Quality Time, Quality Views: Our Favorite Campsites for Twos and Crews (part 2)

  Brandywine Recreation Area (Brandywine): If you’re looking for a convenient basecamp to station the family, look no further than Brandywine. With plenty of adventure within easy reach, including mountain biking, hiking, and fishing, it’s easy to pitch a tent at one of the 35 available primitive sites and embark on a day’s worth of excitement. In the afternoon, head to the swimming beach to lounge on the sand while the kids finish tiring themselves out. Bathhouses with hot showers, flush toilets, and potable water round out the amenities, making this campground the ultimate easy weekend destination.

      

  Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area (Buchanan): If you’re sticking around Lexington, check out Cave Mountain Lake. Of the 40 primitive sites, 28 are reservable, the rest being first-come, first-served. Arrive early in the day, set up camp, and then find the trailhead for Panther Knob beside the group picnic shelter. The longer Wildcat Trail also begins in the campground. When you’ve had your fill of the forest, head down to the campground’s sand beach to cool off.

 Lake A. Willis Robertson Recreation Area (Kerrs Creek): Also close to Lexington is this 53-site campground that boasts a tennis court, volleyball court, softball field, and 31-acre lake. Just .35 miles away, you’ll find North Mountain Trail, considered one of the best mountain biking trails in Virginia. All 56 sites are pet-friendly, and are first-come, first-served.