Otter Creek Campground

4.5·92 reviews
·Blue Ridge Parkway

Overview

Otter Creek Campground is located at the Blue Ridge Parkway's lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. Picturesque Otter Creek winds through this quiet, rustic campground. Night skies are spectacular here, and there are several nearby trails to hike including the Otter Creek Trail, which is accessible from the campground. Just imagine enjoying the crackle of an evening campfire with the murmur of the creek in the background! Relax....

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Bbq

    (7 of 68 campsites have Bbq)

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (Majority of the campsites have back in)

  • Firepit

    (7 of 68 campsites have Firepit)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 6)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 3)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (All campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

Natural Features

Otter Creek Campground - Credits:
Otter Creek Campground - Credits:
James River - Credits: Debbie Webber
Harry Flood Byrd Jr. Bridge crossing the James River. - Credits: Debbie Webber

This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. A short walk along the Trail of Trees or a hike along the clear, cool waters of Otter Creek will give ample proof that there is more to the Blue Ridge Parkway than mountain-top vistas.

Recreation

Otter Creek Campground - Credits:

The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has fishing in Otter Lake and a number of hiking trails including Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop, and James River Canal.

Hike the Otter Creek Trail to James River Visitor Center. There visitors can view a restored canal lock from the Kanawha Canal, part of the historic James River transporation artery which was once the primary commercial route in the state of Virginia.

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 80ft

  • trailer-N/A

  • 5th wheel-N/A

  • camper van-N/A

  • pickup camper-N/A

  • pop up camper-N/A

  • tent-N/A

Nearby Attractions

  • Otter Creek Trail (3.5 miles/5.6 km) parallels the Parkway road as it meanders from Otter Creek campground to the James River Visitor Center. Most sections of this trail are easy to hike and can be reached from many points along the motor road.
  • Otter Lake Loop Trail (0.9 miles/1.4 km) provides scenic views of Otter Lake. This is also a good trail for watching wildlife. Look for beaver lodges and dams along tributary streams. Early morning and late evening are prime times for wildlife observations.
  • Trail of Trees (0.4 miles/.6 km) begins near the James River Visitor Center and wanders through a shaded stream drainage. Trail signs identify many of the trees and shrubs of the river valley. This trail also affords a handsome view of the James River water gap, a rare geological feature.
  • Canal Lock Trail (0.4 miles/.6 km) begins at the visitor center and crosses the James River on a walkway beneath the bridge. The restored Battery Creek Lock, located a short distance from the bridge, is typical of those constructed in the 1800s as part of the James River and Kanawha Canal. This canal, with nearly 100 locks, helped make the river a major transportation corridor before the Civil War. Exhibits at the Battery Creek site explain how locks were used to raise and lower boats to adjust for the changing elevation of the river.

Additional Information

Campsites