This is part four of a four part series, click below to read the other articles in this series.

• Part 1: Rich History
• Part 2: Must-see Locations
• Part 3: Places to Eat

The Place I Belong

We may have gotten ahead of ourselves here. I mean, how can you see all the sites and taste all that the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer if you don’t have a place to stay? That, my friends, is an excellent question! At this point, we must hit the brakes and backtrack a little bit so that we can fully explore the place where you belong in The Blue Ridge Mountains. After all, what’s a scenic, tasty, soul-satisfying road-trip in your RV without a great place to stay?

Top Places to Stay in Your RV

1.) Lynchburg Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

Imagine you’re driving in your rig along one of America’s most scenic roadways, the Blue Ridge Parkway, when you pass the road sign for Lynchburg, Virginia. If you’re a history enthusiast, you will already know of the American heritage nestled deep into the pulse of this area. In fact, Lynchburg is a historic site, home to one of the defining moments of American conflict and also peace. In this locale, you’ll find the site where Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on the 9th of April, 1865. Lynchburg is also home to the National D-Day Memorial. All in all, Lynchburg is veritably bursting with living history—history that ultimately must be experienced firsthand if one wants to feel its full impact.

So if you consider yourself a history buff, you’ll definitely love the Lynchburg Blue Ridge Parkway KOA! This inviting, up-to-date yet rustic RV camping destination places you within reach of all the history of the area. The KOA also boasts beautiful hikes with waterfalls and many caverns and caves to explore. The Lynchburg Blue Ridge Parkway KOA itself offers camping for all types of RVs, Wi-Fi, a pool, catch-and-release fishing, and even a dog park! As the recipient of many recent campground awards, including the KOA’s Founder’s Award, Lynchburg Blue Ridge Parkway KOA is perfect for all the history aficionados out there!

2.) Peaks of Otter Campground

If you’re looking for an even more rustic, “roughing-it” sort of destination along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks of Otter Campground is another excellent option! Located near Bedford, Virginia, the campground is lodged near the Jefferson National Forest in the Peaks of Otter area. Similar to the Lynchburg area, the Peaks of Otter area possesses plenty of history for itself! Long before any European settlers discovered the area, it was home to several Native American tribes, who passed through the area regularly, using it primarily for hunting grounds. In fact, Sharp Top mountain was the marker for the northernmost border for the Cherokee Nation. Needless to say, there’s plenty of history and natural beauty to explore in the area.

Peaks of Otter Campground is located within hiking distance of Sharp Top mountain and other scenic hikes. A sparkling brook winds its way through the heart of the campground, providing the perfect background for your camping trip. Moreover, Abbot Lake, located within Peaks of Otter Park, is regularly stocked with small-mouth bass and bluegill and offers one of the most notable attractions of the area. The Peaks of Otter Campground boasts 132 camping sites to accommodate tents and RVs. To capitalize on the “roughing-it” feeling many campers desire, Peaks of Otter Campground provides no electrical, water, or sewer hookups for individual camping sites, but a dumping station is provided. If you’re looking for the classic, rustic camping experience, Peaks of Otter Campground is the place you belong!

3.) Wilson’s Riverfront Park Campground

Perhaps, instead of Virginia, your road-trip whisks you through the beautiful state of North Carolina? In this case, Wilson’s Riverfront Park Campground might be the perfect destination for you and your family! Offering a more contemporary camping experience, Wilson’s Riverfront Park Campground is located in Asheville, NC, a city bursting with activities—including a trail that runs for a few miles from the campground right to the doors of New Belgium Brewery!

The campground itself is surrounded by mature trees which overshadow each site, creating an inviting atmosphere for the campground. With easy access to I-26/240, you’re that much closer to all of the fun activities you want to get to! Moreover, the Broad River multi-use trail passes right through the campground, offering you opportunities to walk and bike. Finally, with easy access to the French Broad River, kayakers and water tubers find this campground a perfect place to stay. If you’re up for a more contemporary camping experience with easy access to modern conveniences and plenty of activities, Wilson’s Riverfront Park Campground will be just right for you!

4.) Big Meadow Campground

If it’s that perfect mixture of the “modern-feel” meshed together with an appealing experience of the Great Outdoors, then look no further than Big Meadow Campground! This is the destination for older folks and families with small children alike! Located on the quiet side of the Great Smoky Mountains near Townsend, Tennessee, Big Meadow is tucked away in its own corner of heaven. Still, the campground offers easy access to plenty of activities for the whole family, including access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the vibrant cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Big Meadow Campground is the largest big rig campsite in Townsend, TN and offers all the amenities you and your family will need! Among the various activities and amenities offered by Big Meadow are a dog park, a splash pad for the kids, a basketball court, a gazebo with a fire pit, a pavilion, and many others. Fishing is also a notable pastime, and Big Meadow offers many sites right on the river. If you’re looking for that perfect modern camping experience for the whole family, Big Meadow is your place to be!  

5.) Creekside RV Park

Similar to Big Meadow Campground, Creekside RV Park, located in Pigeon Forge, TN is another awesome destination that offers a unique mixture of rustic and modern. As one of East Tennessee’s most vibrant locals, Pigeon Forge contains tons of fun and endless activities for the whole family! Staying at Creekside RV Park, you’ll be able to easily access and experience the Great Outdoors, shows, concerts, and sports, and even water and amusement parks. It’s honestly the best destination for the pro adventurer!

Creekside RV Park allows visitors their pick of personalized campgrounds, private campfire pits, fishing in the creek, Wi-Fi internet and full cable TV hookups, and even a saltwater swimming pool! As we’ve previously discovered, various additional activities are available all around the Pigeon Forge area, and the RV Park allows you easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains. If the balance of modern and rural, cozy and rugged, sounds exciting to you, make Creekside RV Park your next family camping destination!

At the End of the Road’s Beginning

Well, what an adventure this has been! We’ve discussed everything from the Blue Ridge Mountains’ history, to the top sites to see, to the region’s top cuisine and places to hole-up for the night. Your scheduling book is packed with fun options for experiencing the Great Outdoors, modern fun, and rustic past-times! We hope that this lighthearted article has helped you to gain a better grasp of the Blue Ridge Mountain area and all it has to offer, and we wish you only the best on your adventures!

After all, this is only the end of the road’s beginning. The Blue Ridge Mountains are calling. What more can you do but pack your bags, load up your RV, and hit the meandering road under that big blue sky?