Camping in Bear Creek Lake State Park, VA

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Top-rated campgrounds near Bear Creek Lake State Park

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

98%
(1363)
7 sites · RVs, Tents · Charlottesville, VA
This was a 55-acre farm, split in half to accommodate a bypass through Charlottesville, so the previous owners had to give up half the land, and actually moved the house down to the other half of the property! They had to build a land bridge to get to the new home site, so they turned the bridge into a dam and created a beautiful large swimming pond, complete with beach and gazebo. My wife Stephanie and I bought the property in early 2017 and have turned it into a private horse farm, adding pastures, a riding ring, and 6-stall barn. There are ~21 horses who live on the property. The property is unique in that you can hardly see another house from anywhere on the property and yet we are only 2 miles from Barracks Rd. Shopping Center, and 4 miles from the University of Virginia.
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$34
 / night

Lakefront!! Kayaks Available.

99%
(92)
7 sites · RVs, Tents · New Canton, VA
**Fires are allowed at all sites, fire ring provided** Experience the ultimate outdoor retreat on our stunning 56-acre property in Buckingham County, Virginia. With a combination of pristine waters, abundant wildlife, and serene camping sites, this is the perfect getaway for nature lovers, anglers, and adventurers. Water Features 25-Acre Lake: The centerpiece of the property, this expansive lake features deep areas, a submerged dam, natural springs, and peaceful coves. It’s fully stocked with Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Brim, offering exceptional fishing opportunities. Two Additional Ponds: Explore two smaller ponds, one of which features a covered gazebo and dock, perfect for relaxing, fishing, or soaking in the views. Waterfront Campsites Lakeside Tent Sites: Each campsite is located along the water, providing stunning views and direct access to the lake. Easy Setup: Guests can drive their vehicles directly to the campsites for convenience. Kayaks Provided: Complimentary kayaks are available for exploring the lake’s hidden gems. Wildlife Haven Often described as an outdoorsman’s paradise, the property is alive with diverse wildlife and offers incredible opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Wildlife Sightings: Regular visitors include deer, eagles, ducks, geese, frogs, turtles, and beavers. Birdwatching: Enjoy spotting majestic eagles and other bird species in their natural habitat. Activities and Amenities Fishing: Cast a line in the lake or ponds for a relaxing and rewarding experience. Boating: Explore the lake’s tranquil waters with provided kayaks. Relaxation Spaces: Take in the views from the gazebo and dock by the pond, or unwind at your campsite by the water. Stargazing & Campfires: Evenings bring clear skies and the perfect setting for fireside chats. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, this property is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of nature. Book your campsite today and experience the serenity and adventure of this unique property!
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$45
 / night

Flower & Fields Farm

96%
(65)
2 sites · RVs, Tents · Mechanicsville, VA
Enjoy a complete break from the hustle and bustle of the everyday & escape to our budding 7 acre herb farm. Enjoy beautiful nature trails for biking, hiking, bird watching, mushroom hunting, or medicinal herb spotting. Beautiful scenic overview of adjacent property's pond, makes for the most romantic and instagram perfect photos. Access to lovely Beaver Dam Creek for taking a dip, panning for stones, or simply watching wildlife and flora. Property is absolutely magical with ferns, huge established trees, assorted mosses, hardwood mushrooms, lichen, medicinal and edible herbs. We also have quite a few animals running around. Feel free to pet and enjoy any and everything you find, except any black snakes you may come across. They simply would not appreciate it. We are adding animals daily so feel free to check our photos for what to expect. Come stay with us at Flower and Fields farm located 1 minute from restaurants, Walmart, and planet fitness. Convenient to 295, the airport, downtown Richmond, and the racetrack! Or completely avoid the social scene and enjoy your private fire pit and woodland sunsets. We can't wait for you to enjoy nature with us. See you soon.
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$19
 / night

Moon Mountain Hill Farm

2 sites · Lodging, Tents · Palmyra, VA
Offering glamping, RV and tiny home stays on a family farm. Secluded yet convenient to amenities in Central Virginia. There are deeper woods camping options. It is a family farm being restored and there are opportunities to meet, photograph, and feed some animals to include service dogs in training, chickens, goats and other critters. Enjoy the serene rural setting, complete with a meandering stream, nature walks, optional classes. And you are close to many Google top rated fun things to do and see nearby! 1. **Monticello** Rating: 4.7/5 (Google Reviews) Address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902 Website: https://www.monticello.org 2. **Shenandoah National Park** Rating: 4.8/5 (Google Reviews) Address: 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835 https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm 3. **Virginia Discovery Museum** Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews) Address: 524 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 Website: https://www.virginiadiscoverymuseum.org 4. **IX Art Park** Rating: 4.7/5 (Google Reviews) Address: 522 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902 Website: IX Art Park https://www.ixartpark.org 5. **Walton's Mountain Museum** Rating: 4.8/5 (Google Reviews) Address: 6480 Rockfish River Rd, Schuyler, VA 22969 Website: http://www.waltonmuseum.org 6. **Lake Anna State Park** Rating: 4.7/5 (Google Reviews) Address: 6800 Lawyers Rd, Mineral, VA 23117 https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/lake-anna 7. **Carter Mountain Orchard** Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews) Address: 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Website: https://www.cartermountainorchard.com 8. **James Madison's Montpelier** Rating: 4.7/5 (Google Reviews) Address: 11350 Constitution Hwy, Montpelier Station, VA 22957 Website: https://www.montpelier.org 9. **Historic Garden Week** Rating: Varies by location (seasonal) Website: https://www.vagardenweek.org 10. **Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall** Rating: 4.7/5 (Google Reviews) A
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$36
 / night

City Camp on Reedy Creek

99%
(555)
2 sites · RVs, Tents · Richmond, VA
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.
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$37
 / night

2nd40 to 420 - The Farm

99%
(98)
16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Pamplin, VA
The Farm was originally named 2nd 4o by my parents. They planned to live the 2nd forty years of their lives together on the farm. My parents both grew up on the southside of Chicago - where having a tree in your yard meant that you had "made it". They decided to use the land to grow Christmas trees. This did not last long :) but the saplings my dad planted by hand are still here & maybe 70' tall! Then my husband & I bought The Farm in 2017 for the 2nd forty years of our life & my parents built their little house right here. My husband and I immediately knew that our dream was to grow a different kind of "tree", so in 2019 we were among the first group to receive our license to grow hemp. We are passionate about both the hemp and cannabis plants! In 2020 when it finally became legal to grow cannabis, we immediately added that to our garden as well and 2nd 40 to 420 was born, or shall I say planted. We currently rent out our 2 RV's 3 Yurts & primitive sites , we also offer group bookings & Canna-friendly B&B options. We plan to add septic & electric hook-ups for RV's in the near future. Come join us in Growing our Dreams! Learn more about this land: Large farm with acres for tent camping. 2 RVs on site and Yurts available for rental - able to pull in RV's420 friendly - bed & breakfast options available. Creek, walking, riding trails, in season pool. Happy to host you with a variety of options. This option is for primitive camping on site. Outdoor shower available on property.
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$43
 / night

Seven Islands River Front Campsites

99%
(603)
3 sites · RVs, Tents · Arvonia, VA
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.
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$54
 / night

Peaceful Meadows Farm

99%
(271)
21 sites · RVs, Tents · Palmyra, VA
Learn more about this land: Welcome to Peaceful Meadows Farm. We have 250 acres for you to explore and enjoy.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 BUT FISHING IS CATCH AND RELEASE PLEASE. Each site will have a fire ring available and a picnic table. If you need anything else please let me know. 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. There is no swimming in the pond. It was built for fishing so it’s not safe to swim due to structures under the water for the fish. We are only 30 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 you’re 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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$40
 / night

Hawthorn Hollar

99%
(238)
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Palmyra, VA
Discover Hawthorn Hollow-"COME LET YOUR DOGS RUN FREE!" A Family-Owned Retreat Since 1949. Where we Welcome you to our little slice of paradise, where the beauty of nature and the joy of adventure come together to create an unforgettable experience! Nestled on family-owned land rich with history and charm, our property offers a unique blend of rustic appeal and abundant space. Imagine waking up to the serene sounds of nature, with endless opportunities for excitement and relaxation right at your doorstep. Our property is perfect for those who simply love being outdoors. Enjoy a leisurely hike, a peaceful picnic by the water, or a night under the stars. With plenty of space to spread out, you can truly relax and unwind without feeling crowded. Our land is a haven for wildlife, and you might catch glimpses of deer, eagles, turkey, fox and other animals that call this place home. We take pride in sharing our family land with guests. Whether you're here for the fishing, canoeing the scenery, or simply to relax and unwind, we promise a warm welcome and a delightful stay. Come be mesmerized by the fire, cook outside and play games like badminton or corn hole to experience the magic of being outdoors, where every moment is a celebration of nature and the simple joys of life. Welcome to our home – we're excited to share it with you!
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$36
 / night

Love Ridge Mountain Lodging

95%
(52)
24 sites · Lodging, Tents · Lyndhurst, VA
Love Ridge Mountain Lodging--NEAR SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARKExperience the beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. Take a dip at nearby Sherando Lake and stop in to some of the many local food and craft beverage hotspots. Then retreat to your own mountain cabin or campsite.Situated at 2,800 feet in the hamlet of Love, Virginia, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging borders the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 16. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat to the mountains or a jumping off point for exploring central Virginia, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging is the perfect choice.CABINSIndulge in a romantic getaway at one of our Blue Ridge Parkway Cabins, creating lasting memories with your loved one. 4 of our cabins are pet friendly.FAMILIESOur family cabins sleep 10+ and are the perfect place for kids to connect to nature and and an opportunity for busy parents to relax. PET FRIENDLYSelect from our four mountain cabins and campsites that offer a dog-friendly experience, ensuring a great space for both humans and their four-legged companions. View White Rock Cabin, Meadow Mountain Cabin, Sherando Cabin or Spy Rock Cabin for a pet-friendly cabins.HOT TUBSSome cabins offer a private hot tub, while a number of the smaller cabins offer jetted in-room tubs.GRILLS and FIREPITSGuests love the convenience of private outdoor grills for cooking and communal firepits.EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR STAY AND ONLINE STORERent an e-bike and cruise the parkway, take in the night skies around Love Ridge. Love Ridge has a variety of experiences to choose from. Our online store has a variety of food options. Advance notice may be needed for some items, so book early.
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$55
 / night

Magic at Galleywinter

99%
(312)
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Afton, VA
Galleywinter Farm is a 20-acre working horse farm with an organic garden and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Our whole farm fosters a sense of connection with nature, deep restfulness and relaxation. Explore our woods trails, beautiful spots to sit, or observe the horses. Our yoga and mediation studio with its gorgeous smooth wood floors offers serenity, a space to sit, stretch, or practice yoga.Galleywinter is a perfect place for a quiet getaway, great hiking trails just 4 miles away - guests have easy access to Shenandoah National Forest, George Washington National Forest, Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail. The Blue Ridge Tunnel is also a famous, historic site just minutes away. We are nearby many local breweries, restaurants, good grocery stores, art & antique shops. Great for folks wanting a quiet and restorative getaway.Our check-in window is between 3:00- 7:00, if you need to check in later message us and we'll try to accommodate. If it is significantly later, you can purchase this as an extra. We do observe quiet hours after 9:00 pm to ensure peace and quiet for everyone on the property. 
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$75
 / night

Shireton

100%
(8)
1 site · Lodging · Arvonia, VA
Welcome to our charming hobbit house nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s mountains!***Before booking, please carefully review the full house description and rules***. By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge and accept the property and its features as they are. Please note, our solar panels may sometimes be unreliable, especially with high energy usage. The backup generator is there for that reason, and we do not offer discounts if it is needed during your stay. Located in a peaceful rural setting, our hobbit house offers a truly immersive experience in nature that makes you feel like you have entered Middle Earth. Enjoy the rustic charm of the round door, but be mindful that bugs may enter more easily due to the design. We want your stay to be enjoyable, so please come prepared for a natural, off-grid experience. Refunds will not be provided if the generator needs to be used. Step into the enchanting world of Tolkien with a stay in our cozy hobbit house, featured on Building Off the Grid (Season 13, episode 3, Virginia Underground Home ). The tiny house includes a Murphy desk Hideaway bed (queen size), a hobbit-style dining nook, and a charming bathroom with a large copper soaking tub. Our dining area is a cozy, minimalist space designed for simple meals. We do not have a mini-refrigerator at this time, please bring a cooler if needed. While we do provide a stovetop, please note that it may occasionally cause slight fluctuations in the electricity. We recommend treating this as a camping-style experience by bringing non-perishable items or exploring the delicious takeout options available in nearby Scottsville. Every corner is filled with whimsical touches, from handmade maps of the Shire to portraits of beloved characters from LOTR. Completely off the grid, our eco-friendly home runs on solar power and a well septic system. We encourage guests to disconnect from the outside world—there’s no TV or Wi-Fi—so you can fully embrace the natural surroundings. The property spans nearly 24 acres, with some hiking trails started and future plans for gardens, and archery targets. We also wanted to mention that if you are interested in a stay but have a larger family or group of friends, we are permitted to allow tents and campers.
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$180
 / night

Other options near Bear Creek Lake State Park

Camping in Bear Creek Lake State Park, VA guide

Overview

About

Two words for Bear Creek Lake State Park: bomb diggity. Traverse the 40-acre lake by non-motorized boat where fishing opportunities abound. Don't have a canoe or kayak? No problem. Rental opportunities make getting one easy. After you're done frolicking on the beaches, grab a bite at the lakeside diner, which offers all kinds of tasty sandwiches and snacks. With a 10-lane archery range and 3D targets, you'll be able to hone your bow and arrow skills only a hop, skip, and jump away from your campsite. Hunters need only go to the neighboring Cumberland State Forest to catch some game, which isn't too far away. Leave the bikes and horses at home though, as the trails here are intended for hiking boots only unless you obtain a permit first.

Notable campgrounds

  • Acorn Loop: Offers a lakeside camping experience with water view tent sites and electric hookups for pop-ups.
  • Chestnut Loop: Features shaded sites with electric and water hookups, including a handicap accessible site with a sewer connection.
  • Black Oak Loop: Accommodates larger camping setups with electric-water sites for equipment up to 35 feet long.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, ensuring you secure your ideal spot.
  • Consider off-peak times for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a great campsite.

When to go

The best time to visit Bear Creek Lake State Park is from spring through fall, when the weather is pleasant and all park facilities are open. Summer offers the full array of activities, including swimming and boat rentals. Winter visits are quieter but note that some amenities, like the snack bar and boat rentals, are seasonal.

Know before you go

  • Day-use guests should arrive early as the park may reach capacity, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Swimming is available at the beach's designated area, but it is unguarded, so swim at your own risk.
  • Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and are not allowed on the beach.
  • Remember to bring all necessary linens for cabin stays as they are not provided by the park.
  • Check the park's website for the latest information on facility availability and any special events or programs.
83%
15 ratings · 1 review
  1. Bear Creek Lake State Park