Tent camping near Lackey, Virginia offers opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Tidewater region of eastern Virginia. The area features a mix of wooded sites and water-accessible camping with seasonal considerations affecting comfort levels. Most campgrounds are located within 30 miles of Lackey, providing access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed and its tributaries.
What to do
Kayaking and boating: Sandy Bottom Nature Park provides affordable boat rentals for exploring the lake. "To kayak here it's the bomb!" notes Susan P., while another visitor mentions "you can rent boats for a cheap price which we will probably go back to do" (Sandy Bottom Nature Park).
Beach exploration: Wisteria Beach Hideaway offers access to multiple beaches with distinctive natural surroundings. "The beaches were surrounded by pine, wetlands, and tall grasses - it felt remote and not overdeveloped!" reports one camper who appreciated the undisturbed coastal environment (Wisteria Beach Hideaway).
Wildlife viewing: The 456-acre Sandy Bottom Nature Park, reclaimed from former landfill sites, provides extensive habitat for wildlife observation. "Lots of hiking trails to walk & turtles in the lake!! It was so pretty & so fun. We took out two dogs with us too," shares Gracie B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate the layout at Sandy Bottom Nature Park. "They were spaced nicely apart and had nice sand tent platforms with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate. Trash cans were very close by, which was super nice," according to a recent visitor (Sandy Bottom Nature Park).
Accessible staff: Park rangers at Sandy Bottom regularly check on campers. One visitor noted, "There was a Park Ranger driving around and checked on us when we first got there asking if we had any questions."
Simple amenities: Wisteria Beach Hideaway provides useful extras that enhance the camping experience. "The provided insect screen kept us well protected in mid-sept. The hosts had extra supplies tucked under the table which is always a nice touch. There was a swinging grill grate on the firepit, which was great for camp pizzas!" (Wisteria Beach Hideaway).
What you should know
Bugs and pests: Seasonal insect activity can affect enjoyment of beaches near Wisteria Beach Hideaway. "Biting black flies almost made the beaches unbearable but we didn't have that problem at the actual site," reports one September visitor. Another adds, "Due to a lack of wind, flies were bad on the beach. I would recommend bringing an insect screen if you have it."
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds require in-person registration. At Sandy Bottom Nature Park, "Sites are first come, first served. Must reserve in person. Visitor's center is open 9-6."
Cell service: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. At Wisteria Beach Hideaway, "at&t and verizon worked at the site but not the beaches," according to a recent camper (Brewer's Point Hike-in or Boat-in Primitive Campground).
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers educational resources through its nature center. "This is a beautiful 456 acre education and wildlife facility. Born from garbage dumps and it is great example of what can be achieved. This really is a great site. There is an amazing nature center that overlooks Sandy Bottom Lake."
Facilities access: Consider bathroom proximity when camping with children. At Sandy Bottom, "The bathrooms were flush toilets and running water faucets and located behind the parking lot, so a bit of a hike in the dark if you need to go."
Dog-friendly options: Several campgrounds accommodate pets. One visitor notes Sandy Bottom is "extremely dog friendly with a fenced in dog park as well," making it suitable for family camping trips that include four-legged members (Big Woods WMA).
Tips from RVers
Long-term vs. short-term: Carter's Cove Campground caters primarily to extended stays but offers limited options for overnight campers. "More of a long term stay but there are a few spots for RV's," notes one visitor. The campground provides "Laundry, trash, restrooms, picnic table, fire pit (day use only)" (Carter's Cove Campground).
Site dimensions: While most tent camping areas near Lackey have limited vehicle access, RVers should note that sites at Carter's Cove are "level with some spacing" and feature "mature trees" with "overall space is very large."
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds in the area offer basic services rather than full hookups. For RVers considering tent camping options, some sites like Wisteria Beach Hideaway feel "like we were glamping" due to amenities like an outdoor shower for washing "hands, dishes, and yourself."
