Staunton River State Park Campground offers tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups for visitors seeking outdoor recreation near Randolph, Virginia. The camping area sits at approximately 420 feet elevation in Virginia's southern Piedmont region, with moderate temperature variations between seasons. Winter overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing while summer days routinely exceed 90°F.
What to do
Stargazing sessions: Staunton River State Park Campground holds International Dark Sky Park designation, making it exceptional for night sky viewing. "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. It is an International Dark Sky Park. The park offers rentals of telescopes too," notes Bridget H. The large open field near the check-in area provides unobstructed viewing access.
Swimming and splash pad: During warm months, families can enjoy the swimming facilities at Occoneechee State Park Campground. "We spent most of our free time at the splash pad. The kids loved that!" reports Katie M. The park maintains the splash pad from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with operating hours from 10am to 6pm daily.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points along Buggs Island Lake provide fishing opportunities year-round. "Fishing was not bad. Caught my first ever catfish," shares Ross B. about his experience at Bear Creek Lake State Park. Most waterfront camping locations permit fishing directly from shorelines adjacent to campsites.
What campers like
Cabin accommodations: Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground features spacious cabin options for those wanting amenities beyond tent camping. "These cabins are HUGE and really beautiful. They look like they could accommodate over 12 people," according to RL. Most cabins require minimum two-night stays and advance reservations, especially during peak season.
Waterfront camping sites: Campers consistently praise the lakeside sites available at state parks in the region. "The sites were close together but a few sites are worth it right on the water," notes Ross B. Acorn Loop sites 4-12 at Bear Creek Lake offer the most direct water access, with site 11 described as "the best best: it's right on the water but also kind of tucked away."
Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "While staying there I saw a skunk, a groundhog, several deer and a great variety of birds," reports Elena B. about her stay at Staunton River State Park. Early morning and dusk hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing conditions.
What you should know
Tent pad materials: Callahan's Hideaway and other campgrounds in the region use various materials for tent pads. "The tent pads are filled with shredded tires instead of gravel or dirt, which provides a little extra cushion, but can be uncomfortable on bare feet," explains Stephanie J. about Bear Creek Lake sites. Bringing a ground cloth or footwear around camp helps with comfort.
Site spacing considerations: Campground density varies significantly between parks and specific loops. "Sites were extremely close together and campground is kind of tiny," reports RL about tent camping at Staunton River. For more privacy, seek waterfront sites or those at loop ends which typically offer greater separation from neighbors.
Reservation response times: Some private campgrounds have inconsistent communication. "He never responded to the reservation request or my email. Don't waste your time, find somewhere else," warns Brandon H. about attempting to book at Callahan's Hideaway. State parks typically offer more reliable reservation systems through their centralized website or call center.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Staunton River State Park offers educational programming specifically designed for children. "Park rangers had great kids programs including animal feeding frenzy where we learned about snakes and turtles," shares Katie. Programs typically run on weekends during summer months and require no additional fees beyond camping costs.
Bicycle-friendly environments: Flat terrain makes the area suitable for family cycling. "The gkids brought their bikes and loved riding around the park," mentions Bridget H. about Staunton River State Park. Most campground roads have speed limits under 15 mph, creating safer cycling conditions for younger riders.
Water safety considerations: Lakefront sites require extra vigilance with children. "The water does provide a hazard if you have small children as it is not roped off in any way," cautions Stephanie J. Designated swimming areas with lifeguards operate at most state parks during summer months as safer alternatives to shoreline swimming.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground restricts larger rigs. "Limit on RV length to 35 feet. This includes tow vehicle and trailer," advises Erica M. Occoneechee State Park offers some larger sites for big rigs, though advance measurement confirmation is recommended before booking.
Electrical hookup availability: Most state parks in the region offer limited electrical service. "We have a larger trailer so we had to stay in the equestrian area," explains Samantha G. about her stay at Occoneechee. RV sites typically provide 30-amp service rather than 50-amp, so adapters may be necessary for larger units with multiple appliances.
Equestrian camping considerations: For those bringing horses near Randolph, Virginia, the equestrian camping areas typically lack some amenities. "There weren't showers by us but there was 1 bathroom," notes Samantha G. about the equestrian camping area at Occoneechee State Park. Horse owners must bring their own containment systems as permanent equine facilities aren't available.
