Overview The Peaks of Otter Campground is nestled between the bases of two dominating mountains in the rolling hills of Virginia. Campers enjoy a rare serenity in this rustic setting. Relax, and leave your cares behind! Recreation The 24-acre Abbott Lake is one of the biggest attractions the Peaks of Otter Park has to …
Overview The Peaks of Otter Campground is nestled between the bases of two dominating mountains in the rolling hills of Virginia. Campers enjoy a rare serenity in this rustic setting. Relax, and leave your cares behind! Recreation The 24-acre Abbott Lake is one of the biggest attractions the Peaks of Otter Park has to offer. The lake is well-stocked with small mouth bass and bluegill. A crystal-clear mountain stream winds through the nearby picnic area. Numerous hiking opportunities range from demanding, scaling the area's high mountain peaks, to the moderate short, flat trail around Abbott Lake. Hikers are likely to stumble upon one of the mountain meadows, filled with wildflowers and migrating butterflies in the spring and a fantastic assortment of colors in the fall. Abundant wildlife like deer and wild turkey are spotted daily at the Peaks of Otter Campground, and many rare species of birds reside or migrate along the mountain ranges. Summer interpretive programs are provided for visitors to learn about the wildlife as well as the history of the area.Facilities Campsites are shaded under an umbrella of thick trees, and provide campers with picnic tables, lantern poles, and campfire rings/grills. The campground also offers modern conveniences like flush toilets, drinking water and a dump station. Peaks of Otter Campground almost always has campsites available. In addition to the 60 sites available for advance reservation, there are 79 first-come, first-served campsites available. Availability of first come, first served sites cannot be tracked through Recreation.gov. These sites must be booked in person at the campground kiosk. Natural Features Three mountain peaks sitting atop a thick blanket of forest make up the Peaks of Otter-- a recreational oasis spanning acre upon acre of rolling landscape along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Sh
Photos
Johnson Farm House at Peaks of Otter — Wayne BerschAbbott Lake in the fog. — Debbie WebberJohnson Farm, an Appalachian farmstead. — Peter HamelPeaks of Otter Wildlife — Wayne BerschStairway to the Sky on Top of Sharp Top Mountain — Wayne BerschGarden View Johnson Farm House at Peaks of Otter — Wayne BerschView of Abbott Lake, Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant from the Top of Sharp Top Mountain — Wayne BerschCabin at Top of Sharp Top Mountain — Wayne BerschSharp Top Mountain. — Debbie WebberInformation Sign Johnson Farm — Wayne BerschView from the Top of Sharp Top Mountain — Wayne BerschAn RV site at Peaks of Otter. — NPS
How to Get There
From Roanoke, Virginia, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north for 26 miles to Milepost 86. From Bedford, Virginia, follow Route 43 to Blue Ridge Parkway; the campground is on the left before reaching the Parkway.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND
Heading to PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233403) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND?
From Roanoke, Virginia, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north for 26 miles to Milepost 86. From Bedford, Virginia, follow Route 43 to Blue Ridge Parkway; the campground is on the left before reaching the Parkway.
How do I contact PEAKS OF OTTER CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 540-586-7321 (MAY - OCTOBER).
