Tent camping near Lancaster, Virginia centers around the Chesapeake Bay watershed with sites situated near rivers, marshes, and coastal areas. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 85°F and mild winters. Most campgrounds operate from April through October with limited off-season availability, and water access remains a defining feature of camping in this Tidewater region.
What to do
Fossil hunting excursions: At Calvert Cliffs State Park, approximately 90 minutes from Lancaster, visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth and fossils along the shoreline. One visitor noted, "Such an amazing experience and brings right into the eyes of child with both adult and children searching for shark teeth. Not only is searching for shark teeth a blast, but the views are beautiful."
Kayaking and boating: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers kayak and paddleboat rentals by the hour on its lake. A camper shared, "This park has plenty of camping spots and also has some yurts that are available to rent out. There are kayaks and paddle boats you can rent by the hour."
Hiking trail networks: Multiple hiking trails wind through coastal forests and along waterways. A visitor to Calvert Cliffs State Park explained, "The trail now is very well marked, clean, and there are facilities down by the beach to use. They do have a nice park for the kids by the entrance and a very well kept pond at the beginning of the hike to fish from."
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Matoaka Beach Cottages offers tent sites with direct water views. A recent visitor stated, "We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful peaceful camping trip! Our spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves."
Protective camping setups: Wisteria Beach Hideaway provides additional comforts like insect screens. A camper appreciated these features: "The provided insect screen kept us well protected in mid-Sept. The hosts had extra supplies tucked under the table which is always a nice touch. There was a swinging grill grate on the firepit, which was great for camp pizzas!"
Sand platforms for tents: Sandy Bottom Nature Park features level tent platforms designed for comfort. A visitor reported, "The sites were located about 1/4 mile from the parking lot down a trail. They were spaced nicely apart and had nice sand tent platforms with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. Sandy Bottom Nature Park has specific requirements: "Sites are first come, first served. Must reserve in person. Visitor's center is open 9-6."
Alcohol policies differ: Several campgrounds prohibit alcohol completely. One camper at Sandy Bottom mentioned, "The staff was top notch and super kind and helpful. They were very insistent about the 'no alcohol' rule."
Environmental conditions: Coastal camping means insects can be problematic during warm months. A camper at Brewer's Point Hike-in or Boat-in Primitive Campground advised bringing extra insect protection during summer months when mosquitoes and ticks are most active, particularly in the marshy areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks offer recreation areas designed for children. A visitor to Calvert Cliffs noted, "The park has a great playground right off the main parking lot for kids to play on as well as a few bathrooms."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites provide chances to observe local fauna. A camper at Sandy Bottom shared, "Lots of hiking trails to walk & turtles in the lake!! Plus you can rent boats for a cheap price which we will probably go back to do."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise despite their natural settings. A visitor to Sandy Bottom cautioned, "The biggest negative was that no matter where you were in the park, there was significant noise from the highway. Horns honking, sirens blaring, the general rush of cars going by."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: The Lancaster area offers few full-hookup sites for larger rigs. Carter's Cove Campground provides electric (30-50 amp) and sewer connections but primarily accommodates longer-term stays with only a few spots available for short-term RV camping.
Site spacing considerations: When RV camping is available, site dimensions may be tight. A camper noted about Carter's Cove, "Sites are level with some spacing. Mature trees and overall space is very large."
Generator restrictions: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Lancaster prohibit generator use to maintain natural quiet. Check specific campground rules before arrival as this restriction applies to RVers at nearly all the best tent camping near Lancaster, Virginia.
