Tent camping near Free Union, Virginia offers access to both local rivers and mountain terrain within Shenandoah National Park. Most sites sit at elevations between 800-3,500 feet, with notable temperature differences between river valleys and mountain peaks. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with cooler nights at higher elevations.
What to do
Water activities at James River State Park: The park features multiple access points for river recreation. "Camping along the river at the Canoe Landing Campground is great in the slower seasons...you can fish right off the bank less than 50 yards from your tent," notes one visitor to Canoe Landing Group Campsite.
Hiking near mountaintop campsites: Several primitive camping areas provide direct trail access. A camper at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping shared that it offers "a moderate hike and an easy camp" with a site that was "secluded, a great view and full of wildlife."
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution makes this region ideal for night sky viewing. At Walnut Grove, campers report exceptional conditions: "The night sky was amazing. You could see stars for miles. Enjoyed a nice sunset by the river."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the well-spaced layout at certain campgrounds. At Lake Anna State Park, visitors mention "spacious camp sites with a great amount of natural shade" and note that "the campsites are far away from each other."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and toilets receive positive mentions at several campgrounds. One camper at Branch Pond reported "very clean bathrooms and showers" while another noted that despite primitive conditions elsewhere, "the privy was nice to have."
Level tent sites: Finding flat ground for tents ranks high in camper satisfaction. A visitor to Phantom Hill Forest Farm commented that "the sites are large and primitive" while another mentioned appreciation for "the dishes/kitchen set up, games, and the adorable outhouse."
What you should know
Bear activity awareness: Proper food storage is essential throughout the region. A camper at Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed warned: "Bears were constantly checking out our tent during night...after one bear sniffed that sucker out 15 minutes later while we were in our tent we heard the first one full sprint and slobbering to check it out."
Campsite access challenges: Many primitive sites require significant effort to reach. One camper at Walnut Grove reported: "We were not prepared for the stairs. They say walk in but it's more a short hike. So getting our gear (we aren't minimalist people) in was a workout but worth it."
Site drainage concerns: Heavy rain can affect some tent sites. At Branch Pond, campers noted that "the tent pads don't drain well and huge puddles develop - some sites were completely overtaken by a full inch of water."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some parks offer special features for children. Lake Anna State Park has "great hiking trails and if your looking for a relaxing fishing afternoon, they have some of the nicest fishing piers with ample sitting area."
Consider proximity to bathrooms: When camping with young children, bathroom location matters. One family at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm appreciated the "convenient location, nice setup with tables and chairs around 2 firepits, space to spread out, and plenty of firewood provided."
Evaluate site accessibility: Transportation of gear can be challenging with children. At Walnut Grove, one family warned: "it's quite a walk from the parking area to the campsites. And it's downhill from the car to the sites. There are 2 wheelbarrows available for use, but navigating a wheelbarrow full of camping gear down a hill with stairs isn't easy."
Tips from RVers
Water and electric availability: Lake Anna State Park offers sites with essential hookups. One RVer noted: "Paved roads with level dirt/gravel wooded sites having W/E (50A). Located in the middle of nowhere off of narrow Virginia secondary roads, we were surprised to get good Verizon reception."
Size limitations for certain areas: Many campgrounds near Free Union have restrictions on RV size. While tent camping is universally accepted, one visitor to Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm observed that "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."
