Lake Camping Near Lexington, Virginia, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping options in the United States. If you're looking for a campsite near Lexington, Virginia with a beautiful lake, we've got you covered. With over 380 available options, you'll find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you prefer the serene Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), the picturesque Camp Shenandoah Meadows (295 reviews), or the charming Rendezvous Farm (222 reviews), you'll be sure to have a memorable camping experience. Plus, with amenities like pet-friendly accommodations, showers, and trash facilities, and activities such as whitewater paddling, paddling, and surfing, you'll have everything you need for a fantastic adventure. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $35 per night. So pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in nature at one of our top-rated campsites near Lexington, Virginia.

94% (966)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lexington

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping options in the United States. If you're looking for a campsite near Lexington, Virginia with a beautiful lake, we've got you covered. With over 380 available options, you'll find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you prefer the serene Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), the picturesque Camp Shenandoah Meadows (295 reviews), or the charming Rendezvous Farm (222 reviews), you'll be sure to have a memorable camping experience. Plus, with amenities like pet-friendly accommodations, showers, and trash facilities, and activities such as whitewater paddling, paddling, and surfing, you'll have everything you need for a fantastic adventure. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $35 per night. So pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in nature at one of our top-rated campsites near Lexington, Virginia.

94% (966)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lexington

1. Thunder BRidge

99%

(688)

14mi from Lexington · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Starting December 1, or first night below freezing we will be closing down Bath House and only access will be at outhouses. Only sites near outhouses will be open and there will be no access to water. 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.

2. Gesundheit! Institute - Patch Adams

85%

(41)

49mi from Lexington · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Gesundheit! resides on a 320-acre pristine tract of farm + mountain land in rural West Virginia with gardens, meadows, creeks, waterfalls, a lake, clean air + water. We have more than two miles of trails through a beautiful hardwood forest ensuring your stay will be spent in close proximity to nature. Campsites are equipped with fire rings, access to clean drinking water, an outdoor shower + a composting toilet just a short walk from the sites. We offer fishing, canoeing, hiking, guided hikes, plant + mushroom walks, guided tours of the Gesundheit property, buildings, plus much more. We also grow many seasonal vegetables that are available for purchase during your stay. Ask us about availability when booking! The Gesundheit! Institute was founded by Patch Adams, M.D. + continues to function as a nonprofit focused on community health initiatives. We host many educational workshops throughout the year so make sure you check out upcoming events on our website at patchadams.org ! The beautiful Greenbrier River (the location of our favorite swimming hole) is a 5 minute drive down Locust Creek Rd + a 2 minute drive to the historic Locust Creek covered bridge. The small town of Hillsboro (birthplace of Nobel Prize winning author Pearl S. Buck) is 5 miles away with a restaurant (The Hillsboro Public House) + two gas stations. We are surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest with many state parks available less than a 15 minute drive from the property. There are many remarkable places to see while you're visiting; Cranberry Wilderness area, Watoga State Park, Bear Town State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, the Highland Scenic Highway + a little further North up 219 is Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort; a favorite for skiing + snowboarding, mountain biking, music (4848 Festival) + many other outdoor activities!

3. Arcadia Sanctuary

97%

(370)

16mi from Lexington · 16 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.

4. Jefferson National Forest

98%

(27)

488 sites · Bluefield, Virginia

Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Douthat State Park

97%

(17)

58 sites · Clifton Forge, Virginia

Can’t decide between lake or mountain? Douthat—one of Virginia’s original state parks—has both.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Beaverdam Falls

98%

(119)

44mi from Lexington · 4 sites · Lodging

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!

7. Darby Farm

100%

(69)

48mi from Lexington · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Come visit us with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking, fishing and farm animals await you as you relax and enjoy southern hospitality.

8. Cold Sulphur Springs Campground

86%

(132)

14mi from Lexington · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land: ABOUT THE CAMPGROUND: Tucked away in the small town of Goshen, Virginia, you will find the Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground. This beautiful site is situated amongst the mountains of Virginia, and has the amazing views that come with the outstanding location. Our grounds accommodate 3 campsites suited for tent camping, and 14 others appropriate for RV camping. Our site offers access to Cold Sulphur Springs Lake, where visitors can swim, fish, boat, and more. Our secluded location are perfect for a get-away from the city. In addition to our activities, we offer amenities such as a bathhouse, as well as electric and water hook-ups, and a dump station. Please note that we are also a seasonal campground, so we offer accommodations to both nightly and annual visitors. Some seasonal campers leave their vehicles at the site for the season, so you will see a mix of empty and occupied sites.  NOTES ABOUT BOOKING: ***During hunting season (October-December), target practice and shooting will be held on Sundays from 3-6 PM at the dam. Please avoid the lake and lake area during shooting time.  The road is safe to use to access the campground. Practice is limited to monthly and seasonal campers.*** Please plan ahead when joining us! Our location really is quite remote, so bring flashlights or headlamps to ensure you have enough light to set-up camp if staying overnight, especially if you are expecting a late arrival.  Please specify if you would like a fire pit and/or picnic table when booking.  We have both tent camping and RV camping sites. Please specify which kind of site you will need. If camping with an RV/camper, please note we offer 30 and 50 amp power at each site. Finally, please note that we are a campground under new ownership and we will be making improvements as we go (tree trimming, seeding, plumbing, etc.)! Please excuse any noise or mess. We will do our best to schedule our maintenance away from your campsite, but it may be in the vicinity.  OUR LOCATION: Goshen's location is extremely convenient, with the cities of Lexington and Staunton just a short drive away. Day trips to Lynchburg and Roanoke are also easily done from Goshen. Douthat State Park and the Goshen Pass are nearby as well. We recommend the Goshen Pass as the best swimming hole around! OUR HISTORY: In addition to being a beautiful and serene place to be, Cold Sulphur Springs has a wonderful history that can be re-imagined just by stepping on site. The Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground dates back to at least the mid-late 1800s, when it was a large, flourishing resort frequented by travelers from near and far. In its heyday, the resort bustled with more than 250 guests who often spent entire summers there playing croquet and enjoying orchestra concerts at the hotel dance hall. They would arrive at the Goshen train station and be brought to the resort by horse and buggy, greeted with ice cold lemonade. Those who visited Cold Sulphur Springs, doctors especially, attributed miraculous medicinal benefits to the water, recommending it as a cure for a variety of ailments and encouraging patients to visit.  However, the 1900s brought the onset of World War I and the advent of the automobile, allowing Americans to travel freely to a variety of locations without the need to summer for months at one resort. These factors caused the hotel at Cold Sulphur Springs to lose patrons and eventually meet its demise through fire and other means of destruction. Today, the grounds provide a simpler kind of hospitality. Cold Sulphur Springs is a place for travelers from all walks of life to camp, fish, swim, boat, hike, and more. While little remains of the old hotel, the historic Spring House is still in tact at the campground, as are some remnants of original building foundations. Please note the springs are not accessible for guest use. We invite you to explore the wonder that is the Historic Cold Sulphur Springs Campground and see the beauty that lies within.

9. Blue Ridge Parkway

91%

(34)

250 sites · Independence, Virginia

Buckle up for 469 miles of driving perfection along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. George Washington National Forest

99%

(51)

487 sites · Deerfield, Virginia

Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. Watoga State Park

75%

(4)

88 sites · Hillsboro, West Virginia

Discover Watoga State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

12. Seneca State Forest

100%

(4)

10 sites · Cass, West Virginia

Discover Seneca State Forest's natural splendor and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

13. Smith Mountain Lake State Park

100%

(9)

24 sites · North Shore, Virginia

A relaxing lake with an ice cream boats making deliveries? Count us in! RV hookups and cabins, too!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Lexington

100%

(5)

Cave Mountain Lake Family Campground

15mi from Lexington · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

The view from Wildcat Mountain Trail. Don't try to hike the whole trail unless you're in pretty darn good physical condition!

100%

(3)

Cave Mountain Lake Group Campground

15mi from Lexington · 1 site · in Jefferson National Forest

100%

(2)

Hopper Creek Group Campground

16mi from Lexington · 1 site · in Jefferson National Forest

North Creek Campground

18mi from Lexington · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

97%

(17)

Douthat State Park Campground

21mi from Lexington · 58 sites · Tents, RVs · in Douthat State Park

86%

(14)

Peaks of Otter Campground

25mi from Lexington · 140 sites · Tents, RVs · in Blue Ridge Parkway

100%

(9)

Sherando Lake Recreation Area and Campground

26mi from Lexington · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

100%

(2)

Hidden Valley Recreation Area

30mi from Lexington · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

Morris Hill Campground

30mi from Lexington · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

Craig Creek Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(1)

Craig Creek Recreation Area and Campground

31mi from Lexington · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Jefferson National Forest

100%

(1)

McClintic Point Campground

31mi from Lexington · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

Greenwood Point Campground

31mi from Lexington · 5 sites · in George Washington National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Luscious green next to the pond. A great place to camp, be visited by the ducks and listen to the wildlife and the creek nearby

M

MaryAnn

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Sanctuary

Great spot and Fran is very accommodating. Beautiful, quaint, the animals, very clean bathrooms and star filled sky were amazing.

S

Seth

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Camp experience was great (aside from the directions pulled from the app not being accurate - had to ask a couple of locals for directions to get un-lost). Adam was super friendly and check-in/out was super simple.

M

Mark

November 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Darby Farm

Very pleasant place to stay with mountain views and a quiet, peaceful farm. There is a water hookup and electric if needed. Would definitely stay again.

I

Iron Will

November 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Darby Farm

Lovely spot! Robin was welcoming and accommodating. Amazing views and perfect spot for my Basecamp. Highly recommend 💜

c

chris

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Great location! So much space and quiet. Cabin was very comfortable. Highly recommend

C

Carolyn

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Indoor fireplace. Plenty of room. Outdoor grills. Love. Coming back with friends.

E

Eric

October 2025

10 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Darby Farm

I only stayed for the night and early morning, so I can’t speak to the full experience, but the property is beautiful and accommodations were great. The serenity and breathtaking sunrise is well worth the price of admission.

J

Jessie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Sanctuary

We camped at Far Far Away and it was a great time. The bathrooms were clean and tidy and not a far walk from the site. We were visited by Buddy the pupper several times during our stay and he was an awesome addition to our company. Its a wonderful place to unplug from life, sit back and enjoy the beauty that mother nature has to offer. Fran was wonderful and was just a text away if we needed anything. Looking forward to our next stay at the Sanctuary!

Adam

October 2025

20 ft Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Darby Farm

Darby Farm was wonderful! Beautiful Mountain View’s, and a great area. Food was amazing. Be sure to add the dinner and breakfast to your trip. We will return! Great host! So much to do in the area!

C

Chris

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Beaverdam Falls

The entire property looks well run, the waterfall is pretty & you can hear it from the text, It was very moist out, as expected this time of year. We paid extra for bedding & it was totally worth it to arrive with the bed made. The bedding was perfect, very comfortable. The only negative at all is the text does have mold & just needs a routine power wash, not a big deal. Would definitely recommend! The leaves have started to change at that elevation and it was gorgeous!

N

Nolan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Sanctuary

BEAUTIFUL campsite. Really clean bathrooms and showers. Roving campsite cats and dogs were SO sweat. 10/10 lovely experience.

J

Justin

October 2025

2 nights at Arcadia Sanctuary

Great getaway for the family! Finley was great checking us in and made sure we had everything. Great scenery and wonderful creek with a few smaller waterfalls. Really had a nice time. Thank you.

A

Al

October 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Darby Farm

Robin is a super gracious and welcoming host. Her home and sites are located in a beautiful part of Virginia. We arrived early and had choice of the sites. We chose the most remote and private site of the three that were available. We had a small corner of the farm back by the chickens, horses and goats. The sites are not that far apart and on the small size, but they still felt adequately private. It’s just right for a short stay. There are many wineries and tap rooms in the area, in addition to parks and hiking trails. The morning we left Robin came to say goodbye and treated us to some delicious pumpkin bread that her daughter makes and sells on her IG. Check them out at Derby Farms. Thank you, Robin. It was our pleasure.

M

Mary

October 2025

3 nights at Arcadia Sanctuary

We enjoyed being unplugged from tech and fully immersed in nature. The yurt is nestled in the woods away from the main building and other tent sites so there's plenty of privacy and quiet. There's an opening in the trees above where a myriad of stars can be admired from the deck. I recommend opening the windows of the yurt to let in the sunlight and allow air to flow through the space. It was convenient to use the grill for cooking and the dinnerware for our meals. There is only one pot to cook in so if you need additional cookware, I would recommend bringing what you need as well as a sharp knife, peeler and can opener.

L

Laurie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Sanctuary

Our family of four had a wonderful time in Arcadia Sanctuary. The property is very natural and full of beautiful plants, majestic sycamore trees, and lots of cute farm birds roaming around. We enjoyed sitting by the fire and listening to the owls and crickets at night. Buddy the dog checked on us in the mornings as we cooked our delicious fresh eggs. On Saturday, a lively band played from about 4-7 and they invited us to come down to the pavilion for the show. Overall, a very groovy place with good hospitality!

L

Laurie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Sanctuary

Our family enjoyed our weekend in the east village! Fran’s place is natural and full of character. We loved the farm fresh eggs, beautiful trees, listening to the owls at night, and meeting Buddy, the friendly dog. Saturday night, a lively rock band played from 4-7 and we were invited to enjoy the show. 😊 We also had fun fishing in Thrasher Lake, about ten minutes away.

B

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Absolutely amazing stay. Adam has created a truly relaxing and welcoming environment. I came out with a few friends to celebrate a birthday and it was absolutely perfect. We cannot wait to comeback!

A

Aaron

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Beaverdam Falls

Loved this place. Everything was perfect and camp sites were supplied with a number of necessities you don’t have to bother brining yourself. Great visit and will be back many times.

M

Monny

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Beaverdam Falls

Beautiful and relaxing place to stay. We really enjoyed our time here—the waterfall is amazing, with stunning mountain views, wildflowers, butterflies, a cave, and so many hummingbirds this season. We’ll definitely come back again! 🌿✨

C

Carla

August 2025

With pets

1 night at Beaverdam Falls

What a magical place!!! Zero complaints. The whole property is gorgeous and beautifully maintained. I wish we’d have stayed longer than one night, but we’re already planning to come back. There’s so much to do and see. The host was super kind and accommodating. The communal space with coffee and muffins in the am was a delight. Their sites have everything you need. I usually camp primitive but ngl I enjoyed the perks of the permanent tents and structures w/ comfy beds on site. Can’t recommend this place enough. Posted a couple pics and have had many friends contact me for the link. The waterfall is truly awe inspiring and the cave is just cool as can be. 10 outta 10. Grateful to experience this little slice of heaven!