Best Tent Camping near Covington, VA

Tent campgrounds surrounding the Covington area of Virginia offer varied camping experiences from riverfront tent sites to secluded forest locations. The primitive campgrounds at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area provide free tent camping with access to trails and riverside locations. Shirleys' River Retreat features tent campsites positioned directly on riverbanks, while McClintic Point Primitive Campground offers lakeside tent sites with clean vault toilets and water access for canoes and kayaks.

Tent sites throughout the region typically include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, but campers should come prepared with their own drinking water as most locations lack potable water sources. Many tent campgrounds near Covington feature vault toilets or pit latrines rather than modern restroom facilities. The terrain varies from flat, grassy areas to slightly sloped woodland settings with natural ground surfaces. Access to tent camping areas ranges from drive-in sites to boat-in and hike-in locations, with Greenwood Point Campground only accessible via water transportation. Seasonal considerations include potential trail closures after heavy rains, particularly along the Greenbrier River Trail where landslides have occurred in the past.

Several tent-only campgrounds provide exceptional river access, making them popular with paddlers and anglers. The Breeden Bottom Campground features spacious tent sites with direct James River access. A camper noted, "Sites are spacious and right along the river. Most sites have river access directly from the site." At Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, tent campers find multiple primitive sites in a mountain valley setting beside a river. Tent sites along the Greenbrier River Trail offer strategic locations for bikepacking or hiking trips, with multiple primitive campgrounds positioned approximately every 20 miles along the trail. These backcountry tent sites often include fire rings, picnic tables, and raised tent pads to keep tents dry during wet weather. As one reviewer described, "The tent pad to the north of this area is in an open grassy area with tranquil long views of the river."

Best Tent Sites Near Covington, Virginia (29)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Covington, VA

408 Reviews of 29 Covington Campgrounds


  • RL
    Oct. 2, 2019

    Breeden Bottom Campground

    Wonderful Trip

    Our site was RIGHT on the river. It was peaceful and private. No water, no electricity available. Not for RVs. There is a railroad track that runs along the James River near the sites, but it never bothered us. Great fishing.

    A little additional info from the internet:

    BREEDEN BOTTOM CAMPGROUND is located on the James River about 1/4 mile down stream of the Arcadia bridge about 5 mile drive from our canoe livery in Buchanan, VA. It is situated about 6 river miles downstream of our Buchanan based canoe livery location near river mile marker 19. This campground can accommodate both paddle in and drive in campers. Each site is numbered and include a fire ring, picnic table, parking area, and level tent pad. Portable toilets and a dumpster are conveniently located in the center of the campground. Guests will need to bring their own water as no potable water source is provided. $36.00 per site for up to 4 campers.

  • Hannah V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Great Trails

    This is a huge campground it has 137 sites that is right in between two mountains. Each site has picnic tables, lantern poles, tent pads, food storage lockers, and campfire rings. 63 of their sites are available for advanced reservation and then 79 first come-first serve basis. The bath house has flush toilets, water spigots, but no showers. There is also no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups.

    Lots of hiking trails, but make sure you look at the map because we unfortunately did not look at it well enough and thought that the trail was a loop when it led to the opposite side of the mountain and we had to hitch hike back to the campsite. The trails are well marked and lead to awesome views. Rate is $20 a night.

  • Christy M.
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Day Run Campground

    Spent 4 days here July 17-20

    Nice size sites for tents and/or RV. All come with Lantern pole, fire ring with grate for cooking on, and picnic table. There are 2 restrooms located in this camping area with vault toilets only. Take your own toilet paper if campground isn’t busy because it doesn’t get maintained daily and we ran out. Trash cans are in fencing for bear proofing. Self pay.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 1, 2017

    Dixie Caverns

    Camping at the Crossroads

    Dixie Caverns is a privately owned campground, slash tourist site ( dixiecaverns.com ) located at the outskirts of Salem, VA.

    Warning: In the website, they do state the campground is "directly off I-81," and it is. The fact is, you are surrounded on three sides by roadway...and the actual Dixie Cavern is at the base of a mountain, so all the road traffic is above the campground and the noise reverberates off the mountain and surrounding walls 24/7. Trust me when I say, semi-truck noise is loud during the twilight hours when the din of the day has disappeared.

    We spent two different multiple-day stays at Dixie Caverns in the Spring, partly out of necessity and partly because of its close proximity to a desired venue in Salem. So I can attest to the traffic noise never letting up.

    The Positive: Dixie Caverns Campground serves a need...a campground close to Salem. The next closest campground is an hour's drive and in heavy traffic...longer. It is also one of the closest campgrounds to several of Virginia's most popular hiking trails (AT) and scenic overlooks (Dragon's Tooth, Tinker Cliffs, etc). So people will use this as a "base camp" of sorts.

    The personnel that run the Dixie Cavern Gift Shop, are also those you see to pay for a camping site...and I found them very friendly and helpful.

    If you are visiting there to tour the Dixie Caverns...you are a hundred feet away from the mountain doorway.

    The campground is tiny, as in footprint, but they have carved out a number of RV/Camper sites along the mountain base and the inner loops...and during our stays very few openings were observed. Water, electric and cable is provided at each of those pull-through sites. They are of adequate size for the largest of RV's, but they are side-by-side the length of the loop. No vegetation exists between or on those sides but some grass and some spaced large trees. Perhaps the RV/Camper clan camp there out of necessity and convenience too. Though there is a limit on the days of your stay, it appears that some are exempt from this rule. Some campers are permanent fixtures...others that were not, were still in the same location from the first visit to the next visit 30 days later. Several employees live full-time on site.

    Tent camping is in the grass along the creek that runs down to the Roanoke River across the roadway. During the heavy rains we received, I had concerns that this raging creek would overflow its banks, but it did not. Trash was visible washed along its banks. The sites are marked only by a picnic table and rock fire ring...no other designation, so you chose a side of the fire ring to pitch your tent. Even with the heavy rains, I did not notice low, soggy areas. There is several large hardwood trees that provide a nice canopy, but no foliage between tenting areas...so the entire campground is line of sight. I believe there were only six tent sites (technically), but overflow tent sites are also along the grassy field across from the Gift Shop. Important note: If you are considering a good night's sleep in a tent (not sure of the sound dampening qualities of RV/Campers), ear-plugs are a must!

    The showerhouse/restroom are located at the beginning of the campground, which is just the other side of the day use picnic area and the Gift Shop/Attraction parking lot. The doors are locked 24/7 and only campers receive the "push-button" door code (which the code did not change from both visits...not a secure safety protocol). The showerhouse/restroom has running water, flush toilets and several showers, and an electric outlet. It shows its age and looks like a heavily used campground facility. For tent campers, its the only potable water source.

    There is both cell service and free wifi...which is amazing! I can count on my one finger how many campgrounds in W.VA and VA that had cell service.

    The Negative: You must leave the campground for anything you'd like to do, other than the Caverns...and sitting in your camp chair.

    There are no trails or other amenities...and the trails closeby...are still a 20-30 minutes drive on a good day.

    Whether or not tenters are in the tent area, this is the dog walking area. They are required to pick up...but it is aggravating...because if it doesn't pour, the smell remains.

    Did I mention the truck traffic noise? The overall condition of Dixie Caverns appears dated, a bit run-down, and dirty.

    Would I stay there again? Odds are I will spend one more collegiate softball post season and World Series staying at Dixie Caverns Campground next spring, purely out of convenience and necessity.

  • Joe H.
    Sep. 7, 2019

    White Rocks Campground

    Beautiful, quiet, and relaxing.

    This is a great spot to get away from almost everything. No cell, no wifi, no hook ups, no showers. 

    Lots of hiking with a short 1.3 loop mile trail right out of the campground, and several trails nearby, including a few different connectors to sections of the AT. 

    Usually few if any campers here, but lots of wildlife to be seen and heard in and around the campground. 

    Theres a camp host who takes care of both bath houses, which have sinks and  flush toilets. No hot water, and no showers. There are a few water hydrants throughout the campground for water.

  • Brittany V.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Not Big Rig Friendly!

    I have to admit that it was an amazing campsite! Double decker with picnic table, lantern pole, and fire pit up stairs and over looking your paved campsite. We were walking distance to the dumpster and public bathroom ( no showers). It also offered no hookups which was fine, there was a dump station on site… The biggest downer for us was just getting to and leaving the site! RVLife took us up and down some insane switchbacks that were just not appropriate for anything larger than maybe 30ft tip to tail?? I wouldn’t advise staying here unless you’re a class B/C, pop up, or 20ft TT. Lodge is nice and has decent prices.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 12, 2020

    Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite

    A Welcomed Reststop along the Trail

    Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite, Watoga, WV

    West Virginia's **Greenbrier River Trail  (GRT) **stretches from its Northern Terminus at the Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown 78-80 miles (depending on what resource you read) to it's Southern Terminus in North Caldwell. The Greenbrier River Trail is a Rails-to-Trails initiative, so being a former track bed, the surface is predominantly ballast, though there are some black-topped areas. Some locations of the trail that either see more sunlight or less traffic have seen grass overtake the trail to form a "two-track" or at times a mown grass trail. Most parts drain well and easy to navigate, while some heavily wooded areas adjacent to rocky cliffs see more puddling and thus muddier...but all navigable. 

    Because of it's relative remoteness and light traffic, wildlife flourishes along the GRT. This is bear country so I would recommend utilizing a bear bag or bear canister for your food and toiletries. I used a BearVault BV500 that I strapped to the Salsa EXP Anything Cradle attached to my handlebars...worked great. Eliminated concerns about losing food items and attracting Yogi and Boo-Boo. A Father/Daughter duo trailing us observed a juvenile bear not far off the trail mid-day. But bears aside, raccoons, chipmunks and other rodents can wreak havoc on panniers or backpacks containing food and fragrant toiletries. 

    At the time of our visit there were 15 Primitive or Rustic Campsites along the Greenbrier River Trail. Each person traveling the Greenbrier River Trail will determine which primitive campsite they prefer for a night's rest. 

    All the primitive campsites positioned along the Greenbrier River Trail (GRT) are free, first-come, first-served. Note that some offer more amenities than others, so those will likely be the sought after locations.

    Traveling West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail is a highlight whatever mode of travel permitted, whether on foot, horseback, bicycling or even paddlecraft...no motorized vehicles are permited. The Greenbrier River Trail was chosen by Backpacker Magazine as one of the top ten best hikes in the U.S. of A. That's quite the billing to live up to.

    I will add that we chose to bikepack the GRT, so I felt we did not stop at all the available sites, cascades, waterfalls, bridges, etc purely because we were a little spread out and by the time you past by a special site, the others were too far down the trail. While I absolutely loved our entire GRT trip...had I been on foot...more exploring would have taken place.

    PROS:

    • Raised fine gravel tent pad
    • Nice, clean, maintained and stocked pit latrine
    • Picnic table
    • Metal fire ring
    • Metal Bear-proof trash receptacle
    • No cell service

    CONS:

    • No water pump
    • No cell service
    • Tent pad located very close to elevated trail

    NEARBY HIGHLIGHTS:

    • Town of Marlinton
    • Watoga State Park
    • Greenbrier Resort
    • Snowshoe Mountain Resort
    • Cass Railroad
    • Seneca State Forest
    • Seneca Rocks
    • Spruce Knob (WV highest elevation)
    • The Wild Bean Cafe and Thunderbird Taco (Lewisburg)  (Suggestion: Order the Guacadilla!...thank me later)

    The GRT Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite does not offer a well water, so fill up before you get there. Although, if you utilize a filter, you can draw water from the river or the tributary down the trail several hundred feet. Even though Mile Post 49.3 tent pad is directly alongside the trail, traffic is so light that it is really a non-issue. There is not a large clearing and with dense vegetation...pack your bug juice.

    This is West Virginia, so even in populated areas cell service can be spotty...but on the trail, I would not count on it. This is both a blessing and a curse. However, for safety purposes, I do carry a Garmin InReach Explorer + in case of emergencies.

    The GRT Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite makes for a great overnighter from either Marlinton or a nice out-and-back from Cass Railroad from the north or from North Caldwell from the South...eliminating the need for a shuttle.

    Final Thoughts: Whether you chose to spend the night at Mile Post 49.3 or not, is not the point...all the primitive campsites along the Greenbrier River Trail are great choices...the point is, mark your calendars, plan this trip and travel West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail!

  • Jennifer B.
    Sep. 22, 2019

    Cranberry Campground

    Easy Access to Cranberry Wilderness

    The Cranberry Campground is a semi-primitive campground located next to the Cranberry River which gets high-use during the trout stocking season in the spring and summer. It's first-come, first-serve, so there's often more demand than supply during the peak season. 

    Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lamp-hanging post. There are a couple hand-pumps to access well water, and some self-ventilating pit toilets which are surprising odor-free. 

    The Cranberry Campground can accommodate tent campers as well as RV's and 5th-wheelers up to 40-feet long. There are 28-single campsites, plus 2 double campsites in 2-separate loops. No electricity, or hook-ups. There's a dump station for an extra$5 fee. 

    If you're in a tent, there are 2 campsites across a bridge in a heavily-wooded area for more privacy. There are also good tent camping sites along the Cranberry River and more sites in the Bishop Knob campground, plus free shelters for backpackers long the 16-mile Cranberry Wilderness Trail, if you want to avoid a bunch of RV campers. 

    No firewood for sale, but you're welcome to gather whatever limbs, logs, etc. that you find on the ground and in the surrounding forest. This is bear-country, so food needs to be kept out of reach of black bears. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times. 

    I camped in mid-September and only saw one other couple my entire stay. This is a great camping spot for easy access to numerous trails in the Cranberry Wilderness and Cranberry Backcountry. It's also a great location to access the Cranberry Glades Boardwalk, Cranberry Mountain Nature Center and the Highland Scenic Highway. 

    If you drive the Highland Scenic Highway, I recommend a stop at the Falls of Hills Creek. The trail can be difficult, with dozens of steep stairs, but worth the effort to see the 45-foot middle falls and the 65-foot lower falls. Beautiful, even though the water was low during my visit. 

    The water was too low for kayaking during my visit, but when it's up, the middle Cranberry River has Class-III and Class-IV rapids. 

    Directions from Richwood: Drive one mile east on State Route 39/55, then 12.5 miles north on Forest Road 76. 

    You can get a good maps here: 

    Gauley Ranger District Office: 932 North Fork Cherry Road Richwood, WV 26261 Cranberry Mountain Nature Center near the junction of WV 150& WV 39. It's closed mid-week, but I was able to get a map from the outside literature rack.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2023

    North Creek Campground

    What a Pleasant Campground

    North Creek Campground, VA: George Washington and Jefferson NF 4/21/23 - one night. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.8 Price: $7.5 w Senior pass Usage during visit: 1/2 full Site Privacy: 5 Verygood Site Spacing: 5 Very good Site surface: Gravel/dirt Reservations: First come - first serve Campground Noise: 5 Quiet Road Noise: 4.5 Sites 1- 5 is along North River Rd. Screened from rd in spring. Minimal traffic Through Traffic: 5 None, campground traffic only.
    Electricity: No Water: Scattered spigots Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Pit toilets - very clean Showers: No Pull Throughs: All are back in Cell Service (Verizon): No Setting: In a deciduous/conifer forest. Sites 6 through about 12 are along noisy North Creek. Weather: 80s Bugs: A few pesky flys Solar: My Nima’s for a fixed roof in south me sites. Most sites are too shady Host: Yes Rig size: Some pretty large sites, 35’ plus. Campground road May be tight for large rigs. Check website. Sites: Well maintained and all are on outer perimeter. Shaded. Many are along North Creek.


Guide to Covington

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Covington, VA is Shirleys’ River Retreat with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Covington, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.