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Best Campgrounds near Lancaster, VA

495 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lancaster, Virginia (65)

    1. Bethpage Camp-Resort

    15 Reviews
    Saluda, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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

    11 Reviews
    Morattico, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 462-5030

    "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."

    3. Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed

    29 Reviews
    Scotland, MD
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 872-5688

    $21 - $50 / night

    "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."

    4. Grey's Point Camp

    7 Reviews
    Kilmarnock, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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

    9 Reviews
    Saluda, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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

    5 Reviews
    Onemo, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 987-1582

    "Lots of activities: fishing, crabbing, swimming, boating,regattas, hiking/walking, and fresh waterpond catch & release."

    7. Williamsburg Campground

    27 Reviews
    Lightfoot, VA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 565-0230

    "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

    1 Review
    Kilmarnock, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 776-6750

    9. Westmoreland State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Montross, VA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 493-8821

    "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."

    10. Brewer’s Point Hike-in or Boat-in Primitive Campground — Belle Isle State Park

    Be the first to review!
    Morattico, VA
    6 miles
    Website

    $15 - $18 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Lancaster, VA

136 Photos of 65 Lancaster Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lancaster, VA

495 Reviews of 65 Lancaster Campgrounds

  • E
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages

    We loved it!

    My family loved this place and how pretty it was! They have a cute little park that was perfect for my 3 and 5 year old, a big pond for fishing, and it’s such a pretty area if you’d like to go for a nice walk as well, they were all super nice and all the long term guests that I met were super nice as well! It’s in a small area just 30 minutes away from Williamsburg so you can get away from all the chaos. I really hope we have a chance to come back stay again! We left just as they were putting out their Halloween stuff but they sure do go all out with their “Dead Allen’s” theme! I wish we could’ve stayed for it!

  • C
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Camp Cardinal RV Resort

    Fun for the weekend!

    We enjoyed our weekend stay here. Was a water issue they were working on and told us about before our trip so we filled our tank just in case, during peak showering our tankless wouldn’t detect enough flow so we had to use the tank and pump to supplement but for dishes and general use the water was fine. We only had an issue with it Sunday morning I suppose from everyone cleaning tanks and showering. Bounce pillow was fun for the kids and the playgrounds had something for all ages. Pools were clean and the water park looked fun but not for October activities. Store was basic but had essentials and alcohol. Closer towards the river the lots can get a little wet during high tide but the lots near us were good. Most of the Tent sites had elevated platforms so that wouldn’t be an issue. Very Large sites for the pull through and the patios were nice. We would go again!

  • Lisa D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    American Heritage RV Park

    Cannot Recommend for Big Rigs or Groups

    We recently brought a group of ten campers to American Heritage RV Park because several of us had stayed there before and remembered it as a clean, well-kept park. Based on those positive experiences, we recommended it to our group and looked forward to sharing the campground with them. Unfortunately, this stay did not meet our expectations. Because sites are not assigned in advance, we could not choose sites that worked well for our group. Our 42-foot fifth wheel was placed in back-in site#136, which— like the other back-in sites— has a tree planted at the rear that prevents fully backing in. This left us very close to the road, with no way to park in front and no room to park alongside without blocking our steps. We first parked across the road in a grassy area but were told to move. When we parked in another group member’s pull-through site, we received a call saying two vehicles were not allowed— even though we observed several sites with two vehicles. The office directed us to the overflow lot near the front of the park, the farthest point from our site on the back row. When we asked to speak to the manager, we were told she works off-site. I emailed her asking her to visit our site, but she never responded. We were also told we could not put up a dog fence that extended onto the grass, though this rule was not posted anywhere. When booking months in advance, we requested that our sites be grouped near a cabin for one of our members— an 86-year-old woman in a wheelchair who requires oxygen. She was placed first in Cabin 5, then moved to Cabin 8 after a request for a larger and closer cabin. The second cabin was still far from our sites, down a hill and facing the woods in an unlit area, making it hazardous to reach at night, expecially for her. We also saw another camper with a rig identical to ours struggle to get into a back-in site, ultimately hitting a water faucet across the road, leaving the park without water for over two hours. These sites are simply not suitable for big rigs. While the park is clean, our overall experience was frustrating. Guests who book early, provide rig sizes, and pay for extended stays should reasonably expect sites that accommodate their camper and tow vehicle, and that group requests would be honored when possible. Large rigs should be cautious— the back-in sites are tight and maneuvering is difficult. Unfortunately, based on this visit, I cannot recommend American Heritage RV Park.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Pax River Hog Point Campgrounds — Naval Airstation (Nas) Patuxent River

    Left Early, Won’t Be Back

    When we saw a review of this campground on Rec.gov complaining about the amount of bugs we thought they were being ridiculous, they were not. In addition to an insane amount of bugs making the experience here uniquely miserable — it is not quiet or peaceful. A (clearly quite drunk) group nearby was singing at the top of their lungs until at least 11pm when we made the decision to bail seeing as we weren’t going to be getting any sleep between being eaten alive and serenaded.

  • Aaron S.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Kiptopeke State Park Campground

    A great place!

    This is a great campground. Well maintained, nice and quiet. C loop has full hookup where A and B do not. Plenty to do, hiking, fishing, birding. Camp store is nice, the staff for the park are great. The bathhouses are a little dirty, but not terrible. One of our favorite places to camp for sure! Try and get C loop spots 15 - 21. They’re shaded and at the back of the loop.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Anvil Campground

    Everything was there on a small surface

    Little pool, nice playground, games the kids where very happy. The historic-city of Williamsburg is very nearby. Also the traintrack and big road are wright next to the campground. Spots are correct some have a bit to much sun for us (there are parasols provided)

  • C
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Grey's Point Camp

    Good park with alot of area!

    Went for a long weekend. Everyone was friendly from entry of the gate, to the store to the grounds guys! Quite a bit to do here. Wish the playgrounds had a bit more for the younger children but it kept them occupied! Fishing didn’t get us much but not the campgrounds fault! Higher Water temps and jellyfish when we were there most likely kept them away. Would return again!

  • G
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area

    Take advantage of your local wildlife areas

    Got here late as the sun was going down. Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning.

  • J
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Chippokes State Park Campground

    Nice wooded campsites

    Very clean and easy setup. The campsites on the A loop are a little more on an angle, they converted tent site lots to camper lots so they come with a level tent area as well.

    The pool doesn’t look like it’s been opened in years but there is a little beach area near the welcome center.

Guide to Lancaster

Camping near Lancaster, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the beautiful beaches at Kiptopeke State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Great little beach area with separate dog beach," making it a perfect spot for families and pets alike.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, Sun Outdoors Cape Charles is a great choice. A visitor shared, "It's a wonderful campground if you enjoy water activities, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, etc."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the hiking trails at Westmoreland State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The park is on a cliff overlooking the Potomac River, and the Big Meadow trail brings you to Fossil Beach."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at Shad Landing Campground said, "Clean bathrooms, nice size sites, easy check-in process."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. A family at Williamsburg Campground mentioned, "There is a heated pool, splash pad, jumping pillow, and gravity rail."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One reviewer at Chippokes State Park Campground said, "It feels country-esque but also like you're on a plantation! Beautiful trails."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can be tight. A camper at Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island noted, "Sites are one on top of the other," which might not be ideal for those seeking privacy.
  • Seasonal Closures: Be aware that some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Point Lookout State Park is closed for water line upgrades until 2023.
  • Bug Spray Recommended: Many campers suggest bringing bug spray, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Kiptopeke State Park Campground advised, "Bring bug spray; it can get very hot in the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly amenities. One parent at Sun Outdoors Cape Charles said, "There were a lot of events and options for the family."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A family at Westmoreland State Park Campground enjoyed the playground and hiking trails.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Williamsburg Campground mentioned, "We stayed up pretty late enjoying the weather, laughing, and eating lots of fun camp snacks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA noted, "Some spots appeared flooded but ours was not."
  • Utilize Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One RVer at Shad Landing Campground appreciated the "great campground with all the amenities."
  • Be Mindful of Fees: Some campgrounds may charge extra fees. A camper at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA mentioned, "They'll charge you an extra $20 for early check-in."

Exploring the campgrounds around Lancaster, VA, can lead to memorable experiences filled with nature, fun, and family bonding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lancaster, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lancaster, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 65 campgrounds and RV parks near Lancaster, VA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

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?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Lancaster, VA.

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