Bedford's tent camping areas range from riverside sites to national forest clearings, with elevations between 800 and 1,400 feet creating varied camping microclimates. The region experiences moderate seasonal changes with summer nights rarely dropping below 60°F and winter camping possible though challenging. Many sites feature partial tree cover providing natural sun protection.
What to do
Fishing from campsite: At Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, campers can fish in nearby streams. As one visitor noted, "Best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits."
River floating: Near Canoe Landing Group Campsite, campers enjoy water activities. A visitor shared, "James River State Park is beautiful! The Canoe Landing camping area is spacious with fire rings, and lots of room to set up tents right along the river."
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution makes tent camping ideal for night sky viewing. A camper at James River State Park remarked, "The night sky was amazing. You could see stars for miles. Enjoyed a nice sunset by the river."
Hiking trails: Many tent sites connect to trail systems. As one camper at Dragon's Tooth described, "Dragons tooth is off a path that is part of the Appalachian Trail... once you begin the trail there are a few dispersed obvious camping spots."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Lynchburg KOA, campers appreciate the spacious layout. One visitor commented, "Campground is beautiful. Sites are huge and level. It's quiet and peaceful, and the surrounding area is gorgeous."
River proximity: Campers value direct water access from their sites. A visitor to Breeden Bottom Campground shared, "This campground is such a hidden gem... Our site had a little path right to the river. Very very spacious campsites."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in reviews. One camper noted about James River State Park, "Bathhouse looked like it was fairly new. Loved that the showers were individual stalls accessed on the outside of the bathhouse."
Natural settings: Campers appreciate the environmental quality. At Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, a visitor mentioned, "There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: River conditions vary throughout the year. One camper at James River State Park noted, "We hoped to go tubing, but since the river was running high and fast, they weren't renting tubes."
Train noise: Some riverside sites experience passing trains. A camper at Branch Pond shared, "My only complaint, which is 100% personal, is that there was a train that came through about 2 times a night."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. A camper at Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 reported, "No cell service (T-Mobile), but if I drove towards the main road, Route 501, I could get some service."
Water access challenges: Some sites require effort to reach the water. One reviewer noted, "The sites I was in did not have access to the water so we went through another empty site and climbed down a short drop (hanging onto tree roots) to access the lake."
Site preparation: Many tent sites require preparation. A Dragon's Tooth camper advised, "The tent pads don't drain well and huge puddles develop - some sites were completely overtaken by a full inch of water."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Not all water access is suitable for children. One camper cautioned, "The water seems clear and cool on a Summer day and we had fun fighting the current. Note though - would be careful swimming with children. Most areas are very calm but the river can get rapid at times!"
Recreation opportunities: Walnut Grove offers family activities. A visitor shared, "The store was awesome. The gift shop was amazing and the park rangers were very helpful. My 4 yr old spent hours playing with all the little animals the ranger station had."
Site selection: Choose sites based on access needs. A camper advised, "We were not prepared for the stairs. They say walk in but it's more a short hike. So getting our gear (we aren't minimalist people) in was a workout but worth it."
Weather preparation: Summer temperatures can be extreme. A camper noted, "It was SO HOT when we were there and we really wished there was a designated 'beach' area on the river (or in a perfect world, a pool)."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Most tent-only areas near Bedford have relatively flat tent pads, but RV-compatible sites may need adjustment. A visitor at Lynchburg KOA mentioned, "Sites are huge and level. It's quiet and peaceful, and the surrounding area is gorgeous."
Limited hookup options: Many camping areas near Bedford focus primarily on tent camping with few RV amenities. When available, hookups are basic. Check ahead for water and electrical access, as these vary significantly between established campgrounds.
Road access considerations: Access roads to dispersed camping can challenge larger vehicles. A camper at Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 noted, "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."
