I found paradise, and it’s right next door

I’ve called Roanoke, VA home for most of my life, and I like to think I’ve explored a fair bit around this area. But truly everywhere I go in Appalachia continues to amaze me. Every blue green mountain ridge, everywhere fresh water runs; I’m always finding new areas that maybe I’ve driven through before, maybe even a few times, but haven’t gone deeper, haven’t yet discovered the goldmine of beauty that lives inside every little town around us. I don’t think I’ll ever get to see every part of it, though I’m determined to try! I most recently felt I struck gold right down the road in Bedford, VA.

Stoney Creek Campground

Over the summer, on a whim, I decided to find a cute Hipcamp to head to for the weekend to do some final studying for my real estate exam. I often like to work outside and if I really need to lock in, taking a few days in nature is how I do so. I could not have been more thrilled to find Stoney Creek Campground in Bedford. I stayed in a very nicely laid out tent camp site among a row of sites right on the creek. There are some other sites just off the creek in the meadow full of beautiful blooming wildflowers. This place is nothing short of magical. At the site I stayed in, there was a wooden deck with a picnic table and the owner, Chris, allowed me to use a propane camping stove during my stay. I set up my hammock and tent and enjoyed two perfect days of studying and recharging. I’d call it a successful trip since I passed my real estate exam the following Monday! The creek is wide and deep enough to swim in spots and other spots are great for sitting a chair right in the water and catching some shade while reading a book. I had my dog with me and we loved walking through the trails in the woods, next to a pond with bullfrogs chanting all evening, and yet again lined with the most amazing, colorful wildflowers. The view is phenomenal. I am constantly amazed by the beauty in the area we live in, but this area in particular is just truly so incredible. I can’t even find enough descriptive words to explain it!

I have already returned to this campground and stayed my second time in the little rustic cabin that Chris built. No AC, but there is a generator so you can bring fans or whatever else you may need to plug in. The cabin is incredibly cute with a covered front porch that I was able to sit and journal on while it rained and didn’t get wet. The creek runs directly in front of the porch and off to the side there is a really well thought out patio area, equipped with a grill, picnic table, fire pit, additional seating, and it’s all fenced in with beautiful wildflowers and intentionally placed potted flowers. The flowers all across this property just bring me so much joy. I could walk around this place and smell the flowers forever. Just outside the fence to the front is the creek, and that’s where I hung my hammock, right over the water.

So much to do nearby

As if this place could get any more special, it sits right below the Peaks of Otter and within 20 minutes you can find multiple waterfalls, hiking trails with gigantic boulders like I’ve never seen, apple and peach orchards, and the Peaks of Otter restaurant and lodge. All of these gems are so close, I was able to hike to two waterfalls; Apple Orchard Falls and Fallingwater Cascades; and go to Gross orchard, and still have about half the day to hang around camp and study. Both hikes are short, Fallingwater you hike to the falls in about 10 minutes. Apple Orchard Falls is a little further downhill, so the hike back up to your car is fun! But so worth it to dunk your head in the falls at the bottom. Then Gross Orchard is right on the way back to camp, about 5 minutes out. There’s so much to explore here, and those are just two of the trails. There are so many others since you’re near the AT, 5 miles from the Flat Top and Sharp Top trailheads, and there seems to be streams and little waterfalls everywhere.

More to come

Chris was telling me all about his plans for this property, and how he hopes to share it’s beauty with even more people. He’s in the process of acquiring permits to put more little cabins on the property like the one I stayed in. It’s such a wonderful location for that and I can really see how his vision will translate to a camper’s dreamland, whether you prefer a glamping experience with indoor spaces, or a more primitive tent set up. Either way, even with what he already has set up, this is a slice of paradise for anyone who enjoys being out in nature. Bedford truly is a dreamscape for those of us who thrive in the outdoors.

I bet this place is just amazing in the fall, and I plan to spend some time here soon while the leaves are in full effect. If you’re interested in checking it out, you can find booking info HERE. Right now is perfect chilly, autumn camping weather and this spot is where you need to be, surrounded by such gorgeous mountains.

I plan to continue writing about cool places and things to do around/just outside of Roanoke, so stay tuned if you’re interested in more posts like this one.

If you’re moving to the Bedford or Roanoke areas and would like help looking for a property that suits all your desires, give me a call! I’d be happy to guide you through the home buying process. More info about me and what I do HERE.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!