Top Tent Camping near Newport, VA
Searching for a tent campsite near Newport? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Newport, VA (32)
1. Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
11 Reviews•6 Photos•404 SavesBraley 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
2. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
28 Reviews•90 Photos•9 SavesCanoe 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
3. George Washington National Forest off 812
8 Reviews•33 Photos•247 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Walnut Grove — James River State Park
11 Reviews•38 Photos•5 SavesCamping 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
5. Hog Camp Gap
2 Reviews•7 Photos•22 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
6. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
4 Reviews•1 Photo•82 SavesHiking and fishing opportunities are abundant at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area. Enjoy hiking trails that meander along the Jackson River, or break out that rod and reel as the trout stocked waters are popular amongst fly and traditional fishermen alike.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
7. Flagpole Knob
7 Reviews•38 Photos•241 SavesForest Road 85 travels 3.6 miles to the summit of Flagpole Knob, wobbling along the top of the Alleghany Mountains following the border between Virginia and West Virginia. This high elevation access route brings the wildlife watcher into habitats not encountered elsewhere on the North River Loop of the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
8. Branch Pond — James River State Park
9 Reviews•32 Photos•3 SavesCamping 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
9. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
10 Reviews•57 Photos•407 SavesThis colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound. Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
2 Reviews•3 Photos•129 SavesThe 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
Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Newport
723 Reviews of 32 Newport Campgrounds
SJ W.
Guide
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.
- WWessel D.
Scout
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!
- NNancy P.
Traveler
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.Scout
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.
- HHarold H.Scout
Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
Natural Bridge KOA
Staff were friendly campground was nice with shade pull throughs and fairly level.
Tiel M.Traveler
Morris Hill Campground
Decent, nice hosts
Nothing to write home about but it’s pretty. There’s a road that runs right in front that has some noise. Not all that different from most national forests, which isn’t bad.
- EEben O.Traveler
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!
- CChalang R.Traveler
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
Amazing
Pretty much what a campground should be. Absolutely 0 service. No place to get ice if you’re out. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
- CChalang R.Traveler
Hone Quarry
Great for mid week
If you live in Harrisonburg, Bridgwater and any surrounding area, this place is amazing. Fair warning, this place is DARK DARK, but your campers, so. The campsites are clean, $5 a night will get you a place to stay. Payment box upfront. There’s a pond up the road to fish.
- WWaseem H.Guide
Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Quiet peaceful place
I didn’t find and good spots, but it was quiet and peaceful. I drove from there to flag pole. The trail was really fun and moderately difficult.
- TTimothy B.Guide
Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Great adventure
Campsite was clean, campsite were close to other campsite. There are no showers. The staff were friendly and were able to help with all questions I had. They went above and beyond to help make you stay a good experience.
LDcakesTravelerNorth 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.
- JJulieTraveler
Riverside Campground
Nice and quiet
I liked this campground -- most RV sites have electric, and water fill stations are easily accessible. Sites weren't too close together, and they were clean and well kept. Staff was also quite friendly and available. Note: It's in a valley, so there's no cell service. The wash houses have wi-fi, but it's not great and you have to be either in the building or sitting at the bench outside to use it.
- MMicah B.Scout
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
- TTimothy B.Guide
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Great experience
The staff is friendly and go out of there way to answer questions you may have. The camp site are spaced out good. They do have showers and rest rooms and water near your camp site. Can’t wait to visit again.
- SSarah C.Guide
Brandywine Lake Campground — Shenandoah Wildlife Management Area
Drive on up to site!
Clean, comfortable campground with spacious sites. Some of the sites are very private, others are a little less. Some have bear boxes and some are a lot closer to bath house than others. There is a large overflow lot available and set up for campers. However, we went on a Monday night and only shared the campground with 4 other groups of campers. Hosts are on site and both friendly and informative. Hiking trails nearby and some start at campground. Lake is low but still good for swimming or floating. We had a very peaceful night, even with the rain. Recommend!
Jeff E.Traveler
Beaver Creek Campground
Great camping
I’ve stayed here at least a dozen times over the years. Nice sites for tent camping. Clear skies and a decent bathhouse.
- NNick A.Scout
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.
Jeremiah S.Guide
Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
KOA Newbie
This was our first KOA experience. I liked the pool, camp shop, and proximity to Massanutten water park. I also liked the size of site.
My wife didn’t care for the lack of grass (mostly gravel) or the guy who took us to site that worked there talking over her when she was helping me back in.
Most people know this but if a couple is backing in just let them figure it out.
Other than price and backing in annoyance, I thought it was good place and would go back.
Chaz M.
Ranger
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.
- GGabeGuide
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.
- VVictor E.Guide
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.
Danny M.ScoutRiverside Campground
Two night stay
Large sites, clean bath house and showers. $52/ night with tax. 110/30 amp electric at site. No sewer,no water at site. Water available, sewer dump station available. Has sites along the river. Also there are two rental cabins down near the river.
- Danny M.Scout
Whittaker Campground
Cass,WV
Great location for Cass RR or start or end of the greenbrier river rail trail. Privately owned. Grassy sites, “mostly “ . We camped in our Van. 110/30 amp service at most sites. Many seasonal rental spaces. “Simple “ plywood shower and toilet house. (Mens side not so clean) hot water shower. $30/night with or without electricity. Tight sites, we camped mid week before the Memorial Day holiday.
Colletta & Co. 🤙.Traveler
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.
Derek D.ScoutReservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Primitive spot
Nice camping spots on the pedlar river in Amherst county. Multiple spots along reservoir rd.
Lucy P.Ranger
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.
Guide to Newport
Camping near Newport, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin or a spacious RV site, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do
- Hiking and Nature Walks: The area is surrounded by stunning trails. At Sherando Lake Campground, one camper mentioned, "We had a great view of sunset. Nice stars at night the park is darker than some." This makes it perfect for evening hikes and stargazing.
- Swimming and Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Douthat State Park Campground, have lakes for swimming and fishing. A visitor shared, "There are also cabins here! Plenty of picnic areas and great fishing as well!"
- Family Activities: Campgrounds often host events for kids. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort noted, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA said, "The bath/shower/laundry facility was very clean and fairly new."
- Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park mentioned, "The folks I interacted with in the office were very nice."
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One camper at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area noted, "The site was nice sized and shaded."
What you should know
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground pointed out, "There is no Verizon or ATT cell service I could find and no WiFi."
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at Devil’s Backbone Camp mentioned, "The campground is basically a field with no trees. No amenities and it’s not worth the fee they’re charging."
- Seasonal Closures: Be aware of the camping season. For example, Douthat State Park Campground is open from May to September.
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort enjoyed the inflatable jump pad, saying, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
- Plan for Safety: Ensure your campsite is safe for children. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground noted, "Our site was more level than some yet we still needed to raise one side."
- Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, as some campgrounds are remote. A visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area advised, "There is a small general store that sells some things and gas but it's not a real grocery."
Tips from RVers
- Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A camper at Devil’s Backbone Camp mentioned, "The water, electric and sewer hookups are on the wrong side for half of the RV sites."
- Look for Level Sites: Level sites make for easier parking. A reviewer at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA said, "It was pretty much level."
- Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast before you go. One camper at Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park noted, "I loved the seclusion. But you have to walk to the site."
Exploring the great outdoors through Newport, VA camping can be a memorable experience for everyone. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Newport, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Newport, VA is Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area with a 5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Newport, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Newport, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.