The best lakeside camping near Bedford

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Looking to go camping near Bedford, Virginia? Hipcamp has you covered with over 350 options specifically tailored to your preference of a lake. Whether you're looking to pitch your tent by the water or park your RV with a lakeside view, there's something for everyone. With an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $10, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews, like Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse... (166 reviews), and Arcadia Sanctuary (106 reviews). You'll also find popular amenities like toilets, trash, and pet-friendly spaces, as well as activities such as off-roading (OHV), horseback riding, and whitewater paddling. Start planning your lakeside adventure today!

96% (885)

Top-rated campgrounds

One of the 3 screened cabins

1. Thunder BRidge

99%
(685)
17mi from Bedford · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Natural Bridge Station, VA
Starting December 1, or first night below freezing we will be closing down Bath House and only access will be at outhouses. Only sites near outhouses will be open and there will be no access to water. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$37
 / night
Arcadia Sanctuary

2. Arcadia Sanctuary

97%
(370)
32mi from Bedford · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Buena Vista, VA
Welcome to Arcadia Sanctuary An 83-Acre Mountainside Retreat for Earth-Based Spirituality in Central Virginia Arcadia is our beloved sanctuary for earth-based spirituality, nestled on the southeastern slope of 4,000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia. Conveniently located near I-81, Arcadia offers a secluded, nature-immersed experience—just a short drive from the modern world, yet miles away in spirit. Please note: There is a town called Arcadia off I-81, but we are not located there. Be sure to follow our directions carefully. A Living Landscape of Forest, Water, and Wildness Our land features a flowing mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, and Witch Hazels leaning gracefully over the water. You'll encounter trout, crayfish, salamanders, snakes, and the full chorus of mountain wildlife. With nearly 2,000 feet of vertical mountainside, Arcadia offers trails to explore and camping options ranging from creek side convenience to secluded mountain hideaways. While most of our gathering areas are near creek level, higher sites are available for those seeking solitude—just be prepared for a bit of a hike to the bathrooms, showers, and fresh water. A Natural Amphitheater for Music and Gathering Arcadia is home to one of the finest private stages on the East Coast. Our natural amphitheater—shaped like a pie wedge carved into the mountainside—hosts live performances throughout spring, summer, and fall. With a top-quality sound system and stunning surroundings, it’s a magical venue for music, ceremony, and celebration. Stay With Us: Yurt Glamping, Tent Camping & More Our beautiful yurt is available for rent and offers a unique glamping experience surrounded by nature. For traditional campers, we offer multiple campsites near the creek, as well as more remote locations higher up the mountain. Every stay includes access to the shared amenities: bathrooms, hot showers, fresh water, and community gathering spaces. Meet the Arcadia Community Arcadia is alive with more than just trees and streams. You’ll share space with our free-roaming flock of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl, along with two friendly dogs, nine curious cats, and the human stewards who live and care for this land year-round.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$23
 / night
Beaverdam Falls

3. Beaverdam Falls

98%
(119)
45mi from Bedford · 4 sites · Lodging · Covington, VA
Nestled on a private 65-acre farm in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Beaverdam Falls is located on VA SR-311 (Kanawha Trail) in the Sweet Springs Valley. Nestled in the old community of Earlehurst, between Covington & Roanoke, Beaverdam Falls are an historic series of waterfalls on private property. The Falls are at the headwaters of Dunlap Creek and are the terminus for the Sweet Springs. Available for guest stays & recreation, are the Upper Falls portion. Surrounded by the verdant George Washington National Forest, the Upper Falls, displays a constant waterfall of around 40-feet in height, & decorates the final mile stretch of the Sweet Springs, both on our property. Additional beautiful cascades pepper our tract of Beaverdam Falls as well. This private tract of unparalleled Virginia countryside will simply astonish your expectations. As the source of the Falls, Sweet Springs Creek, serves as a long, unique home for trout, calcified travertine rock, chalybeate water, and ancient beaver dams (as well as active ones!). Beaverdam Falls is a rare place for the lack of stone and the centuries of beavers who have left their trace in & on our creek—and swamp, the Stick Marsh, which has an active beaver dam. Be careful! They do bite!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$100
 / night
Enjoy meals at picnic tables located throughout the grounds!

4. Cold Sulphur Springs Campground

86%
(132)
44mi from Bedford · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Goshen, VA
Learn more about this land: ABOUT THE CAMPGROUND: Tucked away in the small town of Goshen, Virginia, you will find the Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground. This beautiful site is situated amongst the mountains of Virginia, and has the amazing views that come with the outstanding location. Our grounds accommodate 3 campsites suited for tent camping, and 14 others appropriate for RV camping. Our site offers access to Cold Sulphur Springs Lake, where visitors can swim, fish, boat, and more. Our secluded location are perfect for a get-away from the city. In addition to our activities, we offer amenities such as a bathhouse, as well as electric and water hook-ups, and a dump station. Please note that we are also a seasonal campground, so we offer accommodations to both nightly and annual visitors. Some seasonal campers leave their vehicles at the site for the season, so you will see a mix of empty and occupied sites.  NOTES ABOUT BOOKING: ***During hunting season (October-December), target practice and shooting will be held on Sundays from 3-6 PM at the dam. Please avoid the lake and lake area during shooting time.  The road is safe to use to access the campground. Practice is limited to monthly and seasonal campers.*** Please plan ahead when joining us! Our location really is quite remote, so bring flashlights or headlamps to ensure you have enough light to set-up camp if staying overnight, especially if you are expecting a late arrival.  Please specify if you would like a fire pit and/or picnic table when booking.  We have both tent camping and RV camping sites. Please specify which kind of site you will need. If camping with an RV/camper, please note we offer 30 and 50 amp power at each site. Finally, please note that we are a campground under new ownership and we will be making improvements as we go (tree trimming, seeding, plumbing, etc.)! Please excuse any noise or mess. We will do our best to schedule our maintenance away from your campsite, but it may be in the vicinity.  OUR LOCATION: Goshen's location is extremely convenient, with the cities of Lexington and Staunton just a short drive away. Day trips to Lynchburg and Roanoke are also easily done from Goshen. Douthat State Park and the Goshen Pass are nearby as well. We recommend the Goshen Pass as the best swimming hole around! OUR HISTORY: In addition to being a beautiful and serene place to be, Cold Sulphur Springs has a wonderful history that can be re-imagined just by stepping on site. The Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground dates back to at least the mid-late 1800s, when it was a large, flourishing resort frequented by travelers from near and far. In its heyday, the resort bustled with more than 250 guests who often spent entire summers there playing croquet and enjoying orchestra concerts at the hotel dance hall. They would arrive at the Goshen train station and be brought to the resort by horse and buggy, greeted with ice cold lemonade. Those who visited Cold Sulphur Springs, doctors especially, attributed miraculous medicinal benefits to the water, recommending it as a cure for a variety of ailments and encouraging patients to visit.  However, the 1900s brought the onset of World War I and the advent of the automobile, allowing Americans to travel freely to a variety of locations without the need to summer for months at one resort. These factors caused the hotel at Cold Sulphur Springs to lose patrons and eventually meet its demise through fire and other means of destruction. Today, the grounds provide a simpler kind of hospitality. Cold Sulphur Springs is a place for travelers from all walks of life to camp, fish, swim, boat, hike, and more. While little remains of the old hotel, the historic Spring House is still in tact at the campground, as are some remnants of original building foundations. Please note the springs are not accessible for guest use. We invite you to explore the wonder that is the Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground and see the beauty that lies within.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$28
 / night

Looking to go camping near Bedford, Virginia? Hipcamp has you covered with over 350 options specifically tailored to your preference of a lake. Whether you're looking to pitch your tent by the water or park your RV with a lakeside view, there's something for everyone. With an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $10, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews, like Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse... (166 reviews), and Arcadia Sanctuary (106 reviews). You'll also find popular amenities like toilets, trash, and pet-friendly spaces, as well as activities such as off-roading (OHV), horseback riding, and whitewater paddling. Start planning your lakeside adventure today!

96% (885)

Top-rated campgrounds

One of the 3 screened cabins

1. Thunder BRidge

99%
(685)
17mi from Bedford · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Natural Bridge Station, VA
Starting December 1, or first night below freezing we will be closing down Bath House and only access will be at outhouses. Only sites near outhouses will be open and there will be no access to water. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$37
 / night
Arcadia Sanctuary

2. Arcadia Sanctuary

97%
(370)
32mi from Bedford · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Buena Vista, VA
Welcome to Arcadia Sanctuary An 83-Acre Mountainside Retreat for Earth-Based Spirituality in Central Virginia Arcadia is our beloved sanctuary for earth-based spirituality, nestled on the southeastern slope of 4,000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia. Conveniently located near I-81, Arcadia offers a secluded, nature-immersed experience—just a short drive from the modern world, yet miles away in spirit. Please note: There is a town called Arcadia off I-81, but we are not located there. Be sure to follow our directions carefully. A Living Landscape of Forest, Water, and Wildness Our land features a flowing mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, and Witch Hazels leaning gracefully over the water. You'll encounter trout, crayfish, salamanders, snakes, and the full chorus of mountain wildlife. With nearly 2,000 feet of vertical mountainside, Arcadia offers trails to explore and camping options ranging from creek side convenience to secluded mountain hideaways. While most of our gathering areas are near creek level, higher sites are available for those seeking solitude—just be prepared for a bit of a hike to the bathrooms, showers, and fresh water. A Natural Amphitheater for Music and Gathering Arcadia is home to one of the finest private stages on the East Coast. Our natural amphitheater—shaped like a pie wedge carved into the mountainside—hosts live performances throughout spring, summer, and fall. With a top-quality sound system and stunning surroundings, it’s a magical venue for music, ceremony, and celebration. Stay With Us: Yurt Glamping, Tent Camping & More Our beautiful yurt is available for rent and offers a unique glamping experience surrounded by nature. For traditional campers, we offer multiple campsites near the creek, as well as more remote locations higher up the mountain. Every stay includes access to the shared amenities: bathrooms, hot showers, fresh water, and community gathering spaces. Meet the Arcadia Community Arcadia is alive with more than just trees and streams. You’ll share space with our free-roaming flock of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl, along with two friendly dogs, nine curious cats, and the human stewards who live and care for this land year-round.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$23
 / night
Beaverdam Falls

3. Beaverdam Falls

98%
(119)
45mi from Bedford · 4 sites · Lodging · Covington, VA
Nestled on a private 65-acre farm in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Beaverdam Falls is located on VA SR-311 (Kanawha Trail) in the Sweet Springs Valley. Nestled in the old community of Earlehurst, between Covington & Roanoke, Beaverdam Falls are an historic series of waterfalls on private property. The Falls are at the headwaters of Dunlap Creek and are the terminus for the Sweet Springs. Available for guest stays & recreation, are the Upper Falls portion. Surrounded by the verdant George Washington National Forest, the Upper Falls, displays a constant waterfall of around 40-feet in height, & decorates the final mile stretch of the Sweet Springs, both on our property. Additional beautiful cascades pepper our tract of Beaverdam Falls as well. This private tract of unparalleled Virginia countryside will simply astonish your expectations. As the source of the Falls, Sweet Springs Creek, serves as a long, unique home for trout, calcified travertine rock, chalybeate water, and ancient beaver dams (as well as active ones!). Beaverdam Falls is a rare place for the lack of stone and the centuries of beavers who have left their trace in & on our creek—and swamp, the Stick Marsh, which has an active beaver dam. Be careful! They do bite!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$100
 / night
Enjoy meals at picnic tables located throughout the grounds!

4. Cold Sulphur Springs Campground

86%
(132)
44mi from Bedford · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Goshen, VA
Learn more about this land: ABOUT THE CAMPGROUND: Tucked away in the small town of Goshen, Virginia, you will find the Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground. This beautiful site is situated amongst the mountains of Virginia, and has the amazing views that come with the outstanding location. Our grounds accommodate 3 campsites suited for tent camping, and 14 others appropriate for RV camping. Our site offers access to Cold Sulphur Springs Lake, where visitors can swim, fish, boat, and more. Our secluded location are perfect for a get-away from the city. In addition to our activities, we offer amenities such as a bathhouse, as well as electric and water hook-ups, and a dump station. Please note that we are also a seasonal campground, so we offer accommodations to both nightly and annual visitors. Some seasonal campers leave their vehicles at the site for the season, so you will see a mix of empty and occupied sites.  NOTES ABOUT BOOKING: ***During hunting season (October-December), target practice and shooting will be held on Sundays from 3-6 PM at the dam. Please avoid the lake and lake area during shooting time.  The road is safe to use to access the campground. Practice is limited to monthly and seasonal campers.*** Please plan ahead when joining us! Our location really is quite remote, so bring flashlights or headlamps to ensure you have enough light to set-up camp if staying overnight, especially if you are expecting a late arrival.  Please specify if you would like a fire pit and/or picnic table when booking.  We have both tent camping and RV camping sites. Please specify which kind of site you will need. If camping with an RV/camper, please note we offer 30 and 50 amp power at each site. Finally, please note that we are a campground under new ownership and we will be making improvements as we go (tree trimming, seeding, plumbing, etc.)! Please excuse any noise or mess. We will do our best to schedule our maintenance away from your campsite, but it may be in the vicinity.  OUR LOCATION: Goshen's location is extremely convenient, with the cities of Lexington and Staunton just a short drive away. Day trips to Lynchburg and Roanoke are also easily done from Goshen. Douthat State Park and the Goshen Pass are nearby as well. We recommend the Goshen Pass as the best swimming hole around! OUR HISTORY: In addition to being a beautiful and serene place to be, Cold Sulphur Springs has a wonderful history that can be re-imagined just by stepping on site. The Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground dates back to at least the mid-late 1800s, when it was a large, flourishing resort frequented by travelers from near and far. In its heyday, the resort bustled with more than 250 guests who often spent entire summers there playing croquet and enjoying orchestra concerts at the hotel dance hall. They would arrive at the Goshen train station and be brought to the resort by horse and buggy, greeted with ice cold lemonade. Those who visited Cold Sulphur Springs, doctors especially, attributed miraculous medicinal benefits to the water, recommending it as a cure for a variety of ailments and encouraging patients to visit.  However, the 1900s brought the onset of World War I and the advent of the automobile, allowing Americans to travel freely to a variety of locations without the need to summer for months at one resort. These factors caused the hotel at Cold Sulphur Springs to lose patrons and eventually meet its demise through fire and other means of destruction. Today, the grounds provide a simpler kind of hospitality. Cold Sulphur Springs is a place for travelers from all walks of life to camp, fish, swim, boat, hike, and more. While little remains of the old hotel, the historic Spring House is still in tact at the campground, as are some remnants of original building foundations. Please note the springs are not accessible for guest use. We invite you to explore the wonder that is the Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground and see the beauty that lies within.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$28
 / night

Public campgrounds near Bedford

Stories from the community

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