaks of Otter Campground is nestled between the bases of two dominating mountains in the rolling hills of Virginia. Campers enjoy a rare serenity in this rustic setting. Relax, and leave your cares behind!
Recreation
The 24-acre Abbott Lake is one of the biggest attractions the Peaks of Otter Park has to offer. The lake is well-stocked with small mouth bass and bluegill. A crystal-clear mountain stream winds through the nearby picnic area. Numerous hiking opportunities range from demanding, scaling the area's high mountain peaks, to the moderate short, flat trail around Abbott Lake. Hikers are likely to stumble upon one of the mountain meadows, filled with wildflowers and migrating butterflies in the spring and a fantastic assortment of colors in the fall. Abundant wildlife like deer and wild turkey are spotted daily at the Peaks of Otter Campground, and many rare species of birds reside or migrate along the mountain ranges. Summer interpretive programs are provided for visitors to learn about the wildlife as well as the history of the area.
Facilities
Campsites are shaded under an umbrella of thick trees, and provide campers with picnic tables, lantern poles, and campfire rings/grills. The campground also offers modern conveniences like flush toilets, drinking water and a dump station. Peaks of Otter Campground almost always has campsites available. In addition to the 60 sites available for advance reservation, there are 79 first-come, first-served campsites available. Availability of first come, first served sites cannot be tracked through Recreation.gov. These sites must be booked in person at the campground kiosk.
Natural Features
Three mountain peaks sitting atop a thick blanket of forest make up the Peaks of Otter-- a recreational oasis spanning acre upon acre of rolling landscape along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Nearby Attractions
The Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant are located within walking distance of the campground, as is the Sharp Top Country Store. Restaurant dining, grab-and-go meals, snacks, souvenir items, camping supplies, firewood, and ice are all readily available to campground patrons. The Johnson Farm, an old mountain farmstead restored and preserved to look as it did in the mid-1800s, is just a short walk away. Another restored historic structure, Aunt Polly's Ordinary, sits on the northeastern shore of Abbott Lake.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPeaks Of Otter Campground is located in Virginia near Thaxton
Directions
From Roanoke, Virginia, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north for 26 miles to Milepost 86. From Bedford, Virginia, follow Route 43 to Blue Ridge Parkway; the campground is on the left before reaching the Parkway.
Address
Milepost 85.9 Blue Ridge Parkway
VA
Coordinates
37.4431472 N
79.6047139 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 5/21/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 5/21/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
