The best campgrounds near Buena Vista, Virginia with a private bathroom

In Buena Vista, you’ll find over 1,100 campsites with toilets—no need to worry about roughing it when nature calls. Most sites average $50 a night, but you can pitch your tent for as little as $15 if you know where to look. Campfires are allowed, pets are welcome, and you’re rarely far from a proper toilet. Fishing, horseback riding, and hiking draw travelers to this part of Virginia, with rivers and shaded trails running right through camp. Top picks include James River Depot (559 reviews), Thunder BRidge (377 reviews), and Wilderness Adventure (297 reviews). Expect well-kept sites, easy water access, and hosts who know the area inside out. Bring your dog, your fishing rod, and a sense of adventure—Buena Vista’s campsites have the basics covered so you can focus on the fun.

97% (3.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

5. George Washington National Forest

99%

(51)

487 sites · Deerfield, Virginia

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

250 sites · Independence, Virginia

Buckle up for 469 miles of driving perfection along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Pets

Potable water

Campfires

11. 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

Campfires

Showers

12. James River State Park

96%

(15)

25 sites · Arrington, Virginia

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

Pets

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

12 Gates Farms

87%

(152)

28mi from Buena Vista · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Montvale, VA

This property was once a 300 acre plus tobacco farm. We are located within two miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian trail via a gated, public, forest road. Hikers should park at their campsite and walk up. The original log cabin was built in the 1850s and now serves as our dining room. The front portion of the house was completed in April of 1861 and the back in the early 1900s. We have plans to eventually turn it into a working farm which produces tinctures, salves and extracts of various native plants. Learn more about this land: Heavily wooded mountain side with flowing creek. Easy access (walking distance) to Jefferson National Forest, National Forest horse trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail. (Note: You cannot drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway as the path is an old forest road which has been gated, but you can walk up to it.) We also have a tree house which has AC, heat and electrical connection. You may camp anywhere on the property. There is plenty of frontage on the creek and several tents can go up there. The toilets are flushing, camping toilets with sinks. There are currently no showers available. To find us easily, use what3words.com and enter the words wished.wobbles.shelves. That square is our driveway. The large white square to the right of it is our house. DO NOT USE WAYZ GPS SYSTEM!

The Forest Sanctuary

96%

(14)

38mi from Buena Vista · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Schuyler, VA

A beautiful 40 acre property with year round running creeks, undulating hills and valleys, views and enchanted forests! Campsite is on the double decker treehouse with stone fire pit, plenty of wood all around! Enjoy the privacy, wildlife animals, vegetation, mushrooms, etc. You will feel the beauty of this old growth forest at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Shireton

100%

(10)

49mi from Buena Vista · 1 site · Lodging · Arvonia, VA

Welcome to our charming hobbit house nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s mountains!***Before booking, please carefully review the full house description and rules***. By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge and accept the property and its features as they are. Please note, our solar panels may sometimes be unreliable, especially with high energy usage. The backup generator is there for that reason, and we do not offer discounts if it is needed during your stay. Located in a peaceful rural setting, our hobbit house offers a truly immersive experience in nature that makes you feel like you have entered Middle Earth. Enjoy the rustic charm of the round door, but be mindful that bugs may enter more easily due to the design. We want your stay to be enjoyable, so please come prepared for a natural, off-grid experience. Refunds will not be provided if the generator needs to be used. Step into the enchanting world of Tolkien with a stay in our cozy hobbit house, featured on Building Off the Grid (Season 13, episode 3, Virginia Underground Home ). The tiny house includes a Murphy desk Hideaway bed (queen size), a hobbit-style dining nook, and a charming bathroom with a large copper soaking tub. Our dining area is a cozy, minimalist space designed for simple meals. We do not have a mini-refrigerator at this time, please bring a cooler if needed. While we do provide a stovetop, please note that it may occasionally cause slight fluctuations in the electricity. We recommend treating this as a camping-style experience by bringing non-perishable items or exploring the delicious takeout options available in nearby Scottsville. Every corner is filled with whimsical touches, from handmade maps of the Shire to portraits of beloved characters from LOTR. Completely off the grid, our eco-friendly home runs on solar power and a well septic system. We encourage guests to disconnect from the outside world—there’s no TV or Wi-Fi—so you can fully embrace the natural surroundings. The property spans nearly 24 acres, with some hiking trails started and future plans for gardens, and archery targets. We also wanted to mention that if you are interested in a stay but have a larger family or group of friends, we are permitted to allow tents and campers.

Camping at Lazy River Farm

94%

(160)

22mi from Buena Vista · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Iron Gate, VA

Learn more about this land: Lazy River Farm has so much to offer. Tents sites are in a wooded setting, on a beautiful hill, spread out for privacy. Not at the river. Camp sites also have fire rings with wood available for you to use. Campers are welcome to use any wood that's on the ground near or around your site. Camp sites can be accessed with a high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle or walk up the hill to your site. With easy access down to the river, by walking or driving, you can cool off in the beautiful Cow Pasture River. Glamping in the Vardo Wagon is another option, with its close proximity to the river and cozy interior. The Gypsy Rose sleeps 2, but can sleep 2 additional guests with a tent. Paddle boards and kayaks are available for free if you paddling near the farm. (Life jackets are limited but are required, so if you have one bring it) drop in a line to fish, or simply sit by the river and listen to the soft rapids. Lazy River Farm is a working farm, with lovely Scottish Highland Cattle, pigs, chickens, horses and livestock guardian dogs.. Your welcome to come and pet the animals. Do not feed animals. Do not go into fields or stalls with any of them. Nearby there are vineyards and breweries, the beautiful historic Masonic Theater, C&O heritage center, miles of back roads to explore, as well as local restaurants. Contact us directly for a full range of what we have to offer, or have questions regarding any site.

Why B Square mountain yurt rentals

98%

(245)

68mi from Buena Vista · 3 sites · Lodging · Pilot, VA

Blue Ridge Yurts is a woman-owned company in Floyd, Virginia, started by my mother, Sharon. We were staying at Treebones, a yurt 'glampground' in Big Sur, California, and fell in love with yurts together. My mom said, "I think I could build one of these," and the company was born! She does all the woodworking, using sustainable practices, with locally-sourced wood, and her best friend Kathy does the fabric end of things. I was one of her early guinea pigs, and love my yurt property dearly <3 This 24' yurt sits on a beautiful private acreage off an end-state maintenance road, with biking and hiking trails just a 20 minute drive from the touristy town of Floyd, Virginia. There's a steam shower sauna, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a deck overlooking the mountains with a table and seating. Enjoy!

Green Acres

97%

(44)

23mi from Buena Vista · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Clifton Forge, VA

****RT 42 IS NOT CLOSED ---Google Maps is wrong**** This property has 8 sites MESSAGE US FOR DETAILS REGARDING OUR AMENITIES AND FACILITIES. Check us out on Facebook at... GREEN ACRES VA CAMPING .. We are an officially permitted and licensed, by the State of Virginia, campground. Please read individual site descriptions for specific details for the sites. Not all sites are the same. There is also info available at our facebook page. We have a Charcoal Grill (includes spatula, tongs and turning fork) available to rent for $10 (fee is for entire length of stay). Come camp on the peaceful banks of the Cowpasture river. This is a great place to come to get away from the noise and just relax. The river depth along the property ranges from a few inches to 6ft. Most sites offer partial shade. Open field area for playing games. Large communal fire pit beside the river. We also have a communal Shelter that has two booth style tables under it. Nearby places of interest including Falling Springs waterfall, Humpback Bridge, Lake Moomaw, Douthat State Park...all within less than an hours drive. Only a few minutes from the closest town, incase you need food, supplies, fuel, etc. Please note that not all cellular providers have service at this location. I know that Verizon does. Pack trash out with you.

Beaverdam Falls

98%

(119)

48mi from Buena Vista · 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!

Wild River Farm

100%

(12)

25mi from Buena Vista · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging · Buchanan, VA

Wake up refreshed in this cozy, well equipped camper on Wild River Farm. Tucked away on stunning, secluded acreage close to the scenic James River, the 2 bed/ 1 bath camper sleeps 4 comfortably and is packed with all the electric amenities you need including AC, microwave, 2 propane burners, refrigerator and even WIFI. Sip your coffee in the hammock as the sun rises then gear up for a day of exploration! Say good morning to our friendly goats, ducks, and chickens then enjoy a chef inspired farm breakfast. Whether you're paddling down the James River, foraging in the forest, or sipping local wines on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, our farm is your ideal home base. As the sun sets unwind with smores by the firepit under a blanket of stars. Prefer to bring your own ride? No Problem! Set up your RV with 50 amp electric. A well water fill-up is available too! Customize your experience with: A Chef Inspired, locally sourced Breakfast or Lunch Fresh eggs, seasonal vegetables and fruits from the farm Locals Only Welcome Basket Gourmet Mushroom Grow Class Kayak and Tube Trips down the James River Book your stay today for a getaway filled with fun, relaxation, and unforgettable memories! 1. No parties or events allowed 2. No unregistered guests allowed 3. No smoking allowed inside camper 4. Pets must remain on leash 5. Please respect the noise curfew from 10 pm - 7 am 6. Please respect check-in and check-out times. 7. Please follow all check out procedures listed in your welcome guide 8. Please practice fire safety and extinguish all fires responsibly 9. Absolutely no firearms

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

100%

(1)

McClintic Point Campground

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

Stories from the community

J

Jessica

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Thunder BRidge

One of the best places we have camped! Clean sites and facilities. Adam was so accommodating and responsive. We hope to go back very soon.

Gate removed, signs changed, but I keep this as a reminder of the day we decided to retire back here. "REDUCED SPEED AHEAD" was the sign we needed!

S

Steve

2 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

1 night at Camp Cove Creek

Awesome spot! Love the freedom to roam and set up camp wherever. The subtle ground lighting at some of the sites was a nice touch.

J

Jason

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Stoney Creek Campground

The campground was well maintained. Chris was a great host. There was a very special cat that guided us around do the weekend. The bathroom was clean. The shower was adequate. We will be back for sure!!

B

Bill

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Great location, close to DMY. Easy to work with management. Added extra spot at the last minute when we ended up with a large group.

Lauren

2 weeks ago

30 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Green Acres

This is a really neat site located on the Cowpasture River. The camp host is very nice and accommodating!

C

Conan

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping at Lazy River Farm

Had a great time at this beautiful property. Stayed at Camp Site 2 and had plenty of space. Will definitely stay again in the future.

Luscious green next to the pond. A great place to camp, be visited by the ducks and listen to the wildlife and the creek nearby

M

MaryAnn

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Sanctuary

Great spot and Fran is very accommodating. Beautiful, quaint, the animals, very clean bathrooms and star filled sky were amazing.

Breakfast, with car/tent camping set-up and bathhouse in background.

M

Moon

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Directions were clear. Camp sites were well kept. Great communication.

V

Victoria

2 weeks ago

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

The camp site was beautiful and had everything we needed. Adam was a wonderful host and extremely helpful. I hope to stay here again!

S

Seth

2 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Camp experience was great (aside from the directions pulled from the app not being accurate - had to ask a couple of locals for directions to get un-lost). Adam was super friendly and check-in/out was super simple.

A

Austin

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Camping at Lazy River Farm

Great camping spot at Site 1, it over looks the valley behind the property is gorgeous to wake up to. As the description says, you definitely need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get up the hill. It takes someone spotting, but you can navigate through the trees to get your vehicle directly at the site. We arrived in the evening and in the dark it was a challenge. There is a portapotty/outhouse as far as amenities, but no running water at the site. Bring water with you to avoid a long walk. I would absolutely come back and stay again!

k

kelly

3 weeks ago

1 night at Shireton

This is a must for any Tolkien fans! It is beautiful with a great attention to detail.

B

Brennan

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Amazing tent camping spot! The brick grill was incredibly convenient and fun to use. The tent space was nice and flat. Would 100% come again

A

Arisa

3 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Indian Camp Lane

The cabin is so cute. My son who’s 3 loved it! He would go for a walk with his dad in the morning and cut some wood together, start fire together, also loved sleeping up on the loft. It was such a fun experience. Thank you!

C

Cecelia

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Forest Sanctuary

I loved staying in the tiny home! It was so cozy! The property is beautiful and exactly what we needed to get away! Claire and her husband were great hosts and we appreciate the dedication they have. The location is great, just far enough out of town for peace! But close enough to go grab dinner! Thank you again for having us!

Ava

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

This is a nice, big site. Close to 2 of the outhouses on the property, but well spaced from other nearby sites. My third time at ThunderBridge and great as always!

A

Ariel

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Excellent place for tent camping. The sites were all very spacious and ĥad plenty of privacy. The bath house was very clean and the showers were good and hot. Adam's firewood bundles are very generous for the price. My family and I will absolutely be staying again.

A

Alexandra

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Stoney Creek Campground

Beautiful space and quiet! I enjoyed my time there

W

William

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to James River Depot

This place is a wonderful place to camp. Basics are covered like firewood and a porta-john with none of the fluff. Also… beautiful views and the river is steps away

G

Gwyneth

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Sanctuary

We had a wonderful experience! Fran was lovely when we checked in and out! Buddy and Ally (the dogs) kept us company throughout the night and made us feel secure! Mr. Duck and the various cats were also lovely to meet! We were the only campers that night, so it felt very private. Just a heads up that most campsites are directly next to another campsite! I would definitely come back with a larger group and reserve two adjacent campgrounds!