Travel & Lodging

Travel Note

Traveling to Nature Camp (Our Venue)

ABOUT NATURE CAMP: Nature Camp is located in the George Washington National Forest, tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Rockbridge County, VA. LOCATION: 316 Nature Camp Trail, Vesuvius, VA 24483 DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Nature Camp is easily reached from Interstate 81. From Exit 205 (Raphine), midway between Staunton and Lexington, take Rt. 606 (Raphine Rd) east to Steele’s Tavern (1.5 miles to the first stop sign at US Highway 11). Turn left on US 11 and then immediately right on VA Highway 56 (Tye River Turnpike) east. Drive 1.6 miles into Vesuvius, straight past the first sign for Rt. 608 on the left, and then bear south (right according to the sign, but essentially straight ahead) on Rt. 608 (South River Rd). (DO NOT CROSS THE RAILROAD TRACKS AT THIS TIME.) In 1.9 miles, you will cross the railroad tracks; continue on 0.7 miles and take the first gravel road to the left, marked as Nature Camp Trail. When the road forks at the sign for Nature Camp, turn right and drive into Camp. If traveling from the south, you may alternatively leave I-81 at exit 200 (Fairfield). Turn right (east) at the end of the ramp onto State Rt. 710 (Sterrett Rd). Drive to the first stop sign (US Highway 11), and turn right (south). In the middle of “old” Fairfield, turn left on Rt. 710 (Red Hill Rd). This turn is not well marked. Take 710 to the stop sign at Rt. 706 (Borden Grant Rd). Turn left and then immediately right to stay on Red Hill Rd. At the next stop sign turn left on Rt 608 (South River Rd), and drive just under 4 miles. Look for a gravel road to your right, marked Nature Camp Trail. When the road forks at the sign for Nature Camp, turn right and drive into Camp. Please note that the road crosses a narrow, stone bridge; vehicles with trailers are not recommended. PARKING: Guests will be directed to park along the shoulder of Nature Camp Trail, the road leading into Nature Camp. From there, you'll enter Camp by foot (over the bridge & up the road ~0.2 miles).

Hotel

Comfort Inn & Suites - Raphine-Lexington

$ - affordable This hotel is located near I-81 & I-64 and a ~15 minute drive to our venue! This is where we (Laurel & Laura) will be staying, along with our immediate families. If you're looking for a comfortable, close-by option, this may be the place for you!

Hotel

Osceola Mill Bed & Breakfast Inn & Cabin

$$ - moderate pricing This riverfront bed & breakfast is ~10 minutes from our venue.

Hotel

Steeles Tavern Manor

$$$ - upscale pricing This adults-only bed & breakfast (with included spa services) is ~10 minutes from our venue.

Travel Note

Overnight Stay at Nature Camp

*Free* If you're looking for a more ~immersive~ and ~affordable~ lodging experience, Nature Camp has both tent camping and bunk house accommodations available to all guests. A bath house with flush toilets, sinks and showers is also available. With it being mid-October, we anticipate excellent camping weather for you outdoor enthusiasts :). The bunk houses include an open layout with about 40 bunk beds, divided between 2 large conjoined rooms. These rustic structures are screened-in & open-air, so come prepared with some warm layers and bedding for sleep time. Overhead lighting and a few outlets are available throughout, for plugging in electronics as needed. The tent area consists of a flat grassy field under the stars. If you are staying both Friday & Saturday night, please plan to temporarily take your tent down Saturday morning (in preparation for the ceremony/reception). *All are welcome to make a last-minute decision to stay overnight, but if you know ahead of time that you plan to stay at Camp, let us know!