Top Tent Camping near Culpeper, VA
Looking for the best Culpeper tent camping? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Virginia tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Culpeper, VA (26)
1. Lake Anna State Park
20 Reviews•76 Photos•165 SavesCamping 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Sky Meadows State Park
11 Reviews•35 Photos•126 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
3. Shenandoah River Outfitters Camp Outback
6 Reviews•11 Photos•263 SavesCamp OutBack has 25 wooded campsites under a canopy of hardwoods and white pines. Each site accommodates up to 10 campers and includes a picnic table, a charcoal grill and fire ring. The campground borders George Washington National Forest and has a walking trail to the Shenandoah River (1/4 mile). You can drive to boat landings within 1/2 to 1 1/2 miles. Camp OutBack is 10 miles from Luray and in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley close to Shenandoah National Park. Facilities: There are restrooms, hot water showers, firewood for sale, a small camp store at the Shenandoah River Outfitters which offers canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals. (No electric at sites and no dump facilities. We are not set up for RV’s) Rates: Each site is $32.00/night minimum — for 1 to 4 persons. Each additional person is $8.00 per person per night with up to 10 persons per site. (Children 8 years old and under are free) To Reserve: You can call in to reserve or reserve online. If reserved online, one person has to reserve and pay for all that are using the campsite.You will need to sign up as a group leader to have each pay separately. See more information on being a group leader here. Non-profit Group Rates–Mid-week (non-holiday)–for church, school and scouts-each site is $20/night minimum for 1 to 4 persons. Each additional person is $5.00 per person per night with up to 10 persons per site. We reserve a space for you but not a specific campsite. It is ‘first come, first serve’ on selecting a specific campsite from the ones that are not taken. Check in time on Saturday and Sunday is after 10 AM. Other days–8 AM Check out time on Saturday and Sunday is by 10 AM. Other days–by 5 PM. Camp OutBack is open from April 1st to the first weekend in November – weather dependent. Camp OutBack is just behind the Outfitter’s Store at 6502 S Page Valley Rd, Luray VA 22835
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$32 / night
4. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
4 Reviews•18 Photos•293 Saves"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
5. Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping
1 Review•5 Photos•8 SavesBack-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
6. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed
1 Review•2 Photos•6 SavesA 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
7. South Fork Shenandoah River
2 Reviews•12 Photos•78 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
8. Leesylvania State Park
6 Reviews•4 Photos•115 Saves- Phone Service
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
10. Little Fort Campground
3 Reviews•8 Photos•112 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Culpeper
909 Reviews of 26 Culpeper Campgrounds
- L
Lewis B.
Scout
Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Night stop
I was only stopping for single night. I could not access water as the spigot was broken. Was not informed next door there was a outdoor concert that went until 10pm extremely loud
SJ W.
Guide
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. 😅
- Missi N.Scout
Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views
Don’t come here if you actually want to camp
The tent sites are ON TOP of each other. No trees. Zero seclusion. This is an rv resort.
dito S.Scout
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!
- Ioan P.
Legend
Shenandoah River Outfitters Camp Outback
Nice
Present! Lytle noise..
- hheather
Traveler
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.
- ZZu Y.Guide
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.Traveler
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.Traveler
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.Traveler
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)
Gary S.Traveler
Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Nice escape!
A quiet place to disconnect as wifi and cell service for me was spotty at best. Sites are first come, first served. Nice stream nearby. Nice shaded spots. Dump station and community water spigot closed during winter months.
- hheatherTraveler
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.
Edward S.ScoutPrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Decent Overnight Rest Stop
About 5 minutes off the highway, we stopped here for a night on our trip home. Close to plenty of amenities. Sites are paved and mostly level and pull through. HOWEVER, the sites are very small (short, so you will have to unhook)
- BBobby B.Scout
Endless Caverns
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.Scout
Sky Meadows State Park
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.
- jjohn L.Traveler
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.
- SSarah C.Guide
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.
- MMarty T.Traveler
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.
Ranger
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.Ranger
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.ScoutPohick 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.TravelerBig 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.
Robert G.GuidePrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Maintenance is wantimg
Not happy about:
Promised wi-fi does not even appear as an available signal Toilet paper roll dispensers empty Grass 8" high No hot water at dishwashing sink Chess board not swept, neat
Jeremiah S.Guide
Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
KOA Newbie
This was our first KOA experience. I liked the pool, camp shop, and proximity to Massanutten water park. I also liked the size of site.
My wife didn’t care for the lack of grass (mostly gravel) or the guy who took us to site that worked there talking over her when she was helping me back in.
Most people know this but if a couple is backing in just let them figure it out.
Other than price and backing in annoyance, I thought it was good place and would go back.
Chaz M.Ranger
Misty Mountain Camp Resort
Fun for the family
This campground was really great for a family with small children. There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome. The only detractors were that our site (52) was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road, the smell of weed that was prevalent (not the campground’s fault) and the motorcycle noise from the nearby interstate.
- PPete K.Scout
Creekside Campground
Glad we stayed here
We were camping with our rooftop tent and spent two nights here. The campground was nicer than anticipated. We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights. There were a variety of birds who frequented the stream and were fun to watch. The bath house was close by with two flush toilets and one shower, all of which were clean. The one staff person we talked with on several occasions was very friendly and welcoming. We would stay here again if we are ever back in the area.
QSquared2Traveler
Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground
First time
Wonderful campground beautiful scenery
Guide to Culpeper
Camping near Culpeper, Virginia, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: Shenandoah National Park is nearby, providing access to numerous trails. One camper mentioned, "Hiking trails leave right from the campground," highlighting the convenience of exploring nature right from your site at Big Meadows Campground.
- Stargazing: Many campgrounds, like Loft Mountain Campground, are known for their clear night skies. A visitor shared, "We spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."
- Fishing and Water Activities: The Shenandoah River State Park offers fishing and river access. One reviewer noted, "Great State Park with the perfect little tent camping loop."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground said, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, such as Misty Mountain Camp Resort, offer large sites. One family remarked, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
- Proximity to Attractions: Campgrounds like Pohick Bay Campground are close to DC, making it easy to explore the city. A long-time visitor mentioned, "Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home."
What you should know:
- First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, like Lewis Mountain Campground. A camper advised, "Arrive early enough in the day to snag a better site."
- Limited Amenities: Campgrounds such as Matthews Arm Campground lack electric hookups and showers. One visitor noted, "No electricity or hookups at Matthews Arm, and no cell service."
- Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area. A reviewer at Big Meadows Campground warned, "There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out."
Tips for camping with families:
- Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One parent at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
- Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "The entire campground was clean and well-kept."
- Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially during the night. A camper at Matthews Arm Campground noted, "You can expect inconsiderate neighbors."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Levels: Many campgrounds have uneven sites. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA said, "Our site was so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend."
- Be Aware of Road Access: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground advised, "Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95."
- Plan for Limited Connectivity: Cell service can be spotty. A camper at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, "Verizon was nonexistent."
Camping around Culpeper, Virginia, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.
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 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 26 tent camping locations near Culpeper, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.