Tent camping near Covington, Virginia provides primitive options typically at elevations between 1,300 and 3,000 feet in the Allegheny Mountains. The region features multiple watersheds including the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers, which combine to form the James River. Many campgrounds remain accessible from April through November, though winter camping is available at select dispersed locations when roads aren't snow-covered.
What to do
River paddling access points: Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area offers strategic launching for kayaks and canoes with multiple primitive sites where campers can put in directly. A camper noted, "Really enjoyed this place. Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220. There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley."
Winter wildlife viewing: The tent pad areas at Breeden Bottom Campground provide excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife in colder months when foliage is minimal. A visitor observed, "This campground is such a hidden gem. There's a gate and a lock code that you get in your confirmation email. The sites are spaced far enough from each other that you can see each other."
Bike-friendly camping: The Greenbrier River Trail features dedicated campsites approximately every 20 miles, allowing for multi-day cycling adventures with overnight stops. One cyclist reported, "Several mall cascades lined the West side of the trail, which is ordinarily the side cut from the mountain for the railway."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Shirleys' River Retreat, tent sites are positioned with natural buffers between them. A camper described it as having a "wonderful host and amazing campsite right in the riverbank the host was great as well."
Lake access for paddleboards: Greenwood Point Campground provides unique paddle-in tent sites that require water transportation to access. As one camper explained, "Beautiful quiet lake, not heavily trafficked. Campsite is only accessible via water, so we packed our gear up on paddle boards to get there."
Swimming spots: Many tent sites near Covington feature natural swimming areas with varying water depths. At Breeden Bottom Campground, a camper reported, "This site was in a great location and right on the crystal clear water. Water flows fairly fast in this area, so there were a few people floating and kayaking."
What you should know
Bear-proof storage requirements: Some campgrounds along the Greenbrier River Trail provide metal bear-proof trash receptacles, but most primitive sites require campers to bring appropriate food storage. At Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 9.5 Primitive Campsite, facilities include "Metal Bear Proof Trash Receptacle" according to a reviewer.
Train noise considerations: Several riverside camping locations have railroad tracks nearby that can create intermittent noise. A Breeden Bottom camper mentioned, "The train was loud at times, but we knew that would happen when we booked the site, so no surprises there."
Cell service limitations: Most tent camping sites in the Covington area lack reliable cell coverage. At Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, a camper advised, "No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."
Tips for camping with families
Self-contained water needs: Families should pack 1-2 gallons of drinking water per person per day as most sites lack potable water sources. At McClintic Point Primitive Campground, a camper noted, "Toilets were very clean, but just covered a hope in the ground. Beautiful morning, but seems to stay chillier than the surrounding area."
Temperature variations: Valley campgrounds often experience temperature drops 10-15°F lower than surrounding areas, particularly at night. One reviewer at McClintic Point observed the area "seems to stay chillier than the surrounding area. It's in a valley and two sites back up to the lake."
Spacious tent areas: Several campgrounds feature extra-large tent pads suitable for family-sized shelters. At Pine Run Camping Area, a camper mentioned, "LUV 31---tent pad is big enough to fit 2 large tents (that is us) plus it has the 'low grill'."
Tips from RVers
Primitive RV spots: While most of the best tent camping near Covington focuses on tent-only sites, Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area accommodates smaller RVs in designated areas. A visitor shared, "Great camp site!! I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."
Off-road capability requirements: Many access roads to the most scenic tent camping near Covington require 4WD or high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. A camper at Poor Farm noted, "I have stayed here twice, once in the spring and once in the winter. Both times, the main camping area was empty. There is a large clearing off of Hidden Valley Rd that can easily accommodate multiple vehicles with 3 or 4 fire pits."
