Top Tent Camping near Bedford, VA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Bedford and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Bedford with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Virginia tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites Near Bedford, VA (19)

    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    2. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    28 Reviews
    90 Photos
    9 Saves

    Canoe Landing Group Campsite (one primitive site) - There's a group site near the canoe landing. The site accommodates up to 42 people - no hookups, tents only. It's near a restroom and features a fire ring with a flip grill, picnic tables and a pedestal grill. There's a $30 fee for canceling a group-camping reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $15 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground

    3. Breeden Bottom Campground

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    74 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    $40 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    4. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    129 Saves

    The best way to find out what areas are open to dispersed camping is to contact the nearest District Office to the area you wish to visit. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads and look for a clearing or a spot with a view. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 200 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      5. Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground)

      1 Review
      10 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park

      6. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

      11 Reviews
      38 Photos
      5 Saves

      Camping reservations are highly recommended, and all campgrounds are site-specific - call 1-800-933-7275. The park has five campgrounds. Three of them, Branch Pond, Walnut Grove and Canoe Landing, are open year-round for primitive camping. There are primitive restrooms at those campgrounds. Drinking water is unavailable in the primitive campgrounds, but potable water is available at five of the six picnic shelters. Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river. Please note that primitive sites do not have electricity.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets

      $15 - $18 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park

      8. Branch Pond — James River State Park

      9 Reviews
      32 Photos
      3 Saves

      Camping reservations are highly recommended, and all campgrounds are site-specific - call 1-800-933-7275. The park has five campgrounds. Three of them, Branch Pond, Walnut Grove and Canoe Landing, are open year-round for primitive camping. There are primitive restrooms at those campgrounds. Drinking water is unavailable in the primitive campgrounds, but potable water is available at five of the six picnic shelters. Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river. Please note that primitive sites do not have electricity.

      Branch Pond - Seven primitive sites in a wooded area about two miles from the river (BranchPondPrimTent). Tents only. Each site has a tent pad.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table

      $15 - $18 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Catawba mountain shelter
      Camper-submitted photo from Catawba mountain shelter
      Camper-submitted photo from Catawba mountain shelter

      9. Catawba mountain shelter

      1 Review
      3 Photos
      7 Saves

      The water source is downhill in front of the shelter. Not reliable during late summer or during periods of drought. There are overflow campsites just north of the shelter.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Dragon's Tooth
      Camper-submitted photo from Dragon's Tooth
      Camper-submitted photo from Dragon's Tooth
      Camper-submitted photo from Dragon's Tooth
      Camper-submitted photo from Dragon's Tooth

      10. Dragon's Tooth

      2 Reviews
      5 Photos
      113 Saves

      Be sure to adhere to camping restrictions for these areas: https://www.ratc.org/mcafee-knob-and-the-triple-crown/

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Trash
    Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In Bedford

    525 Reviews of 19 Bedford Campgrounds


    • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

      Very long road to get there

      Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.

    • Valerie P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Campground
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Smith Mountain Campground

      Nice clean & spacious independent campground

      This is a very well maintained& clean campground. The owner is great and the camp host was very attentive. There is a good sized catch and release pond, we were at site#17 that was one site from the pond and not sure if you could see the water from#18 but the short walk to the pond is up a small hill/bunker like thing so there’s not a direct view of the water from#17 if that’s what you are looking for. There is a good play area and nice pavilion for groups and a smaller camping area down from the bathhouse. We have a 22’ TT, but I imagine the turn into the campground with a large motorhome would need some consideration for the driver to take their time. The drive to Smith Mountain Lake is not bad. The entry road off of RT 40 is at an angle, not a 90 degree turn so if you are coming from the East, it’s at the top of the hill but more than a 90 deg turn, coming from the West on 40 it’s an easy turn but you can’t see the traffic coming up the hill so be careful. There’s a convenience store, Penhook store, on 40 and it does have some raw and frozen meats, bait, ice, charcoal and the other basic store stuff. We came from the West and Rocky Mount has a Kroger and Wak-Mart. Wi-Fi was standard campground speed, didn’t use the bathhouse,power and water presser were good, site could have been a bit more level but they may work on that over the winter. Check in was a breeze, directly to the site but still greeted and checked on by the host. Some full timers and seasonal trailers but they were in good shape and clean. September stay so still had mosquitoes and fresh stink bugs, yeah! Have fun!

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Oronoco Campground
      Oct. 16, 2024

      Oronoco Campground

      Great!

      Loved this little campground. Nice and quiet, toilets available (though not very clean but good enough). Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers. Luckily it went home around 18h, so we had a great night, but it was back the next morning and immediately had aggressive behavior. So watch out and be careful with your food!

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from North Creek Campground
      Oct. 13, 2024

      North Creek Campground

      Great campground

      very private, $15 a night, water, bathrooms, right on the river, pet friendly👍.. right next to the AT.. I have a German shepherd and a mini Australian shepherd and they had a blast!

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Interstate Overnight Park
      Oct. 8, 2024

      Interstate Overnight Park

      *******B E W A R E*****

      Do not stay here! 

      Sex offenders & homeless people come knocking on your doors at night! 

      Corrupt & not safe!

      Cracker Barrel across the street & lovely campgrounds off 81exit 84

    • Tiel M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Morris Hill Campground
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Morris Hill Campground

      Decent, nice hosts

      Nothing to write home about but it’s pretty. There’s a road that runs right in front that has some noise. Not all that different from most national forests, which isn’t bad.

    • E
      Camper-submitted photo from Thunder Bridge
      Sep. 17, 2024

      Thunder Bridge

      Idyllic forest campground

      Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp. Now it is home to many quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and even some fully furnished rental cabins.

      The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes  several artists' studios.  At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading. 

      The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.

      This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!

    • Kristie S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Sep. 16, 2024

      Vic Thomas Park

      Roanoke River

      Camped over night twice. Bathrooms stay open 24/7. Made fire no problems. River does rise alittle overnight if camping with tent. Very quiet & peaceful at night.

    • LDcakes
      Camper-submitted photo from North Creek Campground
      Aug. 24, 2024

      North Creek Campground

      A Peaceful Camping Getaway

      Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature. The campsite featured picnic tables, a fire pit, and even hooks to hang a cauldron for boiling water or cooking fish, adding to the rustic charm. Although there were no showers or sinks, the pit toilet served its purpose well. We spent our time enjoying a barbecue under the stars, fully embracing the natural world around us. Despite bear warnings and the lack of modern conveniences, this getaway left us refreshed and grateful for the peacefulness that only nature can offer.

    • Jen T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
      Aug. 16, 2024

      Holliday Lake State Park

      Nice but Gun Range During Summer

      Probably a great place to camp during the fall. During the summer they lease space to the 4-H club that teaches people to shoot black powder muskets for the civil war reenactments. From 8:30am until 3-5pm it sounds like a gun range. It’s not a shot here and there, its volleys of black powder guns (think cannons) being shot all at once. It echos off the water and is the opposite of peaceful. The ranger said it would only be for an hour a day, unless it was a competition day, well for the 5 days we were there it must have been competition. We ended up leaving the park during the day.

      The sites are good. Most need lots of leveling help (bring spare wood!). The newer part has a nice bathhouse. The older part had a really old bathhouse. (So old it’s hard to tell if it’s dirty or just old.)

      It’s not a bad place to visit. But combat veterans should avoid during the summer months.

      The sites are nice. The ones in the newer area (laurel ridge) are close to the nice bathhouse. Both bathhouses have WiFi. No cell service to speak of. (We have Verizon but most of these places have none.)

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
      Jul. 31, 2024

      Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

      Camping and remote work

      Nice campground in line with expectations for most Virginia state parks. Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data but with a directional cell booster we are able to get enough signal for our Verizon Jetpack to work

    • Bobby C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park
      Jul. 13, 2024

      COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park

      Scenic, tranquil, well-maintained, accommodating.

      Our family recently had an excellent experience camping at Goose Point Campground. Nestled along Philpott Lake, the campground offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. The well-maintained, spacious campsites provided privacy and convenient water & electric hookups for our camper.

      We enjoyed a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and jet skiing on the lake, as well as hiking on nearby trails. The clean facilities and friendly, helpful staff made our stay even more enjoyable.

      Overall, Goose Point Campground is perfect for both a peaceful retreat and lake life adventure. Highly recommended!

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
      Jul. 12, 2024

      Devil’s Backbone Camp

      Robbery

      $150 per night is crazy. Nothing special about the campground except proximity to devils backbone. This is a parking spot in a field with no trees and the sewer likely on the wrong side. There are no amenities. We’ve stayed many times but plan to go elsewhere going forward.

    • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Tina's Dream
      Jun. 13, 2024

      Tina's Dream

      Thank you The Dyrt help me found Tina Deam.

      Tina is a very nice lady! Camp in her house driveway, it is my first time, but quiet and safe neighborhood. We arrived very late evening, after nine o'clock.  she help us hoop up the electricity and water.

      It is a nice alternate campground!

    • V
      Camper-submitted photo from Chris’s Private Property
      May. 26, 2024

      Chris’s Private Property

      Basic private startup site with hookup

      Chris is establishing a couple of sites on his private property and getting organized. Simple and just off the road, but quiet. Chris is friendly and reachable by phone. A short 100 yards to a rushing creek. We needed a last minute spot during Memorial Day weekend and Chris set us up. Now showers, flat gravel site with pull through between hookups and picnic table platform.

    • Colletta & Co. 🤙.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lee Hi Campground
      May. 19, 2024

      Lee Hi Campground

      A situation-dependent stopover

      For $43.24 we got a pull through site with full hookups. However, we had to disconnect shore power because we kept tripping the 50A service even when we turned our draw down to 30A. As we head into 2 weeks of sewerless sites, this made sense for us to stop, shower, laundry, and top up on power and water. If you don’t have that sort of limitation ahead, this gas station truck stop likely isn’t worth your money.

    • Brad W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
      Apr. 21, 2024

      Devil’s Backbone Camp

      Awesome spot

      Great spot with clean facilities. Cell phones worked just fine. They are adding more electric sites. Walk to the brewery. Probably my favorite improved camp site for beer enthusiasts!

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
      Mar. 14, 2024

      Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

      Great Option

      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.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Tina's Dream
      Mar. 1, 2024

      Tina's Dream

      New to the Dyrt!

      Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!



    Guide to Bedford

    Camping near Bedford, VA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do

    • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking options, with one reviewer mentioning, "The campground sits at the foot of the iconic Sharp Top mountain but there is hiking galore here" at Peaks Of Otter Campground.
    • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy fishing or swimming at local lakes. A visitor at Sherando Lake Campground noted, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an Island if you want to."
    • Visiting Breweries: If you enjoy craft beer, check out the local breweries. One camper at Devil’s Backbone Camp said, "Just a short walk from the Campground is a very nice brewery with fantastic food and events regularly."

    What campers like

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Douthat State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathhouse was clean and modern."
    • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between campers. One visitor at Canoe Landing Group Campsite said, "The views on the lake are breathtaking. Just make sure you are good with a map."
    • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. A review for Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground highlighted, "Waking up to sunrise over the water was pretty spectacular."

    What you should know

    • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area noted, "There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop you can get service."
    • Water Availability: Some campgrounds may have limited water access. A visitor at Goose Point Philpott Lake mentioned, "They have water and electric, but no sewer."
    • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Douthat State Park Campground is open from May to September.

    Tips for camping with families

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA said, "There is a small swimming pool that the kids were enjoying."
    • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Sherando Lake Campground shared, "We spent days driving each way on the parkway."
    • Pack Snacks and Games: Bring along snacks and games for downtime. A visitor at Crabtree Falls Campground mentioned, "The sound of the water was so soothing."

    Tips from RVers

    • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Devil’s Backbone Camp noted, "They are adding more electric sites."
    • Be Cautious on Access Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow or winding roads. A visitor at Goose Point Philpott Lake said, "Drive-in a little steep with hairpin bend, but all good with caution."
    • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area mentioned, "There is a dump station on the way out."

    Camping near Bedford, VA, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bedford, VA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bedford, VA is George Washington National Forest off 812 with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Bedford, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.