There are times on the road when you’re not just looking for a quick dump-and-run. You’re looking for a place to catch your breath, a basecamp where you can reset everything before diving into your next adventure. That’s exactly the feeling I get when I think about Middle Creek Campground. Tucked away in a quiet holler just a stone’s throw from the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, this spot is a true gem for RVers. It’s only about fifteen minutes off the I-81 corridor, but it feels like it’s a world away from the noise and hustle of the interstate. The moment you turn onto the smaller roads leading into the campground, you can feel the pace of life slow down. This isn’t just a place to empty your tanks; it’s a destination in itself, a place to recharge your own batteries as well as your rig’s.
The location is a huge part of its charm. You’re right there in the heart of Botetourt County, with the historic town of Buchanan just down the road. Buchanan sits right on the James River and is a known hub for paddlers looking to explore the Upper James State Scenic River. You can easily rent a kayak for a leisurely float trip and be back at your campsite by evening. The real headliner for many, though, is the proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famous Peaks of Otter area, with its stunning Sharp Top summit, is just a short twenty-mile drive away. This makes Middle Creek an ideal staging ground. You can set up your rig, and then spend your days exploring one of the most scenic drives in the country without having to navigate your entire setup through those winding mountain roads. For history lovers, the preserved storefronts of downtown Buchanan and the quaint 1930s James River Swinging Bridge offer a delightful glimpse into the past.
But one of the most magical things about this place, and something you don’t find just anywhere, is the quality of the night sky. The campground is situated in a way that shields it from the light pollution of nearby towns, creating a Bortle 3 sky. For those of us who spend a lot of time in brightly lit cities and suburbs, the sight of the Milky Way arching overhead is just awe-inspiring. It’s the kind of place where you can finish your campground chores, pull out a camp chair, and just get lost in the cosmos. It turns a routine stop into a memorable experience.
Using the dump station at a private, family-run campground like this is a whole different ballgame compared to a public facility. You’ll start by checking in at the office or camp store, where you’ll likely be greeted by the friendly owners. They can give you the lay of the land, and either direct you to a dedicated dump lane or, if you’ve booked a full-hookup site, you can take care of business right there. What sets a place like Middle Creek apart is the attention to detail. Reports suggest that the water pressure for the rinse station is steady and strong, which is music to an RVer’s ears. There’s nothing more frustrating than a weak trickle when you’re trying to get a thorough black tank flush. While the hoses are likely in good shape, it’s always my personal practice to use my own dedicated rinse hose for hygiene’s sake. You can expect the dump station to be open during daylight hours, so plan your arrival accordingly.
The list of amenities here really speaks to the "full reset" nature of the stop. Having both a reliable rinse water spigot and a potable water source is a massive time-saver. You can dump, flush, and fill your fresh water tank all in one go. Just remember the golden rule: sanitize your threads and the spigot before you connect your fresh water hose. The campground is pet-friendly, and the surrounding trails near Fork Mountain are perfect for giving your four-legged companion a good run. The presence of hot showers and a coin-operated laundry facility is another huge plus. After a few days of hiking or paddling, being able to wash the trail dust off yourself and your clothes feels like the ultimate luxury.
The hookups are another key feature. With both 30 and 50-amp service available, you can comfortably run your air conditioning on a humid Virginia afternoon while you let your tanks drain slowly. A slow, patient drain is the secret to getting your tanks as empty as possible. There’s also a central dumpster at the entrance of the camping loop, so you can easily offload any trash you’ve accumulated. A little RVer etiquette goes a long way here: always flatten your cardboard boxes to leave room for your fellow campers. While the campground has most of your needs covered, you’ll have to head back toward the interstate for things like fuel, propane, or repairs, with the nearest full-service truck stop being at Exit 150B on I-81.
Now, about the cost. The website doesn’t list a specific fee for just using the dump station. This is common for campgrounds that focus on overnight stays rather than transient traffic. You should expect to pay a modest fee, likely in the range of ten to fifteen dollars. Sometimes, if you’re booking a site for the night, they’ll waive the dump fee entirely. Your best bet is to call ahead. Not only can you confirm the price and check if they require cash, but it’s also a good idea because cell service can be spotty once you get down into the hollow.
A few insider tips for a smooth visit: if you’re planning a trip during the fall foliage season, make a reservation. The area gets incredibly busy with leaf-peepers from the Parkway, and the campground can fill up quickly. Because you’re in the mountains, the terrain can be uneven, so have your leveling blocks handy. And if you’re staying overnight, be a good neighbor and respect the dark-sky ambiance. Use red lamps when you’re outside after dark, as they don’t interfere with night vision, and keep your headlights off as much as possible.
In conclusion, Middle Creek Campground is a fantastic choice for anyone traveling through the Blue Ridge region. It offers that perfect blend of natural beauty and full-service convenience. The availability of rinse water, full hookups, and laundry facilities makes it a top-tier resupply stop. Just be sure to call ahead to confirm the pricing and hours, and you’ll be all set for a peaceful, restorative stay.
1164 Middle Creek Rd, Buchanan, VA 24066
(540) 254-2550
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
middlecreekcampground.com