Mountain Camping in Virginia
Discover the best mountain camping across Virginia. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Hurricane Campground
Perched between 2,800 and 3,050 feet elevation, this mountain sanctuary delivers sweeping views of Virginia's highlands from sites nestled among ancient hemlocks and towering oaks.
Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp
Towering Blue Ridge peaks encircle a pristine 7-acre lake, where ancient rock formations rise from emerald forests and create dramatic backdrops for every sunrise.
White Oak Campground
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains at over 1,500 feet, this wooded campground immerses you in rolling forested ridges, cascading creeks, and the serene beauty of a dammed mountain lake.
About Mountain Camping in Virginia
Mountain camping Virginia offers some of the most spectacular and diverse high-elevation camping experiences on the East Coast, from the ancient peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rugged Allegheny highlands and the alpine-like summits of the Southwest Virginia Highlands. Virginia's mountain ranges stretch across multiple geological provinces, creating distinct camping environments that range from the gentle rolling peaks of the Shenandoah Valley to the dramatic 5,000-foot summits near Mount Rogers.
Best Time
The prime mountain camping season in Virginia runs from late April through October, with peak conditions varying by elevation and specific mountain range. Late spring (May-early June) brings spectacular wildflower displays, rushing waterfalls from snowmelt, and comfortable temperatures in the 60s-70s during the day, though nights can still dip into the 40s at higher elevations.
Scenery Highlights
- Stunning mountain panoramas
- Cool alpine temperatures
- Alpine lakes and meadows
- World-class hiking trails
Explore Mountain Camping in Virginia
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve popular mountain campgrounds well in advance through Recreation.gov or Virginia State Parks, especially for summer weekends and October foliage season when sites book out months ahead.
- 2Pack layers regardless of season—mountain weather changes rapidly, and temperatures can swing 30-40 degrees between day and night even in summer.
- 3Bring a quality sleeping bag rated for at least 20 degrees cooler than forecast temperatures.
- 4Essential gear includes a reliable headlamp or flashlight (mountain campgrounds can be pitch black at night), water filtration if you plan to use natural sources, and bear-safe food storage containers or rope for hanging food in areas with black bear activity.
Mountain Camping in Virginia FAQ
We've ranked 20+ mountain campgrounds in Virginia based on elevation, scenery, and access to trails. Top options offer stunning alpine views and cool summer temperatures.
Mountain camping in Virginia requires preparation for cooler temperatures and changing weather. Bring layers, be prepared for afternoon storms, and allow time for altitude acclimation at higher elevations.
Mountain camping season in Virginia typically runs June through September, though lower elevations may be accessible earlier. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July.
Popular Virginia Campgrounds Book Fast
The best mountain camping in Virginia book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Hurricane Campground
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