Best Tent Camping near Elkton, VA

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Elkton, look no further. The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Elkton with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Virginia tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites Near Elkton, Virginia (30)

    orv D.'s photo of tent camping at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm near Singers Glen, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm near Singers Glen, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm near Singers Glen, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm near Singers Glen, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm near Singers Glen, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm near Singers Glen, VA

    1. Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    6 Reviews
    10 Photos
    51 Saves
    Singers Glen, Virginia

    I grow mushrooms and sell them at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market. The camping area is about an acre and is beside the house. Park under a canopy of red cedar trees which are bug resistant so very few mosquitoes. Two fireplaces, first come first serve. No neighbors yet close to Harrisonburg. Free firewood. No curfews. Tent camping and conversion vans only. No RV's.

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

    $25 - $30 / night

    Emil D.'s photo of tent camping at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping near Brandywine, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping near Brandywine, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping near Brandywine, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping near Brandywine, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping near Brandywine, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping near Brandywine, VA

    2. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    57 Photos
    415 Saves
    Brandywine, West Virginia

    This colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound. Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Anderson F.'s photo of tent camping at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA

    3. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

    4 Reviews
    18 Photos
    296 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

    Jon N.'s photo of tent camping at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground near New Market, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground near New Market, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground near New Market, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground near New Market, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground near New Market, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground near New Market, VA

    4. Emerald Pond Primitive Campground

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    96 Saves
    New Market, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Drinking Water
    Nora S.'s photo of tent camping at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT
    Camper-submitted photo at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT
    Camper-submitted photo at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT
    Camper-submitted photo at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT
    Camper-submitted photo at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT
    Camper-submitted photo at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT

    5. Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    13 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 at Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed near Shenandoah National Park, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed near Shenandoah National Park, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed near Shenandoah National Park, VA

    6. 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
    Myron C.'s photo of tent camping at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA

    7. Lake Anna State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    76 Photos
    168 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 at Crisman Hollow Road Camp near Mount Jackson, VA

    8. Crisman Hollow Road Camp

    1 Review
    26 Saves
    Mount Jackson, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Sumner C.'s photo of tent camping at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA

    9. South Fork Shenandoah River

    2 Reviews
    12 Photos
    89 Saves
    Rileyville, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA

    10. Little Fort Campground

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    125 Saves
    Woodstock, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 30 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Elkton, Virginia

940 Reviews of 30 Elkton Campgrounds


  • Chris E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Montebello Resort
    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.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah Valley Campground
    Apr. 24, 2022

    Shenandoah Valley Campground

    Beautiful river access tent sites

    Beautiful river access directly from tent site! Lots of amenities from hot tubs, fishing pond and a heated pool. Staff was friendly and site was well maintained. Bathrooms were clean. Only complaint is that tent sites are really close together.

  • Stephanie J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sherando Lake Campground
    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.

  • Bridget H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    Trails and Water

    We legit loved this park! I took my grandkids tent camping and we had a wonderful experience. We brought our bikes and hit the trails. It was some great times. We had electricity and water and the bathrooms were close to our site. The park is on the Shenandoah River and there are multiple spots to put in and take out. There is primitive tent camping down by the river which looks fantastic. We definitely loved the trails with hiking and biking options. We will definitely go here again.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Small tent sites with big noise

    Stayed in tent site 005, and while it wasn’t the smallest of the tent sites or least private, if was very close to the main look road and every car entering the camp loop passes right by the site up the hill within eyesight. Camp store didn’t allow dogs, and I didn’t feel good leaving my dog unattended in the park (which is their rule) I didn’t get to visit the store. One good thing was the view from the amphitheater

  • 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).

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Cabins and RV Park
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Riverside Cabins and RV Park

    Really a nice place!

    We stayed here in October 2020. Nice family campground with cabins, tent sights and RV slots. We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!

  • Cory E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Watercress Inn at Landon Farm
    May. 23, 2024

    Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

    Great camp site

    Did two nights at Butterfly Camp while hiking Old Rag and other trails in Shenandoah. Great experience, site had everything you would need and more for tent camping and enjoying some peace and quiet.

  • Amber
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Gap
    Jun. 22, 2018

    Wolf Gap

    Great hiking

    Great place to go tent camping and hiking. The sites are free and are first come first serve. Highly recommended you bring your own water or container to fill at the spring down the road.

  • RL
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Mountain Campground
    Oct. 4, 2019

    Cedar Mountain Campground

    Simple Campground

    $25 + tax per night for a tent site, $2 more per person. Showers and bathhouses avail. RV accommodations. About 6 miles from the town of Culpeper.

  • Julia A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
    May. 13, 2019

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    For glamping not camping

    Hot clean showers, all the tent sites platforms were covered with mushrooms and map is labeled completely wrong. 3 stars for the high quality amenities available but needs site maintenance.

  • Scott F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Christopher Run Campground
    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.

  • Brian V.
    Camper-submitted photo from North Fork Resort
    Apr. 30, 2019

    North Fork Resort

    Expensive

    Stopped here for a tent site. And the cost was almost $60 a night. They do offer discounts for some associations but I wasn’t a member of any.

  • Jen V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
    Jul. 19, 2017

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Great views, secluded sites

    Tent-camped here with a group of friends, and the site was plenty large enough for 2 tents, a makeshift tarp shelter, and vehicle. We ended up getting rained out, unfortunately, but not before we got to do a little hiking and relaxing by the fire :) Beautiful area, with lots of great hiking trails right near the campground.

  • RL
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
    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.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiss the Earth
    Jan. 13, 2023

    Kiss the Earth

    Very Private Site

    Ashley here with The Dyrt. I want to welcome this partner to our platform. This is private land where you will be camping in the woods. Site is level and perfect for car or tent camping. Pack it in, pack it out. Book your stay today and leave them some love!

  • Ryan Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah Valley Campground
    Feb. 2, 2021

    Shenandoah Valley Campground

    Bunnies everywhere!

    Great campground with lots to do with the family. My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt. The one problem is the camper section is very tight, whereas the tent sites look more roomy.

  • Annette K.
    Camper-submitted photo from #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
    Sep. 18, 2019

    #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

    Owner says...

    We are located on the Shenandoah River! Our waterfront unique kamp offers yurts and tent sites along with a well maintained bathhouse! Of course I feel we are 5 stars! Come visit us for the perfect Glamping experience — open year round!

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
    Oct. 18, 2021

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Typical KOA Primitive camping expensive

    Nice tightly packed campground including tent camping. We sent up camp D22. Very tight spacing. Noisy neighbors with no consideration for other campers. No water/electricity. Over $100 for 2 nights. Nice staff. Bathrooms ok and clean. Camp store nice with decent pizza delivery possible. We mountain biked at Bryce ski resort 40 minutes away.


Guide to Elkton

Elkton, Virginia, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature lovers seeking adventure and tranquility in the great outdoors.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, guests can enjoy electric hookups, drinking water, and a friendly camp host who provides firewood and picnic tables.
  • #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp features well-maintained shower facilities and toilets, making it a comfortable choice for families and groups.
  • For a more rustic experience, Emerald Pond Primitive Campground offers a serene environment with no fees, allowing campers to connect with nature without the distractions of modern amenities.

Tips for tent camping near Elkton

Tent campers should check out local activities

  • Enjoy river access and hiking opportunities at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp, perfect for those who love water sports and scenic trails.
  • Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed provides a great hiking experience with beautiful views, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • For a unique twist, visit Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm to learn about mushroom farming while enjoying the peaceful surroundings under cedar trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elkton, VA is Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Elkton, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.