County Park

- Roanoke, VA 24011

For Virginia residents eager to escape into the great outdoors without venturing too far from urban conveniences, "County Park" in Roanoke, VA, is a prime destination for camping and adventure. Specifically, the highly acclaimed Explore Park, managed by Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, offers a wide array of camping experiences to suit every preference, from traditional tent sites to comfortable cabins and unique yurts, alongside RV-friendly spaces. Located right off the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, this expansive park provides an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, exciting activities, and peaceful relaxation, making it a true gem in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge region.

Explore Park, spanning over 1,100 acres across Roanoke and Bedford counties, is much more than just a place to pitch a tent. It's a comprehensive outdoor recreation hub designed to immerse visitors in the stunning landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its diverse lodging options, the park caters to a wide spectrum of campers. Whether you're a seasoned RVer looking for convenience, a family seeking a glamping experience in a yurt, or a traditionalist preferring a primitive tent site under the stars, Explore Park has a spot for you. The park is renowned for its "hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pristine woodlands, hiking trails, river frontage," providing a natural playground for all ages. It also boasts thrilling attractions like Treetop Quest, dedicated mountain biking trails, and even an on-site brewpub, ensuring that your camping trip is filled with both relaxation and exhilarating "adventures." The focus on providing a variety of experiences within a single "County Park" makes it a standout choice for Virginians looking to maximize their outdoor enjoyment.

Explore Park, the primary "County Park" offering camping in Roanoke, is strategically located at Milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. While its postal address is often cited as 56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014, or alternatively 3900 Rutrough Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014, its direct Blue Ridge Parkway access is a major highlight for accessibility.

This prime location means campers have direct entry to one of America's most scenic drives, allowing for picturesque journeys to and from the park. Beyond the Parkway, Explore Park is easily accessible from major routes, including US Route 220 (northbound, exit at Milepost 121) and VA Route 24 (southbound, exit at Milepost 112). It's also just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Roanoke, Virginia, making it incredibly convenient for locals. This proximity to the city ensures that campers have quick access to grocery stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and any other urban amenities they might need, without compromising the feeling of being immersed in nature.

The park's vast acreage includes "hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pristine woodlands, hiking trails, and river frontage," providing an immediate natural escape. Its location also offers easy access to the Roanoke River for water activities. The combination of being a peaceful natural retreat while remaining incredibly close to a major city and a scenic national parkway makes Explore Park an exceptionally accessible and desirable camping destination for residents throughout Virginia.

Explore Park (Roanoke County Park) offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and engaging camping experience, regardless of your chosen accommodation type. These services include:

• Diverse Camping Accommodations: The park provides a variety of options including primitive tent sites, RV sites, and unique lodging like cabins and yurts, catering to different comfort levels and group sizes.
• RV Site Amenities: RV sites feature 30-amp electrical service. While individual water and sewer hookups are not at each site, municipal water spigots are conveniently located nearby, and a dump station is available free for overnight guests.
• Clean Bathhouses: Well-maintained showerhouses with hot showers and restrooms are available for all guests, enhancing comfort for tent and RV campers alike. Some showers even have electronic locks for privacy.
• On-site Brewpub: Twin Creeks Brewpub, located in the historic Brugh Tavern within the park, offers craft beer, Virginia wine and cider, and pub fare, providing a convenient dining and social option.
• Visitor Center & Gift Shop: A visitor information center also houses a gift shop with locally made products, books, camping gear, and a Blue Ridge Parkway National Park Service (NPS) passport stamp.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase, allowing campers to enjoy campfires at their sites.
• Linen Rentals: For cabin and yurt guests, linens can be rented for an additional fee, offering added convenience.
• Coffee Pods and Charcoal: These extras can be purchased to enhance your camping and grilling experience.
• Online Registration Portal: Campers can register and book sites conveniently online or by phone.

These services demonstrate Explore Park's commitment to providing a full-service, enjoyable camping experience for all visitors.

Explore Park, managed by Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, is rich with features and highlights that make it a premier camping and outdoor adventure destination in Virginia:

• Variety of Camping Experiences: Offers unique options including "primitive tent sites, cozy cabins, unique yurts, and RV-friendly spaces," catering to diverse preferences from rustic to glamping.
• Strategic Location on Blue Ridge Parkway: Situated directly at Milepost 115, providing immediate access to one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. and easy connections to the greater Roanoke area.
• Extensive Trail System: Features "14 miles of dual-use trails for hikers and bikers," including "9 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails," with trail maps available.
• Treetop Quest Aerial Adventure Course: A major attraction offering "zip-lines and challenge obstacles for ages four and up," providing an exhilarating experience for families and individuals.
• Blue Ridge Bike Center: Includes a skills loop and various natural skill features, catering to mountain biking enthusiasts.
• Twin Creeks Brewpub: An on-site brewpub in a historic tavern offers craft beers, Virginia wines, and food, providing a unique social and dining experience within the park.
• Roanoke River Frontage: Offers "river frontage" with fishing access for various bass and catfish species, and a boat launch at Rutrough Point (though riverfront access may be temporarily closed for greenway construction).
• Mayflower Disc Golf Course: A highly-rated 18-hole disc golf course with multiple tee boxes and basket alignments for all skill levels.
• Pet-Friendly Options: Specific cabins and yurts are pet-friendly (with a fee), allowing visitors to bring their furry companions. RV sites are also noted as pet-friendly generally.
• Historical and Educational Aspects: The visitor center features museum exhibits detailing the park's history and the surrounding region, offering educational insights.
• Year-Round Activities: While camping rates may vary by season, the park itself offers activities throughout the year.

These highlights collectively ensure that a visit to Explore Park is filled with diverse opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural engagement amidst the beauty of the Blue Ridge.

Explore Park, as a Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism facility, offers various rates and potential discounts, making camping accessible for Virginia locals. While specific "promotions" might vary, the park's published rates and policies (which can be considered publicly available data) indicate several ways to find value:

• Seasonal Rates: Camping rates for cabins, yurts, and RV sites are generally lower during the "off season" (December through March) compared to the "on season" (April through November). For example, standard cabins are $85/night on-season and $65/night off-season.
• Extended Stay Discounts: Special discounts may be available for extended stays. These "specials must be booked over the phone" by calling the Explore Park Visitor Center.
• Two-Night Minimums: Note that a two-night minimum stay applies to Friday and Saturday nights for all camping accommodations.
• Pet Fees: For those bringing pets, a fee of "$10 per night (maximum two pets)" applies to designated pet-friendly cabins, yurts, and RV sites.
• America the Beautiful Pass Discounts: While not explicitly stated for Explore Park, federal campgrounds (like those in nearby national forests) often offer discounts with America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes. It's worth inquiring if any reciprocal benefits apply or if the park has its own senior/local discounts.
• Package Deals: Keep an eye on the Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism website or social media channels, as they occasionally announce special events or package deals that might include camping.

For the most current information on rates, availability, and any potential special offers, it is highly recommended to contact the Explore Park Visitor Center directly or check their official Roanoke County Parks website.

To learn more about camping and activities at Explore Park (Roanoke County Park), inquire about availability, or make a reservation, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA (or 3900 Rutrough Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014, for an alternate entrance)

Visitor Center Phone: (540) 427-1800

Administrative Phone: (540) 387-6078

Email: explorepark@roanokecountyva.gov

You can also visit their official website, typically found through a search for "Roanoke County Parks Explore Park Camping," to view interactive maps and book online. Visitor Center hours vary seasonally.

For Virginia locals, Explore Park in Roanoke stands out as an exceptionally suitable and versatile camping destination, offering an ideal blend of natural beauty, diverse activities, and convenient accessibility. Its primary appeal lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts without requiring a long journey from home.

The park's location directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just minutes from downtown Roanoke, means Virginians can easily access a world-class outdoor experience without sacrificing the convenience of nearby urban amenities. Whether you need to grab forgotten supplies, enjoy a meal out, or require medical attention, the city is within easy reach. This proximity makes it perfect for spontaneous weekend getaways, extended family vacations, or even just a day trip for its many activities.

Beyond location, the sheer variety of camping options – from rustic tent sites to comfortable cabins and glamping yurts, alongside RV spots – ensures that every local family or individual can find their ideal outdoor haven. This diversity, coupled with an impressive array of activities like the Treetop Quest aerial course, extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, disc golf, and river access, means there's always something new to explore. Even the on-site brewpub adds a unique local flavor, allowing Virginians to enjoy craft beverages after a day of adventure. For residents of the Commonwealth, Explore Park is more than just a campground; it’s a readily accessible, amenity-rich adventure hub that embodies the spirit of outdoor living in the heart of Virginia's stunning Blue Ridge.

County Park

Roanoke, VA 24011, USA