Tent Camping near Ararat, VA

Tent campsites around Ararat, Virginia include both primitive sites and more developed campgrounds with basic facilities. The region sits in the Blue Ridge foothills with elevations ranging from 1,000-2,500 feet, creating diverse camping environments. Camping options include riverside locations along the New River and creek-side sites with varying levels of tree cover and ground surfaces.

What to do

Motorcycle touring: Willville Motorcycle Camp offers a specialized base for motorcyclists exploring local scenic routes. "I took a 4 day Father Daughter motorcycle trip to Meadows of Dan and explored the countryside. While there, we base camped at Willville," shared one visitor. The campground sits less than a mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway for day rides.

Water activities: Camping at New River Yacht Club provides direct water access for paddling and swimming. The campground offers waterfront tent sites along the New River with boat rentals available. Water levels vary seasonally, with spring typically offering higher flows for paddling adventures.

Hiking trails: Most local camping areas connect to hiking paths ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Trail connections from tent sites allow morning walks without driving to trailheads. Mountain laurel and rhododendron bloom along many trails from May through early July, creating seasonal interest for hikers.

What campers like

Peaceful soundscapes: Campers frequently mention the natural sounds as a highlight. At Beechnut Family Campground, tent sites are "across a road from a stream, in a forest of tall trees, a very picturesque location. Each tent site had water, a picnic table, and a 30-amp electric outlet."

Clean facilities: Many tent campers appreciate well-maintained bathhouses at the more developed campgrounds. "The bathhouse at the top of the hill is quite clean," notes one camper about Willville Motorcycle Camp. Similarly, another camper mentioned that Millrace Campground offers "clean reset room, friendly staff, private spots."

Stargazing opportunities: The area's limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing from tent sites. Rural location and tree canopies help block ambient light from nearby towns. Summer and fall offer the clearest skies, with winter providing earlier darkness for viewing.

What you should know

Walk-in requirements: Many tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Millrace Campground, "You have to walk everything into the campground from the parking area, but it's not a long walk so you can still bring all of your 'car camping' luxuries." Distances typically range from 50-300 feet between parking and tent sites.

Weather considerations: The region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly in afternoon hours. Temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees overnight during spring and fall camping seasons, requiring appropriate sleeping gear.

Toilet facilities: Most established campgrounds offer only basic toilet facilities. "There are no bathhouses, only pit toilets which can be a little funky, but it is what it is," reports one camper about Millrace Campground. Sites like Possible Property and Dragon's Beard Farm feature similar simple amenities.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Homeplace Recreational Park offers water recreation particularly suitable for families. "Water park is awesome. Large trail to go for a little walk. Very reasonably priced," notes a camper. The water park facilities provide structured water play beyond natural swimming holes.

Ground conditions: Prepare for varied tent surfaces depending on recent weather. "It rained heavily both nights we stayed there, but we stayed dry. Unfortunately the rain had been going on for several days before we arrived, and wherever vehicles were parked on the ground, they left muddy ruts," explains a camper at Beechnut Family Campground.

Activity planning: Most tent campgrounds have limited on-site activities for children. Pack games and exploration tools like magnifying glasses and field guides. Evening campfires serve as primary entertainment, with firewood available at many established sites for $5-8 per bundle.

Tips from RVers

Electrical considerations: While tent camping is prevalent, some sites accommodate small RVs with basic hookups. At Squirrel Creek Farm, sites lack designated electrical hookups but offer primitive camping suitable for small pop-ups or vans. Extension cords may be necessary at some locations with electrical access.

Road access: Many tent-focused campgrounds have limited access roads unsuitable for larger rigs. Narrow entry points, low-hanging branches, and tight turning radiuses restrict vehicle size. Most sites around Ararat accommodate vehicles under 25 feet in length with careful navigation.

Generator rules: Policies vary by campground, with most primitive sites prohibiting generators entirely. Even at campgrounds allowing generators, quiet hours typically restrict use to daytime hours between 8am-8pm. Battery power systems work better for tent campers needing minimal electrical supply.