Roanoke Mountain Campground Introduction

It has been years since I went camping. I think what I did last night could qualify as camping on some level. I pitched a tent under the trees, cooked hot dogs and smores over a fire, and snuggled into a sleeping bag when it was time to close my eyes.
My family and two other couples with their sons camped last night at
The Roanoke Mountain Campground. I had read in the paper about the decline in campground use in general and the steep decline in tent space rental due to RV use. I also read about the proposed restructuring of The Roanoke Mountain Campground due to lack of paying customers. Our friends invited us so we said yes. We allow our five year old to lead us towards fun.

This is Sarah's idea of packing for a one night camping trip. I felt like I was preparing for evacuation.


The turn off from the Parkway...


On one side of the road was the sign-in post with an official looking kiosk and on the other side lives this welcome center. Pay $16 for a space, grab a gallon of water to douse your fire and go camping!


Our chosen sites grouped together around a single fire pit.


This is one of the reason to go camping. I shouldn't have to explain the importance of young boys learning how to chop wood, gather wood, build a fire... Future pyrotechnics expertise of course.


Our Camping Group.


The children are attempting to go to sleep.


As we leave, our Park Ranger talks to a couple who walks the trails daily.

I had a wonderful time and if any parent wants to easily introduce themselves and their children to camping I can recommend The Roanoke Mountain Campground. With that said I suggest anyone wanting to use the facility in it's current incarnation should probably do so in the next few years. There are over 70 tent sites available and last night ten of them were in use. I loved it because the last thing I wanted was to be surrounded by other families having their dinner and loud fun 50 feet away. The campground was quiet and peaceful because it isn't used as frequently as it once was.
Twice I had the opportunity to talk to different Rangers about the fate of The Roanoke Mountain Campground and both times they confirmed what I had seen. Visitor numbers are way down. Basically the park was empty on the last Saturday Night of May. One of the Rangers said this kind of talk happens every few years and during the four years it would take for legislation to pass someone else would think it's a good idea to save it and we're still here. His outlook was cheery. The female Ranger I said goodbye to obviously loves what she does and she is worried that the Parks System just might change the Campground.

Of course The Roanoke Mountain Campground loses money thus eventually The Department of The Interior loses money. If a campground in Virginia needs to be cut from the budget they will close Roanoke Mountain from overnight stays. Day camping, yes. Bring a sleeping bag, dinner & breakfast... No.

For now we have a campground. The 12x12 tent spaces are swept and smooth, the bathrooms (mens & womans) are clean and easily accessible, and you park 20 feet from your site. No long heavy lifting. This is the kiddy-ride version of camping and we all agreed we will do it again.
That is, until it's closed or our children demand more.

Milepost 120.4 - Roanoke Mountain Campground offers 74 tent and 30 RV sites; three sites are accessible to campers in wheelchairs.