Best Tent Camping near Earlysville, VA

Tent campsites near Earlysville, Virginia range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites, with several options within a short drive. Lovers Lane FarmStay offers a single tent site with amenities including drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, while more remote options like Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed and Hazeltop Summit Dispersed provide primitive tent camping experiences in the surrounding mountains. Lake Anna State Park Campground, located about 30 miles southeast, provides developed tent sites with more facilities for campers seeking a balance between wilderness and convenience.

Most primitive tent camping areas require permits and have specific regulations regarding fires and food storage. Laurel Prong Trail and Hazeltop Summit prohibit fires entirely and require proper food storage due to wildlife activity. Sites are typically set on natural surfaces with minimal improvements. A recent review noted that "Hazeltop Summit was a perfect spot, secluded with a great view, but not an easy find" - highlighting the navigation challenges common to backcountry tent sites. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water, as most dispersed sites lack facilities. During peak seasons, established campgrounds like Lake Anna fill quickly, while backcountry areas generally offer more solitude.

Walk-in tent sites provide a middle ground between car camping and backcountry experiences. Areas farther from Earlysville offer deeper seclusion and darker night skies. Emerald Pond Primitive Campground, accessible via hiking trails, features spring-fed water sources that require filtering. "This is probably one of the best first-time backpacker hikes you can do," according to feedback on The Dyrt, noting that the trail "gets the hard part out of the way at the start" with a steep ascent followed by relatively flat terrain. Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, particularly at higher elevations where temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months. Most primitive tent sites in the region operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis for trash management.

Best Tent Sites Near Earlysville, Virginia (24)

    1. Lovers Lane FarmStay

    1 Review
    Barboursville, VA
    15 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!"

    2. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    22 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."

    3. Lake Anna State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Mineral, VA
    36 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!"

    4. Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Syria, CT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "Found this spot from a recommended list provided by Shenandoah park rangers, and I’m glad we choose this one."

    5. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    27 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    42 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."

    6. Phantom Hill Forest Farm

    1 Review
    Mineral, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 894-7901

    "The sites are large and primitive. We had no trouble getting down there in the jeep. We appreciated the dishes/kitchen set up, games, and the adorable outhouse!"

    7. Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    6 Reviews
    Singers Glen, VA
    33 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."

    8. Warren Ferry Landing

    2 Reviews
    Scottsville, VA
    28 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."

    9. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    11 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    41 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."

    10. Emerald Pond Primitive Campground

    2 Reviews
    New Market, VA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 265-5100

    "If you would rather not hike it, there is a Forest Access road, but I'm not sure how often it is open and if permits are needed to drive on it. "

    "We didn’t see a ton of trash- but the trash we saw would fit into one plastic grocery bag and it was in the fire pits. I agree that it’s the locals hanging out here, that’s been confirmed."

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Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Earlysville, VA

990 Reviews of 24 Earlysville Campgrounds



Guide to Earlysville

Tent camping near Earlysville, Virginia offers a blend of serene nature and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tips for tent camping near Earlysville

  • For a secluded experience, consider the Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping, which requires a moderate hike to reach but rewards campers with stunning views and abundant wildlife.
  • If you're looking for a more accessible option, Phantom Hill Forest Farm offers large, primitive sites that are easy to reach by car, along with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables.
  • Be prepared for a hike at Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed, where the camping experience is enhanced by beautiful views, though finding the perfect spot may take some time.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

  • Enjoy a free camping experience at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground, where you can pitch your tent near a picturesque pond, perfect for swimming and relaxation.
  • At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, expect to pay around $25 for a unique camping experience under cedar trees, complete with firewood and a friendly host.
  • For a well-reviewed site with amenities, Lake Anna State Park Campground offers tent camping starting at approximately $20, featuring electric hookups and clean facilities.

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Earlysville, VA is Lovers Lane FarmStay with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Earlysville, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.