Top Tent Camping near Forest, VA

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Forest, look no further. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Forest campgrounds for you and your tent. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Forest's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Forest, VA (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    1. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    28 Reviews
    90 Photos
    9 Saves

    Canoe Landing Group Campsite (one primitive site) - There's a group site near the canoe landing. The site accommodates up to 42 people - no hookups, tents only. It's near a restroom and features a fire ring with a flip grill, picnic tables and a pedestal grill. There's a $30 fee for canceling a group-camping reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $15 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    3. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    11 Reviews
    38 Photos
    5 Saves

    Camping reservations are highly recommended, and all campgrounds are site-specific - call 1-800-933-7275. The park has five campgrounds. Three of them, Branch Pond, Walnut Grove and Canoe Landing, are open year-round for primitive camping. There are primitive restrooms at those campgrounds. Drinking water is unavailable in the primitive campgrounds, but potable water is available at five of the six picnic shelters. Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river. Please note that primitive sites do not have electricity.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $15 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground

    4. Breeden Bottom Campground

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    74 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    $40 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park

    5. Branch Pond — James River State Park

    9 Reviews
    32 Photos
    3 Saves

    Camping reservations are highly recommended, and all campgrounds are site-specific - call 1-800-933-7275. The park has five campgrounds. Three of them, Branch Pond, Walnut Grove and Canoe Landing, are open year-round for primitive camping. There are primitive restrooms at those campgrounds. Drinking water is unavailable in the primitive campgrounds, but potable water is available at five of the six picnic shelters. Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river. Please note that primitive sites do not have electricity.

    Branch Pond - Seven primitive sites in a wooded area about two miles from the river (BranchPondPrimTent). Tents only. Each site has a tent pad.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

    $15 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    6. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    129 Saves

    The best way to find out what areas are open to dispersed camping is to contact the nearest District Office to the area you wish to visit. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads and look for a clearing or a spot with a view. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 200 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      7. Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground)

      1 Review
      10 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
      Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
      Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
      Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
      Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
      Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap

      8. Hog Camp Gap

      2 Reviews
      7 Photos
      22 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Firewood Available
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Hopper Creek Group Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Hopper Creek Group Camp

      10. Hopper Creek Group Camp

      Be the first to review!
      2 Photos
      8 Saves

      Overview

      Hopper Creek Group Camp offers a rustic atmosphere under the trees for group camping. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area welcomes visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere.

      Recreation

      A mowed, grassy area is available for games and organized activities. Hiking trails surround the area, offering everything from short walks in and around Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area to a full day hike along the nearby ridges. Backpacking opportunities are also available on the nearby Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in the James River Face Wilderness or in the Thunder Ridge Wilderness.

      Natural Features

      A small stream gurgles past the camping area flowing downstream into Hopper Creek on its way to the James River. The campground sits at an approximate elevation of 1,100 feet at the base of Thunder Ridge.

      Nearby Attractions

      Hopper Creek is 3 miles from Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area, which offers a day use area with sandy beach, designated swimming area and covered picnic shelter. Natural Bridge State Park is within an 8 mile drive and offers visitors views of the 215 foot tall Natural Bridge and limestone gorge, 6 miles of hiking trails, a Monacan Indian village and the 30 foot cascades of Lace Falls. Natural Bridge State Park is also a great place for unobstructed sky views and star gazing on mowed paths. Canoeing, kayaking and fishing are available in the nearby James River.

      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $20 - $40 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In Forest

    492 Reviews of 18 Forest Campgrounds


    • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

      Very long road to get there

      Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.

    • Valerie P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Campground
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Smith Mountain Campground

      Nice clean & spacious independent campground

      This is a very well maintained& clean campground. The owner is great and the camp host was very attentive. There is a good sized catch and release pond, we were at site#17 that was one site from the pond and not sure if you could see the water from#18 but the short walk to the pond is up a small hill/bunker like thing so there’s not a direct view of the water from#17 if that’s what you are looking for. There is a good play area and nice pavilion for groups and a smaller camping area down from the bathhouse. We have a 22’ TT, but I imagine the turn into the campground with a large motorhome would need some consideration for the driver to take their time. The drive to Smith Mountain Lake is not bad. The entry road off of RT 40 is at an angle, not a 90 degree turn so if you are coming from the East, it’s at the top of the hill but more than a 90 deg turn, coming from the West on 40 it’s an easy turn but you can’t see the traffic coming up the hill so be careful. There’s a convenience store, Penhook store, on 40 and it does have some raw and frozen meats, bait, ice, charcoal and the other basic store stuff. We came from the West and Rocky Mount has a Kroger and Wak-Mart. Wi-Fi was standard campground speed, didn’t use the bathhouse,power and water presser were good, site could have been a bit more level but they may work on that over the winter. Check in was a breeze, directly to the site but still greeted and checked on by the host. Some full timers and seasonal trailers but they were in good shape and clean. September stay so still had mosquitoes and fresh stink bugs, yeah! Have fun!

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Oronoco Campground
      Oct. 16, 2024

      Oronoco Campground

      Great!

      Loved this little campground. Nice and quiet, toilets available (though not very clean but good enough). Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers. Luckily it went home around 18h, so we had a great night, but it was back the next morning and immediately had aggressive behavior. So watch out and be careful with your food!

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from North Creek Campground
      Oct. 13, 2024

      North Creek Campground

      Great campground

      very private, $15 a night, water, bathrooms, right on the river, pet friendly👍.. right next to the AT.. I have a German shepherd and a mini Australian shepherd and they had a blast!

    • E
      Camper-submitted photo from Thunder Bridge
      Sep. 17, 2024

      Thunder Bridge

      Idyllic forest campground

      Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp. Now it is home to many quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and even some fully furnished rental cabins.

      The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes  several artists' studios.  At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading. 

      The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.

      This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!

    • Kristie S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Sep. 16, 2024

      Vic Thomas Park

      Roanoke River

      Camped over night twice. Bathrooms stay open 24/7. Made fire no problems. River does rise alittle overnight if camping with tent. Very quiet & peaceful at night.

    • LDcakes
      Camper-submitted photo from North Creek Campground
      Aug. 24, 2024

      North Creek Campground

      A Peaceful Camping Getaway

      Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature. The campsite featured picnic tables, a fire pit, and even hooks to hang a cauldron for boiling water or cooking fish, adding to the rustic charm. Although there were no showers or sinks, the pit toilet served its purpose well. We spent our time enjoying a barbecue under the stars, fully embracing the natural world around us. Despite bear warnings and the lack of modern conveniences, this getaway left us refreshed and grateful for the peacefulness that only nature can offer.

    • Jen T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
      Aug. 16, 2024

      Holliday Lake State Park

      Nice but Gun Range During Summer

      Probably a great place to camp during the fall. During the summer they lease space to the 4-H club that teaches people to shoot black powder muskets for the civil war reenactments. From 8:30am until 3-5pm it sounds like a gun range. It’s not a shot here and there, its volleys of black powder guns (think cannons) being shot all at once. It echos off the water and is the opposite of peaceful. The ranger said it would only be for an hour a day, unless it was a competition day, well for the 5 days we were there it must have been competition. We ended up leaving the park during the day.

      The sites are good. Most need lots of leveling help (bring spare wood!). The newer part has a nice bathhouse. The older part had a really old bathhouse. (So old it’s hard to tell if it’s dirty or just old.)

      It’s not a bad place to visit. But combat veterans should avoid during the summer months.

      The sites are nice. The ones in the newer area (laurel ridge) are close to the nice bathhouse. Both bathhouses have WiFi. No cell service to speak of. (We have Verizon but most of these places have none.)

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
      Jul. 31, 2024

      Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

      Camping and remote work

      Nice campground in line with expectations for most Virginia state parks. Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data but with a directional cell booster we are able to get enough signal for our Verizon Jetpack to work

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
      Jul. 12, 2024

      Devil’s Backbone Camp

      Robbery

      $150 per night is crazy. Nothing special about the campground except proximity to devils backbone. This is a parking spot in a field with no trees and the sewer likely on the wrong side. There are no amenities. We’ve stayed many times but plan to go elsewhere going forward.

    • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Tina's Dream
      Jun. 13, 2024

      Tina's Dream

      Thank you The Dyrt help me found Tina Deam.

      Tina is a very nice lady! Camp in her house driveway, it is my first time, but quiet and safe neighborhood. We arrived very late evening, after nine o'clock.  she help us hoop up the electricity and water.

      It is a nice alternate campground!

    • V
      Camper-submitted photo from Chris’s Private Property
      May. 26, 2024

      Chris’s Private Property

      Basic private startup site with hookup

      Chris is establishing a couple of sites on his private property and getting organized. Simple and just off the road, but quiet. Chris is friendly and reachable by phone. A short 100 yards to a rushing creek. We needed a last minute spot during Memorial Day weekend and Chris set us up. Now showers, flat gravel site with pull through between hookups and picnic table platform.

    • Colletta & Co. 🤙.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lee Hi Campground
      May. 19, 2024

      Lee Hi Campground

      A situation-dependent stopover

      For $43.24 we got a pull through site with full hookups. However, we had to disconnect shore power because we kept tripping the 50A service even when we turned our draw down to 30A. As we head into 2 weeks of sewerless sites, this made sense for us to stop, shower, laundry, and top up on power and water. If you don’t have that sort of limitation ahead, this gas station truck stop likely isn’t worth your money.

    • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Road Campground
      May. 1, 2024

      Wilderness Road Campground

      Very mixed bag

      This campground had some good features: hookups and bathhouse were good, location is very pretty, staff clearly take good care of things. Mostly older folks mid week so pretty quiet.

      But for some reason there is a path that goes through several campsites. We booked one of these sites without knowing (B12), which meant we had strangers walking through our campsite all the time. Our dogs hated it and so did we! Also sites are close together, most aren’t level, and some are in clear disrepair. They also do a good job cleaning the bathhouses, but they do it from 8-9am which is also when many people are trying to use them.

    • Brad W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
      Apr. 21, 2024

      Devil’s Backbone Camp

      Awesome spot

      Great spot with clean facilities. Cell phones worked just fine. They are adding more electric sites. Walk to the brewery. Probably my favorite improved camp site for beer enthusiasts!

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
      Mar. 14, 2024

      Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

      Great Option

      Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Tina's Dream
      Mar. 1, 2024

      Tina's Dream

      New to the Dyrt!

      Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Lake Family Campground
      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

    • adam B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Lake & Campground
      Feb. 20, 2024

      Paradise Lake & Campground

      Neat, tucked away and quiet

      This place is relatively small, but surrounds a small lake. Sites are close together, but everyone is respectful. Bathrooms leave something to be desired, and there is no family bathroom, but otherwise decent and the water is hot. With a little work this place could be great.



    Guide to Forest

    Camping near Forest, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly spots to peaceful retreats, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Sherando Lake Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an island if you want to."
    • Fishing: At Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing from the pier. A camper shared, "The beach area is nice. Has a fishing pier."
    • Swimming: Enjoy the sandy beach at Douthat State Park Campground. One review noted, "Great camping, nice beach and swim area, lots of hiking and biking trails."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA. A visitor said, "Park is fantastic, best I’ve ever seen for cleanliness and friendly staff."
    • Family Activities: Many families enjoy the amenities at Misty Mountain Camp Resort. One reviewer mentioned, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
    • Scenic Views: The picturesque surroundings at Peaks Of Otter Campground are a hit. A camper remarked, "Caught the foliage here in October and it was amazing and not too crowded!"

    What you should know:

    • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, have poor cell reception. One camper noted, "There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop you can get service."
    • Noise Levels: Some areas can get loud, especially at Devil’s Backbone Camp. A visitor expressed frustration, saying, "The campground is basically a field with no trees. No amenities and it’s not worth the fee they’re charging."
    • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, like Sherando Lake Campground, are only open from April to October. Be sure to check the season before planning your trip.

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun amenities, like Misty Mountain Camp Resort, where kids can enjoy an inflatable jump pad. One parent said, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
    • Safety First: Choose sites that are away from busy roads. A family mentioned, "Our site was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road."
    • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise during the night. One camper at Canoe Landing Group Campsite noted, "Our neighbors were noisy, obnoxious, and trashy into the wee hours of the morning."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A visitor at Virginia Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground warned, "Beware with pull-thrus your water and electric will be on the 'wrong side.'"
    • Space Considerations: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. One RVer shared, "We were practically on top of our neighbors."
    • Dump Station Access: Make sure to check the dump station conditions. A camper at Douthat State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station (just one) was muddy and could use a larger concrete curb."

    Camping near Forest, Virginia, has its ups and downs, but with the right planning, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Forest, VA is Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Forest, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.