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Best Campgrounds in Virginia

3,790 Reviews

Virginia's campground landscape spans diverse ecosystems from coastal beaches to mountain highlands. The Shenandoah National Park region features multiple established campgrounds including Big Meadows, Loft Mountain, and Mathews Arm, which operate seasonally from May through October or November. State parks like First Landing, Pocahontas, and Kiptopeke offer year-round camping with various accommodation options including cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities such as drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets, while amenity levels vary significantly between primitive and full-service locations.

Campground reservations are essential during peak seasons, particularly for popular locations in Shenandoah National Park and coastal state parks. A camper noted, "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." Many Virginia campgrounds feature mixed-use designs that accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying hookup capabilities. Water and electric hookups are common at state park campgrounds, while Shenandoah National Park campgrounds offer more limited services. Seasonal considerations affect campground availability, with mountain locations closing during colder months while coastal and central Virginia parks often remain open year-round.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout Virginia, with several campgrounds situated along rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. One visitor described their experience at a riverside site: "We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights. There were a variety of birds who frequented the stream and were fun to watch." Higher-elevation campgrounds in the Shenandoah region provide cooler temperatures during summer months. Family-friendly amenities are common at larger established campgrounds, while more primitive sites offer greater solitude. Wildlife viewing opportunities vary by region, with both coastal and mountain habitats supporting diverse ecosystems accessible from campground locations.

Best Camping Sites in Virginia (556)

    1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    129 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

    "Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."

    2. First Landing State Park Campground

    124 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Website
    +1 (757) 412-2300

    $32 - $163 / night

    "FLSP is a real Gem in the midst of a very busy Virginia Beach. The campsites range from tenting with no hookups to 20, 30, and 50 foot sites with water and electric."

    "Our game ground was surrounded by the forest but your in walking distance to the beach. The shower and rest rooms are sit up nicely the best I’ve seen at a campground."

    3. Pocahontas State Park Campground

    82 Reviews
    Chester, VA
    Website
    +1 (804) 796-4255

    $37 - $459 / night

    "Largest State Park in Virginia - nearly 8,000 acres. We stayed two nights and paddled around Swift Creek Lake on Sunday. The staff was amazing."

    "The day use area is incredible and less than a mile walk through the woods on a hike/bike/crawl/stroller gravel surface. "

    4. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    70 Reviews
    Dyke, VA
    Website
    +1 (434) 823-4675

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days."

    "We got a walk in site, so our tent was way far away from cars and other people. The site included a fire pit w/grill grate, picnic table, and metal bear box."

    5. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    58 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $27 - $427 / night

    "Our patio was on the side next to the road which was a little close to traffic but we still loved siting there, especially in the evening with a campfire."

    "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers."

    6. Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

    56 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    Website
    +1 (276) 579-2374

    $27 - $98 / night

    "With camping just a moderate day hike away from Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, this campground is a hiker's paradise."

    "Campground Review: There are two campgrounds in Grayson Highland SP which is located by The Mouth Of Wilson, VA, near the North Carolina border."

    7. Kiptopeke State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Townsend, VA
    Website
    +1 (757) 331-2267

    $32 - $459 / night

    "Virginia has some wonderful state parks and this is one of my favorites. Its got a nice beach, boat launch and a couple miles of hiking trails."

    "We love staying in the yurts at Virginia State Parks because they are always an affordable, easy way to camping without having to set up a tent or spend the extra money for a cabin."

    8. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    47 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"

    "There are a few trails encompassing and leading out from the campground, and it's nice to have a central location from which you can out on small hikes."

    9. Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    42 Reviews
    Marion, VA
    Website
    +1 (276) 781-7400

    $27 / night

    "We stayed here for an overnight stop on our road trip through Virginia, and it was lovely!"

    "Hungry Mother State Park, just a short drive off I-81 in southwestern Virginia, is an easily accessible gem offering modern cabins, yurts, and campgrounds equipped for tents or RVs, with limitless activities"

    10. Holiday Trav-L-Park

    46 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Website
    +1 (866) 849-8860

    $25 - $92 / night

    "We stayed at Holiday Trav-L-Park in Virginia Beach for the first time for 3 nights in July.  As our travel trailer is small, we were able to stay in site #152. "

    "I stayed here to go to a concert in downtown Virginia Beach when high-season hotel rates made booking a room too pricey."

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Recent Reviews in Virginia

3790 Reviews of 556 Virginia Campgrounds

  • Christi G.
    Sep. 26, 2026

    Bull Run Regional Park

    Site #133 — Great site once you figure out the best way to get into it

    We stayed in site #133 with our 34'10" travel trailer/toy hauler. Overall, we really like the site. It's spacious, fairly level, heavily wooded, and feels surprisingly private. There's plenty of room around the camper, and although there are other campsites and cabins nearby, the trees provide a lot of separation. We had a nice large area for our chairs, fire pit, picnic table, and dogs. The biggest thing to know about #133 is the approach. We were instructed to pass the site, go around the loop, and then make a left turn into it. With our nearly 35' trailer, that would have required an extremely tight, almost 90-degree turn between the trees, and we did not feel we could safely make it. There is actually visible damage on one of the trees at the entrance, so it appears others may have had difficulty with the turn as well. Instead, we approached from the opposite direction and positioned the camper with our doors facing the main campsite area. That put the water and electric hookups on the opposite side, but our hoses and cord were long enough to run underneath the camper and reach without a problem. Once we figured that out, the site worked very well for us. I initially thought we probably wouldn't choose #133 again because of the awkward setup, but after spending the weekend here, I would. Now that we know how to approach and position our trailer, it really is a nice site. If you're bringing a longer travel trailer, just be prepared to do a little maneuvering and make sure your water hose and electrical cord have enough length if you decide to orient your camper the way we did.

  • Jeremy R.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 26, 2026

    Thousand Trails Lynchburg

    Nice staff

    Overall the sray here has been decent. Shower house is clean. Nice trail around the "big lake". And staff are very friendly. Roads need some work. There a re a lot of washout areas, still can travel through, but a little sketchy with motorhome. We liked our site because it was easy access to get back out on the country road. The laundry has 2 washers, but one is broken. There is a nice pool, but it was too cold for us to swim. Very dog friendly. One of the trails shown on the map was not accessible so we had to turn around. Overall we will be back

  • RThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 25, 2026

    Stony Fork Campground

    Hidden Gem

    What a great find! Private sites, nice walking areas, and great hosts. Top it off with clean bathrooms with great showers and this was a win for us. It may not be suitable for bigger rigs but for our 22’ van, it was perfect.

  • Diane R.
    Sep. 24, 2026

    Machicomoco State Park Campground

    Beautifully Quiet

    Note to Self: No Primitive Site reservations...EVER. I love this park. It's situated far enough from the busy traffic noise...beautiful Virginia city of Hayes. When I arrived, it was such a scorching day and there wasn't nearly enough tree cover to shield my tent from the "son of Hades". Suffered heat exhaustion almost to the point of death...Literally. Night was my only respite. If it hadn't been for the wonderful camp attendants who came to my rescue, it would've been an utterly failed experience. Bless their hearts. Other than that, this was a great training experience for an old Novice camper. Now that I'm a bit more practiced, I'm going back 😁, armed with knowledge and more confidence.

  • GThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 22, 2026

    Christopher Run Campground

    Great location on the lake

    Something for everybody; long term slots, primitive camping, with electricity and water, with full hookups, day use ramps for Lake Anna, huge covered picnic area for large gatherings, rv sites in the woods and others on the edge of large field. Staff are great.

  • tThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 21, 2026

    Love's RV Hookup-Elliston VA 574

    Quick overnight

    Not bad for a quick overnight especially if it’s raining (concrete level). Little loud overnight with incoming traffic.

  • Michael H.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 20, 2026

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Decent campground in the middle of a urban area

    Spent two nights while we saw the Avett Brothers play at Wolf Trap. Nice flat site with power. Campground was quiet and clean. The only negative is communication and signage. It took us a couple wrong turns to find our site and when we came back, after the concert around 11, the entrance gate was closed and we had to sneak in through the exit gate. Asked the next day and they said that is what campers do to access the park after 11pm.

  • Maureen G.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 20, 2026

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Used parking spot for tent site

    No other available sites, so used tent site 35 parking spot to stay in campervan. Worked fine. Nice campground. Saw at least 10 deer along sides of road from entrance to campsite.

  • CThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 20, 2026

    Machicomoco State Park Campground

    Nice Campground

    The good: super clean and new restrooms / showers. The entire parking immaculate. Stayed at site 12. Offers water views and shade. Site 13 is similar and is probably the most ideal site.

    Cons: zero privacy. The sites are basically scattered around an open grassy area and fairly close together.

    Be aware: sites are not vehicle accessible. Need to carry your kit 50-75 yards.

Guide to Virginia

Camping in Virginia offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, Virginia's campgrounds have something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park, provide direct access to stunning hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing.”
  • Water Activities: At Sherando Lake Campground, you can swim, fish, or kayak. A reviewer shared, “The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an island if you want to.”
  • Family Fun: Campgrounds like Misty Mountain Camp Resort offer activities for kids. One family said, “Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Pocahontas State Park Campground noted, “The bathrooms were clean but the one close to my site the outside was falling apart.”
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park remarked, “We liked this campground so much, smallness and setting, we almost cancelled our next reservation to stay here.”
  • Proximity to Nature: Campgrounds like Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park provide beautiful views and easy access to trails. One reviewer said, “Campsite was right next to the lake, beautiful views and easy water access.”

What you should know

  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, which can be a challenge during peak times. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, “I arrived at about 1:00 pm on a Tuesday, and got the last (worst) site.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Devil’s Backbone Camp expressed frustration, saying, “This is a parking spot in a field with no trees and the sewer likely on the wrong side.”
  • Wildlife Caution: Bears are common in some areas, so be cautious with food storage. A camper at Big Meadows Campground advised, “There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Misty Mountain Camp Resort. One parent said, “This campground was really great for a family with small children.”
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise, especially at campgrounds with close sites. A camper at Canoe Landing Group Campsite noted, “Our neighbors were noisy, obnoxious, and trashy into the wee hours of the morning.”
  • Pack Essentials: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A family at Pocahontas State Park Campground enjoyed the playground, saying, “The playground was decent and pretty centrally located on the campground.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park mentioned, “We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here.”
  • Be Prepared for Costs: Some campgrounds charge for showers and other amenities. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground said, “Showers were pretty expensive at $5 for 10 minutes.”
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Cell service can be spotty in some areas. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground noted, “No Verizon or ATT cell service I could find and no WiFi.”

Camping in Virginia offers a unique blend of nature, family fun, and adventure. With the right preparation, you can enjoy all that this beautiful state has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Virginia for families?

First Landing State Park Campground is exceptional for families, offering sites surrounded by forests yet within walking distance to the beach. Kids love climbing the live oaks, and the secluded beach is perfect for family fun. Another excellent option is Prince William Forest RV Campground, which features clean bathrooms, a pool, and is less than an hour from Washington DC, making it ideal for educational family day trips. Both campgrounds provide spacious sites with varying hookup options and clean facilities that families appreciate.

Where can I find camping sites in Southern Virginia?

Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park in southern Virginia offers excellent camping near Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia. It's a hiker's paradise with virtually no cell signal, making it perfect for truly disconnecting in nature. Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA provides another southern Virginia option along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Southern Virginia's camping areas typically offer more seclusion and wilderness experiences than northern locations, with beautiful mountain views and extensive hiking opportunities.

When is the best time of year to go camping in Virginia?

Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the best camping conditions in Virginia with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summer provides full access to all Virginia campgrounds, but expect higher temperatures, humidity, and more crowds, particularly at popular destinations like Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park. For coastal camping at places like False Cape State Park Campground, late spring through early fall is ideal. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, though many mountain campgrounds close seasonally due to snow and ice conditions. Always check seasonal opening dates as they vary by location.

What camping resorts in Virginia offer the best amenities?

Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views stands out with its beautiful views, manicured grounds, and impressive amenities. The resort features an exceptionally large dog park, a nice swimming pool, and the unique experience of camping adjacent to a working farm where animals graze near campsites. American Heritage RV Park offers exceptional amenities including concrete, level sites, clean air-conditioned bathrooms, and a strategic location that provides convenient access to Williamsburg, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. For luxury camping experiences, Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages combines natural attractions with resort-style amenities.

Keep Exploring

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