When we found ourselves in Virginia (traveling from the coast to the very northwest tip of the state) we decided a stop over in the Blue Ridge Mountains was a must. This part of the country is new to us, and we really wanted to see those famed, dusty blue mountains.
Our first thought was to stay at one of the campgrounds inside Shenandoah National Park. But as non-retired, full-time RVers we rely heavily on the Internet for work. With a lack of reliable cell service inside the national park, that idea was out.
Several people had recommended a park located at the southern end of the Virginia section of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It’s called Virginia Highland Haven Airstream Park.
This small, Airstream-only campground is highly praised for its beautiful location and welcoming staff.
Since we happen to travel in an Airstream, we decided to give it a shot. It turned out to be an excellent decision. By the end of the week we had fallen in love with the park, the surrounding area, and all the friendly people we met. Here are some of our very favorite things from our visit.
Virginia Highland Haven Airstream Park is a member owned park. That means all of the sites are owned by individual shareholders. Some of the shareholders leave their trailers at the park all summer, while others only visit occasionally.
Lovely accommodations at the Highland Haven Airstream Park.
The vacant sites are rented out to others who own Airstreams, like us. This particular park has a pretty strict Airstream only rule – a policy that is not always in place at all of the Airstream only parks around the country. They refer to us non-shareholders as guests, which I love.
There are a total of 46 sites offering full hook-ups, gravel parking pads, cement patios, and lush green grass shaded by mature trees.
I would classify the sites as average in size compared to what we’ve seen at other private parks around the country. Each site has a generous strip of grass on either side and is bordered in the back by a forest. Some of the sites even have decks that extend out into the woods for an an extra dose of nature. While you certainly don’t have the privacy offered by most of the state parks we’ve visited, you don’t feel like you’re parked right on top of your neighbor.
Also, since all the RVs are Airstreams of relatively the same size and height, you don’t run the risk of being boxed in by two giant motorhomes towering over you on either side. If you have a small trailer or RV, and have spent any amount of time at private parks, chances are you know what I’m talking about!
The park rests on a plateau high above the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Highland Haven is perched atop a plateau overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. When the park was built way back in the summer of 1970, they cut two mountain tops down to the saddle and filled the area with soil to create a flat surface with 360-degree views.
The layout of the sites gives you a spectacular view right out your front door.
During the day we enjoyed gazing out at the blue and green rolling hills, and in the evening we watched as the sky turned all shades of orange, red, and purple.
Around the Highland Haven Airstream Park
For the most part, this is a no-frills kind of RV park. There’s no heated pool or hot tub, no putting green, and no exercise room. But what they do have – a clubhouse with a large screened in porch, a laundry room with cheap and clean machines, and a communal fire pit – are all immaculately cared for and well maintained.
The park is located on a 75-acre piece of property. We greatly enjoyed hiking the miles of trails that weave through the forest, around ponds, and to the base of a waterfall.
Fellow RVers hang out at Highland Haven.
Probably the thing that made our visit the most enjoyable were the people we met. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by long time shareholders and Airstream enthusiasts, Douglas & D.A. They promptly greeted us by name and offered us a choice of sites.
Throughout the week the hosts went of our their way to make sure we were included in all the park activities.
Our very first night started off with a cake and ice cream gathering in the clubhouse. Here we met the other campers and learned all the about the park and surrounding area. As the week went on, we attended several afternoon happy hour gatherings, took two group hikes, and even joined the Friday night dinner out at a local restaurant where the park has a long standing reservation.
Enjoying the Blue Ridge Mountains and bluegrass music in Floyd.
When not relaxing in the park, we took time to explore the surrounding area. Highland Haven is nestled in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in a very rural area of Virginia. After driving up and down narrow, twisting roads for many miles to reach the park we knew we were in the country! Since we’re fans of both a country setting and small country towns, this area had a lot of appeal for us.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 30 minute drive from the park. From here you can hop on the parkway and slowly meander your way north or south along nearly 500 miles of the most scenic road in the east.
- Hiking routes are plentiful. We took one hike near the Parkway with sweeping views of a gorge below, and another in a nearby nature preserve with a giant waterfall at the end.
- The small town of Floyd is a must visit. We attended both the Friday Night Jamboree and the Saturday morning farmer’s market. For a tiny town in the middle of the mountains, this place is bustling with activity.
Until next time at the Highland Haven Airstream Park…
We loved our week long stay at the Virginia Highland Haven Airstream park. From the people, to the views, to the fun Friday night music jamboree in Floyd, we were completely smitten. Next time we find ourselves even remotely close by, we’ll be making a return visit. If you have an Airstream and find yourself traveling through Virginia – don’t miss this park!
