Best Campgrounds near Caret, VA
Camping options around Caret, Virginia primarily consist of established campgrounds along the Potomac River and nearby waterways. Westmoreland State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with full hookup sites and access to hiking trails and fossil hunting beaches. Other developed campgrounds in the region include Naylor's Beach Campground, which provides waterfront access on the Rappahannock River, and Belle Isle State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles southeast of Caret. Most campgrounds in the area feature spacious sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities vary by location.
The camping season in this region of Virginia generally runs year-round at some locations, with peak visitation occurring between April and October. Westmoreland State Park and Belle Isle State Park remain open throughout the year, while other facilities like Harbor View RV and Camping Resort operate seasonally from April through mid-October. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months and holiday periods. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F, while winters are generally mild but can occasionally bring freezing conditions. According to one visitor, "Westmoreland is always nice to hike around (Fossil Beach) and Montross is a cute little town. Very family-friendly activities for Halloween! Clean bath houses, many wooded sites."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Caret area, with several campgrounds offering direct access to rivers, beaches, and water recreation. Campers frequently mention the opportunity to hunt for fossils and shark teeth along the Potomac River shoreline at Westmoreland State Park as a unique experience. "Beautiful park with a super fun activity! Just a half mile from the visitor center is a leisurely hike to a place called Fossil Beach. Famous for its shark teeth, you can also find ray's teeth and other small fossils from 15 million years ago," noted one camper. Sites at most campgrounds provide varying levels of privacy, with some offering wooded settings while others feature more open layouts with shade trees. Weekend visitation can be heavy during summer months, with many reviewers recommending weekday stays for those seeking quieter experiences.