The best camping in Lake Anna State Park, VA

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

99%
(1035)
28mi from Lake Anna State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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)
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$47
 / night

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

98%
(1376)
38mi from Lake Anna State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · 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

Graves Mountain Farm Campground

90%
(186)
38mi from Lake Anna State Park · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · Syria, VA
Campground at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges in Syria, Virginia--Madison County. Our property borders the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking trails located on the immediate property and within minutes to popular hikes such as: Old Rag Mountain, White Oak Canyon, Rose River Falls Trail, Camp Hoover, Cedar Run Falls, Dark Hollow Falls. The Graves Mountain property is a total of 1800 acres to explore. The Campground consists of 7 acres and expands to 55 for special events and holiday dates. Accommodations also available at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges: 55 Lodge Rooms, 20 Cabins/Cottages/Suites. The Farmhouse Restaurant is located in the Main Lodge and open to our guests and the public. The Graves Market, Tackle & Deli is located just before reaching the Campground Entrance. Activities available at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges: horseback riding, pony rides, guided hikes, fishing guide services, yoga, massages, farm tours, UTV tours and many more. The Gift Shop is located in the Main Lodge on the lower level along with guest lounges. The Reservation Office and the Farmhouse Restaurant are located on the upper level. The outdoor seasonal swimming pool is located near the Main Lodge and is open to our Campground guests for an additional fee. The Graves Mountain Farm petting farm is open anytime and guests are welcome to go on a self-guided tour to visit the animals. Water spigots for fill ups are located in the campground. Porta Potties are located throughout the campground. The dump station is available onsite for an additional fee. Maximum Length of Stay 7 Days
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$12
 / night

Moon Mountain Hill Farm

36mi from Lake Anna State Park · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · 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%
(561)
46mi from Lake Anna State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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

Camp Kilo

100%
(5)
40mi from Lake Anna State Park · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Stanardsville, VA
Discover peaceful seclusion on this 16-acre primitive campsite, perched atop a hill with stunning eastern views. Greet each morning with a breathtaking sunrise and soak in the quiet beauty of nature all around you. Located just yards from the Shenandoah National Park border, this spot offers a true backcountry feel with the convenience of being only 30 minutes by car from the park’s main entrance. It’s perfect for hikers and nature lovers looking to unplug. Cell service is available if needed. Access requires a half-mile uphill hike, adding a sense of adventure and keeping the area serene and private. There is no vehicle access to the campsite, and campers must bring in their own food and water. This is a pack-in, pack-out site with no amenities, ideal for those seeking a raw, off-grid experience. Pets are welcome, but must be kept under control and respectful of wildlife. Campfires are allowed in accordance with local fire regulations. Please check current guidelines before lighting a fire. The site comfortably fits 2–3 small tents (2–3 person tents recommended). Unplug, unwind, and reconnect under the stars just steps from one of Virginia’s most iconic parks
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$15
 / night

Flower & Fields Farm

96%
(68)
43mi from Lake Anna State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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

Seven Islands River Front Campsites

99%
(608)
40mi from Lake Anna State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · 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

Hawthorn Hollar

99%
(242)
35mi from Lake Anna State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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

Sharp's Island

97%
(72)
46mi from Lake Anna State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Richmond, VA
NEW IN 2025: There is a beautiful cabin for guests to use. Sleeps 5 easily. Also new is the outdoor kitchen and bar. Check out @sharpsislandrva on Insta to see pics! NOTE: The parking situation has changed due to construction! The parking information in the pictures is not correct (but Hipcamp won't let me delete them). Contact Andy at 804-212-6639 for parking instructions. There is no bridge to Sharp's Island, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak. It's super easy. Sharp's Island is so named because the Sharp family of Richmond owned it as far back as the 1850s. The old brick foundation you see in the pictures is all that remains of a house that was built on the island in 1895 and stood for 75 years! We consider ourselves stewards of an amazing historic, ecological, geologic, and recreational asset, and we would love to have you add your story to this island's long history! Learn more about this land: One-of-a-kind really only begins to describe 1-acre Sharp's Island! For starters, this is the only legal camping option in the city of Richmond. You read that correctly. This is your own private island, and it's right in the heart of downtown RVA! The Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain right here at Sharp's Island. That makes for amazing fishing, especially during the spring shad and striper runs.  Some other incredible things about camping at Sharp's Island: You can motor up to it from Ancarrow's Landing, canoe over from the trail just below Mayo Bridge, or make this the destination for your downriver raft/kayak trip; at summer river levels there are oodles of great swimming holes along the banks; fire pit ready and waiting for you. And lots more!
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$70
 / night

Other options near Lake Anna State Park

The best camping in Lake Anna State Park, VA guide

Overview

About

Paddles dip into the glass-still water, small ripples shattering the once mirror-like images of the adjacent shoreline into a kaleidoscope of mosaics. “Oh look, everyone,” exclaims the leading paddelist, reassuring everyone of her unwavering need for attention. “Look at the fish below! Aren’t they gorgeous?” For the lagging kayakers, her words come across as hollow interjections. After All, her aggressive strokes had made quick work of the wary fish, now hidden beneath the algae enveloped rocks below.

Words to the wise: don’t be the obnoxious kayaker. Lake Anna State Park is inundated by the area’s namesake lake and, as one could imagine, is a popular hydrophilic outlet for the amphibious camper. Canoe and kayak launching sights are plentiful, nestled alongside the healthy population of game fish that stock the fauna heavy lake. And, for those of us who aren’t too keen on getting our feet wet, be sure to explore the nearly fifteen-miles of hiking trails that comb the well manicured shoreline—but do so without making a ruckus.

Notable campgrounds

  • Cabins: Cozy retreats with rustic furniture, fireplaces, and scenic lake views, perfect for a family getaway.
  • Lodges: Spacious 6-bedroom lodges with modern amenities, ideal for larger groups seeking comfort amid nature.
  • Yurts: A unique blend of tent and cabin, these yurts offer a charming and secluded camping experience.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak season stays, to ensure your spot in this popular park.
  • Consider mid-week visits for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies for last-minute openings.
  • Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations if the park is full.

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Anna State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm swimming conditions but expect larger crowds. Winters are quieter but with limited services.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's capacity before visiting, especially on weekends, as it may close due to reaching limits.
  • Remember to bring your own linens and towels when staying in cabins or lodges.
  • Be aware of unguarded swimming areas and swim at your own risk.
  • Accessibility is a priority, with features like ADA-accessible cabins and fishing ponds.
  • Alcohol is permitted only in private areas or with a permit from the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
90%
5 ratings · 2 reviews