Tent camping options near Clarksville, Virginia can be found within a 50-mile radius, primarily in the neighboring state of North Carolina. The region features rolling hills and moderate terrain with elevations ranging from 300-500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for most visitors.
What to do
Hiking trails: Eno River State Park offers numerous trails ranging from easy riverside paths to moderate hill climbs. "We really enjoy the hiking trails here and can't get enough of them! The suspension bridge is pretty sweet too! Very peaceful as you walk through the park," notes visitor Bran P.
Water activities: Lake Michie Recreation Area provides boating access, though camping options are limited. According to a camper, "The camping area itself is quite secluded and quiet. Also very clean," though they note that "all of the sites are very small, not very level, and have low clearance," making site selection important for tent campers at Lake Michie.
Swimming: During summer months, quarries and river bends offer swimming opportunities. One visitor to Eno River State Park mentions, "Great quarry for easy cliff jumping and swimming in the summertime. Campsites around also very solid," highlighting this less-known recreational option for tent campers visiting Eno River.
What campers like
River sounds: Falling asleep to flowing water ranks high among camper preferences. "If you can camp close to the river, I recommend, it's great to fall asleep to the sounds of the river," shares one camper at Eno River State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple camping areas offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "A beautiful walk along Eno river with lots of animals along the way (including deer)," reports one camper about their hiking experience to reach campsites.
Educational opportunities: Some parks provide ranger-led programs and interpretive displays. "We loved the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean," writes a visitor about their experience at Eno River State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance bookings. Lake Michie Recreation Area has a particularly complex system, with one camper noting, "It's quite difficult to reserve sites here as you have to call the county to get a permit."
Pack-in water: Most primitive sites require carrying all water needs. For RTP Lakefront Campsite, campers should confirm water availability in advance, as RTP Lakefront has limited facilities despite offering "Privately owned Lakefront Property" access.
Limited facilities: Many sites offer minimal amenities. "No water or toilet facilities are provided. There are seven established campsite pads for 2-person tents," explains a camper about the MST Section 23 Falls Lake camping area, emphasizing its true primitive nature.
Tent pad surfaces: Many campsites feature gravel bases rather than soft ground. One camper mentions their experience: "The gravel was very painful to sleep on. There were also few trees so we could see other campers at nearby sites."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shorter hiking routes: Some campgrounds require significant hikes to reach. "This camp ground requires a bit of a hike to get to (3.5 miles). Packing everything in and out was fun but there was no running drinking water at the site," notes one visitor, suggesting families with young children select sites with shorter approach trails.
Plan family-friendly trails: Several parks offer trails suitable for children. "Love hiking here with the family and friends plenty of beautiful family and pet friendly trails," states a visitor to Eno River State Park.
Pack insect protection: Regional humidity creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes. "Bring bug spray!" advises one experienced camper, particularly for campsites near water bodies where insects tend to be more prevalent.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent camping areas near Clarksville cannot accommodate larger rigs. At Lake Michie, sites are "very small, not very level, and have low clearance," making them unsuitable for most RVs.
Consider primitive alternatives: RVers seeking more natural settings might consider MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping, where "the campground is located on a private land, has a shelter, a fire pit, and a number of tent sites," though access requires hiking gear in from parking areas.
Private land camping: For those seeking alternatives to established campgrounds, private properties like RodneysRaptors offer 12 designated sites with basic amenities including drinking water, fires allowed, and trash disposal services, providing a middle ground between developed campgrounds and true wilderness camping.
