Camping in Virginia

Iconic hikes, history, and golden beaches await campers in Virginia’s 41 state parks.

97% (18975 reviews)
  1. Virginia
97% (18975 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Virginia

Camper favorites in Virginia

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Virginia

Stories from the community

Star Hosts in Virginia

Under $50

12 top campgrounds in Virginia

99%
(940)

Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents55 acres ¡ Brightwood, VA
Welcome to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend!Campsite has a firepit, picnic table, river frontage with beach, and fishing hole. Campers can enjoy hiking and the many breweries and wine vineyards in the Shenandoah. Great access point for kayaking. Firewood available (reasonable rates)close to:-Scenic Skyline DriveThorton Gap entrance (33 miles)Swift Run Gap entrance (29 miles)-Shenandoah National Park (50 miles)-Many great VineyardsPrince Michele (3 miles away)Early Mountain (10 miles away)DuCard (16 miles)Barboursville (24 miles)Horton’s ( 25 miles)Old Rag Mountain which was voted #10 in the Top 25 hikes in the world,(20 miles)Historic homes of Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson (Monticello - 41 miles) or James Madison (Montpelier- 21 miles)
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$46.75
 / night
99%
(597)

Thunder BRidge

26 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Natural Bridge Station, VA
Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. Most of the buildings out front are artist studios (currently for 16 artists). We like to share the camp with others and watch it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky. We want to share our property with those who want to stay for more than one night, so we do not accept inquiries of single night stays.
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$35
 / night
95%
(1092)

Bears Den Campground

5 sites ¡ Tents66 acres ¡ Shenandoah Retreat, VA
Set up your tent in our remote but easily accessible campground, 100 yards off the Appalachian Trail. Roast marshmallows by the fire pit and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Site #1 is on a hilly slope and accommodates 4 campersSite #2 accommodates 8-10 campersSite #3 accommodates 4 campersSite #4 accommodates 6-8 campersSite #5 accommodates 6-8 campers About the property Located on a 66-acre plot just five miles from the Shenandoah River, our property offers amazing access to hiking and the outdoors while also keeping civilization within striking distance. Bear Chase Brewery is just a half mile walk across the street, and we are 15 miles from Purcellville. The land and lodge used to be the summer home of a trained opera singer, whose singing could be heard throughout the mountain. Your Host lives onsite in the stone house that also acts as a hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Built in the 1930's all from locally sourced hand-hammered stone, the house is open every night from 5pm - 9pm. Note that we offer several campsites relatively close to each other, so you should expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. About the listing Pitch your tent in a forested area just a short walk up from where you’ll park your car. Enjoy unbeatable proximity to hiking and panoramic views while still having basic amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. You’ll have access to a composting pit toilet, and can access potable water from the tap in the lodge. That’s also where you can access hot showers. As noted above, we host Appalachian Trail thru hikers on the property, so you may see them hanging around or sleeping in the bunkhouse near the shared facilities. so please be respectful of hours when you come in for a shower. No showers after 10 pm For meals, we have picnic tables, and you are encouraged to cook over the fire pits that accompany each site. Please practice Leave No Trace practices during your stay, as the property has raccoons and other critters who will be drawn to any food scraps that are left behind. Pets are allowed! Please keep them on leash during your stay. Trash can be disposed of in dumpster up the hill Additional details to note Expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. No kitchen equipment is provided, so campers must bring their own supplies if they'd like to cook. We do not offer WiFi, but there is good cell reception for all common carriers.
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$12
 / night
91%
(720)

Traveler's Meadow

26 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres ¡ Broadway, VA
Enjoying 8 acres of the simpler life with our children and farm animals. Offering 12 campsites and A-frame cabin. Some tent sites on 5% grade. See us on Facebook!! The last 4 years of hosting have been an adventure! We’ve met many guests, listened to suggestions, and often worked all night on property improvements. We are grateful for the opportunity to introduce country life and the Shenandoah Valley to travelers from around the world. We love animals, planting gardens, preserving quality food, and hiking in both of the world-famous national parks here. We built an all-season full capacity hot shower bathhouse with flush toilet, A-frame cabin, bigger electrical service, and wider road entrance for 30ft RVs, and Wi-Fi. We are located 45 minutes from the Shenandoah National Park. If you are a hiker or outdoor adventure seeker, or just want to experience local culture and history, please reach out to us and we will help you plan your trip. We want you to make many great memories while you are in the area! Find us on our website or social media. ADORABLE animals and fun farm experiences: GRAMPY'S VILLAGE ZOO Back Home On the Farm Local food: Fajita Factory (BEST Mexican food!!) Bowl of Good Shenandoah Heritage Market, Harrisonburg Southern Kitchen, New Market Ruby's Arcade (Wood fired pizza, 150 year old Duck Pin game) Valley Pike Farm Market Beards and Broads, Broadway. Pizza!! Axe throwing, line dancing, Tuesday Corn Hole and MORE!! BLUE RIBBON NURSERY Best local produce, plants, gifts, wind chimes. DARK HOLLOW FALLS, Shenandoah National Park. ALPINE GOAT BREWERY (Weyers Cave) Hike: High Knob fire towers Fridley Gap/ Mountain Run Swimming Hole and Grubb Knob overlook. Pleasant pet friendly hike, option to complete 6 mile loop, rock scrambling. Take Mountain Valley Rd to Armentrout Path to Airey's Lane (trailhead) Meem' Covered Bridge Wildflower Trail Blue Ridge Tunnel, Afton Rockfish Gap Country Store Hone Quarry falls Reddish Knob Emerald Pond Yellow Rock Cliff (New Market) Frontier Cultural Museum Fishing: (Virginia Department of Wildlife) https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/trout-stocking-schedule/ Melrose Caverns
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$18.70
 / night
98%
(1317)

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

7 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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$33.25
 / night
99%
(1022)

Rivers Edge Trail Camp

7 sites ¡ RVs5 acres ¡ Allisonia, VA
LIKE us on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/riversedgetrailcamp Standing on the New River Trail looking up where the campsites are located will give you the feeling that you truly are sleeping on the edge at Rivers Edge campground. Unique limestone formations can be found on the property. Large birds and even an eagle or two seem to prefer this area for hunting. Watch from a distance as farmers cut hay throughout the summer. This private cliff top setting has 6 newly created camp sites on 5 Acres. These sites are for camper vehicles only. NO TENTS! Enjoy less crowds and more nature! The long range views or the river and farmlands will take your breath away. At the bottom of the drive you have access to the New River and the New River Trail so bring your bike for more fun. Bike the trail, bird watch, or star gaze; the choices are endless. Don't be surprised to see bear, turkey, eagles, deer, or a coyote. PLEASE give us a rating on YELP also if you enjoyed your stay! The direct link to our place on Yelp is https://www.yelp.com/biz/rivers-edge-trail-camp-barren-springs?osq=Camping Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/riversedgetrailcamp This is a great spot for people looking for peace and quiet. 26 Minutes upriver of Claytor Lake State Park. There is a zoo in nearby Ft. Chiswell. Each site has full hook ups. No tents are allowed due to lack of toilet facilities. Area grocery stores are located about 30 minutes away in Wytheville, Pulaski and Hillsville. A portion of the profits will be donated to a non-profit! Bookmark the direct link to our site here on HipCamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/virginia/rivers-edge-trail-camp
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$50
 / night
99%
(136)

Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

15 sites ¡ RVs, Tents16 acres ¡ Vesuvius, VA
With 15 campsites, business class WIFI, over 1,000 feet of river frontage, Swedish Lilac Campground is the perfect getaway to reconnect with nature and relax with loved ones. Campsites accommodate RVs and tents with access to bath house, pavilion, dump station, and picnic areas, and is only a 20-minute drive to beautiful historic Lexington Virginia. Hiking, fishing, swimming, dining, and shopping a short distance away which means there is something for everyone at Swedish Lilac Campground. Enjoy being next to the river with the sound and energy of the rushing water. Beyond the river is the railroad track. The train runs sporadically throughout the day and night which adds a rhythmic clatter of times past. Some campers are annoyed while others view this as a plus while others don't even notice the noise from the trains. The riverside sites have a 4 to 6 foot drop to the river which may not be suitable for small children. Remote workers welcome! Fiber optic internet with Wi-Fi access points that cover the entire campground.
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$40
 / night
96%
(203)

Warren Ferry Landing

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents4 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 live onsite (total property acreage is 16 miles) and we can reached over the phone or text. If you have any questions before or during your stay please don’t hesitate to reach out. The owner does reserve the right to use the river access, for activities such as kayak launch/recover, during the stay. Keep in mind that during the night it is possible to hear some train activity from across the river.
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$37.80
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Virginia guide

Overview

Whether you want to dive into Civil War history, follow in the footsteps of former presidents, or drive the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia rarely disappoints. The birthplace of America has thousands of miles of Atlantic coastline and more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state. Still need convincing? Virginia’s 41 state parks boast more than 600 miles of trails and 1,800 state campsites, leading the way to forested mountains, rambling rivers, and beaches. Camping is a year-round affair, whether you prefer fall foliage hikes, pitching a tent on the beach, or snowshoeing from a cozy winter cabin. 

Where to go

Central Virginia

Gleaming lakes and pine-clad foothills characterize the central Piedmont region, known for its lakeside camping, canoe and kayak trails, and Civil War sites. Pocahontas State Park is just a half-hour drive from the state capital, Richmond, where multi-use trails are popular for biking and horseback riding. Also within a short drive, Bear Creek Lake State Park offers easy access to Cumberland State Forest trails, while James River State Park has RV, tent, and canoe-in campsites.

Atlantic Coast & Chesapeake Bay

Wide beaches and fishing villages pepper the coast of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia’s top choice for beach lovers. You can pitch your tent right on the beach at First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park, camp on the grounds of Chippokes Plantation State Park, or get on the water at York River State Park.

Shenandoah Valley & The North

The dense woodlands are the star attraction in Shenandoah National Park and along its renowned Skyline Drive. The closest state campgrounds can be found in Shenandoah River State Park, a popular spot for summer hiking, canoeing, and picnicking, while further south, Douthat State Park has a swimming beach, waterfall hikes, and mountain biking trails.

Appalachian & Blue Ridge Mountains

The rugged Appalachian Mountains fringe Virginia’s southwestern borders, merging into the wooded slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grayson Highlands State Park is the gateway to the region’s two most popular hikes: the Appalachian Trail and Mount Rogers. Alternatively, paddle the scenic waterways of New River Trail State Park, book a cabin in the woods in Hungry Mother State Park, or escape the crowds at Clinch River State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Virginia is an excellent destination for camping. The state offers a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, forests, beaches, and rivers. Virginia boasts numerous state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds that cater to tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those looking for cabin rentals. Some popular options include:

With its rich history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and beautiful scenery, Virginia is an ideal camping destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

Yes, boondocking, or camping without amenities in undeveloped areas, is legal in Virginia on certain public lands, such as national forests and wildlife management areas. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, for example, allow dispersed camping in designated areas. However, it's essential to follow regulations and guidelines, such as staying at least 200 feet away from water sources, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and adhering to any posted rules. Private landowners on Hipcamp may also allow boondocking on their properties. Always research the specific area or land manager's rules before boondocking in Virginia. You can find RV camping options in Virginia on Hipcamp, such as those in Bedford, Virginia Beach, Berryville, and Roanoke.

Yes, you can camp in Virginia state parks, but only in designated campgrounds and sites within the parks. Virginia state parks offer a variety of camping options, including tent camping, RV camping, cabins, and yurts. Some popular Virginia state parks with camping facilities include Shenandoah River State Park, First Landing State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, and Pocahontas State Park. To ensure a spot and follow park regulations, it is essential to reserve a campsite or accommodation in advance.

Virginia offers a variety of state parks with camping options. Some of the popular Virginia state parks with camping facilities include:

For a comprehensive list of Virginia state parks with camping facilities, visit Hipcamp.