Best Tent Camping near Newport, VA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Newport and then fall asleep in your tent? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Newport, Virginia's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Newport, VA (29)

    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
    10 Saves
    Greenway, Virginia

    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
    Greenway, Virginia

    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 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    4. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    1 Photo
    83 Saves
    Warm Springs, Virginia

    Hiking 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
    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

    5. Branch Pond — James River State Park

    9 Reviews
    32 Photos
    3 Saves
    Greenway, Virginia

    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 Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    6. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    57 Photos
    408 Saves
    Brandywine, West Virginia

    This 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
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    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

    7. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    130 Saves
    Glasgow, Virginia

    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
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    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

    8. Breeden Bottom Campground

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    74 Saves
    Buchanan, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table

    $40 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Waltons Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Waltons Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Waltons Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Waltons Campground

    9. Waltons Campground

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    7 Saves
    Clifton Forge, Virginia

    Located just minutes off exit 29 on I-64 in the beautiful, eastern end of Alleghany County is the newly formed Waltons Campground. This cozy, family owned and managed area offers seven rustic tent campsites and one additional site that can accommodate a small camper not exceeding 15ft in length. Providing a great balance between primitive and comfortable, Waltons Campground offers county furnished, potable water and a non-flush toilet. Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and lantern hanger for your convenience. Parking for one vehicle per site is included within the interior of the campground with additional parking available to the left of the exit. We do not have a shower facility.

    Less than 1000 ft across Nicelytown Road you will find the Sharon Park and public access to the pristine Cowpasture River where many kayak, fish, and play all summer long. The charming small town of Clifton Forge is 4 miles away. Less than 10 miles away, Douthat State Park hosts a lake for swimming and fishing, numerous hiking trails, and many other family friendly activities.

    Your reservation is not site specific unless you are bringing a small camper. Campsites 1-7 are tent sites, picked on arrival. Campsite 8 is the only camper site.

    You may conveniently pay for your stay using Venmo @WaltonsCampground or pay on arrival in the drop box on the side of the firewood stand. Drop your envelope with the reservation name and amount due. Need firewood for your stay? We have $5 bundles, $10 bin and $20 bin options available for purchase. You may use the cash drop box for this, as well.

    For GPS directions please use 4017 Nicelytown Road, Clifton Forge, VA. The campground entrance is directly across from this address. Enter from Nicelytown and exit on Firehouse Circle.

    For DAY OF reservations, call or text 540-632-0349 or message us on Facebook! We look forward to seeing you!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $25 / night

    • No image available

      10. Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground)

      1 Review
      10 Saves
      Big Island, Virginia
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
    Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Newport

    733 Reviews of 29 Newport Campgrounds


    • Wayne T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
      Nov. 19, 2024

      Devil’s Backbone Camp

      Best primitive sites! Such a nice campground!

      This was such a awesome campground!! First time ever staying and everybody was so helpful and friendly. He had the camp host come and check on us to see how things were. We stayed at the group 105 site and could not have been happier with that pick. It was off all by itself with the other 4 group primitive sites. Sites were huge and you could arrange and set up however you liked. Really loved that having 2 vehicles and 3 tents we had so much room. Loved the bathhouse being close too. Just a quick little walk/or drive around the corner the showers and stalls were so clean as well. Fire ring was huge too and they have wood on site. We even checked out the restaurant and bar/brewery on site. Everything looked so cool loved the way everything was set up. We will 100% be coming back and do the group site again. ur original plans of going off into the national forest and dispersed camping got canceled so we hated we couldn't do that. But this site the way they are set up really makes you feel like you are still out there disperse camping but with the luxury of a campground being so close. Loved it so much!

    • 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.

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Oronoco Campground
      Oct. 26, 2024

      Oronoco Campground

      Great FREE disperse campground with bathroom

      I love this campground, it’s 5 to 10 minutes from BV, right on the river, primitive with bathrooms, which is fine with me, I sleep in my forerunner with my two dogs, plenty of land and trails, it’s perfect for what I need👍

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Oronoco Campground
      Oct. 26, 2024

      Oronoco Campground

      Great primitive campsite with restrooms

      Less than 10 campsites, all with fire circles and a public bathroom site. each campsite is on the river, very beautiful.

    • 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.

    • Tiel M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Morris Hill Campground
      Sep. 23, 2024

      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.

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      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!

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hone Quarry
      Sep. 16, 2024

      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.

    • 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.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground — Watoga State Park
      Aug. 15, 2024

      Riverside Campground — Watoga State Park

      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.

    • 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

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Brandywine Lake Campground — Shenandoah Wildlife Management Area
      Jul. 24, 2024

      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!

    • 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.

    • Jeremiah S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
      Jul. 8, 2024

      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.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.

    • VThe Dyrt PRO User
      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.

    • Danny M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground — Watoga State Park
      May. 25, 2024

      Riverside Campground — Watoga State Park

      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.



    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 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 Newport, VA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Newport, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.