Tent camping near Caret, Virginia offers campers access to freshwater fishing opportunities along the Potomac River and various inland lakes. The area sits at relatively low elevations between 100-300 feet above sea level, making for mild hiking conditions when accessing primitive sites. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons provide more moderate conditions in the 50-70°F range.
What to do
Fossil hunting at beaches: Calvert Cliffs State Park provides unique opportunities for fossil collectors with access to a shoreline known for prehistoric shark teeth. "It's just great! Nice and quiet, no hookups, but nice surroundings!" reports a visitor to Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping. Another camper noted, "Such an amazing expieriance and brings right into the eyes of child with both adult and children searching for shark teeth."
Kayaking on waterways: Launch directly from camp at several locations with river or lake access. "For being a state park, Lake Anna is one of the best I've been to... There are opportunities for motor boating, kayaking, swimming, hiking, fishing, etc," explains a visitor at Lake Anna State Park Campground. The park offers both water-based recreation and hiking trails within easy reach of camping areas.
Shoreline exploration: Walking along the waterfront at sunset provides wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper at Endeavor Point shared: "We spent part of Labor Day weekend here... We did enjoy taking evening walks through the town to the restaurant/bar on the water." The terrain offers flat, easy walking suitable for most ability levels.
What campers like
Spacious sites with natural shade: Several campgrounds offer wooded sites that provide relief from summer sun. "It has spacious camp sites with a great amount of natural shade. The swimming area is clean and very family oriented," notes a visitor to Lake Anna State Park. Sites at state parks typically measure 25-40 feet in depth, accommodating standard tents with room for additional seating.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations offer bank fishing and dedicated piers. "The sunsets over the water are priceless. Our grandchildren love that they are able to bike ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery," reports a Lake Anna camper. Some locations have fish cleaning stations and bait shops within a short drive.
Private beach access: Matoaka Beach Cottages provides tent camping with views of the Chesapeake Bay. "We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful Peaceful camping trip! Out spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves," shares one visitor. Waterfront sites typically cost $5-10 more per night than standard tent sites.
What you should know
Varying bathroom facilities: Campground bathroom quality differs significantly between parks. "The bath house was clean, and I especially liked the privacy of individual shower rooms," notes a Lake Anna visitor. At more primitive sites like Caledon, portable toilets are the only option, while developed campgrounds provide heated shower facilities.
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds place sites close together while others offer more separation. "We weren't excited about being so close to so many people & the bathroom door needs to be fixed because every time some went to the bathroom we would hear the door SLAM shut all hours of the night," explains a camper at Lake Anna, highlighting the proximity issues during peak season.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially for weekend stays from April through October. Leesylvania State Park Campground receives high visitation, with one camper noting, "This campground was so pretty. It is small, but the price and location near DC cannot be beat. It is directly on Potomac River."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer play structures near camping areas. "The park has a great play ground right off the main parking lot for kids to play on as well as a few bathrooms," mentions a Calvert Cliffs visitor. Most playgrounds are within walking distance of tent sites, allowing children to burn energy after arrival.
Swimming options: Endeavor Point provides water access for children. "The pier was perfect to fish or crab off of and the beach had great views of the sunrise," shares a camper. Swimming areas typically have no lifeguards on duty, so parental supervision is required.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature centers with kid-friendly exhibits and programming. "The park staff are very friendly, and are very informative on the many fossils you may find on your visit down there," reports a Calvert Cliffs visitor. Ranger programs usually run on weekends during summer months with sign-up available at park offices.
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Caret offer few amenities for larger RVs. "For being a state park, Lake Anna is one of the best I've been to. Although we only tent camped, I noticed a lot of things about the campground that would welcome RVs as well. There were large back-in sites as well as pull-through sites," explains a visitor to Lake Land'Or General Campground.
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. "The sites are fairly level, although some do have a slight slope," notes a Lake Land'Or camper. Most sites can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length, with a few locations offering spaces for larger rigs.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide on-site dump stations. "There was also a dump station," mentions a Lake Anna camper, making it suitable for self-contained units. Dump stations typically operate during regular park hours, 8am-sunset, with some closing for maintenance midweek.
