Top 5 Camping Destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains Verified by Reviews

Exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains: A Guide to Top Campgrounds

The Blue Ridge Mountains, a captivating subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, stretch from Pennsylvania through Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Known for their breathtaking vistas and diverse recreational opportunities, these mountains offer an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and campers. With over 550 miles of scenic trails and stunning viewpoints, the region is also home to some of the most picturesque campgrounds in the United States.

Choosing the Right Campground

Selecting the perfect camping spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains depends on your preferences. Are you seeking modern amenities like electricity hookups for RVs, or do you prefer a more rustic experience with minimal facilities? Do you want to be near hiking trails that lead to panoramic mountain views, or would you rather enjoy a peaceful lakeside escape? The choice of campground can greatly influence your overall experience, and there are numerous options across state and national parks.

Georgia: Black Rock Mountain State Park

Nestled at an elevation of 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain State Park in Georgia offers some of the most spectacular 80-mile views of valleys and mountains, especially during the fall season. The park features 11 miles of hiking trails, including the Black Rock Lake Trail, which is an easy loop under a mile long and crosses several creeks and a wooden bridge over a small lake. The lake also has a boardwalk for fishing and picnic tables for relaxation.

The Black Rock Mountain State Park campground has received a solid 4.7-star rating from over 1,600 reviews on Reserve America, with 44 tent, trailer, and RV campsites available. Additionally, there are 10 modern two-bedroom cottages with full kitchens and flat-screen TVs. Reviews highlight the friendly staff, cleanliness, and maintenance, along with amenities such as washers and dryers. Some sites offer incredible views and direct access to hiking trails. However, due to the high elevation, it can get quite chilly at night, so visitors should come prepared.

North Carolina: Davidson River Campground

Located in the Pisgah National Forest, just 45 minutes from Asheville, the Davidson River Campground offers over 144 tent and RV sites. It is open from late March to mid-November, with only 44 sites available during the off-season. The campground has earned a 4.5-star rating from over 1,700 reviews on Recreation.gov and a 4.6-star rating on Google from nearly 600 travelers. Visitors appreciate the riverfront location, quiet atmosphere, and private sites, as well as well-maintained restrooms and friendly staff.

The area is known for excellent trout fishing, and the Sliding Rock Recreation Area provides a natural waterslide for fun. Hikers can explore the Art Loeb Trail, which spans nearly 30 miles and offers incredible views without the crowds found in nearby national parks.

Virginia: Big Meadows Campground

Situated within Shenandoah National Park, the Big Meadows Campground is a standout option for those looking to explore the Appalachian Trail. Located just 75 miles west of Washington D.C., the park sees about 1.7 million visitors annually and is a less crowded alternative to the Great Smoky Mountains. The campground is conveniently located off the Skyline Drive, one of the most scenic drives in the country, and offers great stargazing opportunities.

With over 1,800 reviews on Recreation.gov and a 4.5-star rating on The Dyrt, the campground is praised for its proximity to hiking trails, spacious campsites, and helpful amenities like a camp store, laundry facilities, and clean restrooms. However, showers and laundry are only available during the camping season, which runs from late spring to early fall.

North Carolina: Doughton Park Campground

Doughton Recreation Area features 30 miles of trails, including the Basin Creek Trail, which leads past beautiful waterfalls. The area also includes picnic areas, historic cabins, and ranger-led programs. It is close to Stone Mountain State Park and is a popular spot for amateur astronomers.

With a 4.5-star rating on both Recreation.gov and The Dyrt, the Doughton Park Campground is praised for its helpful hosts, convenient location near the Blue Ridge Parkway, and proximity to the Flat Rock Ridge Trailhead. The campground offers a mix of site sizes, with 24 advanced reservation-only spaces and 97 first-come, first-served sites for flexibility.

South Carolina: Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Keowee-Toxaway State Park is set along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and features a blue-green lake with waterfalls, coves, and fantastic camping opportunities. The lake, a man-made reservoir, offers over 300 miles of shoreline and a range of activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and ziplining. The Upstate Zipline provides a canopy tour with multiple ziplines and family-friendly activities.

Although smaller than other campgrounds, Keowee-Toxaway State Park receives praise for its lake views and clean facilities. However, some reviewers noted that larger RVs may have difficulty parking, and sites can be close together. Despite this, the park remains a picturesque and accessible destination for those seeking a lake getaway.

Methodology for Selecting the Best Campgrounds

To identify the best campsites in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we evaluated campgrounds based on consistent high ratings across multiple review platforms, including Tripadvisor, Google Reviews, The Dyrt, Hipcamp, and Campendium. We excluded campgrounds with fewer than four stars on average or fewer than 25 reviews. Preference was given to those with at least 100 reviews, while also considering smaller campgrounds that might not have as many reviews.

We also considered the unique attractions of each park, such as hiking trails, scenic views, and natural beauty. Other factors included facility cleanliness, availability of shade, noise levels, proximity to convenience, and site maintenance. To ensure a comprehensive guide, we included campgrounds across the entire region rather than focusing on a single area. We also recognized that smaller campgrounds could still offer exceptional experiences.