
PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND
140
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND
Overview The Peaks of Otter Campground is nestled between the bases of two dominating mountains in the rolling hills of Virginia. Campers enjoy a rare serenity in this rustic setting. Relax, and leave your cares behind! Recreation The 24-acre Abbott Lake is one of the biggest attractions the Peaks of Otter Park has to offer. The lake is well-stocked with small mouth bass and bluegill. A crystal-clear mountain stream winds through the nearby picnic area. Numerous hiking opportunities range from demanding, scaling the area's high mountain peaks, to the moderate short, flat trail around Abbott Lake. Hikers are likely to stumble upon one of the mountain meadows, filled with wildflowers and migrating butterflies in the spring and a fantastic assortment of colors in the fall. Abundant wildlife like deer and wild turkey are spotted daily at the Peaks of Otter Campground, and many rare species of birds reside or migrate along the mountain ranges. Summer interpretive programs are provided for visitors to learn about the wildlife as well as the history of the area. Facilities The 24-acre Abbott Lake is one of the biggest attractions the Peaks of Otter Park has to offer. The lake is well-stocked with small mouth bass and bluegill. A crystal-clear mountain stream winds through the nearby picnic area. Numerous hiking opportunities range from demanding, scaling the area's high mountain peaks, to the moderate short, flat trail around Abbott Lake. Hikers are likely to stumble upon one of the mountain meadows, filled with wildflowers and migrating butterflies in the spring and a fantastic assortment of colors in the fall. Abundant wildlife like deer and wild turkey are spotted daily at the Peaks of Otter Campground, and many rare species of birds reside or migrate along the mountain ranges. Summer interpretive programs are provided for visitors to learn about the wildlife as well as the history of the area. Natural Features Three mountain peaks sitting atop a thick blanket of forest make up the Peaks of Otter-- a recreational oasis spanning acre upon acre of rolling landscape along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Nearby Attractions The Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant are located within walking distance of the campground, as is the Sharp Top Country Store . Restaurant dining, grab-and-go meals, snacks, souvenir items, camping supplies, firewood, and ice are all readily available to campground patrons. The Johnson Farm , an old mountain farmstead restored and preserved to look as it did in the mid-1800s, is just a short walk away. Another restored historic structure, Aunt Polly's Ordinary , sits on the northeastern shore of Abbott Lake.
- 140 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (140).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND special
Nestled in a quiet valley between Sharp Top and Flat Top mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, Peaks of Otter Campground is a place where serenity comes naturally. The centerpiece of this setting is 24-acre Abbott Lake, a mirror-still body of water that reflects the surrounding peaks and hardwood forests with postcard perfection. A gentle loop trail circles the lake, offering one of the most peaceful evening strolls you will find anywhere along the Parkway. The campground itself is shaded by a mature canopy of oak, hickory, and maple that transforms into a tapestry of blazing reds and golds each autumn — arguably the finest season to visit. Spring brings trilliums, rhododendrons, and migrating warblers, while summer offers cool mountain mornings and lazy afternoons by the water. Even winter has its charms, with frosted peaks and solitude that feels almost meditative. Hikers can tackle the iconic Sharp Top summit trail for sweeping views of the Blue Ridge, or explore the gentler paths that wind through the surrounding forest. Fishing in Abbott Lake, attending ranger-led programs, and simply sitting with a cup of coffee while mist rises off the water are equally worthwhile pursuits. Peaks of Otter is a haven for couples, families, and contemplative solo travelers who seek rare quiet and timeless Appalachian beauty without the crowds.
Campsite Inventory
140 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE CAMPSITES
Accessible Campsites
ACCESSIBLE GRILLS
Accessible Grills
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Accessible Parking
ACCESSIBLE SITES
Accessible Sites
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Check-in time
3:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
N/A
Driveway entry
Back-In, Parallel, Pull-Through
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway length (ft)
101, 14, 15, 16
Driveway surface
Paved
GRILLS
Yes
LANTERN POSTS
Lantern Posts
Max guests
6
Max vehicle length (ft)
14, 15, 16, 17
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
540-586-7321 (MAY - OCTOBER)
Getting There
From Roanoke, Virginia, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north for 26 miles to Milepost 86. From Bedford, Virginia, follow Route 43 to Blue Ridge Parkway; the campground is on the left before reaching the Parkway.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND?
PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (140).
Where is PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND located?
See this page for location details and directions.
Keep Exploring