Best Tent Camping near Crozet, VA

State parks and national forests surrounding Crozet, Virginia offer diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. James River State Park, located about 45 miles south of Crozet, features several tent-only camping areas including Canoe Landing Group Campsite and Walnut Grove, both highly rated for their riverside locations. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, situated northwest of Crozet in the George Washington National Forest, provides primitive tent camping opportunities with established sites along forest roads. Lake Anna State Park, though farther east, offers designated tent campsites with more amenities for those seeking a less rustic experience.

Most tent campgrounds near Crozet feature a mix of access types, from drive-in sites to walk-in and hike-in options. Tent pads at established sites are typically level and well-maintained, though drainage can be an issue during heavy rains. Primitive tent camping areas like Switzer Lake require high-clearance vehicles to navigate bumpy dirt roads. According to campers, the road beyond the river crossing becomes particularly challenging for standard vehicles. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with food storage boxes provided at state park sites and vehicle storage recommended at dispersed locations. Vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds, while backcountry tent sites require pack-in, pack-out practices for all waste.

Tent campers frequently mention the privacy and natural setting as highlights of their experience. One visitor to James River State Park noted, "The Canoe Landing camping area is spacious with fire rings, and lots of room to set up tents right along the river." Sites at Walnut Grove are described as "far away from each other" with good tree coverage providing shade and natural separation. For those seeking deeper seclusion, weekday visits are recommended. A regular at Switzer Lake reported, "Beautiful area and pretty secluded dispersed campsites," though cautioned about occasional noise from other campers at larger sites. Most tent-only areas offer good access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and water activities, making them ideal basecamps for exploring the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

Best Tent Sites Near Crozet, Virginia (22)

    1. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    27 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    32 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. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    11 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    31 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."

    3. Warren Ferry Landing

    2 Reviews
    Scottsville, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 231-2278

    $21 - $60 / night

    "We're so excited to have this property on our platform! These flat, well maintained sites are perfect to pitch your tent or park your RV. The sites are large and offer ample shade."

    4. Branch Pond — James River State Park

    9 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    31 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. Lovers Lane FarmStay

    1 Review
    Barboursville, VA
    26 miles
    +1 (571) 888-6278

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Ashley here with The Dyrt, we're happy to welcome this new listing to the platform. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love!"

    6. Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    6 Reviews
    Singers Glen, VA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 560-4847

    $25 - $30 / night

    "If you are tent camping or have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area.  The camp area is quiet and there is plenty of firewood for use."

    "We're excited to welcome this property to the platform. Camp out under a canopy of Red Cedar Trees and make yourself comfortable. Free firewood! Give this place a go and leave your review here."

    7. Kennedy Fields Campgrounds

    Be the first to review!
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 265-0019

    8. Lake Anna State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Mineral, VA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 854-5503

    "For being a state park, Lake Anna is one of the best I've been to. Although we only tent camped, I noticed a lot of things about the campground that would welcome RVs as well."

    "Good site with excellent drainage. Unfortunately, at the time we were here, the dump station was not working! Will go back!"

    9. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    42 miles
    Website

    "Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

    Amazing"

    "It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site."

    10. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    31 miles
    Website

    "It’s a decently private spot with the trail close by, bugs weren’t bad only gripe was bears were constantly checking out our tent during night, we had one beef stick (trash thrown in our hang bag of course"

    "This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Crozet, VA

880 Reviews of 22 Crozet Campgrounds



Guide to Crozet

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Virginia, Crozet offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.

Tips for tent camping near Crozet

  • For a unique experience, consider staying at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, where you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere under a canopy of cedar trees and even tour the mushroom farm.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Branch Pond — James River State Park features well-maintained sites with great facilities and ample opportunities for hiking and biking.
  • Be prepared for a bit of a workout at Walnut Grove — James River State Park, where some sites require a short hike to access, but the stunning views and tranquility make it worthwhile.

Tent campers should check out Warren Ferry Landing

  • At Warren Ferry Landing, you can enjoy a drive-in camping experience with amenities like picnic tables and firewood available for your campfire needs.
  • This campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure while enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • With features like reservable sites and toilets, Warren Ferry Landing makes for a convenient choice for families and groups.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $30

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crozet, 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 Crozet, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Crozet, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.