The best camping in Virginia with swimming

·

Looking for a camping spot in Virginia where you can swim? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1000 options specifically tailored to your swimming preference, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you're looking for a secluded lake or a riverside retreat, we have you covered. And with average prices starting at just $44 per night, there's a camping option for every budget. Don't just take our word for it - check out our top-rated campsites with hundreds of reviews like Blackwater Birds and Bees (601 reviews), Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), and Camp Shenandoah Meadows (295 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and even pet-friendly spots. And if you're feeling adventurous, popular activities like biking, off-roading, and wildlife watching are just a stone's throw away. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to dive into your next camping adventure in Virginia!

97% (10.1K) 2,336 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Virginia

Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

1. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

99%
(1080)
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
Rivers Edge Trail Camp

2. Rivers Edge Trail Camp

99%
(1104)
Allisonia, VA · 6 sites
LIKE us on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/riversedgetrailcamp Standing on the New River Trail looking up where the campsites are located will give you the feeling that you truly are sleeping on the edge at Rivers Edge campground. Unique limestone formations can be found on the property. Large birds and even an eagle or two seem to prefer this area for hunting. Watch from a distance as farmers cut hay throughout the summer. This private cliff top setting has 6 newly created camp sites on 5 Acres. These sites are for camper vehicles only. NO TENTS! Enjoy less crowds and more nature! The long range views or the river and farmlands will take your breath away. At the bottom of the drive you have access to the New River and the New River Trail so bring your bike for more fun. Bike the trail, bird watch, or star gaze; the choices are endless. Don't be surprised to see bear, turkey, eagles, deer, or a coyote. PLEASE give us a rating on YELP also if you enjoyed your stay! The direct link to our place on Yelp is https://www.yelp.com/biz/rivers-edge-trail-camp-barren-springs?osq=Camping Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/riversedgetrailcamp This is a great spot for people looking for peace and quiet. 26 Minutes upriver of Claytor Lake State Park. There is a zoo in nearby Ft. Chiswell. Each site has full hook ups. No tents are allowed due to lack of toilet facilities. Area grocery stores are located about 30 minutes away in Wytheville, Pulaski and Hillsville. A portion of the profits will be donated to a non-profit! Bookmark the direct link to our site here on HipCamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/virginia/rivers-edge-trail-camp
Pets
Full hookups
Thunder BRidge

3. Thunder BRidge

99%
(716)
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
Jefferson National Forest

4. Jefferson National Forest

98%
(28)
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

99%
(52)
National forest in Virginia · 487 sites
Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
A Virginia Pioneer Adventure!

6. A Virginia Pioneer Adventure!

Independence, VA · 1 site
If a "back to nature" primitive camping experience is what you seek, this is the best place to do it! You'll have 47 acres of mature woods, with rolling meadow, some hills, fresh springs, and a wide creek in beautiful Grayson Co, VA. Best of all, you will have lots of privacy and a spectacular star-filled sky on clear nights. Even though the property is located less than ten miles from the nearest town, here there is peace and quiet. Feel free to explore the entire property and enjoy the freedom to pitch your camp at the location that suits you! Perhaps you like the sound of a babbling creek and will want to set up camp at the flat along the creek; or perhaps you want to see the amazing view from the very top of the hill and camp there...or nestle your site in the beautiful meadow in between. The choice is yours. Expect to hike into forest and through tall grasses; there's even a bit of rock you can climb if you wish. Overall elevation change from the bottom lands to the very top of the hill is about +210 feet. Plenty of flatter land in-between. If exploring 47 acres isn't enough to keep you busy, it's a ten minute drive to the New River access where you can canoe, kayak, fish or swim. Or head into town and pick up a book at the local book shop. Access to the property will require a 4WD vehicle, or you may simply park by the entrance at the road and just hike it in. There are no amenities here, and the property often has vegetation (taller grasses) which you might want to cut to make your own site, which is allowed. Photos show what others have done in previous seasons to clear a space for camping. Campsites are generally not cleared of grass as shown. Hipcampers beware, this is rough, back-to-nature, old school style camping. There's often plenty of wildlife to see and hear although hunting, trapping, etc. is prohibited to Hipcampers. Fishing wild trout from the creek is allowed! These activities are at your own risk; no liability provided for Vehicle/boat operations, Use of firearms, Serving alcohol or Rock climbing.
Pets
Campfires
Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

7. Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

99%
(596)
Etlan, VA · 8 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hippie Hollow

8. Hippie Hollow

99%
(153)
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
The Guinea Farm, Field, and Forest

9. The Guinea Farm, Field, and Forest

98%
(334)
Diggs, VA · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Chippokes Plantation State Park

10. Chippokes Plantation State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Virginia · 15 sites
Discover Chippokes Plantation State Park's rich history and outdoor splendor.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hungry Mother State Park

11. Hungry Mother State Park

100%
(16)
State park in Virginia · 51 sites
Woodland glamping, lake activities, and a sandy beach make this a family favorite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kiptopeke State Park

12. Kiptopeke State Park

100%
(9)
State park in Virginia · 7 sites
This family favorite has seaside cycles, sandy shores, and access to Chesapeake Bay.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Smith Mountain Lake State Park

13. 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Private Farm Minutes to Cville

14. Private Farm Minutes to Cville

98%
(1404)
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
Stoney Creek Campground

15. Stoney Creek Campground

98%
(120)
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
Savage Acres on Craig Creek

16. Savage Acres on Craig Creek

98%
(670)
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
Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

17. Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

100%
(506)
Fort Valley, VA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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 comprises 40 acres of lowland acreage designated for the camp, including a 5-acre lake. The Cedar Grove sites 1, 2, and 3 are along the banks of Passage Creek located within a sparse, groomed Cedar grove. They are all a short walk (or drive) to the lake and beach amenities. Each site has varying access to the creek, so check out the site details. 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 just boondocking. Pack it in, Pack it out. Generators are allowed but please be aware of the other sites and direct the noise away. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site is very secluded, nestled between the mountains and the lake. It overlooks our 5-acre lake with mountain views in the background. It's on the opposite side of the lake from the Cedar Sites. This site 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. It's a delicate site, so the accommodations and group size is strictly limited. Check out the reviews and extensive gallery for many options of this amazing property! 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Seven Islands River Front Campsites

18. Seven Islands River Front Campsites

99%
(624)
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
Beaverdam Falls

19. Beaverdam Falls

98%
(125)
Covington, VA · 4 sites
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Arcadia Sanctuary

20. Arcadia Sanctuary

97%
(377)
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

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