First RV Trip of the Season: Stokesville, Trails & a Lucky Rainbow 🌈
After a long winter of planning and training, we finally pulled the RV out for its first trip of the year — and there’s no better place to kick things off than Stokesville Campground. Tucked into the mountains of Virginia, it’s one of those places that feels like a reset the second you arrive — quiet, rugged, and surrounded by miles of trail.
A Training Weekend in the Mountains
This trip wasn’t just about getting away — it was about putting in real miles.
We hiked 12 miles through the surrounding trails, carrying weight and treating it like a true training day for the Tour du Mont Blanc this summer. The terrain around Stokesville is no joke — steady climbs, rocky sections, and long stretches that force you to settle into a rhythm.
It’s the kind of place that prepares you physically, but also mentally. You learn your pacing, your gear, and what it feels like to keep going when your legs are tired — which is exactly what we’re chasing before heading to the Alps.
A Little St. Patrick’s Day Magic 🌈
As if the weekend needed anything extra, we were gifted a little St. Patrick’s Day magic.
After a passing storm rolled through the mountains, a full, vibrant double rainbow stretched across the sky right over the campground. One of those moments where everything just stops — boots still muddy, air crisp, and you just stand there taking it in.
It felt like the perfect way to kick off the season — a little luck, a lot of gratitude, and a reminder of why we do this.
The Story Behind Stokesville
Stokesville isn’t just a campground — it’s rooted in history.
Once a small mountain settlement, the area dates back to the 1800s and was later absorbed into what is now the George Washington National Forest. Today, it’s known as a hub for outdoor recreation, especially among hikers and mountain bikers looking for access to some of the best backcountry terrain in Virginia.
A Mountain Biker’s Playground
Even though this trip was focused on hiking, you can’t ignore what Stokesville is really famous for — mountain biking.
The area is home to an extensive trail network, including access to Shenandoah Mountain and rugged singletrack that draws riders from all over. It’s technical, challenging, and wild in the best way — exactly the kind of terrain that’s built the area’s reputation in the MTB community.
It’s safe to say we’ll be back with bikes next time.
Campfire Cooking: Cast Iron Peach Cobbler 🍑🔥
One of the best parts of RV season starting back up? Cooking over the fire again.
After a full day of hiking, we kept it simple and made peach cobbler in a cast iron skillet right over the campfire — and it might’ve been the highlight meal of the trip. There’s something about that smoky flavor, the bubbling peaches, and the crispy golden topping that just hits different when you’re outside.
We prepped everything at the campsite, set the skillet over the fire, and let it slowly cook while we relaxed nearby. No rush, no distractions — just the sound of the fire and the smell of dessert coming together.
👉 Try a similar recipe here: https://www.freshoffthegrid.com/campfire-peach-cobbler/
It’s easy, minimal ingredients, and perfect for camping:
Canned or fresh peaches
Cake mix or biscuit topping
Butter
Cook low and slow over coals for best results
Our RV Setup: Simple, Functional, and Built for Trips Like This 🚐
Traveling in our Forest River Wolf Pup is a big part of what makes weekends like this actually doable.
It’s small enough to tow easily through mountain roads and into places like Stokesville, but still has everything we need — a comfortable bed, a functional kitchen, and just enough space to reset after long days outside. We’ve figured out how to make it work for us: keeping things simple, packing intentionally, and leaning into the fact that we don’t need much to have a really good weekend.
What we love most is the flexibility:
Easy to hook up and go for quick weekend trips
Enough storage for gear (and cast iron essentials)
A cozy place to come back to after 12 miles on the trail
It turns a regular camping trip into something that feels sustainable — like we can keep doing this over and over again without overcomplicating it.
And honestly, ending the day cooking cobbler over the fire and then climbing into the RV while it cools off outside? That’s exactly the kind of balance we’re after.
River Access & A Cold Plunge Moment 💧🐾
Another thing we love about Stokesville Campground is the easy access to the river running right through the property.
Even in early spring, it’s one of those spots that pulls you in. Clear mountain water, quiet surroundings, and just enough edge to make you consider a cold plunge — even if you’re not fully committed.
For the dogs, it’s perfect. A natural swimming hole where they can splash, explore, and burn off whatever energy they somehow still have after a full day on the trails.
For us… it was more of a “test the water, debate a polar plunge, and laugh about it” kind of moment. But that’s part of it too — being outside, a little uncomfortable, and fully in it.
It’s those small, simple experiences — cold water, muddy paws, mountain air — that end up being some of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Post-Hike Reward: Alpine Goat Brewery 🍻
After logging miles, there’s only one thing on the agenda — good food and a cold drink.
We made our way to Alpine Goat Brewery, a laid-back local spot with mountain views and the kind of atmosphere that feels earned after a long day outside.
It’s the perfect stop after a day on the trails — casual, local, and exactly what you want when your legs are shot and you’re still replaying the hike.
Why This Trip Matters
There’s something different about the first RV trip of the year.
It’s not just about the destination — it’s about shaking off winter, testing your systems, dialing in your routine, and remembering how much you love this lifestyle.
From 12 training miles to a perfectly timed rainbow, Stokesville delivered everything we needed:
A challenge
A reset
And a reminder that adventure season is officially back
Next stop: more miles, bigger climbs, and getting one step closer to the Tour du Mont Blanc.
