Lakeside camping in Virginia

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

94% (3149 reviews)
  1. Virginia
94% (3149 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Virginia

Community favorites in Virginia

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Virginia

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Star Hosts in Virginia

Under $50

12 top lakeside campgrounds in Virginia

98%
(1279)

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

7 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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$33.25
 / night
99%
(549)

Thunder BRidge

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Natural Bridge Station, VA
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.
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$35
 / night
98%
(22)

Lakefront!! Kayaks Available.

5 sites · RVs, Tents56 acres · New Canton, VA
**Fires are allowed at all sites, fire ring provided** 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!
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$45
 / night
98%
(320)

Arcadia Sanctuary

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents83 acres · Buena Vista, VA
Arcadia is the name we gave to our 83-acre mountainside retreat center for Earth-Based Spirituality. It’s nestled on the south-eastern slope of 4000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia, convenient to I81. (Note, there is a town called Arcadia off I81, but that is not us. Not to confuse.) We have a mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, Witch Hazels leaning over the water, trout, crayfish, snakes, salamanders, and all the rest. We have about 2000 feet of the vertical mountainside with trails to explore. (But the stage and most of the camping is down closer to creek-level.) There are more sites higher up the mountain if you like more isolated camping. More of a trek to the bathrooms/showers/freshwater. We have one of the finest private stages on the East Coast with a top-notch sound system and a natural amphitheater which is like a single pie wedge of a Stadium that has regular live performances throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our yurt is regularly booked as a unique glamping experience. There are chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl free-roaming. Two dogs, nine cats, and several humans are blessed to call this home. There are two bridges that cross Thrashers Creek to get to Arcadia. The first is not suitable for large vehicles and trailers. The second bridge is our recommended entry way. Be aware we live on side of Mount pleasant and the roads on site are graveled and somewhat windy.
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$22.50
 / night
100%
(69)

Beaverdam Falls

4 sites · Lodging65 acres · 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!
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$125
 / night
100%
(68)

The Oysterhouse Landing

4 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Hayes, VA
A small landing used by commercial fishermen, featuring several of the iconic Chesapeake Bay wooden deadrise work boats. Offering a limited number of level, private, grassy, campsites as a home base for your coastal Virginia adventures. All sites are direct waterfront. Pit toilet, potable water, and outdoor shower available on site. 2 sites are unimproved and offer no water, electric, or sewer. 2 sites offer 30amp electric and potable water hook ups. A gravel boat ramp is adjacent to this property and is suitable for launching boats up to 28'. There are multiple sites on the property that are suitable for launching canoes, kayaks, and other small boats. You may berth your boat at our private dock. A full service marina is located 1 mile away, via either water or land. Situated in a quiet and peaceful rural setting, the Severn River is a boater's and sportsman's paradise offering excellent fishing for the angler. Diverse waters for both the powerboater and the sailor. Clean beaches and water for swimming and tubing. Miles of pristine shoreline for the kayaker to explore. And expansive wetlands for the waterfowl hunter. Or venture further into the Mobjack and Chesapeake Bay with easy access from this site. The property is located near the end of a lightly traveled (dead end) road for safe bicycling and walking. Large grass area for field games. Fishing and crabbing at our private dock. Fantastic sunrises, sunsets, and moonlight shimering on the water. If you are fortunate enough to be here when the waterman return to the dock with their fresh catch of crabs or oysters--- they just might sell you some right off of the boat! Nothing is better than a truly fresh meal of Chesapeake Bay seafood, and the harvest that lands at our docks is world class. Conveniently located 15 minutes from Yorktown, VA. which offers many historic and modern attractions, including an excellent white sand swimming beach. 35 minutes from Williamsburg, Va. with it's many historic attractions and visitor amenities. 35 minutes from Busch Gardens and Water Country theme parks, and 1 hr from King's Dominion theme park. Be aware that this is a working waterfront, and as such you should expect very early activity and noise as commercial fisherman head out in pursuit of their days catch. Situated in an area of coastal salt marsh which can become "buggy" when the wind is still. Have insect repellent available. Host is a seasoned camper and regularly boondocks in a camper van.
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$25
 / night
100%
(433)

Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Fort Valley, VA
Passage Creek is stocked with Trout. Voted Top VA site! See Reviews. Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch is conveniently located at the north end of Fort Valley. The recreational draw to this area is hard to beat in VA and this property has it all for an amazing outdoor weekend! The ranch consists of 40 acres of low-land pasture, groomed perfectly for camping groups large or small. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site offers the option to camp on our 5-acre lake or camp creekside in the Cedar Grove sites along the banks of Passage Creek. Creek access varies at each site depending on the bank. The Ceadar Grove sites are just a short walk to the lake and beach amenities. The property has 1/2mi of Passage Creek wrapping around all the campsites, as well as, the privet lake to enjoy. I have all kinds of boats to try out and the waters are stocked with Bass, Blue Gill, and Catfish. Please catch and release. Passage Creek is stocked with Rainbow, Brown, Tiger, and Brook Trout throughout the year. The prime waters are just a mile upstream from Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch. The Creekside Cedar sites are located within a sparse, groomed, Cedar grove along the banks of Passage Creek. These sites are extra large and can accommodate multiple family groups, as well as, travel trailers of all sizes up to off-road motorcoaches in site 1. There are no hookups, so It's just boondocking. Pack it in, Pack it out. Generators are allowed but please be aware of the other sites and direct the noise away. Groups of up to 25 people per site can realistically fit. Each site is very large with car camping space included. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site is very secluded, nestled between the mountains and the lake. It overlooks our 5-acre lake with mirror mountain views in the background. This site also has its own dock and is just a short walk down a mowed trail to a beautiful section of Passage Creek. An additional seasonal mountain stream can cascade behind the site and run under it to feed the lake when the conditions are right. The road can accommodate bumper pulls up to about 35ft to make the turn at the site. However, it is best suited for lighter traffic and smaller tent groups. At higher capacity, single-file parking is needed along the lake road. Max 10 people in order to keep some grass on the ground. Please, if you need more space - go to one of the Cedar Grove sites. Locally, the North end of Fort Valley offers many great hiking trails, trout fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and the Elizabeth Furnace day-use park. Taskers Gap OHV/ATV park is a short drive south, and the valley is sandwiched between both forks of the Shenandoah River for those looking to paddle. Additionally, the local towns (Front Royal, Strasburg, Woodstock) offer their own charm and wide range of activities and attractions.
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$85
 / night
99%
(171)

Labyrinth, Trails and Solitude

11 sites · RVs, Tents116 acres · Orange , VA
116 acres of hills and dells. Miles of hiking trails marked and well maintained. A small pond and beautiful labyrinth. Over 50 acres of deep wilderness woods. General Lee and his troops once camped here. But they cleaned up pretty good, so all you can really see is the old spring and wagon road. This is a working herb and small fruit farm. We have been experimenting with all kinds of exotic herbs and trees. Some make it, many don't. We sell dried herb teas. In addition we have 5 different kinds of bamboo. We use the bamboo for so many things. In the 5 people per site we are considering adults, not children... bring a whole crew of kids (try to have enough supervision - if there is such a concept!) The kids have such a great time out here... it is amazing. They love the labyrinth! It seems like we made this place for the kids in ourselves and when actual kids see it they go wild. The last bunch were running and yelping with their picked flowers all round and round in the labyrinth for hours! Also, if you want peace and quiet - and we have children booked - we will put you out at one beautiful remote campsites away from all the kids running and singing.
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$45
 / night
100%
(165)

CASA VARGAS

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents104 acres · Culpeper, VA
**Welcome to Our Secluded Farm Retreat** Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and experience the serenity of our 104-acre farm, located just 5 miles from the charming town of Culpeper, VA. Nestled down a quiet dirt road, our farm offers the perfect getaway for those seeking privacy, tranquility, and the beauty of nature. Whether you're bringing your tent, travel trailer, or RV, you'll enjoy secluded sites that provide plenty of space to unwind and recharge. Our farm is surrounded by stunning landscapes, making it the ideal spot for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and horseback riding. If you're looking to relax, you can spend your days stargazing under the clear skies or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. Just a short drive away, you'll find some of the best wineries, breweries, and a wealth of tourist attractions, including the scenic Skyline Drive only 22 miles away. It's the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with something for everyone. Come create memories with family and friends in a place where nature, fun and relaxation come together.
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$55
 / night

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

Lakeside camping in Virginia guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience by the lake in Virginia? Look no further than Blackwater Birds and Bees! With over 280 options specifically tailored to your preference for lake activities in Virginia, you're sure to find the perfect spot. And with an average price per night of $50 and options as low as $23, you can enjoy nature without breaking the bank. Need some recommendations? Check out our top campsites like Private Farm Minutes to Cville and Camp Shenandoah Meadows. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like toilets, trash, and potable water. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy activities like snow sports, hiking, and wildlife watching. Start planning your camping adventure today!

Top parks in Virginia