Best Tent Camping near Henrico, VA
Tent campers near Henrico, Virginia have access to several established campgrounds within driving distance, primarily in neighboring North Carolina. Eno River State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping areas approximately 100 miles southwest of Henrico, featuring both hike-in and walk-in access options. The RTP Lakefront Campsite provides boat-in and walk-in tent sites with water access. These primitive tent setups are situated along waterways, making them appealing destinations for campers seeking natural settings.
Most tent campsites in the region require some hiking to access, with trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Eno River's primitive sites are typically located 1-1.2 miles from parking areas, requiring campers to pack in all supplies. The gravel tent pads can be uncomfortable without proper sleeping pads. Fire rings are available at most sites, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. While some campgrounds offer basic amenities like pit toilets, most lack running water and showers. Campers should plan to bring sufficient water or filtration systems for the duration of their stay.
Tent camping experiences in this region benefit from proximity to rivers and lakes. The campgrounds provide good spacing between sites, offering reasonable privacy despite limited screening vegetation at some locations. Many sites feature fire pits and scenic water views, particularly along the Eno River where campers can hear rapids at night. In summer months, swimming opportunities exist at several locations, including a popular quarry at Eno River State Park with cliff jumping spots. According to a visitor, "The primitive sites are spaces far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude. Flat and easy 1.2 mile hike in along the river."