The best lakeside camping near Blue Ridge

·
97% (898)

Top-rated campgrounds near Blue Ridge

1. Thunder BRidge

99%
(688)
22mi from Blue Ridge · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Starting December 1, or first night below freezing we will be closing down Bath House and only access will be at outhouses. Only sites near outhouses will be open and there will be no access to water. Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. Most of the buildings out front are artist studios (currently for 16 artists). We like to share the camp with others and watch it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky. We want to share our property with those who want to stay for more than one night, so we do not accept inquiries of single night stays.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$37
 / night

2. Arcadia Sanctuary

97%
(370)
43mi from Blue Ridge · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Arcadia Sanctuary An 83-Acre Mountainside Retreat for Earth-Based Spirituality in Central Virginia Arcadia is our beloved sanctuary for earth-based spirituality, nestled on the southeastern slope of 4,000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia. Conveniently located near I-81, Arcadia offers a secluded, nature-immersed experience—just a short drive from the modern world, yet miles away in spirit. Please note: There is a town called Arcadia off I-81, but we are not located there. Be sure to follow our directions carefully. A Living Landscape of Forest, Water, and Wildness Our land features a flowing mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, and Witch Hazels leaning gracefully over the water. You'll encounter trout, crayfish, salamanders, snakes, and the full chorus of mountain wildlife. With nearly 2,000 feet of vertical mountainside, Arcadia offers trails to explore and camping options ranging from creek side convenience to secluded mountain hideaways. While most of our gathering areas are near creek level, higher sites are available for those seeking solitude—just be prepared for a bit of a hike to the bathrooms, showers, and fresh water. A Natural Amphitheater for Music and Gathering Arcadia is home to one of the finest private stages on the East Coast. Our natural amphitheater—shaped like a pie wedge carved into the mountainside—hosts live performances throughout spring, summer, and fall. With a top-quality sound system and stunning surroundings, it’s a magical venue for music, ceremony, and celebration. Stay With Us: Yurt Glamping, Tent Camping & More Our beautiful yurt is available for rent and offers a unique glamping experience surrounded by nature. For traditional campers, we offer multiple campsites near the creek, as well as more remote locations higher up the mountain. Every stay includes access to the shared amenities: bathrooms, hot showers, fresh water, and community gathering spaces. Meet the Arcadia Community Arcadia is alive with more than just trees and streams. You’ll share space with our free-roaming flock of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl, along with two friendly dogs, nine curious cats, and the human stewards who live and care for this land year-round.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$23
 / night

3. Beaverdam Falls

98%
(119)
30mi from Blue Ridge · 4 sites · Lodging
Nestled on a private 65-acre farm in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Beaverdam Falls is located on VA SR-311 (Kanawha Trail) in the Sweet Springs Valley. Nestled in the old community of Earlehurst, between Covington & Roanoke, Beaverdam Falls are an historic series of waterfalls on private property. The Falls are at the headwaters of Dunlap Creek and are the terminus for the Sweet Springs. Available for guest stays & recreation, are the Upper Falls portion. Surrounded by the verdant George Washington National Forest, the Upper Falls, displays a constant waterfall of around 40-feet in height, & decorates the final mile stretch of the Sweet Springs, both on our property. Additional beautiful cascades pepper our tract of Beaverdam Falls as well. This private tract of unparalleled Virginia countryside will simply astonish your expectations. As the source of the Falls, Sweet Springs Creek, serves as a long, unique home for trout, calcified travertine rock, chalybeate water, and ancient beaver dams (as well as active ones!). Beaverdam Falls is a rare place for the lack of stone and the centuries of beavers who have left their trace in & on our creek—and swamp, the Stick Marsh, which has an active beaver dam. Be careful! They do bite!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$100
 / night

6. W.T. Farm?

96%
(14)
46mi from Blue Ridge · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
What makes W.T. Farm special is the diversity of textures of the landscape. We have great mountain top views, as well as, a deep holler with cliffs, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls. The fields are full of fruit and nut trees and there are 5 ponds. Each of these supports its own flora and fauna. I acquired stewardship of this land 35 years ago and have developed perennial orchards wherever possible. I started with pears and have branched out into pawpaws, apples, persimmons, currants, black walnuts etc. and I boast that I planted the first commercial hickory oil orchard in the world. I am an eccentric horticulturalist and graft cultivar varieties onto existing trees like oaks, hickories, black walnuts, and even the maligned invasive honeysuckle, autumn olive and multiflora rose. Just last year I bought an adjoining farm that opened up 50 acres of more orchard planting. It is on top of the mountain and offers an expansive view of the valley and ridge system that defines our region. Funny thing is that because the land between the old farm and the new farm is divided by cliffs in the holler the only way to get from one to the other is a 12 minute drive or vigorous hiking. On this new land is a historic log cabin I am renovating that is said to be one of the original settler's cabin on the mountain. Because of the amount of tree fruit I grow and the varied landscape, there is a rich diversity of birds and animals to be seen. One of my favorite walks is along the cliffs to the top waterfall where there is a sweet wading pool. I have also built a number of ponds and four of them are quite swimmable. One has a dock and is where we spend much summer time refreshing and frolicking. The farm is also a small (very small) licensed farm winery and we make and sell traditional hard cider from our apples and pears. Our cider can be purchased along with our nut oils and flours and other farm produce you may not be familiar with. We live to eat. Coming here is a gastronomical adventure! I run the Acornucopia project from here and from it we are developing a foragers network that would very much suit the lifestyle of hipcampers. We pay foragers for wild nuts they gather. Also often there is an opportunity to work on the farm harvesting and processing food. Let me know if that is something you would like to do. Treely Yours, Bill
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night

8. Cold Sulphur Springs Campground

86%
(132)
44mi from Blue Ridge · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: ABOUT THE CAMPGROUND: Tucked away in the small town of Goshen, Virginia, you will find the Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground. This beautiful site is situated amongst the mountains of Virginia, and has the amazing views that come with the outstanding location. Our grounds accommodate 3 campsites suited for tent camping, and 14 others appropriate for RV camping. Our site offers access to Cold Sulphur Springs Lake, where visitors can swim, fish, boat, and more. Our secluded location are perfect for a get-away from the city. In addition to our activities, we offer amenities such as a bathhouse, as well as electric and water hook-ups, and a dump station. Please note that we are also a seasonal campground, so we offer accommodations to both nightly and annual visitors. Some seasonal campers leave their vehicles at the site for the season, so you will see a mix of empty and occupied sites.  NOTES ABOUT BOOKING: ***During hunting season (October-December), target practice and shooting will be held on Sundays from 3-6 PM at the dam. Please avoid the lake and lake area during shooting time.  The road is safe to use to access the campground. Practice is limited to monthly and seasonal campers.*** Please plan ahead when joining us! Our location really is quite remote, so bring flashlights or headlamps to ensure you have enough light to set-up camp if staying overnight, especially if you are expecting a late arrival.  Please specify if you would like a fire pit and/or picnic table when booking.  We have both tent camping and RV camping sites. Please specify which kind of site you will need. If camping with an RV/camper, please note we offer 30 and 50 amp power at each site. Finally, please note that we are a campground under new ownership and we will be making improvements as we go (tree trimming, seeding, plumbing, etc.)! Please excuse any noise or mess. We will do our best to schedule our maintenance away from your campsite, but it may be in the vicinity.  OUR LOCATION: Goshen's location is extremely convenient, with the cities of Lexington and Staunton just a short drive away. Day trips to Lynchburg and Roanoke are also easily done from Goshen. Douthat State Park and the Goshen Pass are nearby as well. We recommend the Goshen Pass as the best swimming hole around! OUR HISTORY: In addition to being a beautiful and serene place to be, Cold Sulphur Springs has a wonderful history that can be re-imagined just by stepping on site. The Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground dates back to at least the mid-late 1800s, when it was a large, flourishing resort frequented by travelers from near and far. In its heyday, the resort bustled with more than 250 guests who often spent entire summers there playing croquet and enjoying orchestra concerts at the hotel dance hall. They would arrive at the Goshen train station and be brought to the resort by horse and buggy, greeted with ice cold lemonade. Those who visited Cold Sulphur Springs, doctors especially, attributed miraculous medicinal benefits to the water, recommending it as a cure for a variety of ailments and encouraging patients to visit.  However, the 1900s brought the onset of World War I and the advent of the automobile, allowing Americans to travel freely to a variety of locations without the need to summer for months at one resort. These factors caused the hotel at Cold Sulphur Springs to lose patrons and eventually meet its demise through fire and other means of destruction. Today, the grounds provide a simpler kind of hospitality. Cold Sulphur Springs is a place for travelers from all walks of life to camp, fish, swim, boat, hike, and more. While little remains of the old hotel, the historic Spring House is still in tact at the campground, as are some remnants of original building foundations. Please note the springs are not accessible for guest use. We invite you to explore the wonder that is the Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground and see the beauty that lies within.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$28
 / night
97% (898)

Top-rated campgrounds near Blue Ridge

1. Thunder BRidge

99%
(688)
22mi from Blue Ridge · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Starting December 1, or first night below freezing we will be closing down Bath House and only access will be at outhouses. Only sites near outhouses will be open and there will be no access to water. Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. Most of the buildings out front are artist studios (currently for 16 artists). We like to share the camp with others and watch it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky. We want to share our property with those who want to stay for more than one night, so we do not accept inquiries of single night stays.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$37
 / night

2. Arcadia Sanctuary

97%
(370)
43mi from Blue Ridge · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Arcadia Sanctuary An 83-Acre Mountainside Retreat for Earth-Based Spirituality in Central Virginia Arcadia is our beloved sanctuary for earth-based spirituality, nestled on the southeastern slope of 4,000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia. Conveniently located near I-81, Arcadia offers a secluded, nature-immersed experience—just a short drive from the modern world, yet miles away in spirit. Please note: There is a town called Arcadia off I-81, but we are not located there. Be sure to follow our directions carefully. A Living Landscape of Forest, Water, and Wildness Our land features a flowing mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, and Witch Hazels leaning gracefully over the water. You'll encounter trout, crayfish, salamanders, snakes, and the full chorus of mountain wildlife. With nearly 2,000 feet of vertical mountainside, Arcadia offers trails to explore and camping options ranging from creek side convenience to secluded mountain hideaways. While most of our gathering areas are near creek level, higher sites are available for those seeking solitude—just be prepared for a bit of a hike to the bathrooms, showers, and fresh water. A Natural Amphitheater for Music and Gathering Arcadia is home to one of the finest private stages on the East Coast. Our natural amphitheater—shaped like a pie wedge carved into the mountainside—hosts live performances throughout spring, summer, and fall. With a top-quality sound system and stunning surroundings, it’s a magical venue for music, ceremony, and celebration. Stay With Us: Yurt Glamping, Tent Camping & More Our beautiful yurt is available for rent and offers a unique glamping experience surrounded by nature. For traditional campers, we offer multiple campsites near the creek, as well as more remote locations higher up the mountain. Every stay includes access to the shared amenities: bathrooms, hot showers, fresh water, and community gathering spaces. Meet the Arcadia Community Arcadia is alive with more than just trees and streams. You’ll share space with our free-roaming flock of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl, along with two friendly dogs, nine curious cats, and the human stewards who live and care for this land year-round.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$23
 / night

3. Beaverdam Falls

98%
(119)
30mi from Blue Ridge · 4 sites · Lodging
Nestled on a private 65-acre farm in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Beaverdam Falls is located on VA SR-311 (Kanawha Trail) in the Sweet Springs Valley. Nestled in the old community of Earlehurst, between Covington & Roanoke, Beaverdam Falls are an historic series of waterfalls on private property. The Falls are at the headwaters of Dunlap Creek and are the terminus for the Sweet Springs. Available for guest stays & recreation, are the Upper Falls portion. Surrounded by the verdant George Washington National Forest, the Upper Falls, displays a constant waterfall of around 40-feet in height, & decorates the final mile stretch of the Sweet Springs, both on our property. Additional beautiful cascades pepper our tract of Beaverdam Falls as well. This private tract of unparalleled Virginia countryside will simply astonish your expectations. As the source of the Falls, Sweet Springs Creek, serves as a long, unique home for trout, calcified travertine rock, chalybeate water, and ancient beaver dams (as well as active ones!). Beaverdam Falls is a rare place for the lack of stone and the centuries of beavers who have left their trace in & on our creek—and swamp, the Stick Marsh, which has an active beaver dam. Be careful! They do bite!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$100
 / night

6. W.T. Farm?

96%
(14)
46mi from Blue Ridge · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
What makes W.T. Farm special is the diversity of textures of the landscape. We have great mountain top views, as well as, a deep holler with cliffs, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls. The fields are full of fruit and nut trees and there are 5 ponds. Each of these supports its own flora and fauna. I acquired stewardship of this land 35 years ago and have developed perennial orchards wherever possible. I started with pears and have branched out into pawpaws, apples, persimmons, currants, black walnuts etc. and I boast that I planted the first commercial hickory oil orchard in the world. I am an eccentric horticulturalist and graft cultivar varieties onto existing trees like oaks, hickories, black walnuts, and even the maligned invasive honeysuckle, autumn olive and multiflora rose. Just last year I bought an adjoining farm that opened up 50 acres of more orchard planting. It is on top of the mountain and offers an expansive view of the valley and ridge system that defines our region. Funny thing is that because the land between the old farm and the new farm is divided by cliffs in the holler the only way to get from one to the other is a 12 minute drive or vigorous hiking. On this new land is a historic log cabin I am renovating that is said to be one of the original settler's cabin on the mountain. Because of the amount of tree fruit I grow and the varied landscape, there is a rich diversity of birds and animals to be seen. One of my favorite walks is along the cliffs to the top waterfall where there is a sweet wading pool. I have also built a number of ponds and four of them are quite swimmable. One has a dock and is where we spend much summer time refreshing and frolicking. The farm is also a small (very small) licensed farm winery and we make and sell traditional hard cider from our apples and pears. Our cider can be purchased along with our nut oils and flours and other farm produce you may not be familiar with. We live to eat. Coming here is a gastronomical adventure! I run the Acornucopia project from here and from it we are developing a foragers network that would very much suit the lifestyle of hipcampers. We pay foragers for wild nuts they gather. Also often there is an opportunity to work on the farm harvesting and processing food. Let me know if that is something you would like to do. Treely Yours, Bill
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night

8. Cold Sulphur Springs Campground

86%
(132)
44mi from Blue Ridge · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: ABOUT THE CAMPGROUND: Tucked away in the small town of Goshen, Virginia, you will find the Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground. This beautiful site is situated amongst the mountains of Virginia, and has the amazing views that come with the outstanding location. Our grounds accommodate 3 campsites suited for tent camping, and 14 others appropriate for RV camping. Our site offers access to Cold Sulphur Springs Lake, where visitors can swim, fish, boat, and more. Our secluded location are perfect for a get-away from the city. In addition to our activities, we offer amenities such as a bathhouse, as well as electric and water hook-ups, and a dump station. Please note that we are also a seasonal campground, so we offer accommodations to both nightly and annual visitors. Some seasonal campers leave their vehicles at the site for the season, so you will see a mix of empty and occupied sites.  NOTES ABOUT BOOKING: ***During hunting season (October-December), target practice and shooting will be held on Sundays from 3-6 PM at the dam. Please avoid the lake and lake area during shooting time.  The road is safe to use to access the campground. Practice is limited to monthly and seasonal campers.*** Please plan ahead when joining us! Our location really is quite remote, so bring flashlights or headlamps to ensure you have enough light to set-up camp if staying overnight, especially if you are expecting a late arrival.  Please specify if you would like a fire pit and/or picnic table when booking.  We have both tent camping and RV camping sites. Please specify which kind of site you will need. If camping with an RV/camper, please note we offer 30 and 50 amp power at each site. Finally, please note that we are a campground under new ownership and we will be making improvements as we go (tree trimming, seeding, plumbing, etc.)! Please excuse any noise or mess. We will do our best to schedule our maintenance away from your campsite, but it may be in the vicinity.  OUR LOCATION: Goshen's location is extremely convenient, with the cities of Lexington and Staunton just a short drive away. Day trips to Lynchburg and Roanoke are also easily done from Goshen. Douthat State Park and the Goshen Pass are nearby as well. We recommend the Goshen Pass as the best swimming hole around! OUR HISTORY: In addition to being a beautiful and serene place to be, Cold Sulphur Springs has a wonderful history that can be re-imagined just by stepping on site. The Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground dates back to at least the mid-late 1800s, when it was a large, flourishing resort frequented by travelers from near and far. In its heyday, the resort bustled with more than 250 guests who often spent entire summers there playing croquet and enjoying orchestra concerts at the hotel dance hall. They would arrive at the Goshen train station and be brought to the resort by horse and buggy, greeted with ice cold lemonade. Those who visited Cold Sulphur Springs, doctors especially, attributed miraculous medicinal benefits to the water, recommending it as a cure for a variety of ailments and encouraging patients to visit.  However, the 1900s brought the onset of World War I and the advent of the automobile, allowing Americans to travel freely to a variety of locations without the need to summer for months at one resort. These factors caused the hotel at Cold Sulphur Springs to lose patrons and eventually meet its demise through fire and other means of destruction. Today, the grounds provide a simpler kind of hospitality. Cold Sulphur Springs is a place for travelers from all walks of life to camp, fish, swim, boat, hike, and more. While little remains of the old hotel, the historic Spring House is still in tact at the campground, as are some remnants of original building foundations. Please note the springs are not accessible for guest use. We invite you to explore the wonder that is the Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground and see the beauty that lies within.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$28
 / night

Public campgrounds near Blue Ridge

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field