- Riverside Camping
The best river, stream, or creek camping in Virginia
97% (14.3K) • 3,079 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Virginia
James River Depot
1. James River Depot
98%
(858)
Glasgow, VA · 5 sites
An active hay field nestled between the river and the railroad. A great place to enjoy some R and R. We love to float the James and there is easy access to the river on our property. A beautiful field as well as some trees for added shade. Fun to hear the trains and the water as you get amazing views of the night sky.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
South River Farm Campground
2. South River Farm Campground
94%
(135)
Front Royal, VA · 37 sites · Tents, Lodging
Glamp in a Furnished Yurt or Camp Riverside at South River Farm!!
Wake up by the Shenandoah! At South River Farm Campground, you can choose your own adventure - bring your own tent to our designated dispersed tent camping area or settle into a fully furnished riverside yurt perched above a scenic bend of the river.
Just minutes from downtown Front Royal, Skyline Drive, and Andy Guest State Park, our property offers the perfect blend of nature and convenience.
Tent Camping: Spacious designated sites, each with a fire pit, access to riverfront relaxation.
Riverside Yurts: Furnished and ready for you - featuring solar lighting, a hammock, picnic table, fire pit, grill access, and cozy riverside vibes.
Both options include access to a fully functional bath house - new in 2026!! Please note - there’s no electricity or running water on individual yurt or tent sites, but that’s part of the charm.
✨ Whether you’re glamping under the stars or pitching your own tent, South River Farm offers a peaceful riverside escape that’s close to everything but feels a world away.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
3. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
99%
(1092)
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
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
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir
5. 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
Agape Acres
6. Agape Acres
Chilhowie, VA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We have 60 acres of mountainous land with hiking trails and great views. Perfect for family time, bonfires, relaxing, hiking, biking and picnics. Bring your own hammock or find one of ours up on the trails! Very peaceful area close to Whitetop mountain (25 mins) and Grayson Highlands State Park (40 mins). The Creeper trail in Damascus is just 15 minutes away!
We have a glamping cottage with a kitchenette, electricity and A/C. 11 gallon camping sink and 5 gallons of drinking water provided. Porta potty provided-very clean and serviced weekly. Full size bed, queen sleeper sofa and twin bed in loft. Private fire pit, picnic table and charcoal grill. One dry tent(s) spot available with firepit and picnic table. Pet friendly.WiFi available. Bring your hiking boots, groceries and toiletries.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Crooked Mountain
7. Crooked Mountain
99%
(349)
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
Thunder BRidge
8. Thunder BRidge
99%
(728)
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
City Camp on Reedy Creek
9. City Camp on Reedy Creek
99%
(579)
Richmond, VA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
Come take a load off at this forested Richmond retreat overlooking Reedy Creek. Set up a tent, car camp, or bring your small trailer to one of two sites on a unique property backed up to 20+ acres of woods. Imagine a hidden gem where you can relax to the sounds of rushing water and chirping birds, but can walk or bike to coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, parks or the river. If you are coming into Richmond for a Brown's Island event we are a five minute Uber to an access point using the Potterfield walking bridge (it's a beautiful walk across the James River to the island).
Each campsite includes 3 level spots to pitch tents (see dimensions below), and a connected space to park one car, van or small trailer. The large parking space can be used as a fourth tent footprint if needed. There are additional parking spaces. Each site has a fire pit (with firewood on site), a grate to grill over the fire, a picnic table, and a hammock. There is a shared outbuilding with a composting toilet, hand washing sink, outdoor shower (solar warmed), and space to change privately.
Campsite W ~
Tent footprints: 1) 10' x 12'
2) 10' x 13'
3) 9' x 10'
Campsite E ~
Tent footprints: 1) 15'x16'
2) 10' x 15'
3) 9' x 10'
**Pricing is based on groups of up to four adults or two adults with children.
For groups of five to seven adults there is an additional charge of $10 person per day.
For groups of eight or more we suggest you reserve both sites and have the entire camp to yourselves.
Campsites W and E are about 80' apart. Both are around 100' to the creek. The spots can accommodate a total length (towing vehicle plus trailer) of up to 35 ft.
There is an outdoor spigot with potable water and hoses for clean up. The woodlands and creek adjacent to the campsites have trails that are accessible to the public. You and your furry friends are welcome to use these paths, but know that others may be using them too.
Richmond has so much to offer and we are just a hop, skip, and a jump to many wonderful attractions - kayak or sunbathe on the James River, walk or bike on trails around the city, rock climb, dine, imbibe.
PLEASE NOTE* These sites are on a private property with a house that is visible to campers, but we give our guests complete privacy and don't plan to interact unless you need something from us. While you are on a 2 acre property backed up to a 20 acre wooded area, we are still in the middle of the city and you will hear city sounds.
This is a safe space. We do not discriminate based on anything that makes you...you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Philpott Lake
10. Philpott Lake
80%
(5)
Park in Virginia · 215 sites
Discover Philpott Lake's serene beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wilderness Road State Park
11. Wilderness Road State Park
100%
(3)
State park in Virginia · 1 site
Discover the historic charm and outdoor adventures at Wilderness Road State Park.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
New River Trail State Park
12. New River Trail State Park
80%
(5)
State park in Virginia · 32 sites
Travel across Virginia without ever leaving this long, narrow state park! Amazing biking trails.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
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
Swedish Lilac Campground & Events
14. Swedish Lilac Campground & Events
99%
(250)
Vesuvius, VA · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
With 15 campsites, business class WIFI, over 1,000 feet of river frontage, Swedish Lilac Campground is the perfect getaway to reconnect with nature and relax with loved ones. Campsites accommodate RVs and tents with access to bath house, pavilion, dump station, and picnic areas, and is only a 20-minute drive to beautiful historic Lexington Virginia. Hiking, fishing, swimming, dining, and shopping a short distance away which means there is something for everyone at Swedish Lilac Campground. Enjoy being next to the river with the sound and energy of the rushing water. Beyond the river is the railroad track. The train runs sporadically throughout the day and night which adds a rhythmic clatter of times past. Some campers are annoyed while others view this as a plus while others don't even notice the noise from the trains. The riverside sites have a 4 to 6 foot drop to the river which may not be suitable for small children.
Remote workers welcome! Fiber optic internet with Wi-Fi access points that cover the entire campground.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Savage Acres on Craig Creek
15. Savage Acres on Craig Creek
98%
(684)
Catawba, VA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
In a remote valley just north of Roanoke VA, along the banks of Craig's Creek, the property includes mature hardwood forest, pasture, and an 1830s log cabin where we live. We love to share this special place with visitors, and have some basic amenities for campers. The campsites are at the edge of a large pasture and just a few steps from the creek and our big swimmin' hole. Totally secluded in a remote valley - barely a house in sight (but our cabin is a short walk through the woods if you need something), no cell service for most providers, but within a short drive of Roanoke and Blacksburg, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hippie Hollow
16. Hippie Hollow
99%
(159)
Floyd, VA · 54 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Live music:
-Wednesday afternoons in June July and August
-3rd Saturday of the Month starting in May
-Or Check Hippie Hollow FB page for live music event schedule: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576581639034
Adjacent to trout stocked Dodd Creek for fishing and swimming
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
New restroom is in operation
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Arcadia Sanctuary
17. Arcadia Sanctuary
98%
(381)
Buena Vista, VA · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Arcadia Sanctuary
An 83-Acre Mountainside Retreat for Earth-Based Spirituality in Central Virginia
Arcadia is our beloved sanctuary for earth-based spirituality, nestled on the southeastern slope of 4,000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia. Conveniently located near I-81, Arcadia offers a secluded, nature-immersed experience—just a short drive from the modern world, yet miles away in spirit.
Please note: There is a town called Arcadia off I-81, but we are not located there. Be sure to follow our directions carefully.
A Living Landscape of Forest, Water, and Wildness
Our land features a flowing mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, and Witch Hazels leaning gracefully over the water. You'll encounter trout, crayfish, salamanders, snakes, and the full chorus of mountain wildlife.
With nearly 2,000 feet of vertical mountainside, Arcadia offers trails to explore and camping options ranging from creek side convenience to secluded mountain hideaways. While most of our gathering areas are near creek level, higher sites are available for those seeking solitude—just be prepared for a bit of a hike to the bathrooms, showers, and fresh water.
A Natural Amphitheater for Music and Gathering
Arcadia is home to one of the finest private stages on the East Coast. Our natural amphitheater—shaped like a pie wedge carved into the mountainside—hosts live performances throughout spring, summer, and fall. With a top-quality sound system and stunning surroundings, it’s a magical venue for music, ceremony, and celebration.
Stay With Us: Yurt Glamping, Tent Camping & More
Our beautiful yurt is available for rent and offers a unique glamping experience surrounded by nature. For traditional campers, we offer multiple campsites near the creek, as well as more remote locations higher up the mountain.
Every stay includes access to the shared amenities: bathrooms, hot showers, fresh water, and community gathering spaces.
Meet the Arcadia Community
Arcadia is alive with more than just trees and streams. You’ll share space with our free-roaming flock of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl, along with two friendly dogs, nine curious cats, and the human stewards who live and care for this land year-round.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Stoney Creek Campground
18. Stoney Creek Campground
98%
(133)
Bedford, VA · 3 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
Private Farm Minutes to Cville
19. Private Farm Minutes to Cville
98%
(1416)
Charlottesville, VA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
There is now a policy of no outside pets allowed. If you have an outstanding reservation including a pet and need to cancel you'll be given a full refund.
This is an active 55-acre horse farm. About 2/3rds of the property is developed with barns and fenced pastures and the other third is largely undeveloped areas with a loop driveway where most of the camp sites are located. There is a large white house at the far end of the property. The restroom for campers to use is located there. To one side of the driveway, on the way to the house there is a beautiful large swimming pond, complete with beach and gazebo.
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Seven Islands River Front Campsites
20. Seven Islands River Front Campsites
99%
(630)
Arvonia, VA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
NOTICE: Some campers are having navigational problems with their phone’s GPS feature. Having a paper roadmap available for a backup is recommended . 9337 Bridgeport Rd, Arvonia Va.23004. NOTE:We have changed things a bit. We are going with only 2 sites this year. Site 1 is no longer available. Turn at the aluminum canoe placed on top of a large orange road barrier at the edge of our drive way. The canoe is bolding displaying the word HIPCAMP with a red arrow leading the way. Follow the drive down to the river front campsites.. This is due to a yearly Festival held in Scottsville where Historic river . 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 . Firewood available per request and delivered for$30.00 a 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.
Your site is approximately 2 acres, so you will have your choice of where to pitch a tent or place your camper or trailer.
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
On the other side of the river you might hear a train passing by at different times, both, day and night.
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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
m
michael
3 days ago
Tent
Our experience from the start was absolutely excellent, and it only got better throughout!
My fiance and I had a magical time. Fran was extremely helpful, very responsive, and recommended the perfect site. The grounds were incredible, so much fun detail, so serene but real and raw feeling. Finley who checked us in was so nice and informative, and Buddy the giant golden retriever was the most incredible host and guardian, walking us up to our site, sleeping outside our tent at night, and showing us around the grounds. He also is one of if not the best groomed outdoor dog (especially long haired) I've ever seen.
The outdoor live amphitheater is spectacular, and we were lucky enough to happen to be around for Mondo Jellyfish King's practice session, and what a treat, these guys know how to rock! The facilities were adorable and well kept, everything you need and more. The turkeys and ducks and rooster and ponds and trails, just endless wonder. You feel the magic from the second you turn in.
Every soul we encountered was so uplifting and welcoming, and you can see and feel the love everywhere you go. When they call this place a sanctuary, they are not messing around. We had so much fun, got exactly the weekend we needed after a very hard couple months. I could not have imagined a more perfect experience!!
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T
Tee
1 week ago
Tent
Starting with the host (Valerie and Fritz) tremendous people, very welcoming…Family oriented environment, an abundance of natural sounds (some of the best sleep I’ve ever had)…I thought the train running near by was neat to see…Bathrooms were very clean…site (#1) was very spacious…
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R
Ryan
1 week ago
Tent
Loved all the animals around the property. Very peaceful retreat and a great way to get away. We thought it was absolutely beautiful even with the rainy weather and thoroughly enjoyed the stay.
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A
Anthony
1 week ago
15 ft pop-up camper
Amazing site! Clean and quiet! Will absolutely be back! Hosts are very friendly!
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Z
Zander Ostrovsky
1 week ago
Tent
Two friend of mine and I stayed at Wendy’s James River campground on our way road tripping across country and she provided clear instructions and directions making navigating to the campsite at night a breeze. Beyond that the property is stunning and very close to tons of great outdoor excursions. Would recommend to anyone passing through or otherwise!
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S
Stacy
2 weeks ago
24 ft travel trailer
Nice private, quiet small campground with electric and water hook ups.
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T
Troy
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
All quiet apart from the bullfrogs. Good showers and bathrooms close by.
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J
Julia
2 weeks ago
2 nights at South River Farm Campground
The yurts were lovely and the hosts are very responsive. Sitting in the river and enjoying my morning coffee was almost the best part of this trip but the surrounding area is great with plenty to do. Bath house was beautiful and clean. Would love to stay here again one day!
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R
Richard
2 weeks ago
Tent
Second trip, won't be the last. All the sites are awesome, we've camped at two different sites, but really I wouldn't be disappointed with any of them. The bathroom is very clean and the host is very accommodating and responsive. Really, Adam is nothing but 5 ⭐'s as far as we concerned. 🙏 For all the help Adam!!
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J
Justin
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Favorite spot: tell no one. Trains, wood, river, shade, peace.
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G
Glenn
2 weeks ago
22 ft travel trailer
Swedish Lilac is not a posh campground resort. But it is a quaint, peaceful, woodsy retreat along the South River which is more like a creek at this location. If you are an outdoorsy lover of nature, then you will love this campground. Nothing fancy but they do have water/electric hook-up, a dump station, and a very nice bathhouse. The hosts, Valerie and Fritz are super welcoming and enjoy visiting with their guest. They also offered free firewood but don’t mind if you bring your own. This was the perfect weekend retreat we needed and we’ll be back!
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D
Daniel
2 weeks ago
15 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Fritz and Valerie were excellent host and the site was beautiful! Loved falling asleep/waking up the sound of the south river. Space was nice and the amenities were well taken care of. Close proximity to Lexington, fun spot to hangout. They also provided plenty of wood for our stay for a very small cost. Highly recommend!
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J
Juan
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great spot to camp! As a first time camper, they really set you up for success with their friendly service and amenities. Would recommend this location to anyone looking for a getaway!
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R
Robin
2 weeks ago
20 ft truck camper
With pets
This was such a magical hipcamp. Our dog enjoyed the open meadow and maple tree site. The hundreds of lightning bugs that come out at night were so magical! It was unreal. Super close to a creek which was amazing to fall asleep to and it’s very close to the swimming hole. The other sites were far enough away we had plenty of privacy. The port-a-potty has a chunk of the top of door missing, but it was actually amazing. You had a view and it didn’t get so hot in there. I vote to keep it this way haha. It was super close to the McAfee knob and dragons tooth parking lots. I would stay here again and again. Highly recommend.
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f
faith
2 weeks ago
Tent
Loved the camp site, really cool property! Adam was very communicative and helpful. :) Close to absolutely everything.
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L
Lee
2 weeks ago
Tent
We stay here all the time. Love the space and the hosts are great
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M
Matthew
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Great facilities, right along side the river. Sean was incredibly responsive to all messages. It was clean, grass was cut, the perfect camping trip for me and my son.
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C
Caleb
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Truly amazing weekend, wonderful hosts, wonderful scenery, will definitely be making a trip back.
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Steven
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Very nice people! Clean bathrooms and showers at a beautiful spot!
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N
Nathaniel
2 weeks ago
Tent
We had a lovely time and gorgeous spot right near the river. The bathrooms including portapottys are clean and everything is easy to access. Front Royal is a fun, cute city and we explored downtown during day and had a great time.
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