Best Tent Camping near Altavista, VA

Tent campsites in the Altavista, Virginia region range from riverside sites with basic amenities to more primitive backcountry options. James River State Park offers several tent-focused camping areas including Canoe Landing Group Campsite and Walnut Grove, both providing dedicated tent sites along the water. Dispersed camping is available at sites like Hog Camp Gap and a free dispersed site off Forest Road 812, located approximately 20 miles from town in the surrounding national forest lands.

Most tent campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between established and primitive sites. James River State Park tent areas feature toilets and some access to drinking water, while dispersed backcountry sites typically require campers to pack in all supplies and water. At Breeden Bottom Campground, tent sites include fire rings and level tent pads, but no potable water is available. A visitor commented that "sites were right on the river, peaceful and private with no water or electricity available." Sites at James River State Park campgrounds may require a walk from parking areas, with some requiring transportation of gear via provided wheelbarrows.

Tent campers at James River State Park benefit from direct water access, with multiple sites positioned along the riverbank. "Our site was very close to the lake so the dogs had fun and enjoyed swimming," noted one camper about the walk-in tent sites. Many areas offer good privacy between sites, with natural vegetation providing screening. Breeden Bottom provides riverside camping with good fishing opportunities but includes occasional train noise from nearby tracks. Hog Camp Gap offers free backcountry tent camping with varying cell service quality and access to a natural spring that requires water treatment. Tent sites at most locations fill quickly during summer weekends and fall color season, with midweek visits offering the best chance for solitude and choice camping spots.

Best Tent Sites Near Altavista, Virginia (13)

    1. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    27 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    43 miles
    Website

    $15 - $80 / night

    "Ranger led park programs are offered year round, this week included a natural history boat tour in the lake, and a naturalist talk on loons."

    "We stayed at site 11 in location 2 on the Lake James campgrounds; it’s a paddle-in-only location. Getting there required canoeing in, which was easy for us to do on the lake’s dock."

    2. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    11 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 933-8061

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Lake James is a true gem, clean and beautiful, with amazing views of Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain, and Table Rock. The State Park has several camping areas."

    "This is a lovely little campground set on the shores of James Lake. Sites are big enough for 2 small tents or 1 largish family tent. All sites have a picnic table, fire pit with grate, and bear box."

    3. Breeden Bottom Campground

    4 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 261-7334

    $40 - $70 / night

    "No water, no electricity available. Not for RVs. There is a railroad track that runs along the James River near the sites, but it never bothered us. Great fishing."

    "This site was in a great location and right on the crystal clear water. The train was loud at times, but we knew that would happen when we booked the site, so no surprises there."

    4. Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground)

    1 Review
    Big Island, VA
    31 miles
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "It’s quiet and peaceful, and the surrounding area is gorgeous."

    5. Branch Pond — James River State Park

    9 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    44 miles
    Website

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Located in the middle of nowhere off of narrow Virginia secondary roads, we were surprised to get good Verizon reception. We stayed on site 15 which is a long pull-thru."

    "First of all, the ranger over the campgrounds is awesome. He’s really, really nice. Secondly, this campground will always be a favorite for us."

    6. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."

    "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."

    7. Hog Camp Gap

    2 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    44 miles
    Website

    "service was in and out as well there is a spring but remember to boil or chemical treat the water before use is not tested for parasites another humble bacteria I also recommend investing in a portable toilet"

    "the campground is roughly the size of a Walmart parking lot including the store or three football fields you do have to carry all the stuff from your car do the campsite but luckily you don't have to walk"

    8. Catawba Mountain Shelter on the AT

    1 Review
    Hollins, VA
    46 miles
    Website

    "You get a lean-to and tent sites.

    Near water (collect water with a filter only)

    I was able to make a fire but make sure it's okay when you go.

    Lots of space for many people."

    9. Hopper Creek Group Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $20 - $40 / night

    10. RodneysRaptors

    Be the first to review!
    Randolph, VA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (202) 766-8837

    $75 - $125 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Altavista, VA

420 Reviews of 13 Altavista Campgrounds



Guide to Altavista

Tent camping near Altavista, Virginia offers a variety of scenic locations where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors. With well-reviewed campgrounds featuring essential amenities, campers can find the perfect spot to pitch their tents and unwind.

Tent campers should check out Lynchburg KOA

  • The Lynchburg KOA provides spacious sites with electric hookups and drinking water, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
  • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and large, level sites that are perfect for setting up your tent.
  • The campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Some prices for tent camping range from $36 to $0

Local attractions near these campgrounds

  • The Canoe Landing Group Campsite is located near the James River, ideal for kayaking and fishing enthusiasts.
  • Explore the hiking trails around the Branch Pond area, which offers stunning views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
  • Visit the scenic landscapes of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, where the Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 provides easy access to trails and streams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Altavista, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Altavista, VA is Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Altavista, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Altavista, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.