H
Howard T.
Scout
ScoutDixie Caverns
Right off of I 81
Very convenient for travelers. Not a bunch of things to do in the campground if that’s your thing. Bath house is clean but dated. Some traffic noise. Did I say it’s close to I 81?
Best Campgrounds near Cloverdale, VA
Cloverdale, Virginia serves as a gateway to diverse camping opportunities along the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding wilderness areas. Peaks of Otter Campground, located approximately 36 miles northeast of Cloverdale, offers traditional campground amenities with tent, RV, and cabin options open from May through October. Closer to town, Explore Park provides modern camping facilities including cabins and RV sites while maintaining proximity to outdoor recreation areas. Campgrounds in this region typically feature mixed-use facilities accommodating various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to cabins with electricity and modern amenities.
Road access varies significantly between established campgrounds and dispersed sites. Developed areas like Dixie Caverns provide easy drive-in access with full hookups, while hiking-focused destinations such as Dragon's Tooth require more planning. "This was a fine place to park overnight. The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well," notes one visitor about Dragon's Tooth. Weather conditions impact camping experiences year-round, with higher elevation sites experiencing cooler temperatures even during summer months. Many campground options follow seasonal schedules, with peak availability from spring through fall, though some facilities like Don's Cab-Inns at Explore Park remain open year-round, providing rare winter camping opportunities with facilities.
The camping areas around Cloverdale feature notable proximity to significant hiking trails including portions of the Appalachian Trail. Several visitors mention the accessibility of outdoor activities beyond just camping. At Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing, one camper described their experience as "a cool little slice of camping fun" with live music and exploration opportunities. The area's mixed-use campgrounds balance natural settings with convenient amenities, particularly at Explore Park where reviewers consistently praise the "spotless, quaint" facilities. Water access represents another highlight, with Smith Mountain Lake State Park providing waterfront camping approximately 30 miles south of Cloverdale. Most campground options in the region maintain bathroom facilities, with varying levels of amenities from primitive vault toilets at trailheads to full shower facilities at established campgrounds.
Best Camping Sites Near Cloverdale, Virginia (127)
1. Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
23 ReviewsThaxton, VA18 milesWebsite+1 (540) 586-7321$30 / night
"Picked for price Quiet
Enjoyed Blueridge parkway
NIce retreat in SW Virginia"
"It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill."
2. Don's Cab-Inns Campground
7 ReviewsHardy, VA9 milesWebsite+1 (540) 427-1800$25 - $100 / night
"First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)."
"The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling. Also, an outlet to charge your phone."
3. Dixie Caverns
17 ReviewsSalem, VA17 milesWebsite+1 (540) 380-2085"Did I say it’s close to I 81?"
"just off the highway but easily accessible, everything works, friendly staff. Showers in bathhouse are a bit dirty but other than that great!"
6. Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing
5 ReviewsOriskany, VA15 milesWebsite+1 (540) 864-6792$25 - $75 / night
"We were not sure about taking such a detour from our path to Asheville, but are so glad we did! We booked a spot “in the meadow” but when we arrived, they had rooms in the lodge for just $20 more."
"If you’re up for a fun hike, take the Outerspace trail up to “The Bluff” and enjoy the mountain views."
7. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground
25 ReviewsPenhook, VA26 milesWebsite+1 (540) 297-6066$27 - $159 / night
"This is a well maintained area with access to several hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The lake is beautiful and my entire family enjoyed our time!"
"Stopping at Smith Mountain lake was well worth it during my mini road trip through VA. Pros: huge lake with tons of outdoor activities (trails for running/walking, boating activities, kayaking)."
8. Catawba Mountain Shelter on the AT
1 ReviewHollins, VA9 milesWebsite"Near water (collect water with a filter only) I was able to make a fire but make sure it's okay when you go.
Lots of space for many people.
Not too far from McAfee knob."
9. Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
2 ReviewsSalem, VA9 milesWebsite"There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North. The sites aren't bad though, pretty flat."
10. Dragon's Tooth
3 ReviewsSalem, VA14 milesWebsite+1 (540) 552-4641"dragons tooth is off a path that is part of the Appalachian Trail, there is a good amount of parking with a bathroom and garbage, once you begin the trail there are a few dispersed obvious camping spots"
"This was a quiet spot that felt safe, with a pit toilet nearby to the trailhead parking area. Car camping is the only option at this time."
Recent Camping Photos near Cloverdale, VA
219 Photos of 127 Cloverdale Campgrounds
Tara S.
Don's Cab-Inns Campground
Chaz M.
Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing
Dave V.
Dixie Caverns
Jen V.
Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Carlie S.
The Pines Campground
Roland R.
Middle Creek Campground
kaitlin R.
The Country, LLC
Lauren B.
Breeden Bottom Campground
Matthew
North Creek Campground
Ryan W.
Camp S'mores
Stephanie J.
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Diane D.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Cloverdale, VA
576 Reviews of 127 Cloverdale Campgrounds
Camp With Me
LegendWilson Creek Site 1
Nice roadside site
This is the first site after you leave Douthat State Park. It is on the left and large enough for a small to medium camper or a few tents. Good flat area between Wilson Creek and Douthat State Park Road. There may been an area in the woods for this site but I wasn't able to explore to check it out.
- DDeborah A.
TravelerFour Fillies Lodge
Cabins with 3 RV sites
This is a lovely little cabin resort with 3 RV sites. We are here just 1 night enroute. It is beautiful and well maintained. I would definitely come back.
- Camp With MeLegend
George Washington National Forest off 812
Site 1 - The Long One on the Creek
This is the first of 10 sites on Hercules Road, Route 812. This Forest Service Road #36 runs along Rocky Row Run Creek and is open all year long. This site is on the right and sits along the creek. There is a fire ring behind the barrier rocks and flat areas for tents both inside and outside of the rocks. There is also two more fire rings and tent areas as you walk along the creek.
Check out site 1 and all the others on this road in our video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBE-ASivns&t=36s
- Camp With MeLegend
Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
The Big Site with a few Walk In Sites around it
This is the largest site on the road. Plenty of room for a large group to spread out. There are even three walk in sites around the main site if you want a little more privacy.
Check out site 5 and all the others in our video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBE-ASivns&t=640s
- BB D.Scout
Greenwood Point Campground
Campground fine, scenery great
I haven't stayed a night here but have walked the entire camping area and camped near here many times. Most people access by water but there is also a trail that provides access to this location. It runs through Bolar Mountain Campground #2 & #3 and connects up to the beach area.
In the summer when the grass is high there can be a lot of ticks. Can get crowded on weekends. I've noticed it's a popular group spot - I mainly see groups of 6+ there at a minimum with multiple boats. Can get kind of trashy (littered) too. Beautiful setting though.
- Camp With MeLegend
Oronoco Campground
Quiet Stay With Room To Spread Out
We have camped here a couple times when it was empty and had a really peaceful experience. It’s a simple, no-frills national forest campground with a nice open grassy area and a small creek running next to it. Plenty of room to spread out.
We didn’t have any issues during our stay. It was quiet, clean, and easy to access. I can see how it might feel different depending on timing, though, during the hunting season there are usually a lot more people around. Most of the time when we’re in the area, we actually camp about 2 miles up the road where there are 5 dispersed campsites that offer a bit more separation.
- JJesse J.Scout
Camp S'mores
One with Nature
If you’re an outdoor lover like myself and you want to enjoy the gorgeous sights and sounds of Mother Nature, this campground is the perfect location.
Don’t forget your telescope for when the sun goes down. There’s a perfect spot on the side of mountain for breathtaking views.
- JJoshua F.Scout
Camp S'mores
Peaceful escape from the city without having to go far!
Camped a few times with a group of veterans. The site is perfect for tent camping with multiple fire pits and firewood on site. Place isnt too far from Roanoke where I live so was a perfect weekend getaway without having to go far. We had cookouts and hung by the fire just relaxing and taking in the mountain scenery. Plenty of trails to walk and a few ponds on property to fish. Open year round but im too much a wimp to winter camp, cant wait to head back in the spring!!
Guide to Cloverdale
Camping opportunities near Cloverdale, Virginia center around the Blue Ridge Mountain region with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,900 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler at higher elevations than in the valley. Most backcountry campsites require securing food from wildlife, while designated campgrounds often provide food storage lockers.
What to do
Hiking to Dragon's Tooth: This moderate to strenuous 4.6-mile round-trip hike connects to the Appalachian Trail and features challenging rock scrambles. "This was a fine place to park overnight. The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well," notes a camper at Dragon's Tooth.
Cave exploration: Located 25 miles west of Cloverdale, Dixie Caverns offers underground tours with discount admission for campers. "Awesome antique store and cavern tours (must-do!) available for a discount when you camp," according to a reviewer at Dixie Caverns Campground.
Water activities: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, approximately 30 miles south of Cloverdale, provides swimming, boating and fishing opportunities. "Perfect clean clear water to fish, swim," reports one visitor who also noted the "excellent campground" has "tent sites [that] are large and a good distance apart."
What campers like
Mountain views: The terrain around Peaks Of Otter Campground creates unique terraced campsites. "It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill. The whole campground is kind of 'carved' out of the mountain," explains one camper.
Live entertainment: Weekend events at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing provide social camping experiences. "It was Saturday night with a bluegrass band, friendly families with kids, good food and drinks; totally our jam," writes one visitor who appreciated this unexpected amenity.
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds in the region offer separation between campsites. At Smith Mountain Lake State Park, "RV sites are good and have decent privacy," while at Wilderness Adventure, campers report "awesome large spaces. Camped with 8 people/2 tents and had room for more if needed."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: While most campgrounds operate from spring through fall, Don's Cab-Inns Campground offers year-round access. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," notes a winter camper.
Highway noise: Some camping areas sit close to major roads. At Dixie Caverns, "You are surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the actual Dixie Cavern is at the base of a mountain, so all the road traffic is above the campground and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7."
Water sources: When camping along the Appalachian Trail near Cloverdale, reliable water can be scarce. At Johns Spring Shelter, "There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cloverdale, VA?
What camping is available near Cloverdale, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cloverdale, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Cloverdale, VA and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cloverdale, VA?
Which is the most popular campground near Cloverdale, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cloverdale, VA is Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cloverdale, VA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cloverdale, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Cloverdale, VA.
What parks are near Cloverdale, VA?
What parks are near Cloverdale, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Cloverdale, VA that allow camping, notably Philpott Lake and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
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