The best beach camping near Brightwood

·

In Brightwood, you’ll find over 100 beach camping spots where you can pitch your tent steps from the water. Most sites welcome campfires, offer showers, and let you bring your pets along. Many campers come for swimming and horseback riding, but you’ll also spot plenty of wildlife if you keep your eyes open. Expect to pay around $55 a night, with some options starting at $35. If you want a spot with a proven track record, check out Private Farm Minutes to Cville (594 reviews), Private Paradise on Rivers Bend (488 reviews), or Seven Islands River Front Camping (272 reviews). Grab your swim gear and walking shoes—Brightwood’s sandy stretches and riverside hideouts have the essentials covered for a laid-back outdoor escape.

99% (1.9K) 22 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Brightwood

Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

1. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

99%
(1043)
2.3mi from Brightwood · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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)
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$47
 / night
Private Farm Minutes to Cville

2. Private Farm Minutes to Cville

98%
(1378)
29mi from Brightwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night
Seven Islands River Front Campsites

3. Seven Islands River Front Campsites

99%
(610)
49mi from Brightwood · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
NOTICE: Some campers are having navigational problems with their phone’s GPS feature. Having a paper roadmap available for a backup is recommended . 9337 Bridgeport Rd, Arvonia Va.23004. NOTE:We have changed things a bit. We are going with only 2 sites this year. Site 1 is no longer available. Turn at the aluminum canoe placed on top of a large orange road barrier at the edge of our drive way. The canoe is bolding displaying the word HIPCAMP with a red arrow leading the way. Follow the drive down to the river front campsites.. This is due to a yearly Festival held in Scottsville where Historic river . 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 . Firewood available per request and delivered for$30.00 a 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. Your site is approximately 2 acres, so you will have your choice of where to pitch a tent or place your camper or trailer. 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 On the other side of the river you might hear a train passing by at different times, both, day and night. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$54
 / night
George Washington National Forest

4. George Washington National Forest

99%
(51)
487 sites · Deerfield, Virginia
Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Anna State Park

5. Lake Anna State Park

90%
(5)
19 sites · Mineral, Virginia
Discover Lake Anna State Park's scenic trails, beaches, and camping.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

6. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

95%
(64)
26mi from Brightwood · 4 sites · Lodging
#1Rock Tavern River Kamp sits on acre and half on the banks of the Shenandoah River! We offer 7 yurts and 5 tent sites at main kamp. We are just 5 min from River Hill Distillery, 7 min drive to Luray Caverns. 20 min drive to Shenandoah National Park…lots of hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and civil war museums in the area. I purchased this property in 2013 ---my Uncle Abe Kibler and Aunt Lizzie Good Kibler owned and operated a tavern across the road for years and rented river lots to their guests---in time this 265 acre spread was sold and divided to many. I am grateful to have a little piece of the Rock Tavern History back in the family. I have so many fond memories of floating the river with my family while growing up and I love sharing this experience with others while offering families the opportunity to create lasting memories!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$115
 / night
Harmony Tree Farm

7. Harmony Tree Farm

99%
(179)
16mi from Brightwood · 1 site · Tent, RV
As you leave the congestion of daily life, unwind as views of buildings disappear, replaced with pastures and trees. Follow the winding road to Hazel River Rd, then turn on Mordiwoll Lane to Harmony Tree Farm, a 23-acre wooded property. After setting up camp, take a walk down to the Hazel River to fish or relax on the sandy bank. Or start exploring places nearby Harmony Tree Farm. Culpeper and Fauquier counties are rich in history, breweries, distilleries, farmers markets, and excellent restaurants. In addition, the Shenandoah Mountains, Luray Caverns, and Skyline drive are not far away. Learn more about this land: The tent camping site has adjacent parking, portaJohn, a table, benches, and fire ring with firewood provided. It is a five minute walk to the river.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest

8. Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest

100%
(52)
46mi from Brightwood · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Our farm is host to wild critters as well as our farm animals. There will always be someone to pet, feed or observe during your stay! We started on this land in 2019 and have been steadily working to create a cooperative farmstead and nature school to share with our community as well as travelers and explorers. Our space is super kid friendly! Enjoy the animals, treehouse and trails :) Mickey, our white and gray outdoor cat LOVES to have visitors and will crawl into your lap if you let him. Please do not feed him!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Fork Creek Acres

9. Fork Creek Acres

96%
(12)
38mi from Brightwood · 1 site · Tent
Situated about 30 minutes from Lake Anna, this old colonial property features wildlife, quiet, and colonial ruins. We are approximately 25 minutes from civilization where you can shop and dine. We are also about 10 minutes from the nearest country store/gas station. We sell firewood, fresh eggs, and bottled water. We have the capability to help move your gear to the camp site and back to your vehicle if needed. Right now, we only offer primitive camping, but will be offering a cabin later this year. We also have a small private pistol range!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Jefferson National Forest

10. Jefferson National Forest

98%
(27)
488 sites · Bluefield, Virginia
Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
* The Farm *

11. * The Farm *

98%
(124)
35mi from Brightwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
A slice of paradise tucked into the hills of the valley and nestled up against the Shenandoah river with private access. Neighboring Muse vineyards, the state park and a 3 min drive to town. It's the perfect getaway and also an excellent hub to loads of fun nearby. If you're interested in renting it out privately and throwing a weekend fiesta, let me know. It's perfect for that. Or if you just prefer the sound and serenity of nature, also perfect. Late August to mid September is when the PawPaw's are ripe and readily falling from the trees, booking during these times grants you access to the one of nature's best kept secrets, the Paw Paw fruit. You won't find them in stores but you can graze for them here. They make a delicious second breakfast Come enjoy. I'm always in the process of making and clearing more campsites around the property. For anyone interested in earning a little extra stay time please ask about helping me clear and working for some compensated time. As everyone who contributes something will be earning a place here in the heart of the farm. It's magical and I hope to share the magic with all who wish to behold. All walks of life are welcomed. Please be kind to the Earth.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$399
 / night

In Brightwood, you’ll find over 100 beach camping spots where you can pitch your tent steps from the water. Most sites welcome campfires, offer showers, and let you bring your pets along. Many campers come for swimming and horseback riding, but you’ll also spot plenty of wildlife if you keep your eyes open. Expect to pay around $55 a night, with some options starting at $35. If you want a spot with a proven track record, check out Private Farm Minutes to Cville (594 reviews), Private Paradise on Rivers Bend (488 reviews), or Seven Islands River Front Camping (272 reviews). Grab your swim gear and walking shoes—Brightwood’s sandy stretches and riverside hideouts have the essentials covered for a laid-back outdoor escape.

99% (1.9K) 22 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Brightwood

Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

1. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

99%
(1043)
2.3mi from Brightwood · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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)
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$47
 / night
Private Farm Minutes to Cville

2. Private Farm Minutes to Cville

98%
(1378)
29mi from Brightwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night
Seven Islands River Front Campsites

3. Seven Islands River Front Campsites

99%
(610)
49mi from Brightwood · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
NOTICE: Some campers are having navigational problems with their phone’s GPS feature. Having a paper roadmap available for a backup is recommended . 9337 Bridgeport Rd, Arvonia Va.23004. NOTE:We have changed things a bit. We are going with only 2 sites this year. Site 1 is no longer available. Turn at the aluminum canoe placed on top of a large orange road barrier at the edge of our drive way. The canoe is bolding displaying the word HIPCAMP with a red arrow leading the way. Follow the drive down to the river front campsites.. This is due to a yearly Festival held in Scottsville where Historic river . 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 . Firewood available per request and delivered for$30.00 a 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. Your site is approximately 2 acres, so you will have your choice of where to pitch a tent or place your camper or trailer. 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 On the other side of the river you might hear a train passing by at different times, both, day and night. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$54
 / night
George Washington National Forest

4. George Washington National Forest

99%
(51)
487 sites · Deerfield, Virginia
Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Anna State Park

5. Lake Anna State Park

90%
(5)
19 sites · Mineral, Virginia
Discover Lake Anna State Park's scenic trails, beaches, and camping.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

6. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

95%
(64)
26mi from Brightwood · 4 sites · Lodging
#1Rock Tavern River Kamp sits on acre and half on the banks of the Shenandoah River! We offer 7 yurts and 5 tent sites at main kamp. We are just 5 min from River Hill Distillery, 7 min drive to Luray Caverns. 20 min drive to Shenandoah National Park…lots of hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and civil war museums in the area. I purchased this property in 2013 ---my Uncle Abe Kibler and Aunt Lizzie Good Kibler owned and operated a tavern across the road for years and rented river lots to their guests---in time this 265 acre spread was sold and divided to many. I am grateful to have a little piece of the Rock Tavern History back in the family. I have so many fond memories of floating the river with my family while growing up and I love sharing this experience with others while offering families the opportunity to create lasting memories!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$115
 / night
Harmony Tree Farm

7. Harmony Tree Farm

99%
(179)
16mi from Brightwood · 1 site · Tent, RV
As you leave the congestion of daily life, unwind as views of buildings disappear, replaced with pastures and trees. Follow the winding road to Hazel River Rd, then turn on Mordiwoll Lane to Harmony Tree Farm, a 23-acre wooded property. After setting up camp, take a walk down to the Hazel River to fish or relax on the sandy bank. Or start exploring places nearby Harmony Tree Farm. Culpeper and Fauquier counties are rich in history, breweries, distilleries, farmers markets, and excellent restaurants. In addition, the Shenandoah Mountains, Luray Caverns, and Skyline drive are not far away. Learn more about this land: The tent camping site has adjacent parking, portaJohn, a table, benches, and fire ring with firewood provided. It is a five minute walk to the river.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest

8. Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest

100%
(52)
46mi from Brightwood · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Our farm is host to wild critters as well as our farm animals. There will always be someone to pet, feed or observe during your stay! We started on this land in 2019 and have been steadily working to create a cooperative farmstead and nature school to share with our community as well as travelers and explorers. Our space is super kid friendly! Enjoy the animals, treehouse and trails :) Mickey, our white and gray outdoor cat LOVES to have visitors and will crawl into your lap if you let him. Please do not feed him!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Fork Creek Acres

9. Fork Creek Acres

96%
(12)
38mi from Brightwood · 1 site · Tent
Situated about 30 minutes from Lake Anna, this old colonial property features wildlife, quiet, and colonial ruins. We are approximately 25 minutes from civilization where you can shop and dine. We are also about 10 minutes from the nearest country store/gas station. We sell firewood, fresh eggs, and bottled water. We have the capability to help move your gear to the camp site and back to your vehicle if needed. Right now, we only offer primitive camping, but will be offering a cabin later this year. We also have a small private pistol range!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Jefferson National Forest

10. Jefferson National Forest

98%
(27)
488 sites · Bluefield, Virginia
Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
* The Farm *

11. * The Farm *

98%
(124)
35mi from Brightwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
A slice of paradise tucked into the hills of the valley and nestled up against the Shenandoah river with private access. Neighboring Muse vineyards, the state park and a 3 min drive to town. It's the perfect getaway and also an excellent hub to loads of fun nearby. If you're interested in renting it out privately and throwing a weekend fiesta, let me know. It's perfect for that. Or if you just prefer the sound and serenity of nature, also perfect. Late August to mid September is when the PawPaw's are ripe and readily falling from the trees, booking during these times grants you access to the one of nature's best kept secrets, the Paw Paw fruit. You won't find them in stores but you can graze for them here. They make a delicious second breakfast Come enjoy. I'm always in the process of making and clearing more campsites around the property. For anyone interested in earning a little extra stay time please ask about helping me clear and working for some compensated time. As everyone who contributes something will be earning a place here in the heart of the farm. It's magical and I hope to share the magic with all who wish to behold. All walks of life are welcomed. Please be kind to the Earth.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$399
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

Top cities near Brightwood