k
kayla A.
Scout
ScoutHarrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
Peaceful Stay
This KOA was quiet and perfect for a short stay. We enjoyed our time here. The staff was friendly.
Best Campgrounds in Virginia
Virginia's campground landscape spans diverse ecosystems from coastal beaches to mountain highlands. The Shenandoah National Park region features multiple established campgrounds including Big Meadows, Loft Mountain, and Mathews Arm, which operate seasonally from May through October or November. State parks like First Landing, Pocahontas, and Kiptopeke offer year-round camping with various accommodation options including cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities such as drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets, while amenity levels vary significantly between primitive and full-service locations.
Campground reservations are essential during peak seasons, particularly for popular locations in Shenandoah National Park and coastal state parks. A camper noted, "The campsites on the A loop are a little more on an angle, they converted tent site lots to camper lots so they come with a level tent area as well." Many Virginia campgrounds feature mixed-use designs that accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying hookup capabilities. Water and electric hookups are common at state park campgrounds, while Shenandoah National Park campgrounds offer more limited services. Seasonal considerations affect campground availability, with mountain locations closing during colder months while coastal and central Virginia parks often remain open year-round.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout Virginia, with several campgrounds situated along rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. One visitor described their experience at a riverside site: "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." Higher-elevation campgrounds in the Shenandoah region provide cooler temperatures during summer months. Family-friendly amenities are common at larger established campgrounds, while more primitive sites offer greater solitude. Wildlife viewing opportunities vary by region, with both coastal and mountain habitats supporting diverse ecosystems accessible from campground locations.
Best Camping Sites in Virginia (539)
1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
124 ReviewsStanley, VAWebsite+1 (540) 999-3500$30 - $75 / night
"While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."
"Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."
2. First Landing State Park Campground
120 ReviewsVirginia Beach, VAWebsite+1 (757) 412-2300$32 - $163 / night
"FLSP is a real Gem in the midst of a very busy Virginia Beach. The campsites range from tenting with no hookups to 20, 30, and 50 foot sites with water and electric."
"Our game ground was surrounded by the forest but your in walking distance to the beach. The shower and rest rooms are sit up nicely the best I’ve seen at a campground."
3. Pocahontas State Park Campground
81 ReviewsChester, VAWebsite+1 (804) 796-4255$37 - $459 / night
"Largest State Park in Virginia - nearly 8,000 acres. We stayed two nights and paddled around Swift Creek Lake on Sunday. The staff was amazing."
"The day use area is incredible and less than a mile walk through the woods on a hike/bike/crawl/stroller gravel surface. "
4. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
68 ReviewsDyke, VAWebsite+1 (434) 823-4675$30 - $75 / night
"This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days."
"We got a walk in site, so our tent was way far away from cars and other people. The site included a fire pit w/grill grate, picnic table, and metal bear box."
5. Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park
56 ReviewsTroutdale, VAWebsite+1 (276) 579-2374$27 - $98 / night
"With camping just a moderate day hike away from Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, this campground is a hiker's paradise."
"Campground Review: There are two campgrounds in Grayson Highland SP which is located by The Mouth Of Wilson, VA, near the North Carolina border."
6. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
56 ReviewsBentonville, VAWebsite+1 (540) 622-6840$27 - $427 / night
"Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers."
"In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."
7. Kiptopeke State Park Campground
54 ReviewsTownsend, VAWebsite+1 (757) 331-2267$32 - $459 / night
"Virginia has some wonderful state parks and this is one of my favorites. Its got a nice beach, boat launch and a couple miles of hiking trails."
"We love staying in the yurts at Virginia State Parks because they are always an affordable, easy way to camping without having to set up a tent or spend the extra money for a cabin."
8. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park
45 ReviewsRileyville, VAWebsite+1 (540) 999-3132$30 - $75 / night
"This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"
"There are a few trails encompassing and leading out from the campground, and it's nice to have a central location from which you can out on small hikes."
9. Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park
42 ReviewsMarion, VAWebsite+1 (276) 781-7400$27 / night
"We stayed here for an overnight stop on our road trip through Virginia, and it was lovely!"
"Hungry Mother State Park, just a short drive off I-81 in southwestern Virginia, is an easily accessible gem offering modern cabins, yurts, and campgrounds equipped for tents or RVs, with limitless activities"
10. Holiday Trav-L-Park
46 ReviewsVirginia Beach, VAWebsite+1 (866) 849-8860$25 - $92 / night
"We stayed at Holiday Trav-L-Park in Virginia Beach for the first time for 3 nights in July. As our travel trailer is small, we were able to stay in site #152. "
"I stayed here to go to a concert in downtown Virginia Beach when high-season hotel rates made booking a room too pricey."
Recent Camping Photos in Virginia
1214 Photos of 539 Virginia Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews in Virginia
3688 Reviews of 539 Virginia Campgrounds
Jessica M.
GuideBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Glamping!
I chose Big Meadows to stay at because my traveling companion is definitely a bit bougie and was anxious about camping in the mountains of a NP. Due to this site having showers, toilets, a laundromat, camp store(s) and even a lodge/taproom, they felt more comfortable. We stayed at site D142, right near the entrance by the registration office and showers. I didn’t expect the site to be so nice and quiet and still feel quite private despite the location! We checked out the loops and besides the tent sites, I actually preferred our site. We stayed the week before Memorial Day weekend and I was pleased with how quiet it was. Quiet hours were strictly adhered without rangers having to ask, other campers were respectful toward each other and we had no issues. The NP staff were awesome and the concession employees for the showers, camp store, and the Wayside grill were genuinely friendly and obviously cared about their jobs, which I sincerely appreciate. Wayside grill with attached camp store was fun and had some great gift items as well as some pretty solid quality hiking and camping items. The grill even had a beyond burger which I greatly appreciated! The lodge was funky but not my cup of tea, the taproom was ok, although the employees were really nice.
It did rain half the time we were there with extremely heavy fog so we only did a few hikes but they were still a lot of fun. We didn’t see any bear either! The number one animal we had invade our campsite on the regular were birds. Two catbirds regularly tried to involve themselves in everything, including landing on a pot of oatmeal I was actively cooking and standing next to! We followed leave no trace of course but any chance the birds got, from catbirds, robins, brown thrashers, towhee, and even a redstart, they would try to investigate.
There is clean drinking water listed on the campsite maps, there are utility sinks for grey water (don’t use the bathroom sink!), bathrooms were always clean and bathrooms and showers are open 24/7 and are well lit. I didn’t buy the firewood so I’m unsure how much it is but the little camp store was open from 9-6 (right by the bathroom) for firewood, ice, and other various supplies.
Only downsides to the site are 1) showers are not cheap ($5 for 10 mins) and don’t stay warm for long so you’re showering in chilly water. Some stalls last a bit longer than others. 2) The biggest issue though was surprisingly the bear boxes. They are quite large and fit a lot of stuff which is great. However, you are expected to keep your cooler in them. I have a bear proof cooler (IGBC) so I’ve never had to experience this situation before. The bear box being made of metal, heated everything up in it which caused rapid melting of ice. Despite pre-chilling it and my ice usually lasting for days and days, we had to refill it daily. The camp store thankfully sold ice (10 lb bags for $5) but it was frustrating that there was no other option for bear proof items. I didn’t fight the rangers regarding it because it’s their rules, it’s for the safety of the bears and people, and the rangers and park staff have enough stuff to deal with.
All in all, I’ve never really glamped before so it was quite a luxurious trip even with the rain and fog for half the trip. I’ll most definitely be back and would even stay at the same site or a tent only site with no driveway.
- Betsy W.Guide
Hidden Valley WMA
Great place!!!
I have camped at this location multiple times. There used to be portable potties and trash cans. No longer. Pack in pack out now. Regularly patrolled by officers who are fantastic. I have a 23 dollar a year permit so camping is free. Beautiful lake and wildlife abundant.
Noel L.ScoutFort Chiswell RV Park
Nice campground
Pool, Level sites, nice restrooms., cable. Easy on off highway. Quiet area.
- BBobby H.Scout
Hurricane Road Roadside Camp
Peaceful
There are a number of sites. Most with rock fire rings. Most also back up to the creek. There is zero cell service. I was able to get spotty, but serviceable starlink. There was traffic on the gravel road from adventure motorcycles. You can utilize the dumpsters in the established Hurricane campground. Overall, I did enjoy a very peaceful stay.
Kaylee G.GuideStaunton River State Park Campground
Small tent sites with easy access to trails
We stayed here Memorial weekend 2026. We had a tent only site with no hook ups. It was site 48 which is the first site you come across when pulling into the campgrounds.
Site was built into a hill and had several steps leading up to it. Much smaller site than we are used to at VA State parks. Looking at the other sites they were also on the smaller side and oddly shaped.
Easy access to the River Bank trail and Captain Staunton trail directly from the campsites. Great when you have kiddos that don't want to walk a ton.
Great views throughout of the Staunton River & Dan River. Lots of deer sightings in the morning and early evenings. Great activities with the rangers including a wagon wide through the park.
It was rainy during our stay so no chance to take advantage of the Dark Sky classification. When skys are clear they do have an astronomer that comes out on the weekends in the summer.
Laura M.ScoutBenson's Run
Primitive Camping
Beautiful and secluded. Primitive camping area for boondocking or tent camping. Large enough to set up several electric pens for horses.
Carol J.GuideWilderness Road Campground
Pretty setting and quiet campground
We spent 2 weekend nights in site C21...it was severely unlevel as advertised. Most sites in this loop are either very sloped, or flat with picnic tables down a set of stairs. The campground was very quiet, although you could hear some traffic from the highway. The sites were mostly shaded, clean, and somewhat private. The bath houses were clean and modern. The office/store was not open the entire time we were there, and the host mentioned that there were some electrical issues that caused it to be closed. So we had to head through "the tunnel" into Middlesboro for firewood. Found plenty at the Tractor Supply store on the north side of town. Middlesboro has lots of places for supplies and food. Other than the sloping sites the only other real drawback to the campground is the limited water. In the C loop we only found water by the bathhouses, so the walk to get water was quite long.
- AAnthony B.Guide
Utts Mountaintop Campground @ Fancy Gap
Great camp sites, clean facilities, helpful staff
This RV/tent camp is in beautiful Fancy Gap, Va. It’s just a few minutes from the entrance to the entrance of the Blue ridge Parkway. It has water,sewer, 30/50 on each site. Shore trip to Walmart , Food Lion, and local restaurant’s. Less expensive for the area.
Guide to Virginia
Camping in Virginia offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, Virginia's campgrounds have something for everyone.
What to do
- Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park, provide direct access to stunning hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing.”
- Water Activities: At Sherando Lake Campground, you can swim, fish, or kayak. A reviewer shared, “The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an island if you want to.”
- Family Fun: Campgrounds like Misty Mountain Camp Resort offer activities for kids. One family said, “Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Pocahontas State Park Campground noted, “The bathrooms were clean but the one close to my site the outside was falling apart.”
- Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park remarked, “We liked this campground so much, smallness and setting, we almost cancelled our next reservation to stay here.”
- Proximity to Nature: Campgrounds like Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park provide beautiful views and easy access to trails. One reviewer said, “Campsite was right next to the lake, beautiful views and easy water access.”
What you should know
- First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, which can be a challenge during peak times. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, “I arrived at about 1:00 pm on a Tuesday, and got the last (worst) site.”
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Devil’s Backbone Camp expressed frustration, saying, “This is a parking spot in a field with no trees and the sewer likely on the wrong side.”
- Wildlife Caution: Bears are common in some areas, so be cautious with food storage. A camper at Big Meadows Campground advised, “There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Misty Mountain Camp Resort. One parent said, “This campground was really great for a family with small children.”
- Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise, especially at campgrounds with close sites. A camper at Canoe Landing Group Campsite noted, “Our neighbors were noisy, obnoxious, and trashy into the wee hours of the morning.”
- Pack Essentials: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A family at Pocahontas State Park Campground enjoyed the playground, saying, “The playground was decent and pretty centrally located on the campground.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park mentioned, “We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here.”
- Be Prepared for Costs: Some campgrounds charge for showers and other amenities. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground said, “Showers were pretty expensive at $5 for 10 minutes.”
- Plan for Limited Connectivity: Cell service can be spotty in some areas. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground noted, “No Verizon or ATT cell service I could find and no WiFi.”
Camping in Virginia offers a unique blend of nature, family fun, and adventure. With the right preparation, you can enjoy all that this beautiful state has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Virginia for families?
What are the best campgrounds in Virginia for families?
First Landing State Park Campground is exceptional for families, offering sites surrounded by forests yet within walking distance to the beach. Kids love climbing the live oaks, and the secluded beach is perfect for family fun. Another excellent option is Prince William Forest RV Campground, which features clean bathrooms, a pool, and is less than an hour from Washington DC, making it ideal for educational family day trips. Both campgrounds provide spacious sites with varying hookup options and clean facilities that families appreciate.
Where can I find camping sites in Southern Virginia?
Where can I find camping sites in Southern Virginia?
Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park in southern Virginia offers excellent camping near Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia. It's a hiker's paradise with virtually no cell signal, making it perfect for truly disconnecting in nature. Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA provides another southern Virginia option along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Southern Virginia's camping areas typically offer more seclusion and wilderness experiences than northern locations, with beautiful mountain views and extensive hiking opportunities.
When is the best time of year to go camping in Virginia?
When is the best time of year to go camping in Virginia?
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the best camping conditions in Virginia with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summer provides full access to all Virginia campgrounds, but expect higher temperatures, humidity, and more crowds, particularly at popular destinations like Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park. For coastal camping at places like False Cape State Park Campground, late spring through early fall is ideal. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, though many mountain campgrounds close seasonally due to snow and ice conditions. Always check seasonal opening dates as they vary by location.
What camping resorts in Virginia offer the best amenities?
What camping resorts in Virginia offer the best amenities?
Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views stands out with its beautiful views, manicured grounds, and impressive amenities. The resort features an exceptionally large dog park, a nice swimming pool, and the unique experience of camping adjacent to a working farm where animals graze near campsites. American Heritage RV Park offers exceptional amenities including concrete, level sites, clean air-conditioned bathrooms, and a strategic location that provides convenient access to Williamsburg, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. For luxury camping experiences, Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages combines natural attractions with resort-style amenities.
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