19 minute read
PITCH A TENT RIDE
Pitch a Tent and Ride
Still not ready for a long flight and an extended stay in a hotel? Load up your bike, head into the woods, and pop a tent at one of these top pedal-ready camping destinations in the Blue Ridge.
BY ERIC J. WALLACE
Last year bike sales broke records and camping found renewed popularity as a safe escape. With that in mind, we’ve combined both and scoped out the perfect spots where you can ride some sweet Southern singletrack by day and sleep under the stars by night.
Virginia Stokesville Campground,
Mt. Solon
The Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and U.S. Forest Service have spent 25-plus years and more than $500,000 transforming the North River District of the George Washington National Forest into an MTB mecca. Former pro racer and renowned trailbuilder Thomas Jenkins has spearheaded the installation of more than 40 miles of fast and fun single and doubletrack. The groundbreaking system helped nearby Harrisonburg win designation as an International Mountain Biking Association bronzelevel Ride Center in the early 2010s. Routes carry you into the Alleghany Mountains and some of the highest MTB terrain in the state. Peaks at Reddish, Bother and Flagpole Knobs bring 4,100plus feet of elevation, panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley—and shredworthy, 2-mile-long descents.
The 140-acre private campground is located about 20 miles southeast of Harrisonburg on the North River at the base of the Shenandoah Mountain Range. The farm-like property is picturesque, heavily wooded and features 103 sites—including some RV spots and a handful of cabins. Amenities include access to trailheads, bathrooms, hot showers, a small camp store, and a big swimming hole. Primitive camping starts at $15. stokesvillecampground.com Carvins Cove,
Roanoke
In the late 1990s, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve was home to little more than a municipal reservoir and a sliver of the Appalachian Trail. An ambitious partnership between the city, New River Valley Bicycle Association, and other organizations brought major changes. Today, the 12,500-acre area boasts an 80-mile network of mountain biking trails centered around the 2,500-foot ridgeline of Brushy Mountain. The headliner is a beastly 7-mile-long flow trail, Rock & Roll, presently the longest of its kind in the U.S.
Better still, the Cove sits just 10 miles from downtown Roanoke and was recently connected to the city’s awardwinning Greenway system—including 15 miles of purposebuilt MTB trails at Mill Mountain Park. This and other bike-friendly policies led IMBA to name Roanoke the East Coast’s third silver-level Ride Center in 2018 (there are currently just FAMILY CAMPING AT EXPLORE PARK. PHOTO COURTESY 16 in the world). OF ROANOKE COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM | VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE
Unfortunately, the Cove isn’t camper friendly. Instead pitch your tent across town near the Blue West VirginiaRidge Parkway at Explore Park. The 1,100-acre preserve is situated along Blackwater Falls State Park, the Roanoke River and offers high-end Davis state park type amenities ranging from bathhouses to an adventure ropes Tucker County and the tiny 675-person course to an onsite brewpub. And did we town of Davis have long been hubs of mention 9-plus miles of purpose-built the Eastern Panhandle mountain biking MTB trails? Primitive sites start at $20. scene. The area is nestled high in the
Find trail maps and information at Alleghany Mountains and studded playroanoke.com with 4,000-foot peaks and ridgelines.
Meanwhile, the Monongahela National Forest and two state parks comprise nearly 75 percent of county lands.
The latter have been working with regional bike clubs and the state’s National Interscholastic Cycling Association league to overhaul trails since 2017. Blackwater Falls State Park now rests at the center of a 34-plus-mile system. Canaan Valley Resort State Park is located 20 miles away and offers another 19 miles of trails—including a pump track and six miles of new, bike-park-quality routes. The scenic Alleghany Mountain Trail passes through rare high-elevation red spruce forests, past cranberry bogs and countless trout streams, and connects the two parks.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. The county is brimming with bike-friendly recreation areas. Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area, for instance, holds another 16 miles of trails alone.
Blackwater Falls is our go-to basecamp for exploration. The 2,358acre park features a 60-foot waterfall, bathhouses and awesome primitive camping along its namesake river. Sites start at $17 a night. wvstateparks.com/ park/blackwater-falls-state-park
North Carolina
W. Kerr Scott Reservoir,
Wilkesboro
This 1,475-acre manmade lake and its six surrounding wildlife management areas offer some of the most iconic mountain biking in the Southeast. Located 30 miles west of Boone in the Yadkin River Valley between the Blue Ridge and Brushy Mountain ranges, it’s home to more than 40 miles of purposebuilt MTB trails. All were designed and installed by the Brushy Mountain Cyclists Club since 2002.
The area makes the most of a cluster of 1,500-foot peaks and ridgelines, and features three main riding areas—Dark Mountain, Overmountain Victory Trail, and Warrior Creek. The latter is the most progressive and features a killer 12-mile loop with ripping downhill segments where, beyond the opening climb and a few uphill punches, you’ll barely have to hit the pedals. Connectors and a brief road ride make it possible to combine the three areas for a gnarly 33-mile loop. The route’s backcountry beauty and countless bermed curves (OVT’s main loop features more than 100 alone), drops, jumps, rock gardens, and wooden features landed it on the list of IMBA Epics in 2011.
There are three camping areas around the lake, but we prefer Warrior Creek. It’s less popular among the boating and swimming crowd, and many of its 60 sites are tucked away in wooded nooks near creeks. A primitive spot with electric hookups is $20 a night. recreation.gov/camping/ gateways/461
EPIC TRAILS AWAIT AT WINDROCK PARK. PHOTO BY JACK RICE/COURTESY OF PIPER COMMUNICATIONS
Yogi in the Smokies,
Cherokee
In terms of MTB basecamps, the town of Cherokee is hard to beat. The seat of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ 56,000-acre Qualla Boundary lays at the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway, sandwiched between Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the north and the Nantahala National Forest to the south. Simply put, the natural beauty is stunning.
Better still, Cherokee is home to Fire Mountain Bike Park. The resortstyle system is located a mile from downtown, features about 14 miles of pro-grade trails, dozens of wooden features—and won’t cost you a dime to ride. Highlights include half-mile-long, feature-packed progression trail, Skilly, and 2-mile doubletrack rollercoaster, Kessel Run. The latter brings 2,000 feet of vertical descent and is peppered with high berms, rhythm sections, dozens
Mulally and company have since added a second riding area with two machine-built beginner routes and a trio of fast and flowy rides for intermediates. But most visitors come for the challenge of taking on some of the gnarliest downhill burners around. An open-back truck shuttles riders to trailheads at the summit of 3,200-foot Toddy Mountain throughout the day. The machine-built, 16-trail network is peppered with loads of features, brings nearly 20 miles of riding, and vertical drops of 2,150 feet. Trail crews are constantly making improvements and additions, so expect something new each year.
While tent camping is available onsite, it’s essentially festival-style in an open field. If you’re looking for woodsy privacy and quiet, Rock Hollow Campground is located a mere six miles away. Primitive sites start at $25. rockhollowcampground.com
Georgia
Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp,
Ellijay
of tabletops, and a handful of wood features.
After hitting the park, proceed to iconic rides at Lake Fontana. The scenic preserve is less than 25 miles away and home to the 42-mile-long Tsali Loops trail, an IMBA epic.
For camping, we like Yogi in the Smokies. This 150-site gem is located 10 miles north of downtown Cherokee on the outskirts of its namesake National Park. Pitch a tent on the banks of the Raven Fork of the Oconaluftee River or rent a cabin. Amenities include a pool, camp store, and hot-water bathhouses. Primitive sites from $33. jellystonecherokee.com
Tennessee Windrock Park,
Oliver Springs
Co-owned and designed by pro racer and former national champion, Neko Mulally, Windrock was purpose-built for enthusiasts by enthusiasts. The 550-acre park is the outgrowth of a private, 73,000-acre MX, ATV, and jeep destination in the rural Cumberland Mountains. It gained recognition after launching in 2017 with nine trails that ranged from advanced to extreme in difficulty. The best mountain biking in Georgia is found 80 miles north of Atlanta in the southern Cohutta Mountains near the 2,500-person town of Ellijay. There, the North Georgia Mountain Bike Association has made northern portions of the 335-mile-long Pinhoti National Recreation Trail the backbone for a network of incredible rides.
Numerous loops deliver riders deep into the Chattahoochee National Forest, passing through rhododendron thickets and hemlock forests to 3,500-plusfoot ridgelines with long, fantastic descents. The crown jewel is an epic 43-mile circuit that links eight MTB trails via a series of short connectors. It begins on the edge of the 36,977-acre Cohutta Wilderness, passes through Fort Mountain State Park, and ends near the town of Chatsworth. Expect tons of modern flow interspersed with occasional technical sections, creek crossings, and climbs to the next downhill thriller.
Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp is located 13 miles northwest of Ellijay and offers camping, cabins, bathhouses, and shuttle service for area trailheads. Chef Ginni Taylor dishes out family-style breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and craft brews in a large lounge and dining area called The Barn. The vibe is like an Appalachian Trail hostel made a baby with a Vermont ski resort. Primitive camping from $19 a night. mulberrygap.com
Camping the Southeast
Whether you prefer a coastal adventure or a mountainous getaway, check out our roundup of the best camping options in the region. From quiet backcountry sites and family-friendly campgrounds to the best of car camping and glamping, we’ve got a spot for every type of adventurer. Please check with locations prior to travel to make sure it is safe to visit or use this guide to plan future trips when we can all be together again.
PHOTO BY JOSHUA ANDERSON COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
A Charming Getaway to Alleghany
Highlands, Va.
For beautiful mountain views, endless outdoor recreation opportunities, and unique camping locations, get away to the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia for time away from the crowds. Beaverdam Falls Outdoor Recreation & Camping is a new glamping venue with several scenic campsites. Sleep beside the 40-foot Beaverdam Falls as the creek tumbles into the basin below at the “Top of the Rock” site. Three other campsites provide a quiet spot among nature while the cottage on site off ers a more traditional night of lodging with a kitchen, air conditioning, and heat. Explore the 60-acre property, including viewing the falls from the rope bridge, private trout fi shing, and swimming in the cool mountain waters. Experience more of the outdoors with a bike ride on the Jackson River Scenic Trail or a picnic beside Humpback Bridge. As one of the six original Virginia parks, Douthat State Park is a classic camping spot surrounded by stunning scenery. Of the 87 tent and RV sites, Lakeside Campground is a favorite among visitors for its views of the water while Whispering Pines remains open all year and Beaver Dam is perfect for equestrian camping. An additional 32 cabins and three lodges provide space for larger groups wanting to enjoy the park together with kitchens and beds. While staying at the park, make sure to hike or bike the more than 40 miles of trails, ranging from easy to diffi cult, fi sh the lake for stocked trout, and swim at the beach area. Don’t forget to head into the nearby town of Clifton Forge for delicious eateries, fun shops, and evening entertainment. Get back to the camping basics at the Morris Hill Campground. Sitting on a ridge above Lake Moomaw, you’ll be surrounded by George Washington and Jeff erson National Forests. Sit around the fi re-ring roasting s’mores before climbing into your tent or RV for the night. During the day, the 2,500-acre lake invites you to jump in, fi sh for trout, and paddle the shoreline. There’s plenty of hiking and biking spots easily accessible from the campground while the Jackson River off ers more miles for fl y fi shing and paddling. Plus, it’s just a short drive to Covington for a walk through downtown or out to the overlook at Falling Springs Falls off Route 220.
No matter where you choose to set up camp for the night, discover what makes it Uniquely Alleghany when you visit this charming Virginia mountain community for yourself.
A Riverside Stay in
Russell County, Va.
Known as one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, there’s no better place to spend a night out in nature than beside the Clinch River in Russell County, Va.
Cleveland RiverBend Campground is a quiet getaway, perfect for the laid back camper. With both RV and primitive sites available, you can choose how you sleep. Amenities include restroom and shower facilities, as well as electric, water, and an onsite dump station for RVs.
From the campground, access the walking trail and boardwalk that connects to Town Park via a suspension bridge. For more outdoor excursions, try the three-mile trail out to Tank Hollow Falls at Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve or get on the river at one of the nearby boat slips.
Plan your upcoming trip around a local festival to experience the music, food, and culture of southwestern Virginia. From guided canoe trips and hikes to festival food and local craft drink tastings, Clinch River Days, scheduled for June 4-5, is an annual tradition highlighting the rare and endangered freshwater mussels that call the scenic river home. Or visit the following weekend and celebrate all things bluegrass, country, rock, and gospel music at the Lebanon Cedar Fest, scheduled for June 12-13.
ExperienceRussell.com
Find Your Camping Spot in
Spotsylvania County, Va.
From outdoor recreationists to history and wine enthusiasts, Spotsylvania County, Va., off ers a picturesque landscape for a relaxing getaway. Whether you’re looking for solitude or more luxurious accommodations, there’s a camping option to fi t your style.
If you’re looking to stay close to the water, Lake Anna State Park has something for everyone. Depending on who you’re traveling with, reserve one of the traditional campsites or try out the yurts, cabins, lodges, or bunkhouse on site. Spend your days exploring 15 miles of trails, swimming in the lake, and fi shing for largemouth bass before turning in for the night.
Families of all ages will love staying at the Wilderness Presidential Resort. Bring your own RV or tent for the night or book a lakeside cottage or cabin for cooking space and a personal bathroom. On site amenities include two lakes with boat rentals, mini-golf, an adventure course, escape room, and more.
Just off I-95, the Fredericksburg/Washington DC South KOA has RV sites, tent sites, and cabins for travelers to rest their heads. With a pool, bike rentals, and fi shing on site, as well as easy access to historical sites, an amusement park, and great food, it’s a great spot to settle in for the night or the week.
VisitSpotsy.com
Sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountain. Photo by Sam Dean, courtesy of the McDowell County Tourism Authority
Regardless of the season, the Blue Ridge Mountains shine in McDowell County, N.C. Numerous campgrounds make it an ideal location for those who prefer to stay close to the action.
Within Pisgah National Forest, Curtis Creek Campground is an idyllic spot beside a refreshing trout stream. The primitive sites are a short walk to miles of trails. Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, two campsites off er a quiet place to set up for the night. Crabtree Falls Campground, located at Milepost 339.5, features 81 tent and RV sites with easy access to the 70-foot waterfall while Bear Den Campground, located at Milepost 324.8, off ers camping options or cabin rentals with an onsite fi shing pond and trails.
Fall asleep to the sounds of the river at Catawba Falls Campground or enjoy the views of Mount Mitchell from Sky Island Retreat. Cool off during the summer at Hidden Creek Camping Resort, featuring a lake, creek, pool, and water slide for a full day of fun, while spring and fall are the best times to pack your tent or stay in one of the bunk lodges at Camp Grier. A number of RV parks, including Buck Creek Campground, Mountain Stream RV Park, Mountain Paradise Campground, and Tom Johnson Campground, provide a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the setting.
Surrounded by 70,000 acres of national forest, the steep slopes of the escarpment create ideal conditions for mountain biking and hiking. Be sure to check out Woods Mountain Trail, a 26-mile loop that crosses the Mountain to Sea Trail, and Snook’s Nose, a trail for the experienced hiker with long-range views from Green Knob Lookout Tower. Stop by Flavors on Main or Old Fort Outdoors for any gear you might have left at home or maps of the area. The Old Fort Ride House rangers also provide expert trail details and info.
At the end of the day, unwind at a restaurant in Marion, including Marion Wing Factory, Toonez Chop House, Burrito Bros, McDowell Local, and Crabby Abby’s Bar & Grill. Don’t miss The Feisty Goldfi sh, a funky retro arcade and bar, or the Spillway Bridge, a music hall and bar supporting regional artists.
Walk downtown Old Fort or catch an outdoor performance at the Mountain Gateway Museum. Hillman Beer is the perfect spot to swap stories and grab a beer before heading back to your campsite for another night in the mountains of McDowell County.
The Best Coastal Campgrounds in Virginia Beach, Va.
Perfectly located at the sweet spot where the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet, the vibrant city of Virginia Beach attracts visitors of all ages with its flourishing culinary scene, rich history, and variety of outdoor adventures. Experience everything from the lively and bustling Town Center district to remote areas surrounded by nature when you visit coastal Virginia.
Camping is the perfect way to get the most out of your beach retreat. Fall asleep to the sounds of the bay at First Landing State Park. With over 200 tent and RV sites, plus a number of cabins and yurts, it’s just a short stroll across the boardwalk to reach the beach. Hike or bike 20 miles of trails through bald cypress swamps, lagoons, maritime forests, and shoreline at Virginia’s most-visited state park before turning in for the night. The more adventurous camper will enjoy the solitude and undeveloped coastline at False Cape State Park. The four primitive campgrounds located on Back Bay and the ocean require anywhere from a five to eight mile hike or bike from your car. Inexperienced campers and young children are not recommended due to the remote nature of the sites.
The Virginia Beach KOA Holiday is the perfect base camp for all your activities in the area, featuring RV sites, tent sites, and cabins, plus onsite amenities that include two swimming pools, a zipline course, bike rentals, a giant jumping pillow, and more. Spend the night by a private beach at North Landing Beach RV Resort and Cottages. In addition to planned activities, like weekend movie nights and holiday cookouts, explore the extensive marshes and streams around the river with canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. With over 1,000 sites ranging from basic to the full hook up with cable, Holiday Trav-L-Park has something for every kind of camper. Plus, with beach parking, four pools, and live music, there’s plenty to keep you busy during the day.
Stay at any of the campgrounds for easy access to all the outdoor adventures Virginia Beach has to offer. The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium is an exciting way to experience the area from above as you travel a network of tree-top trails. When you’re done flying through the air, head inside the aquarium for a variety of coastal habitats and over 300 species. If you forgot your swimsuit or beach shoes at home, Surf & Adventure Co. can hook you up with all your gear needs while in town. They also rent beach equipment, bikes, kayaks, surfboards, and paddleboards so you don’t have to cram everything into the car. Book one of their tours or surf lessons to get the most out of your time at the beach.
Take advantage of the miles of coastline and beautiful weather with a meal at one of several waterfront restaurants in town. Serving up everything from tacos to flatbread pizza, The Back Deck Bar & Cafe lives up to its name as a place to relax with a beautiful view while Calypso Bar & Grill features ramen on Mondays, an all-day raw bar, and delicious cocktails. Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill and Lager Heads Restaurant have some of the best and most creative burgers in town. A trip to the coast wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of the area’s iconic seafood restaurants. For the freshest catch, Steinhilber’s, Chix on the Beach, Catch 31 Fish House & Bar, Rudee’s Restaurant, Rockefeller’s, and Ocean House Waterfront Seafood Restaurant serve up local dishes with top notch outdoor seating options.
Get a taste for the sweet life by the water on your next camping trip to Virginia Beach.
