13 Aug
Plan Your Camping Adventure in Southwest Virginia
WanderLOVE is the plan and Southwest Virginia is the destination! This Summer and Fall we are helping you plan your next adventure! Today we are going to cover some great ideas towards camping options in the region! Along with places to camp, we’re going to give you an idea of other fun outdoor activities you might enjoy along the way.
Camping in State Parks
State Parks are a great place to start when it comes to great camping options! With plenty of amenities and natural beauty to enjoy, what more could you ask for? Here’s a list of State Parks located in our region, and some fun things that you can expect when visiting.
Hungry Mother State Park – Located in Marion Virginia, this location offers camping options such as a tent, RV, cabin rental, and yurts. Hungry Mother features fun outdoor things to do such as biking, hiking, boating (rentals), a beach, playgrounds, fishing, and more.
We filmed a Virtual Visit on Hungry Mother, which you can view here:
Grayson Highlands State Park – Located near Mt. Rogers and White Top, this location offers a plentiful amount of wonderous Southwest Virginia views. Grayson Highlands offers fun things to do such as hiking trails (including portions of the Appalachian Trail), site seeing, wild ponies, and some of the best views in all of Southwest Virginia.
Grayson Highlands, Feb 2020
Natural Tunnel State Park –Located in Scott County, this wonderous State Park features natural wonders such as a wide chasm and “chimneys”. Here, you can enjoy cave tours, hiking, biking, and other outdoor recreation options.
Claytor Lake State Park – This State Park, located in Dublin, Virginia, and caters to things to do such as swimming, camping, hiking, and picnicking. Claytor Lake is also known for its sport fishing and boating. There are also options for private events such as weddings and reunions.
Fairy Stone State Park –This park features a 168-acre lake and other fun things to do in Stuart, Virginia. Fairy Stone is also located just minutes away from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Attractions include cabins, a campground, equestrian area, hiking trails, boat rentals, and more.
Wilderness Road State Park –Located in Ewing, Virginia, Wilderness Road State Park offers outdoor things to do such as picnicking, hiking, and living history programs. Visitors can also hike, bike, or horseback ride the 8.5 mile Wilderness Road Trail. For more information, please visit their State Parks page.
New River Trail State Park –This 57-mile linear park follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. This massive park passes through four counties as well as the city of Galax. Popular things to do include hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping. This park includes various sites to see such as tunnels, bridges, and a historic shot tower.
Breaks Interstate Park –If you are looking to get the most out of your adventure, consider Breaks Interstate Park in Breaks, Virginia. This park features camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, sightseeing and so much more. Rather you are looking to camp in a tent, RV, or cabin, the options are plentiful. Breaks Interstate Park stretches from Virginia into Kentucky.
Recreation and Camping
Maybe figuring out your next camping adventure doesn’t involve where to camp so much as what you would like to do while camping. Below, we have comprised some fun things to do while camping, and where you can do those things.
Biking
Biking is a fun way to explore the Southwest Virginia landscape. Our region is also full of fun, family-friendly, and even advanced bike trails.
The Virginia Creeper Trail – Abingdon, Damascus, White Top
New River Trail – Grayson, Carroll, Whyte, & Pulaski Counties as well as Galax.
Heart of Appalachia Trail – Wise County, Tazewell
Fishing
Fishing is a popular pastime in Southwest Virginia. We have many lakes, streams, and rivers that will suit any need you may have. Below are a few locations, you may enjoy some quality fishing.
Hiking & Site Seeing
Perhaps you would like to slow things down and take the hiking approach to see Southwest Virginia. Rather you are an experienced hiker or just enjoy a little walk, the following locations may be just for you.
The Channels Natural Area Preserve
The Channels Natural Area Preserve is a little tougher hike, however well worth the trek. See amazing views, natural wonders, and an old fire tower! Check out our video on The Channels on YouTube.
Cascades National Recreational Trail
Beautiful, family-friendly hiking trail in Giles County. This nature walk features an awe-inspiring waterfall at the end!
Pine Mountain Trail, Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands is a beautiful State Park located in Grayson County. This park offers walking trails, a crossing with the Appalachian Trail, and wild ponies!
Now It’s Up to You
Now that we have given you some ideas on places to stay and some things to do, it’s up to you to narrow down the search! Feel free to explore the rest of our website to find out where, how, and what else to do. Here are a few links we recommend to get started:
Southwest Virginia PLAY & Southwest Virginia STAY
You might also want to check out our YouTube channel which includes videos from other locations not mentioned in the post such as Norton and St. Paul.
Want to get more inspired by WanderLOVE? Check out what Virginia is for Lovers has planned out just for you!