Best Tent Camping near Dillwyn, VA

Recent Tent Reviews near Dillwyn, Virginia

450 Reviews of 13 Dillwyn Campgrounds

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 12, 2017

  Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

  Lake James

  North Carolina certainly puts its state park system as a priority! I am very impressed. This park is beautifully maintained, has myriad opportunities for recreation, and is in a scenic setting along Lake James and the Catawba River at the base of the Blue Ridge mountains. The park is quite large, and has an extensive set of trails for mountain biking as well as hiking, and the National Intermountain Historic Hiking trail also runs through the park. Water recreation includes kayaking, canoeing and boating with rentals available right in the oark, fishing, including trout fishing on the Catawba and feeder streams to it, and just lying on their beautiful beach—yes, even in December! 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. The park encompasses several peninsulas and bays on Lake James, we were at Paddy Creek where there are nice drive in tent sites, but there are also more secluded walk in or hike in tent site options. The drive-in tent campground has a year round campground host, a brand new shower house and nice bathrooms, plentiful water pumps, and each tent site has a picnic table, steel fire ring, tent pad, and a well built “Bear Box.” Yes, this is bear country! Your food needs to be locked away in a bear box or you will have visitors

• 

  Chris E.

  Guide

  

  May. 20, 2020

  Montebello Resort

  Simply Wonderful

  This is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets for Cabins, RV or Tent camping.

  The location is awesome; close to some great hiking spots, very accessible & well laid out.

  The kids are guaranteed to catch something in the fishing hole & the camp store has EVERYTHING!!

  Love this place! It is a great spot to go tent camping.

  Call and speak with the staff about the best dates to go. They helped is pick a day when there were NO other people there.

  Such a great spot.

• j

  james H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 31, 2023

  Shenandoah Crossing, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort

  Two thumbs up!

  We absolutely loved it! We stayed in the tent camping area. The bathrooms were the cleanest we’ve experienced at any tent camping site. It’s relatively close to the Shenandoah NP. Would recommend this place. Definitely returning.

• 

  Stephanie J.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2018

  Sherando Lake Campground

  Great Recreation Area, Mid-Grade Tent Camping

  Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA. Convenient to both Richmond and Charlottesville, it brings people in for camping and day-use alike.

  There are three camping loops here; a standard non-electric loop (loop A/White Oak Loop), and two RV loops (B and C). Both of the RV loops are very flat and open, with little shade or privacy between sites. They have electric hookups and drinking water available, but do not have water hookups. The tent loop is the oldest loop in this campground, and is heavily wooded, with sites along both meadow and backing up to the mountain. These sites do not have any hookups, but most have driveways large enough for campers and RVs 28' in length or under. All tent sites have fire rings, utility poles, and large picnic tables, and tent pads that are raked clear by campground hosts between guests.

  The biggest benefits of this campground are its location, and the recreation area. It's about an hour and a half west of Richmond and only thirty minutes from Charlottesville, making it a great weekend trip without having to take time away from work. And as for recreation, it's wonderful. There are two lakes--the lower lake is the largest at 25 acres, and and while the beach can get crowded during peak season, it's an easy walk from the campground, with a large swimming area roped off. Canoeing is available at the lake, and there are several hiking trails, ranging from the easy lakeside trail, to more difficult trails that connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and other trails in George Washington National Forest. Fishing is available at both lakes with the proper licensing. There are several large picnic areas right on the lower lake, and a few smaller creekside spaces with picnic table and grills.

  All that said; for RV campers this is an excellent campsite. While the loops with hookups are lacking in shade and privacy, having an RV or camper will afford you what the site itself lacks, and the location and activities make this a great basecamp.

  For tent camping, it's good if you live in one of the nearby cities and want the shorter drive time, or if you like tent camping but still want all the benefits of front-country camping. As a place to set up camp and enjoy spending time near your tent, Sherando is exceptionally maintained. There is not a lot of opportunities for foraging for firewood, which means purchasing heat-treated wood nearby, and while the sites are very shady, there is little underbrush between sites to offer a privacy barrier. Many of the sites are staggered, with one or more levels of steps leading from the driveways. Because of all there is to do this is a great site for older kids, but we learned that, especially with toddlers, the steps around the campsites can turn a relaxing trip into one of constant vigilance.

  Enjoyment of this campground will largely depend on what type of camper you are. If you are mainly looking for a place to get outside of the city, where you can set up for the night and have easy access to hiking, fishing, swimming, or boating, this is a great campground. This is where we typically chose to take friends if they were new to camping, as the bathrooms are well-lit, the road is paved, and the sites are so well-maintained. Plus at $20 a night, while it's more expensive than its neighbors in Shenandoah National Park or Cave Mountain Lake, it's a shorter drive from the neighboring cities, and doesn't have the additional NPS fee. However, if you want something that feels more rugged, or with campsites that offer a greater feeling of privacy, it would be better to skip this one.

• J

  Jeremiah E.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 20, 2019

  Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

  Cabins are nice, tent camping not so much

  We’ve been here twice. Once for our anniversary and we stayed in one of the cabins with our dog, and once tent camping. The cabin was reasonably priced and comfortable. They are all grouped together and could be fun for a family reunion or some larger gathering with friends. The tent camping experience was with our kids, and it was a little hard to keep them entertained. The hiking trails were a short distraction, but not long or difficult enough to wear them out.

• C

  Cody B.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 3, 2021

  Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

  Boat camping

  Awesome place. Crazy raccoons.

  Boat in sites. Tent camping. Reserve early, especially weekends.

  Have fun!

• c

  cam M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 22, 2021

  Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

  Peaceful Surroundings

  Stayed in tent sites…Overlanding in my Jeep…single woman..felt safe Campground hosts were wonderful! Clean area

• 

  Sally T.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 23, 2018

  Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

  A beautiful place to disconnect

  A lot of effort was put into remodeling the bathhouses, making them surprisingly welcoming. Many variations of tent sites available and sites are easily located.

• B

  Brandon L.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 1, 2022

  Paradise Lake Family Campground

  Nice smaller lake, but we had a great time!

  We arrived during the day just after a rain storm. We tent camped and it was pretty muddy. The sites were nice and private for tent campers. RVs was a different story. The bathroom was a good walk up the hill so bring your bikes. We would definitely go back though!

• 

  Scott F.

  Guide

  

  May. 4, 2021

  Christopher Run Campground

  Great campsite off of Lake Anna in Virginia.

  We've spent a number of nights tent camping at Christopher Run. The people who manage the site are very nice. The campground and bathrooms are kept clean. The bathrooms are even air-conditioned. Christopher Run has a boat launch as well.

• 

  RL

  Legend

  

  Mar. 21, 2021

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  2 Night Minimum

  Just went to book a site since I’m in the area, and it’s a two-night minimum to tent camp. This seems crazy for a Sunday night and the campground is not at all packed. It’s also $50/night, which is too high for primitive sites.

• D

  Dave L.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 15, 2019

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  Nice place

  Enjoyed the area. Campground is nice and the facilities are very clean. Good place to roam around if you have a dog. Tent sites are somewhat close together but overall great place to camp.

• 

  josh S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 25, 2021

  Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

  Beautiful tent sites

  We tent camped at site A1 and had so much room and privacy. Sites are backed up against pond so there were people fishing here and there, but we weren't too bothered after a certain time. Campground offers family showers and a few kid friendly activities.

• 

  Shannon L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 14, 2020

  Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

  Great campsite

  The tent sites were large and shaded. We were right by the fishing pond and it was a short walk to the playground, pool, jump pad, and very clean, private bathrooms. It stormed our first night, and the raised gravel tent platforms prevented us from flooding. It was quiet and peaceful, and we will definitely be back!

• 

  Sonya N.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 18, 2020

  Waynesboro North 340 Campground

  10/10

  10/10 would stay again.

  Bathrooms? Super clean! Water pressure? Phenomenal. Hot water? Oh yes!!!!! I think 30$ a night for a tent site is a bit high but the shower did help ease that ha And I might be too used to boondocking and utilizing BLM land

• C

  Craig W.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 8, 2017

  Branch Pond — James River State Park

  Good for horse back riding or tubing down river.

  This campground is good for horse back riding (have stables you can rent) or tubing down the James River (have tubes you can rent). They'll take you to the drop off and you can float down. Have to be 6 or older (we had a 4 yr old), the grass at all sites was 6-10" high making it not fun for anyone, esp. kids (we have 2). They were mowing on the day we left.

  As far as the tent sites by the river it's a good 50 to 75 feet from the campsite to your vehicle. There is not really good access to the river from camp sites except for two of them. There is plenty of room at the campsite and some trees for shade. Unless you are bringing horses and staying there, the showers and nice bathrooms are a drive away. Tent sites have permanent holes in the ground and no running water. if you know what you getting into it would be OK.

• 

  Jennifer E.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 14, 2020

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  Great site, awesome brewery!

  Nice campground with plenty of room. The bathhouse is top notch! Squeaky clean with lots of space. Love that you can just walk to the brewery from your site. We had two tents on an RV spot because their tent sites were full. Walked some of the easy trails that were in the area. The scenery was beautiful and our overall experience was great. Will come back for sure!

• 

  Evan G.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 20, 2020

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  Everything you ever wanted and more

  Tent camped at the park late October and everything was perfect. Very quiet, flat ground, so much room, the cleanest and nicest bathhouse I've ever seen, hot water included. Not to mention a very nice fire pit and picnic table at our site. Firewood and ice on site and the best of all, the full service brewery, restaurant, and concert venue all on site. 100/10 best campsite I've ever stayed at.

• 

  Katie

  Guide

  

  Oct. 31, 2022

  Montebello Resort

  Great quiet campground.

  Great mix of full hook up, water and electric, and tent sites. A wooded campground with beautiful ponds, and a trout fishing pond. Big enough for small and medium size campers but not being surrounded by giant RV’s and fifth wheels. Just off the blue ridge parkway. GreAt access to all the hiking. Stayed here twice. The little country store is great.

• 

  Abel T.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 14, 2022

  Daybreak Glamp Camp

  Awesome 👌

  Ended up a Day Break by chance to be honest, but I'm sure glad I did. I tent camped there for 4 nights and it was amazing. It was quite peaceful and the weather for the most part was great. I had camp fires every night. The bathroom was kept clean and there's a shower also. I highly recommend if you just want to get away for a couple days. Can't wait to go back next year

• N

  Nelson H.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 2, 2018

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  Ok for what it is.

  An inexpensive place to sleep within walking distance to restaurant and brewery. New very nice and clean bathhouse. But I can't see how it can handle the amount of campsites. About 25 tent sites, maybe another 22 no hookup RV sites, 24 full hook up. Mens room has 2 toilets 3 sinks and 2 showers. Not a problem on a weekday in November. Water saver in the shower, water warm enough but never had to turn on the cold. No bench or chair to dry feet and put on sox and shoes. No wifi at site. AT&T cell service. Tent sites are close together, maybe 25 feet from table to table with little to no privacy between them. Many of the sites are illuminated by the LED floods from the bathhouse. Found myself hiding my eyes in the shadow of the trees. No trash cans. Hammock campers be aware. Most sites are so small with so few trees you may have trouble finding 2 trees within your own site. So if you want to eat, drink, camp and not have to drive, this will work. Just don't plan on getting up in the middle of the night and pee in the woods because you will probably pee on your neighbor's tent.

• S

  Susan P.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 1, 2018

  Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

  Very Clean, Very Friendly, Great tent sites

  It was still off season when we stayed and it was very quiet. The staff was extremely friendly and the campground was super clean! There was plenty for kids to do playground, pool, jump pillow, fishing pond and hiking trails. The tent site was amazing right by the pond. The fire pit has a grate for cooking. It is very close to many hiking trails. We will definitely go back again.

• 

  Crystal C.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 31, 2018

  Small Country Campground

  Designed With Family In Mind

  This is by no means the biggest campground or the most modern but something which can be said for this campground is it feels like it was designed with family fun in mind. From the bouncing blob to the oversized chess set, from the lakeside beach to the swimming pool, it seems as though plenty of thought has been placed on how to keep a family entertained when in this area of Virginia.

  The sites themselves are not just average tent and RV sites. Instead they have various types of cabins which you can rent in addition to these. The tent sites are grouped in the same area and while there are only a handful of them, they are well shaded, nicely spaced and pretty even. The rolling hills of the area do not seem to effect the layout of these spaces.

  My site was equipped with a picnic table however I did not have a fire ring or lantern post. They do have some upgraded sites for tents which include these or even have electricity. I enjoyed the location and when I was visiting there were not many people staying in this area.

  I do wish I hadn't been traveling alone because it would have been a bit more fun with all the activities had I have had a travel companion. This is one of those places where it pays to have a buddy!!

  TIPS:

  • If you will be staying on a weekend call in advance to book because of limited tent sites.

  • During summertime this place is like one of those dream summer camps with lake toys including blobs and inflatable obstacles. Try to visit during this time of year to fully take advantage.

• 

  RL

  Legend

  

  Mar. 25, 2021

  Twin Lakes State Park Campground

  Wooded Sites

  Tent sites are shady, although some can be VERY close to one another. There’s a nice beach area and the park seems to offer boat rentals (unsure of COVID policies at the moment, though). 🛶

  The playgrounds and amenities for kids are cute, and the bathrooms are clean. The park sells wood and has a little mini outdoor library and charging station which is adorable and something I don’t see often 💜

• N

  Nina S.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 22, 2024

  Paradise Lake Family Campground

  Favorite campground

  I stay here at least once every summer. Has beautiful pool and lake, playground, arcade, and boat rentals. Fishing, hiking, basketball. Very friendly staff all the time. Close to stores and restaurants but far enough out to not hear any noise. Phone service is superb. Clean shower and restrooms. Hot water. Electric tent sites!!! Has everything I live and will continue to go here as long as I’m in the state of Va. def recommended

• 

  Shannon L.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 7, 2020

  Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley

  Lots to do, lots of noise

  Pros:

  • lots of activities for everyone
  • our one year old loved the playgrounds and the lake
  • everything is within walking distance
  • clean bathrooms

  Cons:

  • so.many.golf.carts. Seriously, basically everyone had a golf cart and drove them everywhere.
  • lots of noise and people. Activities went til 10:30 at night, which was hard for our son to sleep through
  • the tent sites are close to the entrance so we had sooo much traffic driving by at all hours of the night.
• 

  Steve W.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 18, 2019

  Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

  Beautiful park!

  Bear Creek Lake is a bit off the beaten path which was one of the things I really loved about it. My kids and I camped in a tent on the Chestnut Loop, which was well shaded by trees and the bathrooms were incredibly clean. The sites are a little close to each other for my taste, but everything else was so nice I didn't let it bother me.

  The lake itself is smallish, but the scenery is beautiful. We rented kayaks and the staff were all very nice and helpful. There is a small beach area for swimming, but I'm not a fan of swimming in lakes myself so I skipped visiting that area. Instead we hiked the very scenic trails around the lake, which are well marked for the most part.

  In all, this was a very nice park to visit for camping, hiking and kayaking. I imagine I'll be returning again in the future.