Best Tent Camping near Catawba, VA

Tent campsites near Catawba, Virginia include several established options within James River State Park, offering a mix of walk-in and drive-in tent camping experiences. The park features multiple tent-specific camping areas including Canoe Landing Group Campsite, Walnut Grove, and Branch Pond, all providing access to the James River and surrounding natural areas. These primitive tent campgrounds are situated in wooded settings that provide natural shade and scenic views.

Most tent sites at James River State Park include basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, though amenities vary by location. Walk-in tent locations require campers to transport gear from parking areas to their sites, with some requiring navigation of stairs or slopes. According to one visitor, "We were not prepared for the stairs. They say walk in but it's more a short hike." Bear boxes are provided at many sites for secure food storage, as this is bear country. Drinking water availability varies by campsite area, with some locations having water pumps while others require campers to bring their own supply. Most sites are reservable and permit-required, with pets allowed throughout the park's camping areas.

The tent camping experience at James River State Park offers good separation between sites, providing privacy even during busier periods. A visitor noted that "the campsites are far away from each other. Everything was very clean and taken care of." Tent campers have access to multiple hiking trails throughout the park, with opportunities for water activities including fishing, canoeing, and tubing on the James River. The park offers canoe and tube rentals with shuttle service available. Primitive tent setups near the water provide easy access for swimming and paddling. Weekend visitors should be aware that the campgrounds can become busier, with some reviewers recommending weekday visits for a quieter experience. Weather considerations include proper drainage during heavy rains, as some tent pads may collect water during storms.

Best Tent Sites Near Catawba, Virginia (5)

    1. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    27 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    48 miles
    Website

    $15 - $80 / night

    "Ranger led park programs are offered year round, this week included a natural history boat tour in the lake, and a naturalist talk on loons."

    "We stayed at site 11 in location 2 on the Lake James campgrounds; it’s a paddle-in-only location. Getting there required canoeing in, which was easy for us to do on the lake’s dock."

    2. RodneysRaptors

    Be the first to review!
    Randolph, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (202) 766-8837

    $75 - $125 / night

    3. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    11 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 933-8061

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Lake James is a true gem, clean and beautiful, with amazing views of Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain, and Table Rock. The State Park has several camping areas."

    "This is a lovely little campground set on the shores of James Lake. Sites are big enough for 2 small tents or 1 largish family tent. All sites have a picnic table, fire pit with grate, and bear box."

    4. Branch Pond — James River State Park

    9 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    49 miles
    Website

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Located in the middle of nowhere off of narrow Virginia secondary roads, we were surprised to get good Verizon reception. We stayed on site 15 which is a long pull-thru."

    "First of all, the ranger over the campgrounds is awesome. He’s really, really nice. Secondly, this campground will always be a favorite for us."

    5. Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground)

    1 Review
    Big Island, VA
    49 miles
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "It’s quiet and peaceful, and the surrounding area is gorgeous."

Show More
Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Catawba, VA

358 Reviews of 5 Catawba Campgrounds



Guide to Catawba

Catawba, Virginia, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape in nature. With stunning landscapes and well-maintained facilities, these campgrounds provide an ideal setting for your next adventure.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Campground features that enhance your stay

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Catawba, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Catawba, VA is Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Catawba, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.