The best camping near Bear Creek Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bear Creek adventure.

83% (15 reviews)

Discover the natural charm of Bear Creek Lake State Park.

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Community favorites near Bear Creek Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Bear Creek Lake State Park

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Bear Creek Lake Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In Bear Creek Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Bear Creek Lake State Park

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Peaceful Meadows Farm

17 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Palmyra, VA

Learn more about this land: When you arrive you will drive up to your campground destination which is 16 acres of Loblolly Pine trees. There is a 1 1/2 acre pond stocked with Catfish, Bass, Crappies, Brim and Shell Cracker. Also there are two smaller ponds with minnows and one is home to Tucker the Turtle 🐢 . We have several trails on the property to walk as well. You are welcome to 🐠 fish for dinner but we ask that you notify your host if you want to keep some fish. Otherwise please practice catch and release policy. Each site will have a fire ring available. We are AUTISM Friendly 💙,so if you have a camper that needs a little more encouragement about camping or other accommodations please let your host know. You are welcomed to bring your furry family members, bikes and kayaks. We are only 35 minutes from Carter’s Mountain, Monticello and Jefferson Winery’s. Thistle Gate Winery is only 5 minutes away and 20 minutes to Scottsville were you can enjoy the James River. UVA sports complex is only 30 minutes away and your able to go the back way in to skip the gridlock of the traffic. There so much more within 30 to 45 minutes of this camping area I can’t list it all. I promise you will Enjoy your stay!

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Seven Islands River Front Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Arvonia, VA

Please note that we have a new entrance. 9337 Bridgeport Road. New driveway is just beyond the old one on the right. Look for the aluminum canoe sign at the edge of the drive way. Riverfront camping at its finest . Bateau boats pass by all 3 campsites on the third Thursday ofJune. This is due to a yearly Festival held in Scottsville where Historic river boats that used to haul goods up and down the river back in the day are maned by people in period clothing re-enacting the route that was taken. Smallmouth and catfish are biting Go by a local store and buy night crawlers worms and a pack of 2/0 hooks and you will catch something . You can now buy river tubes from the host. We will pump them up and deliver to your site. Fire wood also available delivered. 30.00 for UTV LOAD. Accessible by car or canoe, East End at Seven Islands provides endless fun for the whole family, including your well behaved off-leash dogs. When you arrive take a cooling dip in a quiet “river pool”, relax on your private beach, or see if the fish are biting. Let your kids experience the best the river has to offer by exploring the shallows for crayfish, chasing minnows, or watching for Bald Eagles patrolling the river. Pitch your tent on the beach or under the trees if you prefer some shade. Spend your nights stargazing, enjoying a campfire (remember to bring s’mores ingredients), or fishing for catfish. This is an ideal family-oriented campsite about an hour NW of Richmond. Come, enjoy and make some memories! Children 10 and under are free. The real estate sign at the entrance is for the farm house only. Camp sites are not for sale and won’t be. Future bookings are no problem Safety Notice: Not accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak when the James River level is 6 feet or higher at Scottsville. At 7.5 - 8 feet, there is not much beach to play on and the river is too dangerous to navigate. You can drive in and camp, but please stay clear of all water activities, including fishing, in these dangerous conditions.

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Warren Ferry Landing

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Scottsville, VA

Come enjoy Warren Ferry Landing, our expansive and shaded property just steps from the James River! Our property boasts 400+ feet of river frontage for you to enjoy and you can swim, fish, or even launch a canoe directly from our sites. About the property Our property is located adjacent to the historic Warren Ferry crossing of the James River. This is one of two historic ferry crossings near Scottsville, VA! The other, Hatton Ferry, is located a little bit down river from this location. Our property is only 8 miles from Scottsville so if you need to pop into town for something you forgot it is quite easy. There are many other activities that you can partake in nearby or on our property. There is fishing, swimming, hiking, and kayaking all within easy reach of our property. We do not live onsite but we aim to be easily reachable over the phone or text. If you have any questions before or during your stay please don’t hesitate to reach out. Keep in mind that during the night it is possible to hear some train activity from across the river.

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2nd40 to 420 - The Farm

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents39 acres · Pamplin, VA

The Farm was originally named 2nd 4o by my parents. They planned to live the 2nd forty years of their lives together on the farm. My parents both grew up on the southside of Chicago - where having a tree in your yard meant that you had "made it". They decided to use the land to grow Christmas Trees. This did not last long :) - but the saplings my dad planted by hand are still here & maybe 70' tall! Then my husband & I bought The Farm in 2017 for the 2nd forty years of our life & my parents built their little house right here. My husband and I immediately knew that our dream was to grow a different kind of "tree", so in 2019 we were among the first group to receive our license to grow hemp. We are passionate about both the hemp and cannabis plants! In 2020 when it finally became legal to grow cannabis, we immediately added that to our garden as well and 2nd 40 to 420 was born, or shall I say planted. We currently rent out our 2 RV's 3 Yurts & primitive sites , we also offer group bookings & Canna-friendly B&B options. We plan to add septic & electric hook-ups for RV's in the near future. Come join us in Growing our Dreams! Learn more about this land: Large farm with acres for tent camping. 2 RVs on site - available for rental - able to pull in RV's420 friendly - bed & breakfast options available. Creek, walking & riding trails, in season pool. Happy to host you with a variety of options. This option is for primitive camping on site.

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River Front Get Away! A hidden gem

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Yogaville, VA

Learn more about this land: Enjoy The James River and camp out with a view, river front access, and The James River walking trails. Grassy and shaded private grounds, perfect for camping, hiking, kayaking, tube floating and fishing. RVs and campers' welcome: sorry no hook ups. We are located 16 mi from historic downtown Scottsville. Visit us at River Front Camping on FB

Open Sky Farm

1 site · Tent8 acres · Cumberland, VA

Welcome to Open Sky, an old tobacco farm built in 1906 that spans 8 acres of rolling, re-wilded fields and woods. As the fields were allowed to return to their natural state, they've attracted an abundance of birds, butterflies, including hummingbirds, as well as wildflowers and grasses. Explore the mowed trail through the fields or venture into the wild woods for an adventure. The view from your deck is a favorite among all who come to visit.

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Hawthorn Hollar

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents214 acres · Palmyra, VA

Our family has owned the property since 1949. Come fish on our pier or from our ganoe, catch and release or hike our 8 miles of trails. Let your dogs run free on our large spacious private camp sites. You can also rent all the sites and ride to your hearts content if you bring your four wheelers, side by sides and dirt bikes. Waivers required for all riders and they are provided on site. These are "dry" rustic sites so you need to be self contained. We have an off-the- Grid cabin with a composting toilet, a double futon pull out and 4 cots with a view of the pond. We have a simple playground for small children that encourages their imaginations.

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The Forge at Fiddler's Ridge

4 sites · Tents120 acres · Scottsville, VA

The farm was owned in the 30's by a musical family who's members were invited to play for FDR at the White House. My background is as a horse shoer and black smith and I have made Fiddler's Ridge my home since 2003. I have a forge on site and will be happy to demonstrate or give a beginner lesson. Just ask for details.Learn more about this land:Explore 100 acres of forest in eastern Albemarle county including beautiful walking trails & nearby creek. Peaceful and private camping sites with individual fire pits and outhouse access. A shower is available 1/2 mile up private driveway if desired. 20 minutes to Charlottesville and 15 minutes to Scottsville.Site 1- Beautiful pastoral views from a hilltop campsite perfect for 1-2 tents. Site 2- Great for couples to larger groups. Includes use of older pole barn in case of inclement weather.

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Private Farm Minutes to Cville

6 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Charlottesville, VA

This was a 55-acre farm, split in half to accommodate a bypass through Charlottesville, so the previous owners had to give up half the land, and actually moved the house down to the other half of the property! They had to build a land bridge to get to the new home site, so they turned the bridge into a dam and created a beautiful large swimming pond, complete with beach and gazebo. My wife Stephanie and I bought the property in early 2017 and have turned it into a private horse farm, adding pastures, a riding ring, and 6-stall barn. There are ~21 horses who live on the property. The property is unique in that you can hardly see another house from anywhere on the property and yet we are only 2 miles from Barracks Rd. Shopping Center, and 4 miles from the University of Virginia.

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Devils Backbone Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Roseland, VA

Beer and nature come together here at Devils Backbones Camp. We’re tucked in the Rockfish Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains, five miles from the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our forested paradise is open year round. Here you’ll find 71-acres of campground, including 25 full RV hookup sites, 22 standard non-electric sites, and 24 primitive tent sites (and yes, there’s a 24/7 bath house, too). Our Basecamp Brewpub is open 7 days a week. Please visit our website for up-to-date hours and events.

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City Camp on Reedy Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Richmond, VA

Learn more about this land: Come take a load off at this forested Richmond retreat overlooking Reedy Creek. Set up a tent, car camp, or bring your small trailer to one of two sites on a unique property backed up to 20+ acres of woods. Imagine a hidden gem where you can relax to the sounds of rushing water and chirping birds, but can walk or bike to coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, parks or the river. If you are coming into Richmond for a Brown's Island event we are a five minute Uber to an access point using the Potterfield walking bridge (it's a beautiful walk across the James River to the island). Each campsite includes 3 level spots to pitch tents (see dimensions below), and a connected space to park one car, van or small trailer. The large parking space can be used as a fourth tent footprint if needed. There are additional parking spaces. Each site has a fire pit (with firewood on site), a grate to grill over the fire, a picnic table, and a hammock. There is a shared outbuilding with a composting toilet, hand washing sink, outdoor shower (solar warmed), and space to change privately. Campsite W ~ Tent footprints: 1) 10' x 12' 2) 10' x 13' 3) 9' x 10' Campsite E ~ Tent footprints: 1) 15'x16' 2) 10' x 15' 3) 9' x 10' **Pricing is based on groups of up to four adults or two adults with children. For groups of five to seven adults there is an additional charge of $10 person per day. For groups of eight or more we suggest you reserve both sites and have the entire camp to yourselves. Campsites W and E are about 80' apart. Both are around 100' to the creek. The spots can accommodate a total length (towing vehicle plus trailer) of up to 35 ft. There is an outdoor spigot with potable water and hoses for clean up. The woodlands and creek adjacent to the campsites have trails that are accessible to the public. You and your furry friends are welcome to use these paths, but know that others may be using them too. Richmond has so much to offer and we are just a hop, skip, and a jump to many wonderful attractions - kayak or sunbathe on the James River, walk or bike on trails around the city, rock climb, dine, imbibe. PLEASE NOTE* These sites are on a private property with a house that is visible to campers, but we give our guests complete privacy and don't plan to interact unless you need something from us. While you are on a 2 acre property backed up to a 20 acre wooded area, we are still in the middle of the city and you will hear city sounds. This is a safe space. We do not discriminate based on anything that makes you...you.

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Escape to the Lake

2 sites · Tents45 acres · Keswick, VA

Winnington Farms is a spacious 45 acre piece of land just 15 minutes from downtown Charlottesville, and very close to many vineyards, breweries, and hiking! Set-up camp and explore the property with a 3-acre lake for fishing or kayaking and lots of walking, or scouting for wildlife. About Winnington Farms: We purchased this piece of land to escape from the bustle of the city, and wanted to share with others looking to do the same. The property is mostly wooded, but we have cleared areas near the lake and in the woods for camping and hiking, and just enjoying nature. Come pitch your tent and camp on one of two sites we have to offer by the lake! Nearby things to do: We are just under 5 miles from I-64 and 2 miles to Rt. 250, putting you in reach of Monticello, UVa, wineries, breweries, great food and experiences! Check out Merrie Mill Vineyard, Keswick Vineyards, Marigold by Jean Georges, or Castle Hill Cidery nearby! Other things to note: We have a few neighbors close by the lake, however the sites are private and blocked with trees. You will hear the wildlife sounds of birds, tree frogs, crickets and maybe the resident beaver as well as some light traffic from 1-64 (mostly fall and winter), but it’s largely peaceful and relaxing. We offer two campsites, so please keep in mind that while the sites are private, you may come into contact with other campers or hear them around the lake. Please be respectful of the property and others who may be around!

The best camping near Bear Creek Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Two words for Bear Creek Lake State Park: bomb diggity. Traverse the 40-acre lake by non-motorized boat where fishing opportunities abound. Don't have a canoe or kayak? No problem. Rental opportunities make getting one easy. After you're done frolicking on the beaches, grab a bite at the lakeside diner, which offers all kinds of tasty sandwiches and snacks. With a 10-lane archery range and 3D targets, you'll be able to hone your bow and arrow skills only a hop, skip, and jump away from your campsite. Hunters need only go to the neighboring Cumberland State Forest to catch some game, which isn't too far away. Leave the bikes and horses at home though, as the trails here are intended for hiking boots only unless you obtain a permit first.

Notable campgrounds

Acorn Loop: Offers a lakeside camping experience with water view tent sites and electric hookups for pop-ups.
Chestnut Loop: Features shaded sites with electric and water hookups, including a handicap accessible site with a sewer connection.
Black Oak Loop: Accommodates larger camping setups with electric-water sites for equipment up to 35 feet long.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, as reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, ensuring you secure your ideal spot.
Consider off-peak times for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a great campsite.

When to go

The best time to visit Bear Creek Lake State Park is from spring through fall, when the weather is pleasant and all park facilities are open. Summer offers the full array of activities, including swimming and boat rentals. Winter visits are quieter but note that some amenities, like the snack bar and boat rentals, are seasonal.

Know before you go

Day-use guests should arrive early as the park may reach capacity, especially on weekends and holidays.
Swimming is available at the beach's designated area, but it is unguarded, so swim at your own risk.
Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and are not allowed on the beach.
Remember to bring all necessary linens for cabin stays as they are not provided by the park.
Check the park's website for the latest information on facility availability and any special events or programs.