THINGS TO DO NEAR FERRUM PARK 

These indoor and outdoor options are within no more than a 25 mile distance from Ferrum Park.

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Outdoor & Recreation

• Ferrum College Sports Ferrum College's sports programs have a rich history and are currently in a period of significant change. The athletic teams are known as the Panthers. As of July 1, 2025, Ferrum became a full member of the NCAA Division II Conference Carolinas. This is a historic move that will see Ferrum compete against larger institutions and bring its football program back to conference play in the 2025-26 season. For schedules visit https://ferrumpanthers.com/ 
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: < 1 mile

 

• Ferrum College Disc Golf Course   The course has 18 holes and is known for its short, technical layout. It makes excellent use of the hilly terrain and trees at the base of Ferrum Mountain, creating a challenging experience that emphasizes precision and short-game skills. www.ferrum.edu
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: < 1 mile

 

• Fairystone State Park Home of the legendary fairy stones, this park is well known for its 168-acre lake adjoining Philpott Reservoir. The park is just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Attractions include cabins, a conference center, hiking trails, lake swimming, rowboats, canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, picnicking, two playgrounds and more. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/fairy-stone
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: 14 miles at 967 Fairystone Lake Dr., Stuart, Va. 

 

• Philpott Lake: This 2,880 acre lake is a tranquil destination known for its clear water and hiking trails. It's a great spot for kayaking and canoeing. https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/philpott-lake/ Distance from Ferrum Campground 14 miles at 1058 Philpott Dam Road Bassett, Va. 

 

• Waid Recreation Park: This park is a favorite for mountain bikers and hikers. If features a disc golf course It also offers access to the Pigg River for floating and swimming.  https://www.playfranklincounty.com/facilities/facility/details/Waid-Park-2 Distance from Ferrum Campground 10 miles at 701 Waid Park Road, Rocky Mount, Va.

 

• The Blue Ridge Parkway: This scenic drive runs along the edge of Franklin County and offers beautiful vistas, hiking opportunities, and picnicking spots, such as the Smart View Recreation Area. https://www.nps.gov/places/smart-view-recreation-area.htm
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: 16 miles located between mileposts 154 and 155 on the parkway

 

• Summit Springs Shooting Sports is a 135 acre recreational and educational shooting range located in Ferrum, VA. We offer a variety of services, instruction, and youth programs with top notch facilities and amenities.Open Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays 11am-5pm & Saturdays 9am-5pm  http://summitspringsshooting.com/
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: 12 miles located at 12991 Franklin St., Ferrum, Va. 

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Music, History, Culture & Arts

• Blue Ridge Institute & Museum: Located on the campus of Ferrum College, this is Virginia's official center for Blue Ridge folklore. It hosts the annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and has a farm museum that demonstrates traditional mountain life. www.ferrum.edu
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: < 1 mile at 20 Museum Drive, Ferrum, Va. 

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• Monday Night Jams in Ferrum, is a weekly community gathering for musicians and music lovers, celebrating the heritage of authentic old-time and bluegrass music. The jams are hosted by the Appalachian Music Program at Ferrum College and take place at the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum. They are free and open to the public, welcoming everyone to play, sing, dance, or simply listen. In colder weather, the jams are held inside the museum's lobby, and during warmer months, they move outside to the Leo Scott Pavilion.
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: < 1 mile at 20 Museum Drive, Ferrum, Va. 

 

• Harvester Performance Center: An intimate music venue in downtown Rocky Mount that attracts national and regional touring acts across many genres. https://www.harvester-music.com/
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: 11 miles at 450 Franklin St, Rocky Mount, Va. 

 

• Raising the Shade monument is planned to be installed at the former First Baptist Church in downtown Rocky Mount, Virginia. The monument will honor 70 Black men from Franklin County who served in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. www.raisingtheshade.org
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: 12 miles at 45 Patterson Ave, Rocky Mount, Va. 

 

• Rocky Mount Hospitality Center at the Depot: Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon til 6pm. In addition, the downtown area of Rocky Mount features shops and dining options. https://www.rockymountva.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Community-Hospitality-Center-6
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: 11 miles at 52 Franklin St., Rocky Mount, Va. 

 

• Booker T. Washington National Park and Monument: This is the birthplace of the famous African American educator and orator, and the site preserves a 19th-century farm that tells the story of his early life. https://www.nps.gov/bowa/index.htm
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: 26 miles at 12130 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Hardy, Va. 

 

• Franklin County Historical Society History Museum: A great place to learn about the history of the county, from its early settlement to the Civil War and beyond. Hours: Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am-2pm https://franklincountyvahistoricalsociety.org/
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: 12 miles at 460 S. Main St., Rocky Mount, Va. 

 

• Floyd, Virginia, is a small town nestled on a high plateau of the Blue Ridge Mountains, widely known for its vibrant arts, music, and food culture. It's often described as a hub of modern creativity with deep roots in traditional Appalachian heritage.Floyd features restaurants, shops and more!  https://visitfloydva.com/visitor-center/
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: 21 miles at 206 S. Locust St., Floyd, Va. 

 

• Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store. Every Friday night, musicians, dancers, and visitors from all over the world gather to celebrate old-time and bluegrass music. The event has gained national and international recognition for its authentic feel and lively atmosphere.https://www.floydcountrystore.com/ 
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: 21 miles at 206 S. Locust St., Floyd, Va. 

 

• The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre is a long-standing cultural institution located on the campus of Ferrum College. The theatre presents a variety of productions, including both classic plays and new works. They often feature a mix of college students, faculty, and community members in the cast and crew. The plays are usually performed on weekends, with dinner available before the show. www.ferrum.edu
  Distance from Ferrum Campground: < 1 mile at 305 State Rte 602, Ferrum, VA 24088

 

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Ferrum Park Events     

Visit our Events Page here 

• Ferrum Farm and Craft Market:
  Located at the entrance to Ferrum Park. Next season begins April 2026 

• Annual Haunted Trail: 
  2025 dates: October 17, 18, 24 & 25th from 7PM-9PM

• Southwest Virginia Alternative Living Festival (SWVAL) An event held at Ferrum Park that focuses on various aspects of alternative living, such as off-grid housing, homesteading, tiny homes, and sustainable practices. The expo is organized by the Friends of Ferrum Park and features speakers, demonstrations, and vendors. It's a way to celebrate and educate the community about living differently and more sustainably.
  2026 date: May 30th, 2026