County Park

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For Virginians, the allure of the outdoors is undeniable, and our state boasts an incredible array of natural beauty, from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to serene river valleys. When it comes to camping, Roanoke County offers fantastic opportunities within its extensive park system. While a singular "County Park" address in Roanoke, VA 24011, might seem broad, the reality is that Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism manages several properties that offer diverse and appealing camping experiences. This article is crafted specifically for local Virginia residents, providing a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the camping options available within the Roanoke County Parks system, helping you plan your next outdoor adventure.

The Roanoke County Parks system is well-regarded for its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality recreational facilities. Among its gems for camping are Explore Park and Camp Roanoke. Explore Park, situated conveniently at Milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a primary destination for various camping styles, offering everything from unique cabins and yurts to RV and tent sites at Don's Cab-Inns Campground. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in nature while still enjoying modern comforts. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, "Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of unique camping options, thrilling activities like Treetop Quest and mountain biking, and a historic tavern-turned-brewpub, this park offers something for every kind of adventurer." This highlights the diverse appeal of Roanoke County's camping offerings.

Camp Roanoke also plays a significant role, particularly for group and youth camping, featuring cabins and facilities that cater to larger gatherings and educational programs. While it may not offer individual family campsites in the same way Explore Park does, it contributes to the overall camping landscape of Roanoke County. The emphasis across these parks is on providing well-maintained facilities and engaging activities, ensuring that whether you're seeking a rugged tent camping experience or a more comfortable "glamping" adventure, Roanoke County has options that cater to your needs. This dedication to diverse offerings and quality makes Roanoke County Parks a prime choice for local Virginians looking to embrace the outdoors without traveling far from home.

The provided address, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA, refers to the general area managed by Roanoke City and County Parks and Recreation. However, the primary camping facilities within Roanoke County Parks are notably located at Explore Park, specifically its Don's Cab-Inns Campground, and Camp Roanoke.

Explore Park: This expansive park is located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 115. Its physical address is 3900 Rutrough Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014. This strategic location offers unparalleled accessibility for Virginians. It's directly on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, providing a breathtaking drive for those approaching from various directions. For those not using the Parkway, alternative access is available via Rutrough Road, making it easy to reach from US-220 and VA-24, major arteries connecting to the wider Roanoke Valley and beyond. This means convenient travel for residents from Roanoke City, Salem, Vinton, Blacksburg, Lynchburg, and even further afield in Central and Southwest Virginia. The park's proximity to Roanoke city amenities ensures that campers are never far from grocery stores, restaurants, and other essential services, blending natural escape with urban convenience.

Camp Roanoke: Located at 6498 Dry Hollow Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018, Camp Roanoke is situated in a more secluded, rural setting within Roanoke County. While a little further off the main routes than Explore Park, it remains highly accessible via well-maintained county roads. It’s still within a reasonable drive from the greater Roanoke metropolitan area, allowing for convenient access for groups and day campers from across the region.

Both locations benefit from Roanoke's position in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge region, surrounded by natural beauty, hiking trails, and outdoor adventure opportunities, ensuring that a trip to a Roanoke County Park campground is truly a dive into the heart of Virginia's outdoor offerings.

Roanoke County Parks provides a comprehensive range of services at its camping facilities, primarily at Explore Park's Don's Cab-Inns Campground and Camp Roanoke, designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for various types of campers:

• Diverse Accommodation Options:
  • Cabins: Explore Park offers hand-crafted pod cabins, including standard and premium (bunkhouse/couples) options. Most feature queen beds, loft bunks, heating/AC, mini-fridges, microwaves, and pod coffee makers. Camp Roanoke has rustic bunk-style cabins for groups, heated and air-conditioned.
  • Yurts: Available at Explore Park, these round structures sleep six to eight guests, are air-conditioned, and include a half-bath (seasonal), mini-fridge, microwave, and pod coffee maker.
  • RV Sites: Explore Park provides 30-amp electrical service RV sites (12' x 35') with nearby municipal water spigots and a dump station.
  • Tent Rental and Primitive Campsites: Explore Park also offers options for traditional tent camping and more primitive sites.
• Clean Bathhouses & Restrooms: High-quality, well-maintained showerhouses with hot showers and restrooms are available for all guests at Explore Park, often noted for their cleanliness and individual electronic locks. Camp Roanoke also features central bathhouses.
• Utility Access: Electrical hookups at RV sites and shared water spigots are provided at Explore Park. Camp Roanoke also has heated and air-conditioned cabins.
• Fire Rings & Picnic Tables: Each campsite, cabin, and yurt at Explore Park includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grill topper. Camp Roanoke also has a historic field stone campfire ring.
• Convenient Extras: Explore Park allows online purchase of extras like firewood, linens, bath-sets, coffee pods, and charcoal delivered to your site.
• Pet-Friendly Options: Specific cabins (D9 & D13) and yurts (D18, D19 & D21) at Explore Park are pet-friendly for a service fee, allowing furry family members to join the adventure.
• Online Registration & Phone Booking: Easy booking is available through Roanoke County's online registration portal or by calling the Explore Park Visitor Center at (540) 427-1800.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available at Explore Park, free for overnight guests.

These services collectively enhance the camping experience, catering to a wide array of preferences and needs.

The camping facilities within Roanoke County Parks, especially at Explore Park and Camp Roanoke, offer a wealth of features and highlights that make them highly attractive destinations for local Virginians:

• Prime Blue Ridge Parkway Location: Explore Park's direct access at Milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning scenic drives and unparalleled access to one of America's most iconic routes.
• Unique Accommodation Choices: The availability of hand-crafted cabins, spacious yurts, and well-equipped RV sites at Explore Park provides a diverse range of comfortable and unique overnight experiences beyond traditional tent camping.
• Exceptional Cleanliness of Facilities: Reviewers consistently praise the "clean and well-maintained showerhouse" at Explore Park, with specific mention of individual, electronically locked showers, enhancing comfort and privacy.
• Abundance of On-Site Activities: Explore Park boasts a wide array of activities including miles of hiking and biking trails, river frontage, disc golf, and thrill-seeking adventures at Treetop Quest ziplines. Twin Creeks Brewpub offers a relaxing spot with outdoor seating and firepits. Camp Roanoke offers archery, a climbing tower, team-building initiatives, canoeing, and environmental education programs.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Both locations cater well to families, with Camp Roanoke being a historical site for youth programs since 1925, and Explore Park's amenities like the playground and diverse activities appealing to all ages.
• Historic Significance: Camp Roanoke features historic structures like its original field stone campfire ring (from 1925) and Activity Lodge with a stone hearth from the 1920s, adding a unique educational and cultural dimension.
• Flexible Booking and Discounts: Roanoke County Parks offers online registration, phone booking, and potential special rates for extended stays, making planning easier and more affordable.
• Scenic Beauty and Outdoor Immersion: Both parks are set amidst hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pristine woodlands, and river frontage, offering ample opportunities for nature appreciation, wildlife viewing, and peaceful relaxation.

These highlights underscore Roanoke County Parks' commitment to providing a versatile, enjoyable, and well-equipped outdoor experience for all visitors.

Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism periodically offers promotions and special rates for its camping facilities, particularly at Don's Cab-Inns Campground within Explore Park. While specific, active promotions can vary by season and booking period, here’s what prospective campers can generally expect or inquire about:

• Off-Season Rates: Reduced rates are typically available during the off-season, which runs from December through March. This offers a more budget-friendly option for those who enjoy winter camping or cooler weather outdoor activities.
• Extended Stay Discounts: Special discounts may be available for guests booking extended stays. These offers encourage longer visits, allowing campers to fully explore Explore Park and the surrounding Roanoke Valley. To inquire about these, it's recommended to call the Explore Park Visitor Center directly.
• Online Booking Convenience: While not a discount itself, the online registration portal often highlights available dates and rates, and sometimes specific deals might be visible there.
• Group Rates: For larger groups interested in booking multiple cabins, yurts, or RV sites, especially at Camp Roanoke for events or retreats, specific group rates may be negotiated.
• Seasonal Packages: During peak seasons or around special events hosted at Explore Park (like the popular Illuminights light display in winter), there might be packages that bundle camping with event access.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on current promotions, availability, and specific pricing for cabins, yurts, or RV sites, local Virginians are strongly encouraged to:

• Visit the official Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism website's camping section.
• Call the Explore Park Visitor Center directly at (540) 427-1800.

Booking in advance, especially for weekend stays and during the popular on-season (April through November), is highly recommended to secure your preferred accommodation and take advantage of any available offers.

For those ready to plan their camping adventure within Roanoke County Parks, the primary contact point for camping inquiries, particularly for Explore Park's Don's Cab-Inns Campground, is:

Main Camping Facility Address (Explore Park): 3900 Rutrough Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA

General County Park Address (for context, main office): 215 Church Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA (for Roanoke City Parks & Recreation) or 1206 Kessler Mill Rd, Salem, VA 24153 (for Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism administrative office).

Phone for Camping Reservations/Inquiries (Explore Park Visitor Center): (540) 427-1800

Phone for Camp Roanoke Inquiries (for group rentals): (540) 387-6114

The most effective way to secure your spot, inquire about specific site details, or ask about amenities and activities at the camping facilities within Roanoke County Parks is to call the Explore Park Visitor Center at the provided number. Their knowledgeable staff can assist with reservations, answer questions about different accommodation types (cabins, yurts, RV sites), and provide details on park activities and current promotions. Online registration is also available through the Roanoke County Parks website for convenient booking.

For Virginians seeking a diverse, accessible, and high-quality outdoor experience, the camping facilities within Roanoke County Parks, particularly at Explore Park and Camp Roanoke, are exceptionally suitable. These destinations offer a compelling blend of natural beauty, varied accommodation options, and a wealth of engaging activities, all conveniently located within the beautiful Blue Ridge region.

Locals benefit immensely from the ease of access. Explore Park's direct location on the Blue Ridge Parkway and its proximity to the Roanoke metropolitan area mean less travel time and more time enjoying the outdoors. This makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend getaways or longer, planned vacations without the hassle of extensive travel. The range of options—from comfortable cabins and unique yurts for those who prefer "glamping," to well-equipped RV sites and traditional tent camping—ensures there's something to fit every style and comfort level.

The commitment to cleanliness, as highlighted by numerous positive reviews of the showerhouses and facilities, provides peace of mind for families. Furthermore, the abundance of on-site activities, including miles of trails for hiking and biking, river access, playgrounds, disc golf, and even a brewpub at Explore Park, means there's always something to do, catering to active adventurers and those seeking relaxation alike. Camp Roanoke, with its focus on group and youth programs, provides invaluable outdoor education and team-building opportunities right in our backyard.

In essence, Roanoke County Parks offers a comprehensive and enriching outdoor experience that resonates deeply with the spirit of Virginia's natural heritage. For local residents, these parks are not just campgrounds; they are accessible outdoor havens where lasting memories are made, adventures are easily found, and the beauty of our home state can be fully appreciated.

County Park

Roanoke, VA 24011, USA