Hopper Creek Group Camp
4.7913 reviews725 Hopper Creek Road
Hopper Creek Group Camp
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group tent-only area rates vary by the number of occupants: $20 for groups of 10-25 people, and $40 for groups of 26-50 people. Discounts, taxes, or other incremental charges are not reflected in these rates.
About this campground
Escape to Hopper Creek Group Camp, where the spirit of adventure meets the tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This hidden gem welcomes groups of up to 50 people seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Set up your tents beneath towering trees, gather around the communal fire circle as stars emerge overhead, and create memories that will last a lifetime. With rustic amenities including picnic tables and vault toilets, this secluded sanctuary strips camping down to its essence – connecting with nature and each other in one of Virginia's most breathtaking settings.
Hopper Creek Group Camp is exclusively designed for tent camping, offering a large group site accommodating up to 50 people. It does not support RVs or other forms of camping.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape where centuries of stories converge. Just a short journey from camp, the awe-inspiring 215-foot Natural Bridge stands as a testament to both geological wonder and human history. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and surveyed by George Washington, this natural cathedral has witnessed the footsteps of the Monacan people for thousands of years. Explore the reconstructed Monacan Indian village at nearby Natural Bridge State Park, where the echoes of ancient traditions still resonate through the mountains.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Hopper Creek in different hues of adventure. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while autumn transforms the canopy into a blazing tapestry of reds and golds. Summer brings warm days filled with the symphony of crickets and fireflies, though mosquitoes remind you to pack your repellent. The campground rests through winter's chill, closing its gates to allow nature to reclaim its peaceful solitude until spring returns.
ElevationPerched at 1,100 feet where Thunder Ridge meets the valley floor, Hopper Creek offers the perfect balance of mountain majesty and accessibility. Here, crisp mountain breezes sweep away the heat of summer afternoons, while the moderate elevation ensures comfortable camping without the challenges of high-altitude adventures. The cool mountain air carries the scent of pine and earth, creating an invigorating atmosphere that refreshes both body and spirit.
Natural Features and SceneryNature performs its daily theater at Hopper Creek, where a babbling stream dances its way to join the main creek, creating a soothing soundtrack for your stay. Towering hardwoods and evergreens form a living cathedral overhead, their branches creating dappled patterns of light and shadow across the forest floor. Mountain vistas peek through the trees, reminding you of your place in this ancient landscape. The gentle slopes harbor a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life, from delicate wildflowers to majestic birds of prey circling the ridgelines above.
Geological RegionNestled within the embrace of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Hopper Creek sits at the geological crossroads of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thunder Ridge looms protectively above, its ancient rocks telling the story of continental collisions millions of years in the making. Crystal-clear streams carve their patient paths through the landscape, nurturing diverse ecosystems that range from moisture-loving ferns in the creek bottoms to hardy mountain laurel on the exposed slopes. This dynamic terrain offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery in one of America's oldest mountain ranges.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampground accessibility features include a gentle slope but exposed tree roots that may pose difficulties for some visitors, particularly at night.
Sites SizeThe group camping site is spacious, capable of accommodating up to 50 people. It includes multiple tent pads and ample open areas.
Sites PrivacyThe campsite is described as extremely secluded, with no other campers within hearing range, providing a quiet and private setting.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring hand sanitizer, bug spray, and motion-sensor LED lights for convenience. Reserve early due to high demand.
Best CampsitesThe single site accommodates groups; reviews mention spaciousness, seclusion, and excellent firepit and picnic table arrangements.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in times are not explicitly listed.
Check-out
Check-out times are not explicitly listed.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights is permitted at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 50 people per group campsite.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 50 people and includes multiple tent pads, 12 picnic tables, a pedestal double grill, and a large campfire circle.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe group area includes tent pads, a double grill pedestal, firepit, picnic tables, and vault toilet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins March 16, 2025, and ends November 30, 2025. Reservations can be made for dates within this window.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov via website, app, or contact center. Fees vary by platform: $8 online/app, $9 contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned; reservations are encouraged due to high demand for group sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled up to the day before arrival, subject to a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation-use fee for late cancellations. Changes to reservation dates incur a $10 fee per site.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hopper Creek Group Camp offers recreational activities suited for group camping. Hiking opportunities range from short trails to extensive backpacking routes on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and nearby wilderness areas. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are available on the nearby James River. The campground has a grassy area for games and organized activities.
Hiking
Hiking trails surrounding the area cater to varying levels of difficulty, from short walks near Cave Mountain Lake to challenging backpacking routes on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and within the Thunder Ridge Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing is available on the nearby James River, though specific details about fish species or conditions are not provided.Swimming
Swimming is available at Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area, which features a sandy beach and designated swimming area. Access requires a day use fee.Boating
Canoeing and kayaking are available on the nearby James River. However, details about boat types or docking facilities are not specified.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant in the area, including bears, and campers should keep food locked inside their vehicles to avoid encounters.Beach activities
Beach activities can be enjoyed at Cave Mountain Lake, which includes a sandy beach and picnic shelter.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are available on the nearby James River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in the designated circle; local firewood must be used.
- Quiet hours are enforced, though not explicitly timed.
Hazards
General hazardsBears and other wildlife are common; proper food storage is mandatory. Cell phone coverage is unreliable, and exposed tree roots require caution at night.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly listed in the source material. Call (540) 291-2188 for inquiries.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 16, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingBear-proof cans are provided for trash disposal. Campers must remove any trash that does not fit in these containers and drop it off at the county disposal site at the corner of State Route 759 and Petites Gap Rd.
Proximity to water featuresSituated near Hopper Creek and 3 miles from Cave Mountain Lake, which offers a sandy beach and swimming area.
Common complaints“The vault toilet needed to be cleaned.” “Only one bathroom available for the entire site.”
HostThere is no interaction with park employees, as noted in reviews. The campground is inspected prior to arrival and post-departure for trash and damage.
Campground Map
725 Hopper Creek Road
Driving directionsFrom I-81 North, take Exit 175 just south of Natural Bridge. Go north on U.S. Highway 11 toward Natural Bridge (left turn facing the Exxon station). From Natural Bridge, follow Route 130 East at the intersection with U.S. Highway 11 (right turn at the Natural Bridge parking lot). Continue east on Route 130 for approximately 4 miles to Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto State Route 759 and continue for approximately 3 miles to the intersection with Route 781 and Petites Gap Road. Continue 1.6 miles ahead on Route 759 / Hopper Creek Road. Turn left into the recreation area entrance.
The entrance gate on State Route 759 is closed but unlocked during the camping season, allowing entry to campers only. Roads leading to the campground are accessible but may require careful navigation due to rural conditions. Cell phone service is unreliable.Nearby places
Natural Bridge Station (approx. 0 miles), Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area (3 miles), Natural Bridge State Park (8 miles)
Nearby supplies
Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water and supplies. Trash disposal requires use of a county site near State Route 759 and Petites Gap Road. Firewood is sold locally by residents.
Camper Reviews
4.8
13 reviews
Hopper Creek Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently highlight the campground’s natural beauty, secluded environment, and suitability for group camping. Positive sentiments focus on the cleanliness and quietness of the area, while some reviews mention the lack of potable water and limited bathroom facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects noted include the campsite’s privacy, spaciousness, clean vault toilet, and serene atmosphere with opportunities for stargazing. Reviewers also appreciated the affordability compared...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of potable water and limited bathroom facilities (only one vault toilet is available). Some users commented on the occasional need for toilet maintenance and difficulties...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing drinking water, hand sanitizer, and motion sensor lighting for nighttime use. Bug spray is advised due to mosquitoes. Locals sell firewood nearby, which can be helpful for...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Most reviews indicate positive experiences during early summer and fall, with mentions of mosquitoes in summer and exposed tree roots requiring caution at night.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Plenty of room to move around, a grill, loads of picnic tables, and a huge firepit!" - Leslie E Brady
"Quiet, secluded with restroom and fire pits. Our favorite camping spot. Books fast so plan...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews frequently reference G1 as the primary group site, noting its cleanliness, spaciousness, and suitability for events like reunions or group retreats.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility concerns include the slope of the site and exposed tree roots. Reviewers suggest bringing adequate lighting to navigate at night.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025