Best Tent Camping near Culpeper, VA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Culpeper and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Culpeper campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Culpeper, VA (25)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anna State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anna State Park Campground

    1. Lake Anna State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    76 Photos
    166 Saves
    Mineral, Virginia

    Camping Lake Anna Campground offers sites with and without water and electric hookups, centrally located restrooms with hot showers, fire-rings, picnic tables and lantern holders. Half the sites may be specifically reserved; the rest are assigned upon arrival. A table showing site-specific sites can be found here (PDF). Click here for pictures of the sites. Bunkhouse One bunkhouse - No weekly requirement. The park rents a camping lodge (bunkhouse) that's next to the bathhouse in the north camping loop. The bunkhouse is not a full-service lodge. The north loop's bathhouse includes the only restroom facilities for your stay. It's a two-room trailer with seven bunk beds, a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a coffee pot and an air conditioner. The bunkhouse also has a charcoal grill and deck outside. Cooking and smoking are not permitted inside the lodge. Five vehicles are permitted with rental of the lodge; the daily parking fee must be paid for additional vehicles. Yurts Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter. Functionally speaking, it's a cross between a tent and a cabin. Lake Anna has four yurts in the back section of the campground and tucked neatly into a wooded area for privacy and extra shade. Each yurt has a large wooden deck and includes a ground-level picnic pad with a picnic table, fire-ring and separate cooking grill. Reservations are required. Parking for two cars per yurt is at the beginning of the "yurt village," and carts are available for moving items from there to the yurts on a gravel trail. Those with more than two vehicles must pay a daily parking fee and park in overflow lots located throughout the campground. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m. The rental season begins on the first Friday in March and ends on the first Sunday in December. Cabin rental and cancellation policies apply. There is a two-night minimum rental during the rest of camping season.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
    Camper-submitted photo from #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
    Camper-submitted photo from #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
    Camper-submitted photo from #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
    Camper-submitted photo from #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
    Camper-submitted photo from #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

    3. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

    4 Reviews
    18 Photos
    295 Saves
    Luray, Virginia

    "Glamping at it's finest!"  "Vacation In the Round" alongside the beautiful, legendary Shenandoah River in Luray, Virginia. Campers all around the world, experience true serenity when you vacation in one of our ONE-OF-A-KIND YURTS! Offering tent sites and yurts!  #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp's riverfront campsite settings and yurts are just perfect for groups; relax with family and friends at this beautiful,  In addition we offer two totally primitive tentsites in the pines diagonally across the road from kamp.  The 1947 Rock Tavern Retreat cabin (luxury) is diagonally across the road from kamp.  Groups can reserve in advance the entire camp and cabin - special pricing.  #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp has on-site tubing,kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and local firewood is available.#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp is central to your camping vacation in Luray: you'll be hiking in GW National Forest within minutes! When you vacation at our camp, you're within **20 minutes of the entrance of Shenandoah National Park.**The famed Luray Caverns is within 7 minutes. Super convenient, the Walmart is a 10-minute drive from the#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp, and if you don't feel like cooking while you camp, Anthony's Pizza Delivers! Horseback riding just 12 min away.  Cooter's "Dukes of Hazzard" Museum is 15 min away.  River Hill Distillery is only 5 min- wine tastings, corn whiskey and bourbon all made on the horse farm.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $45 - $225 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping

    4. Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    9 Saves
    Syria, Virginia

    Back-country Permit Required - https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/bc-permit.htm

    Each year thousands of people spend a night or more in the Shenandoah’s backcountry. While visitors seek the backcountry for isolation, the cumulative actions of everyone in these areas can have dire effects on the resources we seek to enjoy. We can mitigate these effects by following Leave No Trace principles, as well as observing park backcountry regulations. The following regulations exist to keep Shenandoah's wilderness wild and untrammeled for you and for future generations of hikers and campers.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    5. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    7 Saves
    Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

    A free back country camping permit is required: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/bc-permit.htm

    Shenandoah National Park has 196,000+ acres of backcountry and wilderness and over 500 miles of trails to explore. Backcountry camping is, by its very nature, a primitive experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of Shenandoah's wild side. Before you head out on your trip, however, be sure that you understand all of the information below so that you'll be prepared to safely discover a brand new world beyond the pavement!

    Each year thousands of people spend a night or more in the Shenandoah’s backcountry. While visitors seek the backcountry for isolation, the cumulative actions of everyone in these areas can have dire effects on the resources we seek to enjoy. We can mitigate these effects by following Leave No Trace principles, as well as observing park backcountry regulations. The following regulations exist to keep Shenandoah's wilderness wild and untrammeled for you and for future generations of hikers and campers.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Camper-submitted photo from Leesylvania State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leesylvania State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leesylvania State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leesylvania State Park Campground

    7. Leesylvania State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    4 Photos
    115 Saves
    Dumfries, Virginia

    Leesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing, and boating. A universally accessible fishing pier, playground, boat launch, boat storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center, and gift shop are available. A 20-station fitness trail and canoe and kayak rentals also are available.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
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Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Culpeper

917 Reviews of 25 Culpeper Campgrounds


  • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
    Dec. 5, 2024

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Clean restrooms, wooded spots, nice overall

    We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30) and shared the campground with a mix of tent campers, car/van campers, and a few larger units. The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available. Our site had some privacy and some extra due to about 50% occupancy. Showers and laundry were closed for the season but are centrally located near entrance area of campground. Elevation above 3000 feet and plenty of deer! It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water.

  • Kim L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Clean, neat, and family oriented

    Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center. Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground.

  • Brett D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views
    Nov. 7, 2024

    Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    Best campground we have stayed at

    Best and cleanest campground we have stayed at. Great amenities and close to the national park for hiking and exploring. Luray is a nice little town with some good food options

  • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Little Fort Campground

    Nice spot, but noisy ATV/OHV site

    Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods. The only thing is it is next to an off-road vehicle trail and there was a lot of action coming down until about 7 PM. Wouldn’t have bothered me, but it did bother my dogs. 😅

  • dito S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers. Don’t forget to register dito sim to stay connected during your visit!

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Roosevelt
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Camp Roosevelt

    Great overnight spot!

    Camped here as a plan B, but it was still a great time. The lookout over the mountain about 5min drive from the campground was breathtaking. As far as camp went, it is a bare bones site with two port a potties (well maintained) and a couple water spouts that didn’t work. The sites are right next to a road, so expect some noise all night. Maybe because of rains there were flying bugs everywhere. Sites were spacious and level, no large rocks. Fire pits were very large and have grates for cooking. First CCC site ever made so there is some cool history if you’re into that.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Aquia Pines Campground
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Aquia Pines Campground

    So convenience campsite, right up the Rt 95, 36mile from Washington DC.

    And the host are very kind and very friendly, event near Rt. 95, not very loud noise with big tall trees, happy stay!

  • Rob  O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    Great family campground with trails and HOT showers

    Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 1 nights, park ranger met me at the entrance to ensure i could find my site. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked with HOT water in the private showers. This is a great base camp for getting out to hike the various trails in Prince William Forrest. Firewood is gather your own from fallen limbs in the park.

  • Rob  O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Excellent campground especially as a base for hikes

    Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 2 nights and found that my original planned site wasn't very hospitable to tent camping due to the slope, Conferred with park ranger who easily changed my site to a better one with no fee. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. This is a great base camp for getting out to hike the Appalachian trail and the local water falls in the area. Firewood and some camping supplies can be obtained onsite and there is a park wayside store and cafeteria a short distance away (i highly recommend the honey breaded chicken).

  • Judy W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bull Run Regional Park
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Bull Run Regional Park

    Noisy but Nice

    Pros - Clean Bathrooms, Camp store open 8am - 8pm, Sites 62 - 92 (except #74 and 88) are all pretty  good.  Security was great, patrol throughout the night.  Quiet hours are enforced and campers are polite.  Lots of activities, and nice hiking trails. Fabulous historical attractions, great visitor center. 

    Cons - Campground is in the flight path of Dulles Airport, so planes are flying over head at all hours of the day and sometimes late at night/morning.  There is a shooting range nearby. Some noise during range hours. (Not late at night!)  Because there had been so little rain, there was not great fishing in the park.  (I went to Silver Lake, that was great!)

    Traffic! Lots of local traffic on the main roads. (to be fair, it IS a suburb of DC ). Stores are all approx. 20 mins away. (Head towards Haymarket)

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bull Run Regional Park
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Bull Run Regional Park

    Spacious Sites and family friendly

    I stayed here with my family this summer and the park itself is a perfect spot for nature near DC. My son loved the giant playground and full water park at the campground, they even had discounted entry to the water park for campers. We stayed in site 20 which is an easy pull through and had a direct trail to the water park and the full network of trails in the park.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Sep. 9, 2024

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great site, bad timing?

    The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go. The real issue was the land directly across the river that had 20+ people playing loud music at almost all hours. Docked one star for that but everything else was great. Bathrooms had no TP so bring your own, and please remember to pack out your trash! Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains.

    EDIT: I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

    Beautiful Resort

    The resort is beautiful. Pulling up and checking in, a host takes you to your site. Sites are spacious and there's lots to do! We loved our site because we are the only one on the right side of the hill. I did not get any info email though which I had to contact about. Other than that, everything was great. Drove around the campground to see which other sites I would like to try and get! I def would return.

  • Germ E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sky Meadows State Park Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Great

    Picoworkers often includes mechanisms for users to receive feedback and ratings based on their performance picoworkers login. This performance-based recognition not only helps in building a solid reputation on the platform but also serves as motivation to maintain high standards. Positive ratings and reviews can enhance credibility, leading to more opportunities and potentially higher-paying tasks.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA

    Nice location

    Just a few miles off of Interstate ninety five and u s seventeen. Within thirty minutes of fredericksburg. At this k o a everything was clean and organized. Our site was a pull through. With plenty of room side to side. In fredericksburg be sure to do the trolley tour.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Meh

    Wanted an overnight close to home and have never been to Mathew’s Arm so off we went. Campground easy to access off the SNP parkway. Since we didn’t book ahead we had a choice of the first come, first serve sites. Seemed odd that we could not pick any site that wasn’t reserved. The sites were all small and very close together. Some had bear boxes, some did not. All sites able to pull up to but not all sites had a decent spot to pitch a tent. No tent pads. Grass overgrown in many areas. Light not working in women’s bathroom, guess that’s how come you travel with a headlamp. Overall, glad we went, once.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Bennie’s Beach Campground
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Bennie’s Beach Campground

    Cool spot by the creek

    Bennies has a cool spot by the creek for tent camping.  I was the only one there - after having driven through the aging RV neighborhood.  Check-in was mystical, but finally reached the groundskeeper by phone and left money in a mailbox.  "$40 cash money..."  Way overpriced considering the unsanitary (gross) showers and restrooms.  I think I felt cleaner before the shower.  If you don't need a shower and don't mind dropping $40 for a place to pitch your tent then Bennies may be for you.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Gap Recreation Area
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    An Outstanding Forest Service Campground

    The road leading to the camp site from Wardensville was in excellent condition all the way to the camp site. There are e total of 9 campsites.

    Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms.

    The campsite itself is beautifully wooded. Each campsite is mostly secluded from the rest of the park.

    The campground has vaulted toilet and communal garbage receptical. There is a large day use area. There are several trails that intersect with the campsite ànd day hikers are a common site.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Gap
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Wolf Gap

    Wonderful scenic getaway

    Drove in on a very good road for 15 miles. Camp road and each of the 9 sites have a paved pad to park a short trailer or car.

    Each camp site had a slights had a parking pad at road level with the rest of the site 3 to 5 feet lower in elevation, giving each site a two tiered feel.

    The site does offer a bear-proof garbage can next to the pit toilet.

    Each site has a fire ring, a compacted sand platform for a tent and a picnic table.

  • Nicole S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray

    Yogi Bear for the win!!!

    I have to say this campground had plenty of staff working, the grounds were kept clean and maintained. They have 3 pools, watersides, and a splash pad, which were very busy but kept clean. They offer tons of other adventures like laser tag, arcade, mini golf movie theatre, gem mining, playgrounds, jumping pillows, ziplines, and then tons more to do in the craft center. They had plenty of appearances of Yogi or Cindy bear at activities and just driving around the park on a golf cart. The store had everything in it you would need, and the snack bar had so much to offer from wraps to ice cream. I thought the sites were a little close, and some didn't have enough trees for my personal liking, but also, you need to pick your site wisely. I liked that we had a nice concrete pad, which was above the grade in case of some rain it wouldn't flood. They offer golf carts for rental, so you can roam anywhere and have tons of cabin options. The staff were friendly and great and only stepped in when absolutely necessary. They weren't overbearing or annoying and let people have fun. The campground itself was very quiet at night, and of course, the kids lived on the playgrounds after the pool was open, but the noise was not ever excessive but just expected. The bathrooms were clean and all in working order. The app can be accessed, or you can pick up a paper schedule to see all the activities for the day. The cell service and wifi left a lot to be desired, but for me, I like to not be glued to my phone when away, especially camping. The area had fun things to go to explore, like Shenandoah National Park and the Luray Caverans, if you do like to chase some natural beauty.

  • Trees F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pohick Bay Campground
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Excellent spot

    We loved staying at Pohick. We were here to visit DC and it was an excellent spot to stay. It was extremely hot as it was July but the sites had a lot of shade. Site 46 where we stayed was close to the bathrooms and nice and flat. The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in and they have laundry and a nice stainless sink and counter for washing dishes if needed. About a 40 minute drive into DC and definitely worth it. Also, campers get a discount at the water park which was a very reasonable 5 dollars per person. The weekend tends to be a bit louder but during the week was very quiet.

  • Martin T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Great Facilities, Easy Access to Many Parts of Park

    We loved our 4-night stay in Big Meadows. I definitely recommend booking a site on the outer part of the loop, or one of the walk-in sites, if you are tent camping. A lot of the interior sites seemed very close together, but the farther out you get, the more spaced out they seemed to be, we could see a couple of other campsites from ours but generally felt we had plenty of space and privacy.

    Campsite facilities seemed pretty clean and well-maintained, and there is the campstore at the front of the campground with necessities, laundry and shower (for a fee). And if you need more the Big Meadow visitor center, and Wayside souvenir store/snack bar are just a mile or so from the campground where it meets Skyline Drive. They even have a gas station there. We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing, all very close to the campground.

    Bear boxes are big and sturdy, fire pits are on the smallish side but fine. Honestly this place is pretty tough to beat in terms of facilities, value, and proximity to a lot of beautiful and fun national park hikes and sights.


Drive Time


Guide to Culpeper

Tent camping near Culpeper, Virginia, offers a blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Culpeper

  • For a secluded experience, consider the Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping, which requires a moderate hike to reach stunning views and abundant wildlife.
  • If you're looking for a more accessible option, Lake Anna State Park Campground offers well-maintained sites with amenities like drinking water and electric hookups, making it ideal for families.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground, where you can enjoy a beautiful pond and hiking trails, but remember to pack out all your trash.

Local Attractions for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Some Prices for Tent Camping Range from $0 to $40

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Culpeper, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Culpeper, VA is Lake Anna State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Culpeper, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.