Discover the best campgrounds in Virginia with wildlife watching

United States
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Virginia

98% (13066 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Virginia

Under $50

12 top campgrounds in Virginia with wildlife watching

97%

(1057)

Camp Shenandoah Meadows

11 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Woodstock, VA

We welcome you to our view of the great outdoors. We are 30 minutes from the entrance of the well known Skyline Drive, part of the Shenandoah National Park. We are surrounded by multiple hikes, restaurants, breweries and wineries less than a 30 minute trip! Onsite we have numerous amenities open to all camping guests which include, fish stocked pond, large swimming pool, basketball court, and soccer field. We welcome you to stay with us and enjoy our 40 acre view! This camp was previously operated as a summer camp for large groups, but will now be open to groups of all sizes including campers throughout the year! This is new for the camp and the new owner, but we’re excited about hosting everyone going forward!Welcome!

Graves Mountain Farm Campground

40 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Syria, VA

Campground by Shenandoah National Park - it touches us. Maximum Length of Stay 7 Days 1800 Acre Farm to Play On 22 activities from yoga to fishing to riding to music listening, mountain biking, road biking, Lots of activities - from live music, to nature walks, horseback trail rides, fly fishing, 18 miles of trails, mountain biking, road biking, eating good food. Campground is 7 to 55 acres on the Farm; on large attendance weeks it goes up to 55 acres. Campground is free-form. You make your own area, no reserved "spaces". Yes, you can drive across the fields to where you want to set up and park right there. Same for RVS, groups of RVS. Porta-toilets, pit toilets, excellent mountain well water. Wet toilets and showers - 150 yards in Dorms Area - "Jam Camp" No picnic tables or fire rings as we use the spaces for different events. No hook-ups. We do have a dump station with a fee of $40.00. 2 Mountain Streams - Rose River& Robinson River 2 Fishing Ponds - no license needed 28 Miles of Hiking Trails on property - one of our mountains is higher than Old Rag Old Rag and White Oak Canyon - just up our back hollow road - 7 miles. See map of our trails and the key Shenandoah National Park ones > https://www.gravesmountain.com/wp-content/uploads/Trail_map_graves_mountain_legal_size_04272024.pdf Seasonal Pool - fee payable $10 pp per day in 2024 Well Behaved pets are welcome - on leads please & please clean up after your pet. Please stay within signed areas as the size of the campground changes according to festival events Wood - May be purchased at the Graves Mountain Market, Campground Entrance or at the Main Lodge. Water spigots up front near the red barn. Excellent, potable. Fiber Optic WiFi- that allows for Cell service calling and receiving - even without cell service - up front. Get password at bulletin board, Market or Main Lodge Cell phones - connect to your network via our WiFi both to call out and receive calls. We are remote so no cell towers available Open 24 hours - at night please be respect your neighbors while setting up. Old Rag Mountain Hike- 6.5 miles to the back entrance (Weakley Hollow/Berry Hollow Fire Rd and Old Rag Shelter |10.5 miles to Nethers/Front Entrance. White Oak Canyon Falls Hike - 6.5 miles up our back hollow road 12 Outdoor Adventures and a Whole Farm to Get to Know: goats, horses, rabbits, chickens, sheep, black angus calf, and more. Hiking and fishing on our 1800 acres and National Park, horse-back riding, nature hikes, guided hikes, yoga, live music, own hard cider, Farm to Table Restaurant, Market Deli and tackle for needs, prepared foods - or giving in to a massage - even Reiki. Gift Shop located in the lower level of the Main Lodge for t-shirts, hats, gifts, Graves Mountain specialty products and more. Live sing-along, open mike on Friday evenings and live Bluegrass on Saturday evenings. Our own hard cider "Mountain Squeeze", fire-pit, marshmallow roasting---all at the Main Lodge. What will be happening on the farm - see our calendar of activities: https://www.gravesmountain.com/calendar-events-shenandoah-blue-ridge/ Huge seasonal pool, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, corn-hole, ping pong, board games, and books - a whole library for you.

Thunder Bridge

24 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. We'd like to share the camp with others and see 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.

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(788)

Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

4 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Brightwood, VA

Welcome to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend!Campsite has a firepit, picnic table, river frontage with beach, and fishing hole. Campers can enjoy hiking and the many breweries and wine vineyards in the Shenandoah. Great access point for kayaking. Firewood available (reasonable rates)close to:-Scenic Skyline DriveThorton Gap entrance (33 miles)Swift Run Gap entrance (29 miles)-Shenandoah National Park (50 miles)-Many great VineyardsPrince Michele (3 miles away)Early Mountain (10 miles away)DuCard (16 miles)Barboursville (24 miles)Horton’s ( 25 miles)Old Rag Mountain which was voted #10 in the Top 25 hikes in the world,(20 miles)Historic homes of Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson (Monticello - 41 miles) or James Madison (Montpelier- 21 miles)

Crooked Mountain

11 sites · Tents47 acres · Floyd, VA

We are a family/veteran-owned small farm offering primitive creek-side and open field camping that's perfect for motorcyclists, car campers, and tourists traveling on an adventure. We are located along the historic Crooked Road Music Trail and right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 159.3. The picturesque town of Floyd is only 4 miles away, with easy access to music, shopping, multiple grocery stores, local and international themed restaurants - all with a true feeling of Appalachian hospitality. There are 6 creek-side campsites and open-field campsites in the peaceful field, all with access to trails. We have been developing our dream property and wanted to welcome visitors with affordable tent camping in an incredibly beautiful area of the country. Also, on the property we have a store with essential camping needs, local products, artisan items, coffee, and souvenirs. During the summer we offer a "YouPick" flower experience in our crop field (come get a container and pick your own bouquet of flowers) and special/tourism events. Peak season for flowers is from July to September. We would love for you to camp and give us feedback as we are constantly improving things. Our newest amenity is a 1 mile hiking trail that starts at the campground and takes you through the woods to the top of our property. Come ride, camp, and explore the area!

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.

91%

(610)

Traveler's Meadow

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Broadway, VA

Enjoying 8 acres of the simpler life with Renee and our children, 15 minutes north of Harrisonburg, Virginia. We love animals, planting gardens, preserving quality food, and hiking and camping in both of the world-famous national parks here. We are 4th year hosts, and immensely gratified to share all we can from this amazing Shenandoah Valley. For many adventure seekers, we have been a gateway to nearby attractions, while many of our guests come here specifically to enjoy a humble get-away in the woods with electricity, great Wi-Fi and a hot shower. There are several petting zoos near us, in case you want a little close-up exposure to some cute farm animals. We are located 45 minutes from the Shenandoah National Park. Nathan is an avid hiker and familiar with many fun outdoor attractions in the area. Please reach out to us, should you need any help planning your trip. Some great hikes: Trayfoot Mountain to Blackrock Summit from Port Republic Rd Elliot Knob and High Knob fire towers Fridley's gap swimming hole & overlook. Meems Covered Bridge in Mt. Jackson Wildflower Trail (see a long lost, 500-pound millstone) Blue Ridge Tunnel Hone Quarry falls Reddish Knob Emerald Pond Yellow Rock Cliff and Storybook Trail (Great overlooks!!) Please ask about scheduled group hikes as well, we would love to help you have a good time. Other fun things: Frontier Cultural Museum Back Home on the Farm Melrose Caverns Ruby's Arcade (awesome wood fired pizza, 150 year old Duck Pin game)

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(931)

Rivers Edge Trail Camp

7 sites · RVs5 acres · Allisonia, VA

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. 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, or kayak 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 tent sites at the present time. 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

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Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Etlan, VA

Welcome to our small Farm and Inn, 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 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 therefore 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.

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Peaceful Meadows Farm

17 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Palmyra, VA

Learn more about this land: 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 for dinner but we ask that you notify your host if you want to keep some fish. Otherwise please practice catch and release policy. Each site will have a fire ring available. 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. We are only 35 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 your 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!

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Phantom Hill Forest Retreats

5 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Louisa, VA

Enchanted forest with a shiitake mushroom farm, well maintained walking trails, and hidden treasure boxes! Three creek-side tent sites and an RV site available (all are spaced out for maximum privacy - see map)! Each site includes a large propane grill, fire pit, solar string lights, tables and seating, hammocks, and firewood available for purchase (conveniently located at the site). Clean composting toilet (serviced 2x a day). Rental items include tents (we will set up for you), sleeping pads, coolers with ice, potable water jugs, and insect screens. Within a couple miles of Southern Revere Brewery/Winery and scenic Forrest Green Farm. There is a lot to do on the property: * 40 acres with a couple miles of trails you can hike or bike (map provided) * Self-guided tour of mushroom farm * Hidden creature scavenger hunt * Gnomes are hidden throughout the forest for you to find AND hide! * Hidden treasure boxes - take something and/or leave something!

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Savage Acres on Craig Creek

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · New Castle, VA

In a remote valley, along the banks of Craig's Creek, just north of Roanoke VA, 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 Craig Creek and our big swimmin' hole. Totally secluded in a remote valley - no houses or roads 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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Jefferson National Forest

Bluefield, Virginia

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George Washington National Forest

Deerfield, Virginia

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Grayson Highlands State Park

Troutdale, Virginia

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Hungry Mother State Park

Cape Charles, Virginia

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Occoneechee State Park

Clarksville, Virginia

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Smith Mountain Lake State Park

North Shore, Virginia

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Westmoreland State Park

Montross, Virginia

100%

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Chippokes Plantation State Park

Scotland, Virginia

100%

(3)

Belle Isle State Park

Lancaster, Virginia

Camping in Virginia with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! With over 1600 options in Virginia that cater specifically to wildlife watching enthusiasts, you're sure to find the perfect spot to connect with nature. Looking for a campsite with rave reviews? Check out top-rated options like Blackwater Birds and Bees (601 reviews), Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), and Camp Shenandoah Meadows (295 reviews). And with popular amenities like potable water, toilets, and pet-friendly spaces, you'll have all the comforts you need. Plus, you can enjoy activities like swimming, exploring historic sites, and even wind sports. With an average price per night of $40 and options starting as low as $5, camping in Virginia has never been more affordable. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!