Beach Camping Near Brightwood, Virginia, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2025

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

99%

(1035)

2.3mi from Brightwood · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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)

2. Private Farm Minutes to Cville

98%

(1376)

29mi from Brightwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

3. Seven Islands River Front Campsites

99%

(608)

49mi from Brightwood · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Arvonia, VA

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.

4. Harmony Tree Farm

99%

(179)

16mi from Brightwood · 1 site · Tent, RV · Rixeyville, VA

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.

5. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

95%

(63)

26mi from Brightwood · 4 sites · Lodging · Luray, VA

#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!

6. Fork Creek Acres

96%

(12)

38mi from Brightwood · 1 site · Tent · Louisa, VA

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!

7. Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest

100%

(51)

46mi from Brightwood · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Woodford, VA

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!

8. * The Farm *

98%

(124)

35mi from Brightwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Woodstock, VA

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.

Camper favorites near Brightwood

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Harmony Tree Farm

99%

(179)

16mi from Brightwood · 1 site · Tent, RV · Rixeyville, VA

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.

#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

95%

(63)

26mi from Brightwood · 4 sites · Lodging · Luray, VA

#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!

Fork Creek Acres

96%

(12)

38mi from Brightwood · 1 site · Tent · Louisa, VA

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!

Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest

100%

(51)

46mi from Brightwood · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Woodford, VA

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!

* The Farm *

98%

(124)

35mi from Brightwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Woodstock, VA

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.

Public campgrounds near Brightwood

100%

(3)

Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area

28mi from Brightwood · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

90%

(5)

Lake Anna Campground

29mi from Brightwood · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Anna State Park

Little Fort Campground

34mi from Brightwood · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

100%

(7)

Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area

36mi from Brightwood · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

Every site has space for one car (there is a parking lot at the entrance for day hikers and overflow parking), a fire ring with a grill, and a tent pad.

100%

(9)

Wolf Gap Recreation Area

45mi from Brightwood · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

Stories from the community

Amanda

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Seven Islands River Front Campsites

My partner took me camping for my birthday and he chose the site. The view was spectacular and the hosts were very friendly! There is a really cool train that passes on the other side of the water, and it is so cool to watch. We got a bundle of wood, and it lasted us all weekend. I was on site 2, and the only suggestion I might make is to perhaps make stairs going down to the water level area. I'll be back for sure!

K

Kylie

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Amazing!! The site was private and there was a fire pit which was great! The bathroom was easy to get to and had everything you could need! The property was so beautiful and we loved looking at the horses and donkeys!!

R

Rachel

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

Gorgeous location with a private sand beach and awesome fire pit! We absolutely loved this spot! Access was easy and the picnic table was so nice to have. Super private with sounds of the river... what else could you need? Can't wait to come back in warm weather!

H

Heath J

3 weeks ago

16 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

Graham's land was beautiful! The site was well maintained, flat and an even space for our truck camping. There was a nice picnic table at each site with a fire box and grate to cook on, all stocked with firewood and even kindling to get started. The river wraps around the sites with giant rocks and a steap forest incline opposite of the site. The hosts were incredibly kind and went far out of their way to help us out. The river was very refreshing (it froze last night) but we still enjoyed the semi polar plunge. It'll be a perfect summer spot with a sandy beach and great rocks to jump off into the water.

Do your own thing, be alone with nature.

L

Luke

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Bob was incredibly helpful at relocating us because site #2 doesn’t allow dogs. He moved us to the spacious #7 campsite at no additional charge, and we never had to talk to another person while we were camping. It was exactly the kind of escape into nature that we were looking for. We will be back!

A

Adrienne

3 weeks ago

10 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Beautiful site. Excellent communication with the host. Feels remote while being close to many amenities. We will definitely stay here again.

E

Erik

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

The campsite was the perfect Fall escape—wide open views of rolling hills with the Blue Ridge in the distance, golden light through the trees, and an unexpected bonus: several well-kept horse fields that made the place feel unique. Clean, scenic, and peaceful—absolutely worth the trip for families looking for a quiet weekend with actual views, not just a parking lot with trees.

K

Kristy

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

This was our second time camping there and we'll be back again. We have a teardrop camper and the site was perfect for our needs. Beautiful farm and absolutely perfect location.

T

Tish

3 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

I couldn’t believe how peaceful this place was, so close to town. Standard camp spots, nice tree canopies, and generally level. Waking up to soft rolling hills and grazing horses (and 2 very charming mules) hit the spot!! Highly recommend.- tho I confess part of me wants to keep this gem a secret - so it’s always available for when I return! ;) Thank you again!

A

Ami

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

Camping spot was fabulous, right along the river. Would definitely book again!

E

Erica

3 weeks ago

18 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Lovely HUGE site with beautiful views of the horse farm and the mountains. Special little oasis so close to town! We will be back!

O

Orice

3 weeks ago

15 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Seven Islands River Front Campsites

Vistas were great, very private and flat site. Easy to navigate to thanks to it being well marked with signage. Will definitely be coming back!

J

Justin

3 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

It was a great site, super convenient. We will definitely be back!

D

Dan

November 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

Fantastic site! Great location! Stayed with two kids and we had the best time, will definitely be back!

Lots of room and options for setting up.

Jason

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

One of the best spots I've been to. Easily accessible with any vehicle and the site offered a great view (and sounds) of the river and large field on the other side of the river where I saw buck and deer running across several times. The host, Graham, and his son made an initial visit to make sure I had everything that was needed: very friendly and welcoming! There are a few other spots on the land that others were camping on but they were not visible from my spot. This did mean an occasional drive by from other campers, but I didn't mind that at all. Loved the custom made fire box and the option to leave cash for firewood provisions. The picnic table was a nice touch as well. I will definitely keep this one top of the list for future camping!

Dan

November 2025

30 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

The farm is easily accessible and close to everything. Arrival instructions are impeccable, as is on-site signage. Host communication was prompt. Site #4 was beautiful with south and west views over the horse pastures. It is fairly close to site #5 which was occupied while we were there (5th wheel with a generator and a couple of dogs). The folks at site #5 were super nice and respectful, though we would have preferred to be further away. We were able to arrange our set-up to maximize seclusion. That aside, #4 was still fantastic, and we'd visit again!

J

Jeff

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Harmony Tree Farm

Nice quiet camp with a great host. Matthew was very welcoming. Definitely will be back!

Joe

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

Perfect camping spot for a weekend getaway. Couldn’t beat the wood bundle for $5.00 more than enough to get you through the night and was already waiting for us at campsite. Graham awesome and came to see if we needed anything during our stay. Highly recommended, we will definitely be back.

J

Julie Anne

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

Lovely private spot on the river. Very clean and flat for the tent. You can walk down the river a good while!

D

Dean

October 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

The spaces are perfectly spaced out and provide a good amount of privacy unlike most campgrounds. We met a fair amount of our neighbors and everyone was so friendly!! Conveniently 13min from The Jefferson (music venue) downtown. Would recommend and will be back again! Thanks for the hospitality ya’ll. Oh, and pro tip, if you’re up before everyone else, make some coffee, then go and sit on the lifeguard tower, the birds put on quite a show <3