Best camping sites/ things to do in the Blue Ridge mts. of Virginia?

[Virginia Dawn]

We are planning a camping vacation and have decided to visit one of the caverns, but we haven't chosen a campground. Do you have a favorite?
Requirements: Swimming on site or nearby. Nearby hiking trails that the whole family can go on.

We've been to the president's homes and natural bridge before, are there any other must see spots?

[Victoria]

We've never camped out there, but last Father's Day, we went out to Lurray for the weekend and saw the caverns. It was a retro good time. We stayed at a Day's Inn with a pool, which is about my speed. LOL

Also, check out the activities at the National Parks where you go. They have astronomy nights where you bring your telescope and enjoy the stars. Have fun! The Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful. :001_smile:

[Gwen in VA]

Douthat State Park is very nice (about 30 miles west of Lexington) -- a great swimming area and nice woodsy campsites, with lots of trails. We went last year with friends and are planning on going again this year.

[Doran]

She writes of her recent happy experience in Abindgon, VA here (http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/donne-travels-washington-times/2008/Jun/10/daytripper-artists-to-ghosts-in-abingdon-virginia/). And, another friend used to live in western VA and sold at the Farmers' market in Abindgon. It sounds like a wonderful place! As for camping, I doubt you could go wrong with any of the state parks (http://www.virginiablueridge.org/swvastateparks.htm)

It's been too many years to advise you specifically. I spent a good deal of time as a youth in the Blue Ridge area of NC and VA, but others should have more current news.

[Kathy in MD]

If you're willing to swim in a swimming hole surrounded by trees and rocks (and the occasional bear), instead of a concrete hole in the ground with water purification, a snack bar and pool side bar service :), I'd recommend camping in the national park. But I have a feeling you're not up for the good life ;)

So I'll just recommend things to do. Luray Cavern is the best of the caverns to tour, if you're only going to do one. It also has an antique car collection included in the ticket price. For an extra fee, there's a maze and restaraunts and hotels with swimming pools.

If you want to do a second cave tour, Skyline Cave has very different formations, but they aren't nearly as impressive for younger children.

In the park, there is a lot of nice hikes, waterfalls, tours and activities. One unexpected tour is of Hoover's summer retreat from DC. It's very rustic and fairly small, next to water and far from the maddening crowd. I also enjoy the evening ranger guided hikes. The evening gives you a very different experience, and the ranger informs, as well as keeps you from getting lost :)

[Virginia Dawn]

We have a winner! (and reservations) everyone is thrilled with what we have seen of this site online.



Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

[Brigitte]

She writes of her recent happy experience in Abindgon, VA here (http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/donne-travels-washington-times/2008/Jun/10/daytripper-artists-to-ghosts-in-abingdon-virginia/). And, another friend used to live in western VA and sold at the Farmers' market in Abindgon. It sounds like a wonderful place! As for camping, I doubt you could go wrong with any of the state parks (http://www.virginiablueridge.org/swvastateparks.htm)

It's been too many years to advise you specifically. I spent a good deal of time as a youth in the Blue Ridge area of NC and VA, but others should have more current news.

And, Abingdon has the advantage of being less than 10 miles from what will be my new home at the end of the week! Just think of the fun we could have. :D

[Virginia Dawn]

Abingdon is a little farther than we wanted to go. But my dad lives in Henderson county near Asheville, so we may have been within 10 miles of each other at some time without even knowing it. :-)

[happymom]

We just did the 1 mile loop hike to Blackrock Summit. It is around Milepost 85 on the Blueridge Parkway. My kids loved climbing to the top of the black rocks and the view was awsome. According to the sign at the beginning of the trail, it is "an easy hike with outstanding views and interesting geology. The trail loops around the summit of Blackrock, an eroding mountain of talus comprised of Hampton quartzite. To reach the top of Blackrock one must leave the trail and scramble over broken rocks. The summit elevation is 3,092 feet. Blackrock owes it’s appearance to rock tripe."

Check out this website http://potomacappalachian.org/
for cabins along the Appalachian trail. Some rustic some very nice but all for very reasonable prices. And here's a homeschool website with reviews of the cabins and Blackrock Summit along with other outdoor info for VA.
http://www.trailz.org/

We have enjoyed camping at Sherando Lake in the past and we also loved Lurray Caverns. Have fun.