Otter Creek Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway

Campground

Facilities

Both RV and tent sites are available at this well-kept campground. Sites are equipped with grills, picnic tables and lantern posts. Amenities such as flush toilets, drinking water and a dump station are also at hand.

In addition to the 39 sites available for advance reservation, 29 campsites are available on a first come, first served basis. Availability of first come, first served sites cannot be tracked through Recreation.gov. These sites must be booked in person at the campground kiosk.

Natural Features

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

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.

Recreation Sites

Tent Only Nonelectric
Rv Nonelectric
Management
Overnight

Activities

Visitor Center
Camping
Historic & Cultural Site
Birding
Fishing
Hiking
Photography
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Sites
Drinking Water
Dump Station
Emergency Phone
Flush Toilets
Food Storage Locker
Host
Paved Parking
Paved Roads
Pets Allowed
Picnic Tables
Water Spigot
Picnic Table
Tent Pad
Grills/Fire Ring
Lantern Pole
BBQ
Quiet Area
Privacy
Food Locker
Fire Pit
Accessibility
Accessible Occupant Message
Accessible Grills
Accessible Campsites

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.

Getting Here

Latitude

37° 34' 32.1701" N

Longitude

79° 20' 19.6800" W

Traveling from the Lynchburg area on Rte 29, turn onto Rte 130 West. Travel approximately 25 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. From the ramp, turn right (north) onto the Parkway. Travel one mile to the Otter Creek Campground. Traveling from the Lexington/Buena Vista direction on Rte 81, take the Blue Ridge Parkway exit to Rte 60 E towards Amherst. Drive approximately 16 miles, turning at the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance sign. At the Stop sign, turn left (south) onto the Parkway. Travel approximately 16 miles to the entrance of Otter Creek Campground.

Need to Know

Firewood Regulation: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought onto the Parkway. Campers may still collect dead and down wood in the immediate vicinity of campgrounds and picnic areas. This rule is strictly enforced!

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Some campsites at this facility are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Status of these sites is not available online.

There are no showers. No electric, water, or sewer hook-ups are available.

All tents must be placed on prepared pads where provided.

Only one tent is allowed per site unless there is adequate space on the provided tent pad. Sites are for use by parties not to exceed six people unless specifically designated as Group Camping.

Hammock camping is permitted, but campers must abide by posted regulations.

Vehicles are to be parked on the pavement of an assigned site or in designated parking areas. A maximum of two vehicles may be parked in each site (i.e. trailer and car, two cars, two motorcycles). Most sites are limited to only one vehicle.

Generator use is prohibited from 9:00 pm to 8:00 am.

CAUTION: Bears frequent the area. Be aware. Keep a clean camp and store all food or scented items in your car or provided food lockers. DO NOT HANG TRASH FROM THE LANTERN POST.