Beach and dog-friendly camping in Virginia

Iconic hikes, history, and golden beaches await campers in Virginia’s 41 state parks.

99% (1675 reviews)
99% (1675 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Virginia

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Virginia

12 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds in Virginia

99%
(701)

Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

4 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · 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)
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$55
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97%
(143)

The Guinea Farm, Field, and Forest

4 sites · Lodging, Tents18 acres · Diggs, VA
The Guinea farm is 18 acres of feild and forest on the rural middle pennensula. Only 1 mile from 2 separate secluded beaches and a boat launch. There is verly little traffic or light polution here, nature is at your fingertips. Come visit the farm and experience agrotourism at it's finest. Pick your own veggies in the community garden and meet the Guinea fowl! Enjoy the windernes and learn about the local ecosystem here on the middle pennensula. There are 3 sites spaced out across the 18 acres set apart for privacy. Wisteria is a primative site closer to the entrance gate. Trilogy is a suspended tree tent in the pines 700' beyond that and seperated by dense forest. Stargazer Tiny cabin is an offgrid rustic camping cabin on the back side of the property. Each site is surronded by several acres of forest and close to the edge of a large feild. There are romaing guinea fowl that may come make a very loud appearance as they canvas the property eating bugs. Deer, Turkeys, Bald Eagles, foxes, and other wildlife are common guests also. Mid-summer is what I call frog season, Tree frogs are abundant and provide a wonderful soundtrack. There are free to use bicycles, an axe throwing board, and cornhole boards available. 4 miles from shopping and dining in Mathews Virginia, 15 miles to Gwynn Island. Gwynn's Island is an island located in the Chesapeake Bay off of Virginia's Middle Peninsula. The island is located in the northeast part of Mathews County, south of the mouth of the Piankatank River. It is connected to the rest of the county by a swing bridge over Milford Haven.
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$75
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98%
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Private Farm Minutes to Cville

6 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · 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.
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$50
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(457)

Seven Islands River Front Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Arvonia, VA
Please note that we have a new entrance. 9337 Bridgeport Road. New driveway is just beyond the old one on the right. Look for the aluminum canoe sign at the edge of the drive way. Riverfront camping at its finest . Bateau boats pass by all 3 campsites on the third Thursday ofJune. This is due to a yearly Festival held in Scottsville where Historic river boats that used to haul goods up and down the river back in the day are maned by people in period clothing re-enacting the route that was taken. 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 . You can now buy river tubes from the host. We will pump them up and deliver to your site. Fire wood also available delivered. 30.00 for UTV 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. Pitch your tent on the beach or under the trees if you prefer some shade. 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. The real estate sign at the entrance is for the farm house only. Camp sites are not for sale and won’t be. Future bookings are no problem 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.
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$60
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99%
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Chigger Creek Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Dinwiddie, VA
The Meadows is family fun for everyone, featuring a stunning twelve-acre lake stocked with large mouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish for the fishing enthusiast. The property is surrounded by hardwoods, with hiking trails for varied wildlife and bird watching opportunities. We have two camp sites on the water, each a short walk to the main beach for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, boarding, swimming, and sunning. We offer a camp kitchen and an outdoor shower at the main lodge for your convenience. Each camp site has their own beach, fire pit and toilet facility for added privacy. (Firewood is provided complimentary) The Meadows is a family friendly destination that won't disappoint. Whether you are a couple seeking a secluded spot for some rest & relaxation, a family looking to reconnect over s'mores after a corn hole tournament or a book club wanting a new get away to dissect their latest read you will discover relaxed Southern hospitality. Nearby attractions include Five Forks National Battlefield, Pamplin Park, The Virginia Motorsports Park and Lake Phoenix Scuba Park. Pricing starts at $65 per night and includes two guests. Please register all additional guests over twelve when booking - price is $25 per additional guest, per day - host will verify guests count on arrival. Check in with your Host when you arrive!
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$65
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96%
(48)

Sharp's Island

1 site · Tent1 acre · Richmond, VA
Sharp's Island is so named because the Sharp family of Richmond owned it as far back as the 1850s. The old brick foundation you see in the pictures is all that remains of a house that was built on the island in 1895 and stood for 75 years! We consider ourselves stewards of an amazing historic, ecological, geologic, and recreational asset, and we had love to have you add your own story to this island's long history! NOTE: The parking situation has changed due to construction! The parking information in the pictures is not correct (but Hipcamp won't let me delete them). Contact Andy at 804-212-6639 for parking instructions. You have to get to Sharp's Island on your own, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak (it's super easy). Learn more about this land: One-of-a-kind really only begins to describe 1-acre Sharp's Island! For starters, this is the only legal camping option in the city of Richmond. You read that correctly. This is your own private island, and it's right in the heart of downtown RVA! The Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain right here at Sharp's Island. That makes for amazing fishing, especially during the spring shad and striper runs.  Some other incredible things about camping at Sharp's Island: You can motor up to it from Ancarrow's Landing, canoe over from the trail just below Mayo Bridge, or make this the destination for your downriver raft/kayak trip; at summer river levels there are literally dozens of great swimming holes along the banks (we can sell you tubes for lounging); choose your own campsite: sandy beach or forested interior; Fire pit ready and waiting for you. And lots more!
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$65
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94%
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#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

3 sites · Lodging265 acres · Luray, VA
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!
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$115
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98%
(53)

The Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · 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 5 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 rager, let me know. It's perfect for that. Or if you just prefer the sound and serenity of nature, also perfect. Mid August 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.
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$49
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(98)

Harmony Tree Farm

1 site · RV, Tent23 acres · 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, a table, benches, and fire ring with firewood provided. It is a five minute walk to the river.
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$40
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(322)

Rendezvous Farm

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Basye, VA
This raw forested land bordering George Washington National Forest on two sides was purchased in 2002. Over the next six years a 2 acre pasture and .8 acre house site were cleared on weekends, a small pond was dug, additional land was cleared and a wildlife planting made, then our home and multiple outbuildings were constructed. We began raising chickens for meat and eggs, as well as rabbits, quail, doves and pigeons, and developed two vegetable and fruit gardens to provide food for ourselves and to sell at farmer's markets. The property is a state certified Wildlife Partners Habitat because of the many improvements made for wildlife. Allen and Peggy were married atop a special rock on the property in 2004. NOTE: For the late summer and fall of 2023 the pond is almost dry. We haven't had enough rain to keep enough water in it.
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$35
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Camp Roadrunner

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Woodlawn, VA
Camp Roadrunner is a private 30-acre campground, with lots to do. Large open area for camping. Private access to stocked trout stream. Amenities: 30 Amp, 110v power on a pole in the camping area, a portapotty next to the camping area, a large fire pit, a picnic table, horseshoe pits, and hiking trails. There is also a sandy beach area where you can relax in private. From the bridge to the property down past the beach is over 1000ft of stocked trout stream. The property backs us to a large nature preserve and is in a quiet valley. Feel free to reach out with any questions. It is 10 minutes away from great restaurants, wineries, and breweries in downtown Galax Va. FB page for more info https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090859038872
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$49
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Fork Creek Acrea

1 site · Tent36 acres · 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!
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$35
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Beach and dog-friendly camping in Virginia guide

Overview

Whether you want to dive into Civil War history, follow in the footsteps of former presidents, or drive the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia rarely disappoints. The birthplace of America has thousands of miles of Atlantic coastline and more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state. Still need convincing? Virginia’s 41 state parks boast more than 600 miles of trails and 1,800 state campsites, leading the way to forested mountains, rambling rivers, and beaches. Camping is a year-round affair, whether you prefer fall foliage hikes, pitching a tent on the beach, or snowshoeing from a cozy winter cabin. 

Where to go

Central Virginia

Gleaming lakes and pine-clad foothills characterize the central Piedmont region, known for its lakeside camping, canoe and kayak trails, and Civil War sites. Pocahontas State Park is just a half-hour drive from the state capital, Richmond, where multi-use trails are popular for biking and horseback riding. Also within a short drive, Bear Creek Lake State Park offers easy access to Cumberland State Forest trails, while James River State Park has RV, tent, and canoe-in campsites.

Atlantic Coast & Chesapeake Bay

Wide beaches and fishing villages pepper the coast of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia’s top choice for beach lovers. You can pitch your tent right on the beach at First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park, camp on the grounds of Chippokes Plantation State Park, or get on the water at York River State Park.

Shenandoah Valley & The North

The dense woodlands are the star attraction in Shenandoah National Park and along its renowned Skyline Drive. The closest state campgrounds can be found in Shenandoah River State Park, a popular spot for summer hiking, canoeing, and picnicking, while further south, Douthat State Park has a swimming beach, waterfall hikes, and mountain biking trails.

Appalachian & Blue Ridge Mountains

The rugged Appalachian Mountains fringe Virginia’s southwestern borders, merging into the wooded slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grayson Highlands State Park is the gateway to the region’s two most popular hikes: the Appalachian Trail and Mount Rogers. Alternatively, paddle the scenic waterways of New River Trail State Park, book a cabin in the woods in Hungry Mother State Park, or escape the crowds at Clinch River State Park.

States near Virginia

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