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Virginia:

Published: Friday, August 17, 2007

Lying south of the US capital that is Washington D.C., one would think that Virginia is one American state that visitors will generally ignore. Yet, its scenic location along the coast of the mighty Atlantic Ocean affords the typical Virginia visitor innumerable opportunities for outdoor recreation that bypassing the land otherwise called the "Old Dominion State" would be comparable to ignoring the role it played in the evolution of the great United States.

Virginia and Her Regions

Virginia is one land that has quietly combined its rich historic past with its many outdoor wonders, and these are generally seen in its eight distinct regions. These regions include the Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, Chesapeake Bay, Heart of Appalachia, Blue Ridge Highlands, Southern Virginia, and Hampton Roads.

The Shenandoah Valley

The region, lying on the northwest side of Virginia, is obviously where one can find the historic Shenandoah Valley whose coverage stretches for 200 miles, encompassing the mountains of Allegheny and Blue Ridge. Rolling hills adorn many areas of this valley, and RVers will find themselves engulfed in a virtual sea of outdoor opportunities in these parts. They can have their choice of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking although the caves that have made the valley their home as well are also good spots for exploration.

For a more diverse set of outdoor enjoyment, Shenandoah National Park is situated nearby, and so is Blue Ridge Parkway, considered by many as the loveliest in the US. Meanwhile, a portion of the Allegheny Mountains can also be accessed here with its equally diverse attractions, apart from providing visitors with spectacular views of the rural landscape of Virginia.

There are many other natural wonders found in this region such that RVers will definitely need more than a day to achieve complete exploration. For this, a suitable RV park is called for, an aspect ably answered by numerous regional RV campgrounds. Of these, Luray-based Country Waye RV Resort ought to be quite interesting because aside from being near prominent regional attractions like the Shenandoah Valley and its accompanying national park, it is also in great proximity to another regional wonder, the Luray Caverns, the biggest and the most famous in the US with its ceilings that reach as high as ten stories.

Northern Virginia

The region lies adjacent to Washington D.C., but before RVers decide to head straight to the American capital, it would be better if they embark on a tour of Northern Virginia since the region boasts of several exciting attractions that cannot be found anywhere else. There are many upscale shopping centers here, complemented by first-class restaurants and scenic resorts, making the region a favorite among shopaholics and leisure hunters.

Historical landmarks also occupy a significant portion of Northern Virginia and these are seen in its many museums, cemeteries, and memorial sites. Additionally, "Horse Country" is another name attached to this region owing to the many horse-centered events that regularly take place in its midst. RVers will definitely be delighted to see various horse breeds participating in such activities as polo matches and steeplechase races.

For a place to stay, there is Cedar Mountain Campground to head off to. Settled in Culpeper town, the campground is near several regional historical landmarks, notably military battlefields. However, for RV-boarded tourists who prefer to experience outdoor fun, mysterious Luray Caverns and the fabulous Skyline Drive are both situated close by. Meanwhile, Old Rag Mountain, also found a few distances away, is a good ground for hikers.

Central Virginia

Central Virginia also goes by another name – the piedmont region- owing to its unique location of being situated in between the mountainous and the coastal districts of Virginia. Largely rural in setting, the region nevertheless sports an array of historic, cultural, and educational landmarks, all showcasing the diversity that has come to characterize Central Virginia.

For outdoor entertainment, however, RV-boarded travelers will find Kings Dominion Theme Park to be most suitable. Based in Doswell, approximately 75 miles from Southern Washington D.C., the theme park features many exciting rides, but its main attraction is WaterWorks, the resident water park that covers 19 acres and boasting of many thrilling water-based adventures, including Zoom Flume, a raft-based ride across a zigzag-like water path.

Other ways of exploring the region include hiking at Spy Rock, with its zenith providing hikers with an amazing view of nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The climb to the top will usually cover about half a mile, with hikers having the added privilege of catching a spectacular sunset provided they are willing to wait.

Access to Spy Rock is relatively easy since one regional RV park is situated close by. Crabtree Falls Campground in Tyro not only provides interested RVers convenient access to Spy Rock but to several other nearby regional attractions like Crabtree Falls, the tallest of all waterfalls based on the eastern side of the Mississippi.

Chesapeake Bay

The highlight of this region is quite naturally Chesapeake Bay along with all the wonders that it carries. The famous bay sits right along Rappahannock River from where RVers who have a great passion for fishing will find absolute enjoyment.

Yet, fishing is not the only outdoor activity available here. Boaters and swimmers also abound in the river waters. The beach, meanwhile, is a good place to have a sun tan. Otherwise, one can opt for a leisure walk along the sandy shore where trails have been designed amidst a beautifully landscaped area.

To fully enjoy these outdoor endeavors, a suitable RV campground is needed, for which Grey's Point Camp should be able to provide the needed answer. Perched just minutes away from Chesapeake Bay, the campground is also near other regional tourist destinations like the Busch Gardens and several historic cities.

Heart of Appalachia

The region may well be considered as the ultimate Virginia destination for outdoor lovers, including RV-boarded tourists. This is because it features several state parks that offer various outdoor recreations, many of them centered around the world-renowned Appalachian Mountains. For instance, Burke's Garden is a mountain valley famous for its ten-mile wide bowl composed of a rich farmland that visiting RVers can get to see via the famed Appalachian Trail. The mountain valley, the highest in Virginia, also has access to area roads and trail paths linked to Jefferson National Forest which is situated nearby. The paths frequently attract bikers and hikers respectively although hunters are a growing phenomenon since the forest is also teeming in game animals and wildlife.

In Wise City, RV-boarded travelers will find an RV park that will greatly help them enjoy the natural wonders of this region, particularly the majestic Appalachian Mountains. Whispering Pines Family Campground rests right within the vastness of the Appalachians covering around 160 acres, affording many visiting RV-boarded tourists the chance to engage in various outdoor activities available therein.

Blue Ridge Highlands

This is another RV paradise in Virginia since it features the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive area where RVers are taken down a cruise of the Blue Ridge Mountains with excellent views of the adjoining valley, past awe-inspiring waterfalls, and colorful rows of wildflowers. In between, they can stop by the numerous picnic areas, set up camp in one of several camping sites, or take a hike in the many trail paths.

One other way to explore the Blue Ridge Highlands is by visiting the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area based in Marion City. The place is engulfed in a forest of pond, hardwood, rhododendron, and birch trees set within a high valley where wildlife is literally teeming. Ostensibly, wildlife observation is a popular activity here, but so are fishing and swimming, particularly in the waters of the 12-acre resident lake.

Set inside this vast mountain are several campgrounds that should make area exploration generally easy for interested RV-boarded travelers. One park, however, Beartree Campground, is worth trying out owing to its family-centered setting.

Southern Virginia

Southern Virginia has also been called the Racing Region since it is filled with several raceways where various motor sports events are known to take place regularly. For most RVers, this ought to be a thrilling venture although if they prefer a slower pace, they can cruise along the many regional scenic byways, some of which lead to popular public parks.

For RV owners who are into racing, Southern Virginia ought to be an exciting place to visit. Getting an RV park situated near the raceways is not that hard. In fact, one campground, Clarence's RV Park, is found near Martinsville Speedway, one of many regional raceways.

Tidewater/Hampton Roads

The regional name was originally derived from a popular natural harbor considered the largest worldwide and which played a key role in the evolution of the US as a nation. These days, though, Hampton Roads has come to mean the regional cities of Hampton, Norfolk, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Newport News.

Two important attractions in the Tidewater/Hampton Roads are worth seeing, especially for families coming in aboard their RVs. One is the Busch Gardens Europe, a regional theme park that offers over 50 different and exhilarating rides, including the newly-introduced Griffon ride, an amazing roller coaster rising to a height of 205 feet before plunging straight down at a 90-degree angle with a top speed of over 70 mph.

The other is Virginia Beach, the famous water wonder set within the regional city that carries the same name. Aside from its many beach-based activities, what should attract RVers to Virginia Beach are the many interesting landmarks nestled in its midst including the state parks of Mount Trashmore, First Landing, and False Cape. The latter is particularly intriguing since it is among the few remaining areas found along the coast of the Atlantic that has not been touched by the hands of progress and has become the sanctuary of various wildlife and a popular stop-over ground of migrating birds.

There are many RV parks operating in Virginia Beach but the most preferred one has to be Holiday Trav-L-Park Virginia Beach as it is the closest to the city. From here, after checking in at one of at least a thousand wooded sites, RVers will not have a hard time exploring the wonders of famous Virginia Beach and the exciting rides at Busch Gardens Europe, which is likewise accessible through the campground.

Visiting Virginia Cities

Many of the cities found in the "Old Dominion State" offer either historical landmarks or natural wonders as their main attractions. The latter may appear more appealing to most RVers although for a more exhaustive Virginia exploration, it is always better that RV-boarded travelers settle for cities that carry both features.

Williamsburg

While Williamsburg is rich in historical landmarks, made evident in its restoration of classic Colonial Williamsburg, this East Virginia city is not actually wanting in other forms of attractions designed to suit the interests of its various visitors including RV-boarded ones. Specifically, outdoor wonders are teeming in this city, led by its famous theme park, Busch Gardens. A nearby water park, Water Country USA, has a 60's theme setting but nevertheless offers the same exciting rides, mostly water-based and executed in high-tech fashion.

RV riders who are into golf will likewise feel at home in Williamsburg since its golf courses, particularly those at Kingsmill, are of world-class varieties. Meanwhile, for water-centered activities, two city rivers namely York and James, alongside Chesapeake Bay, offer excitement beyond imagination.

For an RV park settled near the above-named Williamsburg attractions, RVers can choose from a variety of selections although Anvil Campground comes highly recommended. Not only is it the closest RV park to such places as Busch Gardens and the historic towns of Jamestown and Yorktown, its founders were the original blacksmiths who fashioned the locks, the hinges, and the gates that literally rebuilt Colonial Williamsburg in 1929.

Charlottesville

Perched at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Central Virginia portion, Charlottesville is one city best known for being the host of the home of at least three former US presidents. Foremost of these is Monticello, the mountaintop home of the third American president, Thomas Jefferson, which he personally designed and constructed when he was only 26 years old. A tour of Monticello and the homes of other US leaders namely James Madison (fourth president) and James Monroe (fifth president) is most ideal for RV riders as it provides glimpses into American history and the artistry of the time.

Yet, Charlottesville is more than just a historical town. RVers visiting this city will find many wonderful state parks filled with features that make for an exhilarating outdoor adventure. One such park, Walnut Creek, boasts of a 45-acre wide lake that offers swimming, boating, and fishing ventures. Its resident mountain, meanwhile, is replete with biking trails that stretch for over two miles.

Charlottesville only has one RV park in operation, but it is one campground that RVers will want to check in since it is the closest one to such city attractions as the Monticello. The University of Virginia, which Thomas Jefferson founded, can also be accessed from the campground. Ditto for Walnut Creek Park, the James River, and the Monticello and Rivanna Loop.

Paying Virginia A Visit

Despite its many mountains, Virginia is exceptionally warm all through the year, with the summer months naturally producing extreme heat and particularly high humidity levels. Planning a Virginia summer visit may thus be rather uncomfortable especially for RV-boarded travelers intent on engaging in rigorous physical activities. However, for those planning to head off to the famed Virginia beaches, summer is most definitely an ideal visiting period as cool ocean breezes tend to moderate the pervading heat.

Winter in Virginia is usually characterized as too cold for comfort. RVers who generally feel uncomfortable during the cold season are strongly advised not to go to Virginia during this time.

Ideally, late spring and autumn are the best times to see the "Old Dominion State" since the air is generally a lot cooler. Ditto for late summer when the heat is no longer at its hottest.

Creekside Campground

For RV riders thinking of having their partners walk with them under moonlit nights amidst a beautiful landscape set within a lovely camping site, Creekside Campground offers the best solution. With its vast area coverage set within picturesque Shenandoah Valley, the RV park provides one more option to take romance to a higher level.

Yet, romance is not the only thing one can expect from Creekside Campground. Rest and relaxation are the prime reasons for its existence and the campground goes out of its way to ensure that these are extended to its guests. One simply has to take a look at its fully landscaped surroundings, the many modern amenities that adorn the area, and a generally friendly atmosphere to realize that comfort tops the list of priorities here.

Of course, part of any campground experience is outdoor exploration. With Creekside Campground, this is one aspect that is answered quite satisfactorily. For starters, the RV park is settled along Stoney Creek where several water-based outdoor activities can be engaged in, such as fishing and boating. Meanwhile, just a few meters away, Edinburg, a town rich in Virginia history, can be easily reached on foot. Here, novelty shops and antique stores abound from where one can purchase various items as possible souvenirs. And for a more diverse set of outdoor exploration, places like the Luray Caverns, the Shenandoah River, the Skyline Drive, and the George Washington National Forest are just a short walking distance away.

Lake Ridge RV Resort Family Campground

This RV park, quietly nestled within the vastness of the famed Blue Ridge Mountains, has conveniently combined the natural attraction of the outdoors and the excitement of its indoor offerings, making for a more enjoyable camping experience. Needless to say, this is one campground that RVers should try to check out once they get to see Virginia and her many wonders.

Starting from the inside, one gets instantly thrilled traversing the resident water slide that stretches for 400 feet. Afterwards, a refreshing dip in one of two large pools should help cool down the overflowing excitement. For more relaxation, the choice between playing golf at the mini-course and reading a really good book under a fully shaded campsite should be quite easy, provided one's preference is clear.

Moving to the outdoors, the mighty Blue Ridge Mountains is unquestionably the single biggest attraction of the campground. Here, RV-boarded travelers can engage in any number of outdoor pursuits which should include mountain climbing, hiking, and fishing in nearby Lake Ridge.

Formerly called R-J Ranch RV Resort, this RV park has obviously adopted its present name to stress its proximity to Blue Ridge Mountains and to Lake Ridge, two of its more important outdoor attractions. The change has obviously worked as the RV park now carries more exciting features, ensuring RVers a more enjoyable stay.

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