Details
Otter Creek Campground, Big Island, VA, 24526
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 26, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. A short walk along the Trail of Trees or a hike along the clear, cool waters of Otter Creek will give ample proof that there is more to the Blue Ridge Parkway than mountain-top vistas.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Friday, May 23, 2025 - Monday, October 27, 2025. Campground kiosk open 9:30 AM- 6:00 PM daily when the campground is open.
Weather
The Parkway varies in elevation from under 650 feet at Virginia's James River to over 6,000 feet near Mount Pisgah in North Carolina. Weather can vary tremendously. Higher elevations can be cloudy and foggy while lower elevations are clear. Temperatures along the Parkway are often cooler than in surrounding foothills. Carry a jacket or blanket and emergency supplies in the car. Be aware of changing weather conditions and approaching weather systems, as summer heat can bring afternoon thunderstorms.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Dump Station
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
Food Storage Lockers
Directions
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 37.5756, -79.3388 37°34'32"N, 79°20'20"W Campground is located at Parkway Milepost 60.9 in Virginia.
Rates & Fees
Otter Creek Campground Fee
Per night charge for campsites is posted in each campground and available at www.nps.gov/blri. Holders of the Interagency Senior, Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes are entitled to a 50% discount on the base fee of the site physically occupied by the pass holder. Passes can be obtained at all campgrounds.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Invasive insects and diseases that live in firewood are a growing threat to forests along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding region. Tree-killing insects and diseases can hitch-hike hundreds of miles on firewood when people bring wood into campgrounds. Counties in many states have federal or state quarantines in place which prohibit moving firewood. These quarantines were issued to prevent the spread of emerald ash borer, Asian long-horn beetle, gypsy moth, and thousand cankers disease. Federal and state regulations prohibit visitors from bringing firewood to the park from these counties. See https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/firewood-quarantine-by-state.htm for a list of quarantined counties.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
One accessible campsite located adjacent to an accessible restroom.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
The campground has a dump station and potable water, but NO water or electric hookups. VA state laws limit RVs to 45' in length and trailers to 28.5' in length (combined vehicle/trailer length max 65')
RV Maximum Length
0
Additional Information
Area hiking trails: Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop, James River Canal
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
Campground has one accessible campsite, with accessible grill and picnic table. Restrooms with flush toilets, drinking water, walkways are accessible. No electric hookups or showers in campground.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Developed Campground
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