Otter Creek Campground

4.45

181 reviews

Milepost 60.9 Blue Ridge Parkway

Quick Facts

649 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

68 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Blue Ridge Parkway site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

649 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

68 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Blue Ridge Parkway site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Otter Creek Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fee is $30 for all sites during peak season. Reservation fees apply: $8 for online/app, $9 via contact center, and $3 in person.

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

434-299-5125

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 181 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanstaff

"User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, cleanliness, and the quality of its trails as key positives. Complaints typically focus on the proximity of campsites, lack of privacy, and the absence of showers. The friendliness of the campground hosts is frequently praised."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Milepost 60.9 Blue Ridge Parkway

Otter Creek Campground

Milepost 60.9 Blue Ridge Parkway

Driving directionsTraveling from the Lynchburg area on Rte 29, turn onto Rte 130 West. Travel approximately 25 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. From the ramp, turn right (north) onto the Parkway. Travel one mile to the Otter Creek Campground. Traveling from the Lexington/Buena Vista direction on Rte 81, take the Blue Ridge Parkway exit to Rte 60 E towards Amherst. Drive approximately 16 miles, turning at the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance sign. At the Stop sign, turn left (south) onto the Parkway. Travel approximately 16 miles to the entrance of Otter Creek Campground.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, but users should be cautious about navigation challenges depending on the direction they are traveling. Reviews mention moss-covered roads that create a magical setting but may require extra attention.

Nearby supplies

Firewood must be purchased off-site. Reviews mention H&H Exxon in Big Island, VA as a nearby source for firewood and supplies. Walmart in Madison Heights is about 15-20 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Otter Creek Campground

Summer transforms this low-elevation haven into a warm embrace, where the heat encourages lazy afternoons by the creek and evening gatherings around the campfire. As autumn arrives, the campground reveals its true magic—crisp air replaces summer's warmth, bothersome insects retreat, and the surrounding forest erupts in a symphony of gold, orange, and crimson. Fall camping here feels like nature's reward for patient visitors.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer is warm and busy with limited shade in places, though creek access offers cooling spots.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in US

Noted as particularly beautiful in fall for foliage and with fewer campers; review signal strong.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Open from May 23; late spring offers trails, botanical growth and mild conditions for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–May; winter season not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 - October 26 (peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to October 26 annually.

About Otter Creek Campground

Where the gentle waters of Otter Creek meander through shaded campsites, you'll discover a tranquil retreat at the Blue Ridge Parkway's most surprising elevation. This rustic campground invites you to fall asleep to the soothing sounds of babbling water and wake to misty mornings along the creek. With scenic hiking trails beginning right from your tent flap and the promise of quiet contemplation, Otter Creek offers an intimate connection with Virginia's natural beauty.

Otter Creek Campground offers accommodations for both tent and RV camping, catering to a range of visitor preferences. The campground has 39 reservable sites and 29 first-come, first-served sites. Sites are basic, with no utility hook-ups, emphasizing a more primitive camping experience.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time along the Otter Creek Trail, where your journey leads to the James River Visitor Center and a fascinating piece of Virginia's past. Here, a meticulously restored canal lock stands as a testament to the ambitious Kanawha Canal system—once envisioned as the commonwealth's commercial lifeline. This historic waterway tells the story of 19th-century dreams of prosperity and the engineering marvels that shaped Virginia's development.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this low-elevation haven into a warm embrace, where the heat encourages lazy afternoons by the creek and evening gatherings around the campfire. As autumn arrives, the campground reveals its true magic—crisp air replaces summer's warmth, bothersome insects retreat, and the surrounding forest erupts in a symphony of gold, orange, and crimson. Fall camping here feels like nature's reward for patient visitors.

ElevationPerched at just 649 feet above sea level, Otter Creek claims the distinction of being the Blue Ridge Parkway's lowest campground—a surprising valley oasis where the mountains seem to part and invite you into their gentle embrace. This unique position creates a microclimate all its own, where the air feels different and the landscape tells a story distinct from the parkway's lofty peaks.

Natural Features and SceneryThis low-elevation sanctuary nurtures an extraordinary tapestry of life, where abundant water and balmy temperatures create a botanical wonderland rarely seen elsewhere along the parkway. The Otter Creek Trail follows its namesake waterway through diverse ecosystems, while the Trail of Trees transforms a simple walk into an educational journey through Virginia's native forest. Here, moss-covered rocks, towering hardwoods, and the ever-present creek create endless opportunities for discovery and photography.

Geological RegionNestled in a remarkable pocket of the Blue Ridge at just 649 feet elevation, this campground occupies a geological sweet spot where mountain streams have carved out a lush valley ecosystem. The convergence of abundant water sources and the warming effects of low elevation have created a natural greenhouse, fostering plant and animal communities that thrive in this protected hollow—a living laboratory of biodiversity along the famous scenic parkway.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

30 nights maximum per year
up to 30 nights consecutively.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites allow up to six people unless designated for group camping.

Groups

No specified group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is arranged in two loops, A and B, with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in Availability29 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These cannot be tracked online and must be booked in person.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made online or via the contact center. A $10 fee applies, and the first night's recreation fee is forfeited for late cancellations.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible parking, walkways, grills, and campsites, but detailed descriptions of overall accessibility experiences are not provided.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating both RVs and tents. Some reviews mentioned that the sites are small and may not suit larger vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited according to user reviews, with some noting that sites are very close to each other.

Total Campsites68 campsites

Recommended SitesTent side is recommended for small vans and RVs to avoid generator noise. Creekside sites offer better views and ambiance.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Otter Creek Campground can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby historical and natural attractions. Popular trails like the Otter Creek Trail and Otter Lake Loop are accessible from the campground, catering to hikers of different skill levels. Fishing in Otter Lake is also a noted activity.

HikingThe campground provides access to several scenic trails including the 3.5-mile Otter Creek Trail leading to the James River Visitor Center, the 0.9-mile Otter Lake Loop Trail known for wildlife observation opportunities, and the shorter Trail of Trees and Canal Lock Trails. Trails are described as family-friendly and well-marked, with some being especially suitable for early morning or late evening wildlife watching.

FishingFishing is available in Otter Lake, though details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities, particularly along the Otter Lake Loop Trail, are highlighted by users who mention observing beavers and other animals. Morning and evening are recommended for the best viewing experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, and campers must keep food secured. Heavy storms can flood campsites and bathrooms.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are provided to secure items from bears. Campers should use lockers or cars for scented items.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted following firewood regulations. Dead and downed wood may be used.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency phone available at the campground, but details on nearest hospitals or police stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information provided about trash and recycling facilities, though general cleanliness of the campground was praised.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Otter Creek, with trails leading to Otter Lake. Fishing is available nearby.

Camp HostHosts are noted as friendly and helpful, with some going above and beyond during storms and emergencies.

Weather at Otter Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5

181 reviews

Recommended

Otter Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, cleanliness, and the quality of its trails as key positives. Complaints typically focus on the proximity of campsites, lack of privacy, and the absence of showers. The friendliness of the campground hosts is frequently praised.

Review Summaries

Based on 181 reviews

What Campers Love

Users consistently praised the beautiful and natural setting, the cleanliness of the campground, and the friendliness of the staff and hosts. The trails and proximity to the creek were also...

Based on 181 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the absence of showers, sites being too close together, and outdated facilities. Some users also mentioned issues with inaccurate site maps and difficulty accessing the dump...

Based on 181 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring firewood as none is sold on-site. Creek-side sites are highly recommended for their scenic value. Visitors also suggest preparing for no cell service and making sure to book larger sites for...

Based on 181 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is noted for being particularly beautiful in the fall due to autumn foliage and has fewer campers during this time. Summer can be hot and busy, with limited shade in some areas.

Based on 181 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The roads through the campsite are covered in moss and make a really magical setting." - Nicholas Meyer 2. "Great place for camping and an unplugged moment with nature." - Geraldine Prieto 3....

Based on 181 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 058, Loop A: "Nice campground but small and a lot of shade on a cold morning." - Arne H Campsite 009, Loop B: "The night I reserved for camping it was raining heavy all day long." - Mike...

Based on 181 reviews