E
Elaine S.
Scout
ScoutGwynns Island RV Resort
Nice spot!
Mostly seasonal, people are very welcoming. Only downside was we had no t mobile service and WiFi was unreliable.
Camping near Lancaster, VA
72 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Lancaster, Virginia sits in a prime camping region along the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with several established campgrounds offering waterfront access. Belle Isle State Park Campground provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins along the scenic shorelines of the Rappahannock River, while Cross Rip Camp and Grey's Point Camp offer additional options for those seeking water-oriented camping experiences. The landscape features a mix of forested areas and waterfront settings typical of Virginia's coastal plain, with most camping areas concentrated within 20 miles of Lancaster along tidal rivers and inlets feeding into the Chesapeake Bay.
The camping season in this region peaks from April through November, with several campgrounds like Bethpage Camp-Resort and Cross Rip Camp operating seasonally from spring through fall. Most established sites offer water and electric hookups, with many providing full services including sewer connections. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for waterfront sites during summer weekends and holidays. Tent campers will find dedicated areas at Belle Isle State Park, including the more primitive Brewer's Point hike-in or boat-in sites for those seeking a more secluded experience. A camper noted, "Virginia has some wonderful state parks and this is one of my favorites. It's got a nice beach, boat launch and a couple miles of hiking trails."
Waterfront camping dominates the Lancaster area, with the Rappahannock River, Chesapeake Bay, and numerous tidal creeks providing scenic backdrops. Campers consistently mention water activities as highlights of their experiences, with fishing, boating, and kayaking being particularly popular. Belle Isle State Park receives strong reviews for its hiking trails and river access, with campers appreciating the combination of natural settings and basic amenities. For those seeking more developed facilities, private campgrounds like Bethpage and Grey's Point offer amenities such as swimming pools, organized activities, and camp stores. Most campgrounds in the region provide clean shower facilities and bathrooms, though the quality and availability vary by location.
Best Campgrounds near Lancaster (72)
1. Bethpage Camp-Resort
"Positives-
Sites are spacious! Golf cart rentals Pool is incredible for all ages. Employees are super friendly. 50amp & 30amp hookup. Sewer is in 2 locations for each site. WiFi available."
"not much to do close by. can get loud (we didn't mind)
ran out of golf carts to rent (expensive too)"
2. Belle Isle State Park Campground
"Nice get-away from it all campground. Level sites, farmland all around. Well maintained, quiet campground."
"I had some family members camping here, and took a quick day trip just to look around and take a couple of small hikes, and to use the dump station."
from $16 - $345 / night
Check Availability3. Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
"The trail wasn't under any tree cover either so be prepared to bake in the sun in you walk it. The museum was till closed because of covid, I guess."
"You can choose a spot on the marsh and over the water and there’s you will see your neighbors, but we choose to stay tucked into the back where there are full hookups."
from $21 - $50 / night
Check Availability4. Grey's Point Camp
"Close to home and our first time visiting this campground. The staff was very friendly and sites were well maintained. We stayed in Spadefish 3 which was right next to the pool and playground."
"Was a great safe location in port of storm, the sites mostly drained well. Very few sites had issues. Was a wonderful stay, campground is huge, bring your golf cart or rent one there."
5. Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay
"Lots of annual sites; they’re scattered around the park for the most part. 50/30 amp full hook ups. Large tent area with electric and water if you want to be in groups."
"My first time with Thousand Trails and it’s odd that you pick your spot once you get there. They were trying online check in but it didn’t work. Very clean quiet at night."
6. Cross Rip Camp
"Lots of activities: fishing, crabbing, swimming, boating,regattas, hiking/walking, and fresh waterpond catch & release."
7. Williamsburg Campground
"Our site was pull through, not sure how we would get through if there was a full campground, luckily we had room to move around. Your very close to Busch Gardens, Watercountry and Williamsburg."
"We chose one without a bathroom, and the bathhouse was a very short walk. They have plenty of recreational activities for the kids. The staff was friendly and helpful."
8. Bush Park Camping Resort
9. Westmoreland State Park Campground
"The sites we have stayed at have all been super clean and close to bathrooms and water. They include a fire ring, picnic table and a hook for your trash. The bathrooms are clean and have hot showers."
"The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others. Bathhouses are always SO clean and heated in the winter."
from $27 - $134 / night
Check Availability10. Brewer’s Point Hike-in or Boat-in Primitive Campground — Belle Isle State Park
from $15 - $18 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 27 min from Richmond, VA
- 2 hrs 1 min from Lexington Park, MD
- 3 hrs 46 min from Salisbury, MD
Recent Camping Photos near Lancaster, VA
128 Photos of 72 Lancaster Campgrounds
Kristin
Belle Isle State Park Campground
Josh S.
Bethpage Camp-Resort
The Dyrt
Grey's Point Camp
Donita A.
Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay
Gina G.
Cross Rip Camp
Victor
Gee Haven: Yurt & Cabin
Jen V.
Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
RL
Wisteria Beach Hideaway
Daniel F.
Dennis Point Marina and Campground
Donna F.
Williamsburg Campground
The Dyrt
Thousand Trails Williamsburg
David M.
Take It Easy Campground
Recent Reviews near Lancaster, VA
515 Reviews of 72 Lancaster Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendSun Outdoors Cape Charles
Nice water views, but expensive!
This is a typical Sun Resort property with tons of amenities and activities which is great for families. There are four fishing piers, miniature golf, basketball court, baseball diamond, five pools (including one that is adult only), a large dog park, and much, much more. There are a couple of “beach” areas but there are lots of rocks so you might want to wear water shoes. We visited in May and the park was just starting to open for the summer so the pools were not open and there were not many scheduled activities. There is a large camp store and café onsite which is convenient if you don’t want to leave the property.
We booked a 50A full hook-up site (621) which was one row back from being on the water. The front row (with unobstructed water views) is about $50 more per night so I checked online to see which sites were unoccupied and booked one behind them in the second row. Luckily, no one booked a site in front of us during our stay and we had great views, especially of the sunsets. Our site had a great view of the bay since there was no camper in front of us. The site was a pull thru plenty long enough for our car and RV and level and we had a nice shade tree on our patio side. We did have a clear view to the sky with our Dish satellite and got a sufficient amount of over-the-air tv channels. Most of the sites are sandy/gravel and we didn’t have any trouble sinking as the substrate was hard packed. There are a couple of ponds which are pretty, but they attract geese and there was goose poop everywhere.
Honestly, we really liked the surrounding area but, to us, the nightly price of $71 is pretty steep (and that is with a 25% discount-it's normally over $100), especially since we don’t use any of the amenities. Sun does offer specials based on length of stay and offers discounts to military and first responders so check their special offers section before booking. We loved watching the large ships in the Chesapeake and looked on vesselfinder.com to see what they were and where they were going.
Nearby is Eastern Shore of VA National Wildlife Refuge which has a couple of nice trails and The Barrier Island Center is very interesting with exhibits and short films. Downtown Cape Charles is super cute with nice shops and eateries. Cape Charles Brewing Company has delicious fish and chips, Mason Avenue Bakery is absolutely delicious, and we recommend the pizza at Deadrise Italian Kitchen.
- MMegan L.
TravelerChickahominy Riverfront Park
Beautiful Location and about 15 minutes from BGW
Beautiful campground with riverfront tent spaces as well as RV spaces. Pool looked nice and a lovely quiet beach was very family friendly as well
- Nancy W.Legend
Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday
Lots of amenities, could have stayed longer!
We stopped for one night in order to see some friends and wished we would have had more time because the surrounding area looks like there is lots to do and see. This is a really beautiful area of the Delmarva Peninsula and just minutes away from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuges and Assateague Island NS.
This campground is huge with a great selection of standard and premium RV sites that provide full hookups and spacious gravel or paved pads. Some have water views and some are back-in sites with the water directly behind them. Our site was a buddy site which worked great for our stay with our friends. It was long enough so we didn’t have to unhitch our tow car but still had enough room to maneuver into and out of the site and could reach our hook-ups. The site was perfectly level (in fact, all sites in the park are level as this is a very flat area) and the area where we parked the RV was paved and the rest of the driveway was gravel. The patio had pavers and our fire pit was raised with bricks around it. The utilities were well-placed and the 50-amp was strong and the water pressure good. Our site was in the open which we loved because it was cool when we visited so we relished the sunshine. There are plenty of other sites located under tall pines (which we really don’t like because of all the sap that gets on our coach and car). Many of the sites are rented as seasonal sites but there are plenty left for transient campers. The list of amenities is a mile long and covers the typical ones you would find at a “resort.” Some of the best ones are the zero-entry pool (which was closed while we were there) and splash park and the private beach. The sandy beach would be a nice place to bring a chair and hang out admiring the view of the bay. Most of the amenities (like the pool, recreation hall, café, and bounce pillow) are centrally located so keep that in mind when you are booking your campsite as you may, or may not, want to be in that area. The restrooms were clean and newer (keep in mind we were there very early in the season when the campground was practically empty). The laundry facilities were clean and there were plenty of machines (all but one didn’t work) and were reasonably priced. We really liked the access to water that this park provides Pocomoke Sound and the tidal pond. It’s a great place to relax in a chair, swim, or put in a kayak.
Madison M.
GuideKiptopeke State Park Campground
Such a cool place to stay with lots to do!
I stayed in campsite C21! It was clean, quiet, and spacious! The bathrooms were clean and the showers were hot! So much to do from hiking to beaching to fishing! Dog friendly too!
Kindra W.GuidePoint Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
5 stars! Beautiful, clean, magical
Magical stay at Point Lookout — New Tulip Loop (Full Hook‑Up) and I’m already planning a return. The whole park feels peaceful and safe, the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, and our site is clean and well‑maintained. The loop’s energy felt magical — quiet, restorative, and tucked into the trees so it felt private but not isolated. Full hookups were convenient and reliable; the site layout is roomy and pet‑friendly, with an easy walk to a beautiful dog beach so our pup had a blast. We walked to stunning beaches and spent afternoons watching water and sky at the tip of the peninsula — spectacular views where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. The park’s Civil War history and lighthouse added fascinating, walkable sites to explore between beach time, giving the stay both recreation and depth. Clean facilities, helpful staff at the park office, and well-marked trails made everything low‑stress and enjoyable. If you want a peaceful, historic, pet‑friendly Class A spot with full hookups and gorgeous nearby beaches, Tulip Loop at Point Lookout is five stars from me.
John M.GuideMatoaka Beach Cottages
Fantastic location with winderful hosts
Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.
- Dennis H.Guide
Camp Cardinal RV Resort
Nothing works
No laundry area, no shower house and no restroom. All there but none work. Very poor drainage. Wet and muddy always. Water pressure was a medium drip. Do not recommend
- Bud D.Scout
Machicomoco State Park Campground
New park,Bravo Virginia,it is a beautiful campground
Great spot for my camper van,plenty privacy,& restrooms & showers nearby,they were very clean!!
Guide to Lancaster
Lancaster area camping sites offer unique water-oriented experiences along the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. Most campgrounds near Lancaster, Virginia operate between April and November, though some facilities remain open year-round. Sites range from fully developed resorts with waterparks to primitive hike-in areas where visitors might encounter what one camper described as "super mutant mosquitoes and horse flies."
What to do
Fossil hunting at beaches: Westmoreland State Park, located about 40 miles from Lancaster, provides unique opportunities for beachcombing. "I LOVE this park... I love the sharks' teeth display in the shop and when I was there they were working on putting bones together of a whale that was found!" notes a visitor to Westmoreland State Park Campground.
Watercraft activities: Many campgrounds offer boat rentals for exploring local waterways. At Cross Rip Camp, "Catherine and Rebecca are the best. They were flexible with our dates for tent camping. They provided kayaks, canoes, sailboats, beach chairs, bikes and so much more," according to a review of Cross Rip Camp.
Wildlife observation: The region's wetlands support diverse bird species and aquatic life. "There is boating, hiking, watching wild life and so many pretty birds. This place was clean and quiet and everyone was very nice and friendly," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay.
Swimming options: Beyond natural swimming areas, some campgrounds feature developed water facilities. At Grey's Point Camp, "There are water slides, playgrounds, fishing, water rentals, and campground sponsored fun," making it especially appealing during hot summer months.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Belle Isle State Park receives high marks for its site layout. "Only 30 sites, all which have electric/water hookup. We've been here twice now, once with an RV and once in a tent. Most sites are shady and level, with lots of space between," explains a reviewer at Belle Isle State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness stands out in reviews. At Williamsburg Campground, a camper noted, "We loved it here. My kids loved the playground and the pool. The bathrooms were spotless and the whole campground was peaceful and relaxing."
Water views: Waterfront sites are highly valued by campers. "We stayed in Spadefish 3 which was right next to the pool and playground. Weather changes on us and was a bit cold and very windy but we still enjoyed every minute," according to a visitor at Grey's Point Camp.
Family activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events. "We spent Halloween here on a last minute reservation and man were we happy! This campsite is remote to the rest of VA for the most part, but hey isn't that what camping is all about?" reports a camper at Belle Isle State Park.
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Insects can be intense, particularly in wetland areas. "The BUGS were from another planet. We had super mutant mosquitoes and horse flies. They were resistant to citronella candles, essential oils, and bug spray with 40% deet. We only found relief in the water," warns a visitor to Belle Isle State Park.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay, a camper noted: "T-mobile gateway internet sucks here, but Starlink works well from the site we are in."
Distance to services: Many campgrounds are relatively isolated. At Bethpage Camp-Resort, a reviewer listed as a con: "very secluded-get groceries before. Not much to do close by."
Seasonal water conditions: Water quality varies throughout the year. "At the time of my visit a couple of weeks ago there was a bit of algae in the water that could cause irritation to stomach and skin, so just be mindful of this," reports a visitor to Westmoreland State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Bethpage Camp-Resort offers extensive family facilities. "We love this place! I has everything you need and more!! Golf carts, mini golf, ice cream shop, friendly staff, restaurant, water park- amazing, spacious lots," shares a reviewer at Bethpage Camp-Resort.
Budget activities: Belle Isle State Park provides affordable outdoor recreation. "The rangers are amazing and it is very family friendly. Love going here very good prices and a nice little quiet beach to enjoy," notes a visitor.
Less crowded timing: Mid-week visits offer quieter experiences. "If you're anything like me, traveling for peace and quiet and solitude, I highly recommend Sunday and Monday nights if you have flexibility with jobs etc. It was SUPER quiet during my stay," advises a camper at Westmoreland State Park.
Weather preparation: Temperature variations can be significant. "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year. Definitely gets windy near the river."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Williamsburg Campground, "We had a site near the back which were smaller. This was a good trade-off for the shade -- it was hot!"
Leveling conditions: Belle Isle State Park offers well-maintained sites. "Site #16 was perfect. It was gravel site that was level and very well maintained. Possibly our favorite campground in a VA State Park so far."
Hookup variations: Utility options differ between loops and campgrounds. "Tulip loop had FHU and no bathhouse. Another loop we walked was closed for the season," reports a visitor reviewing Point Lookout State Park.
Seasonal planning: Water-based campgrounds often have distinct operating periods. "We stayed as thousand trails. We were on a huge site; other sites are average for rv park. Great pools and splash pad. Beach. Boating. Very poor to non existent Wi-Fi and cell service," notes a Grey's Point Camp visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lancaster, VA?
What camping is available near Lancaster, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lancaster, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 72 campgrounds and RV parks near Lancaster, VA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lancaster, VA?
Which is the most popular campground near Lancaster, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lancaster, VA is Bethpage Camp-Resort with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lancaster, VA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lancaster, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Lancaster, VA.
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