The best forest camping in Virginia

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Looking to escape to the great outdoors and immerse yourself in nature? Look no further than camping in Virginia with a forest setting! With over 1440 options available in Virginia that offer a forest experience, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the game, Blackwater Birds and Bees (601 reviews), Camp Shenandoah Meadows (295 reviews), and Savage Acres on Craig Creek (269 reviews), to name a few. Enjoy popular amenities such as trash disposal, campfires, and toilets, and indulge in activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. With an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $5, camping in Virginia's forested areas has never been more accessible. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

97% (15K) • 4,026 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Virginia

Private Lakefront Camp Free Kayaks

1. Private Lakefront Camp Free Kayaks

99%
(204)
New Canton, VA · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
**Fires are allowed at all sites, fire ring provided** **New half bathroom with flushing sink and toilet available to all campers. (3 Porta potties are also available)** Experience the ultimate outdoor retreat on our stunning 56-acre property in Buckingham County, Virginia. With a combination of pristine waters, abundant wildlife, and serene camping sites, this is the perfect getaway for nature lovers, anglers, and adventurers. Water Features 25-Acre Lake: The centerpiece of the property, this expansive lake features deep areas, a submerged dam, natural springs, and peaceful coves. It’s fully stocked with Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Brim, offering exceptional fishing opportunities. Two Additional Ponds: Explore two smaller ponds, one of which features a covered gazebo and dock, perfect for relaxing, fishing, or soaking in the views. Waterfront Campsites Lakeside Tent Sites: Each campsite is located along the water, providing stunning views and direct access to the lake. Easy Setup: Guests can drive their vehicles directly to the campsites for convenience. Kayaks Provided: Complimentary kayaks are available for exploring the lake’s hidden gems. Wildlife Haven Often described as an outdoorsman’s paradise, the property is alive with diverse wildlife and offers incredible opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Wildlife Sightings: Regular visitors include deer, eagles, ducks, geese, frogs, turtles, and beavers. Birdwatching: Enjoy spotting majestic eagles and other bird species in their natural habitat. Activities and Amenities Fishing: Cast a line in the lake or ponds for a relaxing and rewarding experience. Boating: Explore the lake’s tranquil waters with provided kayaks. Relaxation Spaces: Take in the views from the gazebo and dock by the pond, or unwind at your campsite by the water. Stargazing & Campfires: Evenings bring clear skies and the perfect setting for fireside chats. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, this property is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of nature. Book your campsite today and experience the serenity and adventure of this unique property!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
South River Farm Campground

2. South River Farm Campground

94%
(210)
Front Royal, VA · 52 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Glamp, Camp, or RV Along the Shenandoah at South River Farm Campground! Welcome to South River Farm Campground - a peaceful riverside campground and working farm nestled along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Front Royal, Virginia. Whether you’re looking to glamp in a furnished riverside yurt, pitch your own tent at a dedicated numbered tent site, or bring your RV to a full-hookup site, South River Farm offers a relaxing outdoor escape with river access, open farm views, and plenty of room to unwind. Located just minutes from downtown Front Royal, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah River State Park, Andy Guest State Park, local wineries, restaurants, hiking, paddling, and outdoor adventures, our campground feels tucked away in nature while still being close to everything. Our campground offers: 🏕️ Dedicated Tent Sites Bring your own tent and settle into one of our numbered tent sites near the river bottom. Tent sites offer a rustic camping experience with river access, fire pits, and nearby bathhouse facilities. 🌙 Furnished Riverside Yurts Enjoy a simple glamping getaway in one of our furnished yurts, featuring cozy furnishings, solar lighting, a picnic table, hammock, fire pit, grill access, and peaceful riverside vibes. 🚐 Full-Hookup RV Sites Bring your camper or RV and enjoy convenient full-hookup sites with water, sewer, and electric access while still being close to the river and farm setting. 🚿 Bathhouse Access Guests have access to our clean, fully functional bathhouse with restrooms and showers. Please note that individual tent and yurt sites do not have running water or electricity, but RV sites do include hookups. 🌾 Working Farm Setting South River Farm is a working agritourism property with seasonal farm experiences, open fields, river views, walking areas, and peaceful Shenandoah Valley scenery Whether you’re here to fish, float, hike, stargaze, sit by the fire, explore Front Royal, or simply unplug for a weekend, South River Farm Campground offers a peaceful riverside escape that feels close to everything - but a world away. Please note: As part of our authentic riverfront and working farm setting, guests may experience gravel roads, natural terrain, wildlife, farm activity, and occasional train sounds from across the river.
Pets
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Full hookups
Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

3. Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

99%
(641)
Etlan, VA · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to our small Farm, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Madison County, Virginia. Located just minutes from Shenandoah National Park, we offer intimate nature-inspired cottages and camping on our 120-acre working farm. Enjoy an evening under the stars with fireflies and a campfire after a long day hike, fly fishing on one of our beautiful trout steams or touring the local vineyards and breweries. We currently offer one cottage, glamping and a few campsites for our guests. Our campsites are all private, located acres apart with tables, chairs, firepits, some elevated sleeping areas, some hammock spots and a few with a roof. Three of our spots require walking away from your vehicle, short distances. We have four drive-in sites that will accommodate two or three vehicles. We do not allow RVs or trailers on our main farm due to our narrow mountain driveway. Wisteria Camp has a private driveway, it can accommodate small RV/Trailers. Camper vans are welcome at the main farm! Our farm store includes our Animal Welfare Approved products such as Eggs, Chicken, Beef, Pork, Lamb and Dairy, as well as produce, jams, coffee and other items from our local community. We offer camping essentials, local art, bike rentals, farm experiences and tours. The property has miles of trails along mountain spring-fed streams, a small pond and access to three private acres on the Robinson River, a stocked Trout stream, just 2 miles down the road. Our property is centrally located to White Oak Canyon (20 minutes) and Old Rag Mountain (10 minutes) trailheads in the Shenandoah National Park as well as many vineyards and breweries. A few offerings on the farm. Tasting in the 1850s Chestnut log cabin, tubing trips, breakfast and picnic lunches, Animal experiences and Yoga. Please inquire about renting the property for private small events. Winter Camping: Please note that we can received significant snowfall in our area. 4WD may be required during the winter months.
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Jefferson National Forest

4. Jefferson National Forest

98%
(29)
National forest in Virginia · 488 sites
Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
George Washington National Forest

5. George Washington National Forest

98%
(53)
National forest in Virginia · 487 sites
Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Thunder BRidge

6. Thunder BRidge

100%
(702)
Natural Bridge Station, VA · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. Most of the buildings out front are artist studios (currently for 16 artists). We like to share the camp with others and watch it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky. We want to share our property with those who want to stay for more than one night, so we do not accept inquiries of single night stays. We also don't offer longterm rentals as we focus on short term camping.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hippie Hollow

7. Hippie Hollow

99%
(223)
Floyd, VA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Live music: -Wednesday afternoons in June July and August -October 9th -Or Check Hippie Hollow FB page for live music event schedule Adjacent to trout stocked Dodd Creek for fishing and swimming. New fish going in on Oct. 7th 2 miles from downtown Floyd fire wood can be gathered or purchased Bring your dogs, blast your music, and enjoy the pleasant mountain weather. Electricity and fresh mountain spring water hookups available Hot water restroom is in operation
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Crooked Mountain

8. Crooked Mountain

99%
(405)
Floyd, VA · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Crooked Mountain – Camping Near the Blue Ridge Parkway | Floyd, VA www.crookedmtn.com Crooked Mountain is a family and Veteran-owned farm, campground, camp store, and small event venue located just ½ mile off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Marker 159 near Floyd, Virginia. We designed Crooked Mountain to be a unique basecamp for travelers exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially those traveling by van, car, motorcycle, bicycle, or with small RVs. With easy access from the Parkway and scenic mountain roads nearby, it’s a great stop for road trippers, vanlifers, and anyone on two wheels exploring Southwest Virginia. The campground currently offers 15 campsites across the farm: • 7 sites on Pine Creek (Sites 1 & 12 have electric) • 5 field campsites with open views of the surrounding hills • 3 field sites with electric near the pond (Sites 13–15) Electric sites provide 30/20 amp power only. There are no water or sewer hookups at campsites. Guests can enjoy the natural setting of the property and access our hiking trail, fishing pond (catch n release for a fee) and other amenities on the farm while staying here. Our camp store offers tourism information about Floyd and the surrounding area (including local motorcycle/bicycle maps and routes, along with artisan goods, camping essentials (things you may have forgotten), snacks, drinks, coffee, ice, firewood and more. During the summer months we also open our fields for a You-Pick flower experience, where guests can purchase a container and create their own bouquet. Flower season typically runs July through September. Crooked Mountain is located along The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, and the town of Floyd is just 4 miles away, offering live music, local restaurants, breweries, galleries, and the famous Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store. Whether you're traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway, riding Floyd’s scenic backroads, or just exploring the region, Crooked Mountain is a great place to stop and stay awhile. Come "Ride. Camp. and Explore" Crooked Mountain in Floyd, VA!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Bears Den Campground

9. Bears Den Campground

95%
(922)
Shenandoah Retreat, VA · 5 sites
Set up your tent in our remote but easily accessible campground, 100 yards off the Appalachian Trail. Roast marshmallows by the fire pit and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Site #1 is on a hilly slope and accommodates 4 campersSite #2 accommodates 8-10 campersSite #3 accommodates 4 campersSite #4 accommodates 6-8 campersSite #5 accommodates 6-8 campers About the property Located on a 66-acre plot just five miles from the Shenandoah River, our property offers amazing access to hiking and the outdoors while also keeping civilization within striking distance. Bear Chase Brewery is just a half mile walk across the street, and we are 15 miles from Purcellville. The land and lodge used to be the summer home of a trained opera singer, whose singing could be heard throughout the mountain. Your Host lives onsite in the stone house that also acts as a hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Built in the 1930's all from locally sourced hand-hammered stone, the house is open every night from 5pm - 9pm. Note that we offer several campsites relatively close to each other, so you should expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. About the listing Pitch your tent in a forested area just a short walk up from where you’ll park your car. Enjoy unbeatable proximity to hiking and panoramic views while still having basic amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. You’ll have access to a composting pit toilet, and can access potable water from the tap in the lodge. That’s also where you can access hot showers. As noted above, we host Appalachian Trail thru hikers on the property, so you may see them hanging around or sleeping in the bunkhouse near the shared facilities. so please be respectful of hours when you come in for a shower. No showers after 10 pm For meals, we have picnic tables, and you are encouraged to cook over the fire pits that accompany each site. Please practice Leave No Trace practices during your stay, as the property has raccoons and other critters who will be drawn to any food scraps that are left behind. Pets are allowed! Please keep them on leash during your stay. Trash can be disposed of in dumpster up the hill Additional details to note Expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. No kitchen equipment is provided, so campers must bring their own supplies if they'd like to cook. We do not offer WiFi, but there is good cell reception for all common carriers.
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Toilets
Occoneechee State Park

10. Occoneechee State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Virginia · 18 sites
From 1250-1670, Occoneechee Indians lived on an island on the Roanoke near what is now this park.
Campfires
Picnic table
Smith Mountain Lake State Park

11. Smith Mountain Lake State Park

100%
(9)
State park in Virginia · 24 sites
A relaxing lake with an ice cream boats making deliveries? Count us in! RV hookups and cabins, too!
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Toilets
Campfires
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

12. John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

90%
(5)
Park in Virginia · 430 sites
Discover the serene beauty of John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Prince William Forest National Park

13. Prince William Forest National Park

89%
(14)
National park in Virginia · 63 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Prince William Forest Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Peaceful Meadows Farm

14. Peaceful Meadows Farm

99%
(305)
Palmyra, VA · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Welcome to Peaceful Meadows Farm. We have 250 acres for you to explore and enjoy.When you arrive you will drive up to your campground destination which is 16 acres of Loblolly Pine trees. There is a 1 1/2 acre pond stocked with Catfish, Bass, Crappies, Brim and Shell Cracker. Also there are two smaller ponds with minnows and one is home to Tucker the Turtle 🐢 . We have several trails on the property to walk as well. You are welcome to 🐠 fish BUT FISHING IS CATCH AND RELEASE PLEASE. Each site will have a fire ring available and a picnic table. If you need anything else please let me know. We are AUTISM Friendly 💙,so if you have a camper that needs a little more encouragement about camping or other accommodations please let your host know. You are welcomed to bring your furry family members, bikes and kayaks. There is no swimming in the pond. It was built for fishing so it’s not safe to swim due to structures under the water for the fish. We are only 30 minutes from Carter’s Mountain, Monticello and Jefferson Winery’s. Thistle Gate Winery is only 5 minutes away and 20 minutes to Scottsville were you can enjoy the James River. UVA sports complex is only 30 minutes away and you’re able to go the back way in to skip the gridlock of the traffic. There so much more within 30 to 45 minutes of this camping area I can’t list it all. I promise you will Enjoy your stay!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
100 Acre Wood

15. 100 Acre Wood

100%
(187)
Draper, VA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
174 Acres of forested land in the Draper, Virginia area, very convenient to both I-81 (2-1/2 miles south of) and I-77 (10 miles east of) with scattered clearings connected by over 3 miles of cleared roads throughout the property, which are perfect for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The property includes a very small creek, several ravines, ridge lines and trails to explore. We frequently encounter deer, rabbits, squirrels, and the occasional turkey, black bear, coyotes and Bigfoot. The thing people seem to enjoy most is the privacy and and quiet that allows you to connect with nature. Each of the 3 sites is hundreds of yards apart. Note: there is no bathroom on the premises, however you can book a toilet tent as an extra. 4 Wheel Drive or All wheel drive are helpful during the winter months, or if there has been a lot of rain or snow/ice. Be aware that while we do not impose a penalty for cancellation of reservation, HipCamp does. If you cancel your reservation, HipCamp will refund you all the money except 15% (which is their fee.) Things to watch out for are deer ticks and poison ivy. Campers are expected to leave the site neat and take all their trash with them. We are located about 5 minutes from I-81 or 15 minutes from I-77 making it an easy place to stop when passing through on your way to other adventures. If you are coming on I-81 (North or South), use exit 89-A. Don't let Google maps take you to Frog Level Ct near the town of Pulaski (LOL). Nearby attractions include Appalachian Gem and Gold Mine on Route 100 (5 min), New River Trail State Park (10 min), Claytor Lake State Park (20 min) and the Town of Draper has a couple small town shops to explore including The Draper Mercantile and Trading Company and the newly opened Conery where you can get wonderful ice cream cones and more. Also, check out the Draper Mountain overlook on Rt 11, just 10 minutes from our HipCamp. We love hosting campers and are happy to help make accommodations to help you have an enjoyable stay. We have 3 sites but only allow 2 to be in use at a time on the property. This insures that all guests continue to feel complete privacy from others and allows us to always have an alternate site available if campers want to change. Bring your dogs ! Available "Extras" include portable toilet setup, firewood, Woodshop class making a cutting board, Bigfoot sightings as well as various camping gear items and games. If there are other extra's you would like to see or something you forgot to bring please let us know and we will see what we can do.
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Campfires
Rockingham Retreats | Glamping at the Cave

16. Rockingham Retreats | Glamping at the Cave

100%
(14)
Mc Gaheysville, VA · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Welcome to Rockingham Retreats, a collection of glamping sites tucked into the woods on Cave Hill Farm, a sixth-generation family farm in McGaheysville, Virginia. Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, our farm sits near three caves that give the property its name, surrounded by rolling hills, quiet woods, and views that stretch toward the Shenandoah National Park mountain range. Each glamping site is privately tucked away, giving guests their own peaceful pocket of the farm to enjoy. Whether you're hiking with your dog, relaxing by the fire under a canopy of trees, or simply soaking in the quiet, Rockingham Retreats offers a chance to slow down and reconnect without giving up comfort. We're just minutes from local restaurants, ice cream shops, and Cave Hill Farms Brewery, and only a short drive from the national park itself, so you're close to everything while still feeling worlds away. Come experience the Shenandoah Valley the way we've always loved it: quiet, beautiful, and best enjoyed with good company.
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Toilets
Campfires
Rocky Run Farm Sharesites

17. Rocky Run Farm Sharesites

99%
(243)
Sperryville, VA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Sustainable farming on third generation family land.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

18. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

98%
(888)
Brightwood, VA · 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
Road Runner Base Camp

19. Road Runner Base Camp

92%
(46)
Elkton, VA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Plenty of free firewood at this time. You might need some fire starter because it sits unprotected. Camp is wooded acreage centrally located between Massanutten Resort and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Currently very, very basic with improvements happening weekly. Currently 2WD is okay and some clearance preferred like Outback sized vehicles over all. A van can fit in site #3 (The Vanner) but will take a multi point turns to come and go. Country vibe but NOT remote. Close to restaurants, and outdoor activities near by making it a great BASE for activities such as mountain biking, road biking, hiking, skiing/boarding, and the floating/fishing on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. A safe / legal place to park for the night. There is a hwy nearby so there is some noise from that but it doesn’t seem to bother most (see reviews). Sites are priced for the amenities they have or don’t and due to location. SUP and Kayaks available free to campers upon request most weekends April 15 to Oct 15 (Campers must be able to transport) Bring a sticker for our collection! -Massanutten Ski Slope 7 mins (resort entrance 2 mins) -Western Slope mountain biking, hiking 15mins or local beginner biking and hiking trails 6mins (great for any kid age) in Elkton - Blue Ridge Parkway 12mins Swift Run Entranc -groceries and gas 3mins -lake type float or paddling on dammed river 12 mins. (most popular) -river float put in 5 or 10 mins depending on where you want float
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Campfires
Stoney Creek Campground

20. Stoney Creek Campground

98%
(173)
Bedford, VA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian trail is a small camping area with a bathhouse that includes a toilet and hot shower. A mountain stream rushes through the campground providing a peaceful and tranquil stay. During the months of November through May I can stock the stream with rainbow trout during your stay. Book a stocking through the hipcamp app experiences for for $55 a day 6 fish limit. Outside enjoy a shady relaxing nap next to the stream. At night enjoy a fire ( firewood sold here) while looking at the stars up above. During the day, explore the Blue Ridge Mountains 5 miles away with very popular hikes and waterfalls. Sharp Top Mt and Flat Top trail heads are 5 miles away. Apple Orchard Falls trailhead 15 minutes away. The James River is 20 minutes away which offers canoeing and kayaking. 5 miles south of the campground is Bedford which has food, shopping and historical attractions. Wineries, orchards and national forest are just minutes away.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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