1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites scattered around Hot Springs, Virginia provide access to mountainous terrain and riverside locations within the nearby national forests. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area offers free tent camping with basic facilities including a toilet house but no drinking water. McClintic Point Primitive Campground provides tent-only camping with clean pit toilets and lake access for canoes and kayaks, while Greenwood Point Campground is accessible only by water, offering complete seclusion for tent campers.
Most tent sites in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and cleared tent pads with forest duff or gravel surfaces. Drive-in access varies significantly, with some locations like Poor Farm requiring a short drive off Highway 220, while others necessitate paddling or hiking to reach the campsite. Vault toilets are available at many locations but not all, and campers should be prepared with their own drinking water as few sites offer pumps or wells. Bear activity is common in these mountain forests, making proper food storage essential for tent campers. During spring and early summer, expect occasional heavy rainfall that can create muddy conditions.
The mountainous setting provides tent campers with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at dawn and dusk. Sites located directly on waterways offer swimming and fishing access, with the Greenbrier River being a popular destination for cooling off during summer months. Many primitive tent areas provide enough distance between sites to maintain privacy even during busier periods. Tent campers report particularly enjoying the seclusion of boat-in sites. As one visitor noted about Greenwood Point Campground, "It's a private little cove, sites are first come first serve, we had it to ourselves the whole night and next day. Easy water access, tables, fire pit, lockers for wild animal protection of food." Remote locations throughout the region offer minimal light pollution, making stargazing exceptional for tent campers willing to venture to more isolated areas.
"Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220. There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley."
"I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."
"It is primitive. But damn she beautiful. No neighbors. Maybe we just got lucky. I encourage."
"Beautiful morning, but seems to stay chillier than the surrounding area. It's in a valley and two sites back up to the lake. There is access to the lake for canoes/kayaks."
"Beautiful quiet lake, not heavily trafficked. Campsite is only accessible via water, so we packed our gear up on paddle boards to get there."
"Stayed here for a night so we didn't have to keep driving. Had the place to ourselves. Neat for a night. I took a video as well. https://youtu.be/XaYCE0Evkno"
"Good facilities and trails"
"Otherwise, you'll be driving several hours back to a hotel after you stay out all night looking at stars."
"LUV 31---tent pad is big enough to fit 2 large tents (that is us) plus it has the "low grill" (all food I cook is on the grill and the "big" grills suck for this"
from $40 - $60 / night
"There is a tiny wooden vault toilet at the base of site 9, across the campground road from the well pump. Halfway up the campground roadway from the entrance is a newer, larger vault toilet."
"Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite, Watoga, WV West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail** (GRT) **stretches from its Northern Terminus at the Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown"
"Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite, Located between Clover Lick and Clawson, WV (south of Sharp's Tunnel) The Greenbrier River Trail is one of the most beautiful and often most"
GuideReally nice property and clean rest rooms. Milo and I only stayed one night as we were meeting up with fellow overlanders. Price seemed a bit high @ $57.00 for parking on the grass with no elec or water.
I don't think I'll be back, unless we all meet up there again.
GuideThis is a no frills campground with just a few sites. Tent camping, small rigs and even some larger rigs could easily fit in the large grassy center where there are two fire rings. Our 25 got nobo had no issues.
GuideThis is one of the best campsites we’ve stayed at in VA. It’s easy to find and super well kept. There was an established fire ring and the bathrooms (pit toilets) were clean and in great shape. It seems pretty popular but we got there around 4-5 and were able to secure a spot.
ScoutResponsive hosts, great sites, fun family activities.
ScoutFriendly staff, great riding right from the camper and a neat playground for the kids.
ScoutGorgeous campground. Super clean and many amenities for kids.
TravelerDispersed camping beyond the actual quarry. A lot of rain occurred in the days prior but on my visit over two days. Bright and sunny. However, it was a lot of road wash out and a lot of standing water as you made your way toward dispersed spots. Apparently, I was the only one there, because they were many, many spots open for camping. Nice pre-visited sites and was able to camp near running stream.
TravelerThere are 25 or so established sights at Mower Basin and you're bound to find one with an incredible view of the mountains. Sight 12 took my breath away, but unfortunately as a tent camper the wind pushed us down to the lake sight just passed it. It was close to the road but still felt private. Everyone who passed our sight was very friendly. It's a gorgeous place, and from someone who's never been to Virginia, it was the perfect place to have my first experience. We will probably go back when we are heading back down south.
ScoutWe were on our way to Arizona and needed to stop for the night the staff were very kind in holding a pull through spot for us with no more than my name on arrival the campground is awesome for the money.
The Monongahela National Forest region surrounding Hot Springs, Virginia offers several primitive tent camping options, with both established campgrounds and dispersed areas for overnight stays. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area stands out as a free camping option approximately 15 miles from Hot Springs, featuring multiple clearings that accommodate tent campers seeking more remote experiences. McClintic Point Primitive Campground provides lakeside tent sites with basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables for campers looking for established yet rustic accommodations.
Tent sites throughout the area typically feature compacted dirt or gravel pads with minimal development. Most primitive tent areas have fire rings but campers should note that drinking water is rarely available and should be packed in or filtered from nearby water sources. Toilet facilities vary significantly - Poor Farm includes vault toilets while several backcountry sites have no facilities at all. Access roads to tent camping areas can be challenging, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles or short hikes to reach the sites. According to one visitor at Poor Farm, "There are maybe 5 sites to camp next to a river in this mountain valley. Need to be self-sufficient though, only convenience is a toilet house."
Tent campers in the Hot Springs region benefit from significant privacy between sites and proximity to natural water features. Many campsites sit adjacent to streams or lakes, providing both scenic views and practical water sources for filtering. The Greenbrier River Trail offers multiple primitive tent camping options accessible only by hiking, biking or paddling, making them ideal for backcountry enthusiasts seeking solitude. Tree cover is abundant at most sites, offering natural shade during summer months. Wildlife sightings are common, with one visitor noting that "In the spring, the main camping area is covered in wild hares." Fall camping provides spectacular foliage viewing opportunities while maintaining relatively mild temperatures ideal for tent camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hot Springs, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hot Springs, VA is Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hot Springs, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Hot Springs, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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