Nestled along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of unique camping options, thrilling activities like Treetop Quest and mountain biking, and a historic tavern-turned-brewpub, this park offers something for every kind of adventurer. We spent a week exploring the trails, enjoying the cozy accommodations at Don’s Cab-Inns Campground, and soaking in the natural beauty of the area. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about camping, amenities, activities, and our personal experience at Explore Park.
About Explore Park
56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014
https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/231/Explore-Park
Explore Park is a 1,200-acre outdoor recreation area in Roanoke County, Virginia, offering a mix of nature, history, and adventure. It’s located along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 115 and is managed by Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
The Blue Ridge Parkway has occasional closures due to weather conditions, so make sure to check ahead on the National Park Service website. There are several options for accessing Explore Park:
- From the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 121 from US Route 220 headed north
- From the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 112 from VA 24 headed south
- From Mill Mountain Parkway at Milepost 120
- From the alternative entrance at 3900 Rutrough Road
Camping at Explore Park
The campground at Explore Park is Don’s Cab-Inns Campground, which is run by a concessionaire. Reservations, though, are handled by the park.
Camping Options at Don’s Cab-Inns
Don’s Cab-Inns Campground at Explore Park offers a variety of unique lodging options, from cozy cabins to spacious yurts and convenient RV sites. Whether you’re looking for a rustic retreat or a more comfortable camping experience, there’s something for everyone.
Pod Cabins
These compact yet functional cabins provide a unique camping experience with modern amenities. Most cabins feature a queen-sized bed with a full-size loft bunk, while a few offer alternative layouts:
- Cabins D9 & D13: Bunk-style layout that sleeps up to six people
- Cabin D8: A cozy couples’ cabin with an electric fireplace, futon, and breakfast nook
All cabins include air conditioning, heat, a mini-fridge, microwave, and a pod-style coffee maker. Linens are not included but can be rented for an additional fee. Outside, each cabin has a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill topper for outdoor cooking.
For those traveling with pets, Cabins D11, D13, D15, and D9B are pet-friendly for an extra $10 per night (maximum of two pets). Note that Cabin D9B does not have electricity.
Yurts
For a more spacious glamping experience, the campground offers yurts in two sizes:
- 16-foot yurts sleep up to six people
- 20-foot yurts sleep up to eight people
Each yurt is equipped with air conditioning, a half bath, a mini-fridge, microwave, and a pod coffee maker. Linens are not included but are available for rent. Like the cabins, each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring.
Yurt layouts vary:
- D18, D19, D21: Feature a three-level double bunk bed, sleeping six
- D14: Includes one queen-sized bed for a more private stay
- D16: A larger option with a three-level double bunk bed and a futon, accommodating up to eight guests
RV Sites
For those traveling in an RV, Don’s Cab-Inns offers five paved, back-in RV sites that are 12 feet by 35 feet in size. Each site provides:
- 30-amp electric hookup
- Nearby water spigots
- Picnic table and fire ring
While the campground doesn’t have full hookups, the convenient location within Explore Park makes it an excellent choice for a short stay.
Amenities at Don’s Cab-Inns Campground
Staying at Don’s Cab-Inns Campground means having access to a range of amenities that make your visit more comfortable and convenient.
Showerhouse & Facilities
A clean and well-maintained showerhouse is available for all guests, providing hot showers and restrooms. Additionally, there is a dump station located near the park entrance for RV campers.
Extras & Add-Ons
When booking your stay, you can purchase extras to enhance your camping experience, including:
- Firewood
- Linen rentals (for cabins and yurts)
- Coffee pods
- Charcoal for grilling
Camp Store & Visitor Center
The on-site camp store and Explore Park Visitor Center provide essentials, souvenirs, and local information. Inside the visitor center, you’ll find:
- Museum exhibits detailing the park’s history and the surrounding region
- A gift shop featuring locally made products, books, and camping gear
- A Blue Ridge Parkway National Park Service (NPS) passport stamp, perfect for collectors
Explore Park Camping Costs
Costs for staying at Explore Park depend on when you are staying. April-November is considered On Season and December-March is Off Season.
On Season Rates:
- RV Sites- $35/night
- Cabin D9B (no electricity)- $55/night
- Standard Cabins- $85/night
- Premium Cabins- $95/night
- Yurts- $105/night
- Yurt D16- $130/night
Off Season Rates:
- RV Sites- $35/night
- Standard Cabins- $65/night
- Premium Cabins- $75/night
- Yurts- $85/night
- Yurt D16- $105/night
Our Review of Don’s Cab-Inns Campground at Explore Park
We stayed at Explore Park in between our time in northern Virginia and Tennessee. Roanoke was the perfect in-between spot to spend some time- plus we were able to visit the Wild Ones Roanoke Region Chapter while we were there!
There are only 5 campsites here, but they were very nice. Even though the sites didn’t have water hookups, there were water spigots nearby and we were able to refill our tank by hose. One of the nicest parts of Don’s Cab-Inns Campground was the showerhouse! Not only was it the type of showerhouse where each shower has its own outside locking door, the locks had electronic codes to get in. This meant they were especially clean since it really limited use to campers. They were super nice and big showers too!
Probably the most annoying part was that the dump station is near the park entrance and is very inconvenient from the campground. Since we had a shorter stay we were ok, but if we had been there longer it would have really been a pain to use a toter to go dump.
We stayed at Explore Park in November and they were getting ready for the Christmas season. The downside of this was that the we couldn’t actually see the museum exhibits in the visitor center because they were covered with decorations. The upside is that they were starting to set up for their popular Illuminights walk-through light display and we got to see it lit up at night a couple times while they tested stuff.
Even though the park is tucked away in the mountains, it’s still a pretty short and easy drive into town for shopping and city amenities. We would definitely stay here again!
Activities at Explore Park
Explore Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, from thrilling aerial adventures to scenic trails and unique historical experiences. Whether you’re looking for high-energy recreation or a relaxing afternoon by the river, there’s something for everyone.
Treetop Quest
For an adrenaline-filled adventure, Treetop Quest offers a high ropes course with aerial obstacles, swings, cargo nets, tightropes, and zip lines. Designed for ages 4 and up, the course becomes progressively more challenging as you advance.
- Open April–October
- 2-hour experience
- $14–$39 per person (prices vary by age and purchase location)
- Weight limit: 250 lbs
- Waivers required
Hiking and Biking Trails
Explore Park features a variety of hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. There are currently some closures due to Roanoke River Greenway construction, but many trails remain open:
- 14 miles of dual-use trails for hikers and bikers
- 9 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails
- Trail maps available here
Blue Ridge Bike Center
A great spot for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers, the Blue Ridge Bike Center is in its first phase of development. Currently, the area includes:
- Skills loop
- Intermediate connector trail
- Natural skill features like dirt berms, log rumble strips, rock rollers, and rock gardens
Future expansions will add even more biking challenges.
Mayflower Disc Golf Course
Ranked #80 in the world and #4 in Virginia by UDisc in 2024, Mayflower Hills is a top-tier disc golf course with:
- 18 holes with 105 possible alignments
- Beginner, intermediate, and expert tee boxes on most holes
- A & B permanent baskets on all holes, with optional C baskets on some
Riverfront Area (Currently Closed for Greenway Construction)
While currently inaccessible, the riverfront area typically offers:
- Boat launch at Rutrough Point
- Fishing access for striped bass, catfish, and largemouth bass
Twin Creeks Brewpub at Historic Brugh Tavern
Located in a historic tavern built between 1792 and 1800, Twin Creeks Brewpub offers a unique dining experience in a beautifully restored setting. The tavern was relocated to Explore Park in 1998 and has housed several restaurant leases over the years. Now, it’s home to Twin Creeks Brewpub, open on Saturdays and Sundays.
During your visit, you enjoyed beers and burgers and found it to have a great atmosphere. The outdoor seating area with firepits was a highlight, making it a cozy place to relax after a day of exploring.
Things to Do in Roanoke, Virginia
Check out our full Roanoke itinerary! Roanoke Itinerary: What to See, Do, and Eat in One Week as an RV Traveler
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