Camping music festivals near Roanoke: a first-timer's guide

What to expect at a small camping festival in the Blue Ridge, what to pack, and how WA Fest and Camp Reckoning work.

By The Wilderness Adventure team · October 28, 2026 · 4 min read

Musicians performing under purple lights on the WA Fest stage

Big festivals have their place. But there's something special about a small one: a smaller crowd, a stage in the woods, a creek to cool off in and a campsite a short walk from the music. Wilderness Adventure has hosted music weekends on our 500 acres near New Castle since 2017. Here's what to expect at a camping festival in the Blue Ridge, and how to make the most of it.

Our festivals

WA Fest (August): three days of rock, Appalachian, funk, folk and soul on two stages, the Creek Stage and the Main Stage, a two-minute walk apart. Saturday night brings the World Peace Dinner, one long shared table between sets, included with every weekend pass. WA Fest began in 2017 to raise money for the Adventure Camp Fund, which helps young people come to camp.
Camp Reckoning (May): a laid-back mini festival built on Grateful Dead classics, with The Dead Reckoning playing all weekend, running since 2018. Free workshops fill the days, from sunrise yoga and fly casting to block printing your own festival poster.

Dates and tickets for both are on our events page.

Festival guests relaxing in chairs on the lawn near their tents — Camping is included with every weekend pass.

Why a small festival is different

At a boutique festival you can walk from your tent to the stage in minutes, find your friends without a group chat, and actually hear the music. Between sets there's the rest of the property: tubing on Craig Creek, the 18-hole disc golf course, more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a bonfire at night. It's family-friendly too. At WA Fest, children under 12 come free with a ticket-holding adult.

Camping at a festival: what to bring

A tent and sleeping bag (communal camping is included with weekend passes; premium sites, RV spots and lodge rooms can be added)
A folding chair or blanket for the main stage
A rain jacket. Mountain weather changes fast, and our festivals run rain or shine.
A swimsuit and water shoes for the creek
Sun protection, bug spray and a refillable water bottle (free drinking water is available on site)
A power bank: there's no electricity at campsites and cell service is barely there
An instrument, if you play. Late-night jams are part of the fun.

Good festival manners

No outside alcohol. Beer, wine and cider are sold at the Outpost for guests 21 and over.
No pets, including in the parking areas and campgrounds. Service animals are welcome.
Fires only in fire rings, and no tiki torches or fireworks.
Leave No Trace. Pack out what you bring so the property stays as good as you found it.
Agree on a meeting spot with your group before you arrive, since you can't count on your phone.

Musicians playing an acoustic set on a wooden porch

Food and drink

The Outpost kitchen serves food all weekend, with vegetarian options. You can bring your own food to eat in the camping areas.

A festival weekend, hour by hour

Friday afternoon: gates open at noon. Find a campsite, pitch your tent in daylight and take a walk around the property before the first set.
Friday night: the music starts. Dance by the stage, then wander back to the fire.
Saturday morning: slow coffee, then whatever you like: a float down Craig Creek, a round of disc golf, a hike, or one of the free workshops at Camp Reckoning, from sunrise yoga and guided nature hikes to fly casting, block printing and beaded jewelry.
Saturday evening: at WA Fest, everyone sits down together for the World Peace Dinner. Then the biggest night of music.
Sunday: music into the afternoon, a last swim, and a slow pack-up.

Bringing kids

Our festivals are designed to be family-friendly. A few tips for bringing children:

Ear protection for little ones near the stage
A wagon or carrier for tired legs
Water shoes, a swimsuit and a change of clothes for creek time
A shady spot and a blanket for naps
An agreed meeting point in case anyone wanders, since phones won't help much

Camping, glamping or a bed?

Communal tent sites come with weekend passes. If you'd like more space, upgrade to a premium campsite in the Meadows or the Wall Field, an RV or car-camping spot, or a room in one of the lodges. There are bathhouses and shower houses on site, with porta-potties near the campgrounds. Remember there are no electric or water hookups at the sites, so bring a power bank.

Get involved

Want to be part of it? WA Fest takes applications from vendors and volunteers each year. Head to the WA Fest page to get in touch.

Common questions

Is camping really included?

Yes. Weekend passes include a communal campsite, hot showers, restrooms and parking.

What happens if it rains?

The music goes on: our festivals run rain or shine. Pack a rain jacket and a tarp for your tent.

Can I come and go?

At Camp Reckoning there's free re-entry through security. Keep your wristband on all weekend.

Is there cell service?

Barely. There's slow free WiFi near the main lodge, and that's about it.

Getting here

Wilderness Adventure is 40 minutes from Roanoke. Gates usually open at noon on Friday: arrive early, pitch your tent in daylight and walk the property before the first set. Want a bed instead of a tent? Lodge rooms and cabins can be booked as an upgrade.