Can’t Miss Camping Near Roanoke

Need to get away for the weekend? Check out these great campsites, all within an hour drive of Roanoke! Some are perfect for taking the family on a weekend adventure like New River Junction while others like the Campbell Shelter are only for experienced campers.

Camp Karma

Camp Karma, located about 45 minutes from Roanoke, sits on 42 acres of forest-like campgrounds in Bedford, Virginia. Campers from all over will enjoy this campsite that is perfect for both tents and trailers. Located near Smith Mountain Lake, Camp Karma is an excellent choice for Virginians looking for a weekend getaway in the woods.

Camp Karma and Smith Mountain Lake

Take a hike down to Goose Creek for a quick swim and check out the wildlife around you. Without all the lights you’ll get to sit back, look at the stars and relax near your campsite. Camp Karma has 36 sites for you and your group to get back to nature with!

Camp Karma makes life a little more simple with the convenience of luxury camping – glamping, on Smith Mountain Lake. Camp Karma provides a 4 person tent fully stocked with camping and sleeping gear, all you need to bring is dinner! Campers can also rent 6 person tents on a nightly basis, just remember no pets allowed!

New River Junction

A popular family getaway near Roanoke is New River Junction. Often called Mother Nature’s Water Park, it is easy to see why tube lovers and campers drive almost an hour to spend the weekend away on the New River.

Tubing at New River Junction

The most popular attraction at New River Junction is tubing the rapids. While tubing is not open all year round when summertime rolls around and the water levels are just right the New River and Big Falls Park are full of campers beating the heat by floating down the river.

Once you are done camping for the day you can pitch a tent at one of the campsites. Campsites have free WiFi as well as other amenities like hot showers and nearby restrooms. Keep in mind reservations are required so be sure to book in advance.

Campbell Shelter

The Campbell Shelter is a popular shelter and camp ground located near mile 712 of the Appalachian Trail. This campsite and hike are definitely not for amateurs! The campsite itself is little more than a wood shack along with a few picnic tables. It is perfect for experienced hikers looking to backpack and catch a view at McAfee Knob, located a short distance away, but not the best option for a family looking for weekend fun.

Why Camp at the Campbell Shelter?

If you want to get away from city life in Roanoke the Campbell Shelter is a great place to visit and become one with nature for a weekend, or stop for some rest during your Appalachian trail trek. Since the shelter is only a 20 minute drive from Roanoke the Campbell Shelter is perfect for weekend getaways exploring McAfee Knob.

Like always when camping in Virginia, be on the lookout for bears and make sure to store all food securely inside of a bear box.

Lamberts Meadow Shelter

Another popular camping spot along the Appalachian Trail, near Roanoke, is the Lamberts Meadow Shelter. Like the Campbell Shelter this is not the campsite for everyone!

While the shelter and campsite are most commonly used by backpackers hiking the Appalachian Trail it is only a 30 minute drive from Roanoke making it an option for a weekend camping trip. The campsite is a small shelter that can sleep 5 or 6 people as well as a picnic table, privy with water available from a nearby stream.

Why the Lamberts Meadow Shelter?

If you enjoy the exploring nature and want to get away from town Lamberts Meadow is a great camping option. The campsite is easily reachable on a Friday night after work and the shelter makes it a great spot to visit even in the winter. If you do choose Lamberts Meadow be on the lookout for bears! This shelter has been closed multiple times in the past due to bears looking for food around the shelter.

Dixie Caverns

Dixie Caverns is a guided underground cave tour and campsite that is perfect for taking the family on a weekend adventure in Virginia. About 20 miles from Roanoke the cave and campgrounds sits just off Route 460 and has sites for both tents and pull-thru trailers. Additional amenities include WiFi, cable, trash pickup, power hookups in addition to restrooms and showers making it the perfect option for the family.

The Caverns

The cave itself was discovered by some kids and a dog exploring the hill in the early 1920’s and it has been a popular attraction ever since. Dixie Caverns features large open caverns with some interesting stalactites and stalagmites. Be sure to bring your walking shoes and a jackets as the caves can be cool in the summer and down right cold in the winter.

 

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