MONTEREY, Va. (DayTripper) — Monterey Campground, nestled in the mountain scenery of Highland County, offers a recluse from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Dan Kauffman and Annette Naber moved to Highland County after retiring from their professional careers in Washington. Seeking to provide a safe, beautiful location where people could stay close to nature, they found a 58-acre property where they established themselves and, subsequently, the campground. In 2018, the property served as a stop for motorcyclists passing through the county, but the owners wished to expand their clientele and revamped it as a family campground.
Kauffman, a master carpenter, began building the campground structures in 2017. The bathhouse features two shower stalls, two sinks and two private toilet stalls for each sex. The clubhouse, available for reservations, contains a living room, kitchen, a bunk room and a porch. The shelter sleeps six people and has amenities such as filtered water, kitchen towels, a refrigerator, a coffeemaker and a wood stove for cold evenings. In lieu of designated camping pads, campers can pitch their tent in their favorite spot and enjoy the beautiful scenery from every angle.
Monterey Campground isn’t just a campground. Naber offers foraging classes and guided forest-bathing tours, and facilitates retreats on the property. Wildlife on the mountain includes wild turkey, deer and eagles. The mountain sanctuary is also listed as one of the state’s top stargazing spots by the Virginia Tourism Corporation. With all of its rustic charm, conveniences, and natural beauty, this campground is the perfect day trip.
