Top Tent Camping near Lovingston, VA

Searching for a tent camping spot near Lovingston? Find the best information on tent camping near Lovingston, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Lovingston, VA (19)

    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    1. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    28 Reviews
    90 Photos
    9 Saves

    Canoe Landing Group Campsite (one primitive site) - There's a group site near the canoe landing. The site accommodates up to 42 people - no hookups, tents only. It's near a restroom and features a fire ring with a flip grill, picnic tables and a pedestal grill. There's a $30 fee for canceling a group-camping reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $15 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    2. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    11 Reviews
    38 Photos
    5 Saves

    Camping reservations are highly recommended, and all campgrounds are site-specific - call 1-800-933-7275. The park has five campgrounds. Three of them, Branch Pond, Walnut Grove and Canoe Landing, are open year-round for primitive camping. There are primitive restrooms at those campgrounds. Drinking water is unavailable in the primitive campgrounds, but potable water is available at five of the six picnic shelters. Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river. Please note that primitive sites do not have electricity.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $15 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park

    3. Branch Pond — James River State Park

    9 Reviews
    32 Photos
    3 Saves

    Camping reservations are highly recommended, and all campgrounds are site-specific - call 1-800-933-7275. The park has five campgrounds. Three of them, Branch Pond, Walnut Grove and Canoe Landing, are open year-round for primitive camping. There are primitive restrooms at those campgrounds. Drinking water is unavailable in the primitive campgrounds, but potable water is available at five of the six picnic shelters. Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river. Please note that primitive sites do not have electricity.

    Branch Pond - Seven primitive sites in a wooded area about two miles from the river (BranchPondPrimTent). Tents only. Each site has a tent pad.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

    $15 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap

    5. Hog Camp Gap

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    22 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Ferry Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Ferry Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Ferry Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Ferry Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Ferry Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Ferry Landing

    6. Warren Ferry Landing

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    19 Saves

    Come enjoy Warren Ferry Landing, our expansive and shaded property just steps from the James River! Our property boasts 400+ feet of river frontage for you to enjoy and you can swim, fish, or even launch a canoe directly from our sites. There are TWO available camping sites on this property.

    About the property

    Our property is located adjacent to the historic Warren Ferry crossing of the James River. This is one of two historic ferry crossings near Scottsville, VA! The other, Hatton Ferry, is located a little bit down river from this location.

    Our property is only 8 miles from Scottsville so if you need to pop into town for something you forgot it is quite easy. There are many other activities that you can partake in nearby or on our property. There is fishing, swimming, hiking, and kayaking all within easy reach of our property.

    We do not live onsite but we aim to be easily reachable over the phone or text. If you have any questions before or during your stay please don’t hesitate to reach out. Keep in mind that during the night it is possible to hear some train activity from across the river.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available
    • Toilets

    $21 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

    7. Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

    11 Reviews
    6 Photos
    404 Saves

    Braley Pond Day Use Area is a very popular access to multiple trailheads including Ramsey's Draft Wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this universally accessible area perfect for family picnics, or plan to stay overnight in the adjacent dispersed camping site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    8. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    129 Saves

    The best way to find out what areas are open to dispersed camping is to contact the nearest District Office to the area you wish to visit. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads and look for a clearing or a spot with a view. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 200 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      9. Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground)

      1 Review
      10 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground

      10. Breeden Bottom Campground

      4 Reviews
      9 Photos
      74 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Dispersed

      $40 - $70 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In Lovingston

    641 Reviews of 19 Lovingston Campgrounds


    • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

      Very long road to get there

      Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Oronoco Campground
      Oct. 16, 2024

      Oronoco Campground

      Great!

      Loved this little campground. Nice and quiet, toilets available (though not very clean but good enough). Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers. Luckily it went home around 18h, so we had a great night, but it was back the next morning and immediately had aggressive behavior. So watch out and be careful with your food!

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from North Creek Campground
      Oct. 13, 2024

      North Creek Campground

      Great campground

      very private, $15 a night, water, bathrooms, right on the river, pet friendly👍.. right next to the AT.. I have a German shepherd and a mini Australian shepherd and they had a blast!

    • nancy B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Waynesboro North 340 Campground
      Oct. 10, 2024

      Waynesboro North 340 Campground

      Aftermath of the hurricane

      My Rv sustained damage from a tree. The staff were awesome but the owner wasn’t. She wouldn’t even acknowledge me or say how sorry she was. Then she had me assigned to the worst site in the park. I have never been treated so terribly. She was only interested in her revenue and not the people.

    • E
      Camper-submitted photo from Thunder Bridge
      Sep. 17, 2024

      Thunder Bridge

      Idyllic forest campground

      Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp. Now it is home to many quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and even some fully furnished rental cabins.

      The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes  several artists' studios.  At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading. 

      The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.

      This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!

    • LDcakes
      Camper-submitted photo from North Creek Campground
      Aug. 24, 2024

      North Creek Campground

      A Peaceful Camping Getaway

      Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature. The campsite featured picnic tables, a fire pit, and even hooks to hang a cauldron for boiling water or cooking fish, adding to the rustic charm. Although there were no showers or sinks, the pit toilet served its purpose well. We spent our time enjoying a barbecue under the stars, fully embracing the natural world around us. Despite bear warnings and the lack of modern conveniences, this getaway left us refreshed and grateful for the peacefulness that only nature can offer.

    • Jen T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
      Aug. 16, 2024

      Holliday Lake State Park

      Nice but Gun Range During Summer

      Probably a great place to camp during the fall. During the summer they lease space to the 4-H club that teaches people to shoot black powder muskets for the civil war reenactments. From 8:30am until 3-5pm it sounds like a gun range. It’s not a shot here and there, its volleys of black powder guns (think cannons) being shot all at once. It echos off the water and is the opposite of peaceful. The ranger said it would only be for an hour a day, unless it was a competition day, well for the 5 days we were there it must have been competition. We ended up leaving the park during the day.

      The sites are good. Most need lots of leveling help (bring spare wood!). The newer part has a nice bathhouse. The older part had a really old bathhouse. (So old it’s hard to tell if it’s dirty or just old.)

      It’s not a bad place to visit. But combat veterans should avoid during the summer months.

      The sites are nice. The ones in the newer area (laurel ridge) are close to the nice bathhouse. Both bathhouses have WiFi. No cell service to speak of. (We have Verizon but most of these places have none.)

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
      Jul. 31, 2024

      Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

      Camping and remote work

      Nice campground in line with expectations for most Virginia state parks. Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data but with a directional cell booster we are able to get enough signal for our Verizon Jetpack to work

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
      Jul. 12, 2024

      Devil’s Backbone Camp

      Robbery

      $150 per night is crazy. Nothing special about the campground except proximity to devils backbone. This is a parking spot in a field with no trees and the sewer likely on the wrong side. There are no amenities. We’ve stayed many times but plan to go elsewhere going forward.

    • Chaz M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Misty Mountain Camp Resort
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Misty Mountain Camp Resort

      Fun for the family

      This campground was really great for a family with small children. There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome. The only detractors were that our site (52) was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road, the smell of weed that was prevalent (not the campground’s fault) and the motorcycle noise from the nearby interstate.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah Valley Campground
      Jun. 7, 2024

      Shenandoah Valley Campground

      Nice place to stay

      We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly. Very nice campground ammenities- stocked fishing pond, big swimming pool, and really nice creek for tubing with waterfall to cool down on the hotter days, horseshoes, mini golf and more. The biggest negative is lack of cell service/internet. Luckily it's a short drive to get service. Weekends were packed(esp. Memorial Day), but much quieter during the week. Many sites are tight and no walking paths between rows so people regularly walk through occupied sites when it's crowded. Smaller negatives- some washer/dryers out of order and litter left by campers wasn't picked up. Overall, a nice place to stay.

    • V
      Camper-submitted photo from Chris’s Private Property
      May. 26, 2024

      Chris’s Private Property

      Basic private startup site with hookup

      Chris is establishing a couple of sites on his private property and getting organized. Simple and just off the road, but quiet. Chris is friendly and reachable by phone. A short 100 yards to a rushing creek. We needed a last minute spot during Memorial Day weekend and Chris set us up. Now showers, flat gravel site with pull through between hookups and picnic table platform.

    • Robert L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah Crossings, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort
      May. 24, 2024

      Shenandoah Crossings, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort

      5 star resort doesn't complete

      This resort is 5 Star in amenities. Indoor pool in the lodge, restaurant, outdoor pool connected to the indoor one. Another outdoor pool area by the general store (wasn't open yet) has a large pool and kids pool. The activities center has things going on every day. They also have a large room with a large screen that you can reserve to watch movies. There is a stable for horse riding. Also, there's miniature golf. They have cabins, yurts,and a tree house for rent. The laundry is free. Our campsite, lowest level, has a table with four chairs, two Adirondack chairs, and a propane grill. The higher level has an outdoor sink. The top level has a jacuzzi. The grounds are well designed for landscaping and kept trimmed. Now, for the cons. Our back- in site isn't level. We were told that is by design so water will flow off. Maybe. Our loop doesn't have any bathhouse, while the one next door has two. We did take a shortcut that went over a clay hill. Probably not safe if it's raining. The shower looks nice. Would stay drier if people would put the curtain inside the barrier. Shelves and benches in the showers are nice. Water pressure is mediocre to good. We're still waiting for hot water. I do say the help keeps it clean. There are sanitizer bottles left in the bathrooms and showers. Overall, it is a nice place to sit and relax.

    • Colletta & Co. 🤙.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lee Hi Campground
      May. 19, 2024

      Lee Hi Campground

      A situation-dependent stopover

      For $43.24 we got a pull through site with full hookups. However, we had to disconnect shore power because we kept tripping the 50A service even when we turned our draw down to 30A. As we head into 2 weeks of sewerless sites, this made sense for us to stop, shower, laundry, and top up on power and water. If you don’t have that sort of limitation ahead, this gas station truck stop likely isn’t worth your money.

    • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Road Campground
      May. 1, 2024

      Wilderness Road Campground

      Very mixed bag

      This campground had some good features: hookups and bathhouse were good, location is very pretty, staff clearly take good care of things. Mostly older folks mid week so pretty quiet.

      But for some reason there is a path that goes through several campsites. We booked one of these sites without knowing (B12), which meant we had strangers walking through our campsite all the time. Our dogs hated it and so did we! Also sites are close together, most aren’t level, and some are in clear disrepair. They also do a good job cleaning the bathhouses, but they do it from 8-9am which is also when many people are trying to use them.

    • Brad W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
      Apr. 21, 2024

      Devil’s Backbone Camp

      Awesome spot

      Great spot with clean facilities. Cell phones worked just fine. They are adding more electric sites. Walk to the brewery. Probably my favorite improved camp site for beer enthusiasts!

    • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from North River Campground
      Mar. 22, 2024

      North River Campground

      Quiet and basic

      Lots of bmx bikers, tucked far back in the woods so decent for privacy except that sites are basically in an open field.

    • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Todd Lake Campground
      Mar. 22, 2024

      Todd Lake Campground

      Love this place

      Have loved this campground since I was a kid, gorgeous and lots of fun - very kid friendly! Fyi no cell service and watch out for leeches.

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
      Mar. 14, 2024

      Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

      Great Option

      Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream.

    • Cynthia W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Waynesboro North 340 Campground
      Feb. 28, 2024

      Waynesboro North 340 Campground

      Excellent campground

      We stayed here for 6 months. The staff have been wonderful. We've really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere at the campground. The bathrooms are always clean. Only con is that they need to update their dryers which don't dry very well.

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Lake Family Campground
      Feb. 22, 2024

      Paradise Lake Family Campground

      Favorite campground

      I stay here at least once every summer. Has beautiful pool and lake, playground, arcade, and boat rentals. Fishing, hiking, basketball. Very friendly staff all the time. Close to stores and restaurants but far enough out to not hear any noise. Phone service is superb. Clean shower and restrooms. Hot water. Electric tent sites!!! Has everything I live and will continue to go here as long as I’m in the state of Va. def recommended



    Guide to Lovingston

    Camping near Lovingston, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Shenandoah National Park is nearby, with trails starting right from campgrounds like Big Meadows Campground. One camper mentioned, "We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls," highlighting the easy access to stunning trails.
    • Fishing: Many campgrounds, such as Sherando Lake Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A reviewer noted, "The lake has a swimming area and a beach," making it a great spot for both fishing and swimming.
    • Stargazing: With limited light pollution, the area is perfect for stargazing. One camper at Big Meadows Campground shared, "We spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground said, "Good clean campsites and showers," which is a common sentiment across many campgrounds.
    • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Douthat State Park Campground mentioned, "All sites appeared level and were very generous in size with long driveways."
    • Proximity to attractions: Campers enjoy being close to local attractions. One camper at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA noted, "I liked the pool, camp shop, and proximity to Massanutten water park."

    What you should know:

    • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lewis Mountain Campground, have fewer amenities. A camper mentioned, "No electric hookups, no fires allowed," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
    • First-come, first-served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground advised, "Arrive early enough in the day to snag a better site."
    • Wildlife encounters: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Big Meadows Campground cautioned, "There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort enjoyed, "The inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
    • Safety first: Ensure your campsite is safe for kids. A reviewer at Misty Mountain Camp Resort mentioned, "Our site was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road."
    • Plan for quiet hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good night's sleep. A camper at Canoe Landing Group Campsite noted, "Our neighbors were noisy, obnoxious, and trashy into the wee hours of the morning."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground advised, "We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here."
    • Be prepared for limited hookups: Some campgrounds, like Devil’s Backbone Camp, have limited electric and water hookups. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a parking spot in a field with no trees."
    • Use a generator if needed: If your site allows it, bring a generator. A camper at Loft Mountain Campground noted, "Generator hours are 08:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00."

    Camping near Lovingston, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lovingston, VA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lovingston, VA is Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Lovingston, VA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Lovingston, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.