Tent campsites near Greenway, Virginia range from primitive sites with no amenities to designated spots with basic facilities. The region sits within the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet and summer temperatures averaging 85°F during peak camping months. Train tracks run parallel to many riverside campsites, creating occasional noise disruptions for campers at lower elevations near the James River.
What to do
Fishing from your campsite: At Canoe Landing Group Campsite, you can fish directly from your tent area without needing to hike or drive elsewhere. "Camping along the river is great in the slower seasons. The sites are pretty close together so I'm sure it would be much more cramped when it's busy but it's a beautiful place. And you can fish right off the bank less than 50yards from your tent," notes Christina.
Stargazing after sunset: The limited light pollution makes for exceptional night sky viewing. "The beat place for star gazing! Just ask for a telescope (free at the store) and stare up at the sky for hours! The store was awesome," writes Chris E. about Walnut Grove. For more remote stargazing, Branch Pond campsites provide darker skies. "I enjoyed my visit AND LOVED THE DARK SKY FOR STARGAZING!" reports Jasmin S.
Paddling nearby waters: Lake James offers excellent paddling opportunities close to camp. "Lake James is a true gem, clean and beautiful, with amazing views of Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain, and Table Rock. We usually launch our kayaks from Mimosa Boat Landing across the lake. It takes us about 20 min to get to the site," explains Katy S.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: The spacing between sites at Breeden Bottom Campground creates a sense of seclusion despite being near the water. "Sites are spaced far enough from each other that you can see each other. Our site had a little path right to the river. Very very spacious campsites," reports Kate V. Another camper notes, "Sites are extremely private and spaced out; we couldn't see or hear anyone."
Clean, modern facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained bathhouses at established campgrounds. "The bathhouse was immaculate and the campsite large enough for two tents to share comfortably," says Joshua E. Another reviewer mentioned, "Bathhouse looked like it was fairly new. Loved that the showers were individual stalls accessed on the outside of the bathhouse."
Accessible natural features: Most campsites provide direct access to nearby natural attractions. At Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, campers appreciate the natural setting: "Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream." Jon N. adds, "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."
What you should know
Water conditions vary by location: River current strength changes throughout the season and location. "Water flows fairly fast in this area, so there were a few people floating and kayaking. Current wasn't too strong for the dogs though and there was a good, shallow walk-in into the water," explains one Breeden Bottom camper.
Train noise along the river: Rail lines parallel parts of the James River, creating periodic noise. While some campers find it disruptive, others adapt: "There is a railroad track that runs along the James River near the sites, but it never bothered us."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is spotty throughout the area. Jon N. reports about his stay at dispersed camping: "No cell service(T-Mobile), but if I drove towards the main road, Route 501, I could get some service." At Hog Camp Gap, one camper notes: "Cell service is poor I have u.s. cellular and I had one bar sometimes no bars data service was in and out as well."
Campsite drainage issues: During rain, some tent pads retain water. "As other reviews here and elsewhere mention, the tent pads don't drain well and huge puddles develop- some sites were completely overtaken by a full inch of water," warns Lindsay O.
Tips for camping with families
Pack bug spray: Insect activity increases during summer months near the river. A Breeden Bottom camper specifically mentions: "Definitely bring bug spray!" This is particularly important for families with children who may be more sensitive to bites.
Consider wheelbarrow accessibility: When camping at walk-in sites, equipment transport can be challenging with children. "Make sure you plan accordingly! The site I was in did not have access to the water so we went through another empty site and climbed down a short drop (hanging onto tree roots) to access the lake," advises Nicole P. Another camper at Cloverdale Farms adds: "If the peace and quiet isn't enough for you, there are pet goats, cats, a dog, and chickens that all love attention."
Check swimming safety: Water conditions vary by location and can change rapidly. "Swimming is not advised due to rocks and drop-offs, but people were in the river, anyhow," notes Sharon B., highlighting the need for close supervision of children near water.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for larger vehicles: Most riverside camping areas cannot accommodate large RVs. "Our site was RIGHT on the river. It was peaceful and private. No water, no electricity available. Not for RVs," explains a reviewer at Breeden Bottom Campground.
Electric options for small RVs: A few locations can accommodate smaller recreational vehicles. "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," notes Bran P.
Narrow access roads: Routes to many camping areas involve challenging navigation. "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out," explains Jon N. about the dispersed camping site.
