Romantic weekend camping

[Anonymous]

This hasn't been shared on here yet so I thought I'd share!

If you are looking for a romantic weekend or even just a great weekend camping....Grayson Highlands State park-Mount Rogers!

I just went there the other weekend with my husband for 2 nights. It is a fairly far drive but it is worth it and is unlike anything else in VA. There are wild ponies, huge fields of wildflowers and pine trees and SO many gorgeous spots for dispersed camping.

My tips: Plan for at least a LEAST a 2 night trip due to the distance but 3 nights would be best. Only stay the 1st night at the Grayson Highlands campground- it's not amazing as the spots are way too close together and there are no views but it works if you arrive late at night.

Park your car at the overnight backpackers lot and start hiking at Massie Gap and get on the AT and head on up to Mount Rogers. About 3/4th of a mile before you reach the summit at Mount Rogers, there is the Thomas Knob shelter on the AT and there is a nice water source there. Great opportunity to fill up your water bottles but remember to purify! There are campsites basically all along the whole way and it is 8 miles total so it is really very easy!

Very manageable for even novice backpackers. I simply can't state enough how gorgeous this place is. In some ways, it feels more like a spot out west in Colorado than Virginia! I had never heard of it until I did some google searches but it seems like one of VA's "hidden gems". Thought I'd share in case anyone is looking for something cheap and incredible to do!

Enjoy!!

[Anonymous]

Thanks, OP!

[Anonymous]

Thanks! Were there showers and toilets?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks! Were there showers and toilets?

There are showers and toilets at grayson highlands state park and you can use those even after back-packing.

During the hike though....no. It is the wilderness so you have to bring a shovel.

[Anonymous]

Are there cabins too, or just tent camping? Sounds great, other than I think my sleeping on the ground days are over. I would go if there were cabins!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are there cabins too, or just tent camping? Sounds great, other than I think my sleeping on the ground days are over. I would go if there were cabins!

No cabins at the campground. There are a few cabin rentals nearby the state park though!

[Anonymous]

Thanks OP!