Best Campgrounds near Lancaster, VA

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Lancaster, Virginia (67)

    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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 67 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Lancaster, VA

503 Reviews of 67 Lancaster Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2025

    Thousand Trails Williamsburg

    Nice camp ground indoor pool and hot tub are nice features spots are pretty tight for bigger 5th wheels

    People are very friendly and helpful. I do wish they would escort to site

  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 21, 2025

    Chickahominy WMA

    Basic

    We came in late after dark and wanted to get to Eagles Landing Lookout, but decided just to pull in here. Plenty of room for several vehicles. We saw one deer hunter. No amenities. Very quiet, and dark. Will take a look around in the morning

  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2025

    Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area

    Ware Creek parking lot

    Parked overnight in designated parking area. No motorized vehicles beyond signs. Nice trails, with mature mixed hardwoods and conifers. We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink. Very dark and quiet. Good gravel road with mowed shoulders to get there, and a one lane bridge, with a 40 ton weight limit. No amenities. Good t-mobile coverage. Fires allowed, but no cleared fire ring.

  • Olive L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2025

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Local Trash Hub

    More of a small boating/fishing area locals usually party at than much of a campground. There's a couple more conventional pull outs before it and I stayed at one which was relatively peaceful besides someone going birdshooting with their incredibly panicked dog nearby and someone running their generator incredibly early in the morning. No amenities and lots of trash. Ended up picking up a great deal for some piece of mind.

  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2025

    Coles Point Marina

    Marina on the Potomac

    We kept our boat here, so it was no problem for us to park our van for free. But they do have lovely campsites, with toilets, showers, water, pump out, electric, and trash, right on the Potomac River. They allow tent, camping and RVs and have several cottages. Price varies depending on size and services. Tents are $20 a night. The only problem, or maybe it's an advantage, is that it is a long way to anything else. Small store onsight. Will recieve and hold packages. Great accommodating and friendly staff.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 9, 2025

    Camp Cardinal RV Resort

    Nice venue

    Just like a koa, pool ( not open in Nov.), jump pad, ice cream store, on water, . A plus there are 4 sites with dog enclosure gates . Lots of dirt roads to ride bikes for toddlers

  • A
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Anvil Campground

    amazing service and kindness

    the poeple there were so kind and my fav game in the game room was pool so nice and relaxing the train was AMAZING i loved it.

  • Dusty S.
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Gosnold's Hope Park

    Nice clean

    Nice spots, a little close, no campfire rings, friendly staff, close to amenities, nice bathrooms.

  • 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!


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 67 campgrounds and RV parks near Lancaster, VA and 4 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 4 free dispersed camping spots near Lancaster, VA.