Beach Camping Near Buena Vista, Virginia, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

In Buena Vista, you’ll find over 640 camping spots with easy access to the beach, making it a magnet for anyone who wants sand between their toes and the sound of water close by. Expect campsites where pets are welcome, campfires are allowed, and showers are available—essentials that matter after a day out. Prices average $40 a night, with some spots from $30, so you won’t break the bank. Top picks like Twin Poplar Farm (69 reviews) or Shirley's River Retreat (13 reviews) put you right by the water and close to horseback riding trails, wildlife-watching, and swimming holes. The terrain here mixes open riverbanks with shady groves, so you can pitch a tent steps from the water or under tall trees. If you want a straightforward beach camping experience, Buena Vista delivers without the fuss.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Buena Vista

In Buena Vista, you’ll find over 640 camping spots with easy access to the beach, making it a magnet for anyone who wants sand between their toes and the sound of water close by. Expect campsites where pets are welcome, campfires are allowed, and showers are available—essentials that matter after a day out. Prices average $40 a night, with some spots from $30, so you won’t break the bank. Top picks like Twin Poplar Farm (69 reviews) or Shirley's River Retreat (13 reviews) put you right by the water and close to horseback riding trails, wildlife-watching, and swimming holes. The terrain here mixes open riverbanks with shady groves, so you can pitch a tent steps from the water or under tall trees. If you want a straightforward beach camping experience, Buena Vista delivers without the fuss.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Buena Vista

1. Shirley's River Retreat

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(28)

35mi from Buena Vista · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Bring your own Camper,RV,Tent,Hammock, or just a sleeping bag under the stars, at this secluded primitive campground reconnect with nature at this unforgettable riverfront escape. Alleghany Outdoors is right down the road and you can rent kayaks, tube, paddle boards, to float on the lake or down the Jackson River, they also rent electric bikes fancy a ride down the Jackson River Scenic trail . With an epic 80’ Falling Springs Falls right down the road, along with the amazing manmade Lake Moomaw.

2. Twin Poplar Farm

99%

(87)

25mi from Buena Vista · 3 sites · Tents

The Farm is located on 65 private acres of Woods and Field on the Tye River. This is a place for people who love nature and want to be out in it. We have chosen to prioritize conservation over ease of access, so though the sites are all walk in only [or paddle in!] this means you will camp on the grass or leaves not the gravel of a parking lot. There are only 3 sites on the land so you can soak up nature without noisy neighbors. "Twin Poplar" refers to the Tulip Poplar's extraordinary tenacity, after being cut down, like the Phoenix who returns to life after death, a Poplar will often regrow as two "twin" trunks. A chance for a new life and growth! For more follow us on Instagram @TwinPoplarFarm

3. 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

4. George Washington National Forest

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(51)

487 sites · Deerfield, Virginia

Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Douthat State Park

97%

(17)

58 sites · Clifton Forge, Virginia

Can’t decide between lake or mountain? Douthat—one of Virginia’s original state parks—has both.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. James River State Park

96%

(15)

25 sites · Arrington, Virginia

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at James River State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

7. Monongahela National Forest

94%

(47)

599 sites · Durbin, West Virginia

John Denver knew there was something special about West Virginia and today you can let those country roads take you home to Monongahela National Forest! A super lush and diverse forest awaits hikers and bikers at Smoke Hole Canyon, where a misty morning fog will greet you along the river. Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks are highly skilled routes for rock climbers wanting a challenge or photographers wanting that perfect panoramic shot! Fish or canoe down the Potomac or meander down the Highland Scenic Byway, there are plenty of campgrounds or overnight forest adventures to keep you here til the moonshine has run dry! Monongahela produces a special kind of mountain majesty, bring your mountain mama self out and explore for yourself!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

8. Holliday Lake State Park

5 sites · Pamplin City, Virginia

Discover the serene beauty of Holliday Lake State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

9. Smith Mountain Lake State Park

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(9)

24 sites · North Shore, Virginia

A relaxing lake with an ice cream boats making deliveries? Count us in! RV hookups and cabins, too!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Buena Vista

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Hopper Creek Group Campground

14mi from Buena Vista · 1 site · in Jefferson National Forest

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Cave Mountain Lake Family Campground

15mi from Buena Vista · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

The view from Wildcat Mountain Trail. Don't try to hike the whole trail unless you're in pretty darn good physical condition!

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Cave Mountain Lake Group Campground

15mi from Buena Vista · 1 site · in Jefferson National Forest

North Creek Campground

18mi from Buena Vista · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

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(9)

Sherando Lake Recreation Area and Campground

23mi from Buena Vista · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

97%

(17)

Douthat State Park Campground

27mi from Buena Vista · 58 sites · Tents, RVs · in Douthat State Park

96%

(15)

James River Campground

31mi from Buena Vista · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in James River State Park

Craig Creek Recreation Area and Campground

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Craig Creek Recreation Area and Campground

34mi from Buena Vista · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Jefferson National Forest

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(2)

Hidden Valley Recreation Area

36mi from Buena Vista · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

Morris Hill Campground

36mi from Buena Vista · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

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McClintic Point Campground

36mi from Buena Vista · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

Greenwood Point Campground

37mi from Buena Vista · 5 sites · in George Washington National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Rick

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Shirley's River Retreat

Very private and quiet. The river is beautiful. Lots of recreation in the area the host was professional, courteous and attentive. I’d gladly return!

Eric

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Twin Poplar Farm

This site was great to stay at. Just a few steps from the river in the woods. The hike down into the river isn’t too long, but i’m glad I packed in a ruck backpack. Stephanie’s son did a great job leading us down to the site and answering our questions.

D

Daniel

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

communication, was exactly what the description said. wish could of stayed longer but lifes busy.

D

Denise

September 2025

12 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Shirley's River Retreat

We loved camping on Mark‘s land! He responded quickly and had all sorts of hiking tips and things to do in the area. We saw Osprey Eagle Hawk, and Canada geese! The Jackson River is beautiful and right out your tent door. We enjoyed the Jackson River Trail and the mountains in the area are just beautiful Alleghany County rocks and so does Mark‘s camp spot!

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Adam

September 2025

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

This place was PERFECT! Very accommodating, beautiful views of the Jackson, and tons to do! Mark was amazing as a host and we enjoyed every minute there. Will DEFINITELY be going back!

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Rebecca

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

Great campsite right by the river! Fairly easy access to the water. The location is very close to Alleghany Outdoors. Mark, the host, had good recommendations for activities in the area as well.

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Emily

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

Absolutely beautiful camp site! Very private and peaceful! River is gorgeous! Plenty of open space. Mark was accommodating and very responsive. We would definitely go back! The bathroom is a little primitive-(aka a privacy tent and 5 gallon bucket.) This was the only down side to me.

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Jessica

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

We had an absolute BLAST on marks property. He was the best host, always checking on us and letting us borrow things like his bike pump. We got a bit of rain but it didn’t slow down the fun. We had 3 adults and 5 kids under 10 and they never ran out of fun things to do. Host really knows the area and gave us a list of things to do that are right around the corner. We saw lots of kayakers and tubers float by and everyone was so nice. The swing by the water was a huge hit. We will definitely be coming back!

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Rebecca

July 2025

18 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

Nice river access and the host came by to check us in and check on us during our two night stay.

Chad

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

Great campsite on a beautiful bend in the river. Mark was a great host and has spent a lot of time making the campsite inviting. Would recommend to anyone

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Charles

June 2025

18 ft campervan

2 nights at Shirley's River Retreat

Beautiful, level grassy camping right on the Jackson River. The host was attentive and generous with his site, amenities and local knowledge. Afternoon shade is a little challenging and yes there are bugs. However, the river, wildlife, stars and lightening bug show made everything worth it. Great stay and will be back.

M

Mark

June 2025

40 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

Mark is a friendly, attentive, helpful, and laid back host. His property is a spectacular location with direct, private access to an amazing cold water river. Highly recommend this spot!

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Joe

June 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Shirley's River Retreat

We didn't get to stay here this time, but I can tell you Mark is very responsive and attentive. This is a beautiful area and I will be looking to book here again when I get back to the area.

Joel

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at Shirley's River Retreat

This was one of the most amazing finds I’ve ever had! Beautiful river view, and peaceful and quiet. Mark was absolutely the best, he is by far the best host I have had, I can’t wait to go back again. This place is off beaten path. It takes you into a little oasis.

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Gar

May 2025

14 ft pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

Site was perfect, beautiful and quiet! Mark is amazing host! Mark thanks for a great weekend location!

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Jessica

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Twin Poplar Farm

My partner and I really enjoyed staying on Stephanie's land. We loved camping by the river and hammocking there. It was very peaceful. It's a bit of a hike, but we're both up for the challenge. Totally worth it if you don't mind carrying your stuff for about 20 minutes. Also, the extra basket of goodies was delightful. Stephanie was a great host.

Mary

May 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

This is a very nice camping spot right on the river!

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STEPHEN

May 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Shirley's River Retreat

Great location along Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route. It’s built for dual-sport motorcycles but trucks can run the route too. We ended up sharing the camp with another overlander couple and had a very enjoyable evening.

I'mJohn

May 2025

Tent

1 night at Shirley's River Retreat

Really enjoyed camping on the river. Mark has a servants heart and drive of the Energizer Bunny. He brought firewood and has the site looking great with all kinds of extra amenities. Would stay again.