M
Martin L.
Scout
ScoutCreekside Campground
Very friendly and helpful
Arrived late (after dark) owner met us entrance and site with a flashlight to help back in. Provided his number in case we had any problems. Extremely nice
Best Campgrounds in Virginia
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 (558)
1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
129 ReviewsStanley, VAWebsite+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 ReviewsVirginia Beach, VAWebsite+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
83 ReviewsChester, VAWebsite+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 ReviewsDyke, VAWebsite+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 ReviewsBentonville, VAWebsite+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 ReviewsTroutdale, VAWebsite+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 ReviewsTownsend, VAWebsite+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 ReviewsRileyville, VAWebsite+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 ReviewsMarion, VAWebsite+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 ReviewsVirginia Beach, VAWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos in Virginia
1228 Photos of 558 Virginia Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews in Virginia
3796 Reviews of 558 Virginia Campgrounds
Jordan Y.ScoutPioneer Village
Nice place
Owner is friendly, people staying here consist of workers and retired people for the most part so the people are very quiet, beautiful river running through the end of the campground and a nice little hiking trail and a wide open area for kids to run and play. Only “bad” part is the road noise you are about 200 yards off that highway and can here it all day and night! But if your like me and don’t mind you will love it here!
- SSteve B.Scout
The Cove Campground
Excellent Campground
Was looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
Joe M.
TravelerSwitzer Lake Dispersed Camping
8:00pm Arrival
You read that right. All the plans to arrive earlier went out the window and I pulled into the road well after sunset. Able to navigate well enough with recent rainfalls so road was pitted and rocky. Somewhat drove past lake and found pre-utilized spot. Nice ground for set up and plenty of room for vehicle in/egress. The 2:20am howl of the eastern coyote caught me off guard; definitely inside a mile. He traveled because at 2:40am he met his buddies and had a howl-fest in the far distance. By day light I was able to explore and see some great lake sites you would enjoy. Highly recommended. No cell service.
Jennifer S.TravelerMisty Mountain Camp Resort
Location is wonderful, however campground is lacking in every area
Very disappointed in our recent four-night stay at Misty Mountain Campground this October.
Prior to our arrival, both my husband and I made numerous attempts to verify our site and reservation details. My husband called for five consecutive days and left messages each time, and I sent an email; however, we received no response.
When we arrived, the check-in process was extremely frustrating. I was initially told we had no reservation. After explaining that I was part of a wedding group, had already paid, and had been assigned a site number, the registration staff member continued to insist the reservation could not be found. After being ignored for 10 minutes and having to explain the situation again, she located our booking, but assigned us to the wrong site.
Additionally, the site and facilities fell far below expectations for an "RV Resort":
- Site Condition: The campsite was overcrowded, overgrown, and in poor condition.
- Facility Cleanliness: The restrooms were dirty, with grime on the doors, and clearly lacked regular cleaning (the same debris remained on the floor for days).
- Amenities: We were unable to purchase propane as none was available. Furthermore, we were refused change for the laundry facilities under the claim that they were closing for renovations, despite the door remaining open with no work taking place.
Overall, the lack of communication, poor customer service, and substandard conditions made for a very negative experience. I hope they deal with their issues because it is a lovely area.
- CCary C.Scout
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground
Smith Mountain Lake Campground
Great campground post season- open until 10/31. Good weather, leaf peeping. LOTS of trails to the lake, and very dog friendly
Jim M.
GuideWilderness Road Campground
Beautiful NPS campground with electric hookups
Wilderness rosd campground is awesome!! Beautiful area, with electric hookups and nice restroom and shower facilities. Smooth paved level sites and easy to find the site. We loved our stay here. They also have beautiful trails that are pet friendly. Will come back here again.
dale H.ScoutStoney creek
Great stay for the price
We were on our way to Arizona and needed to stop for the night the staff were very kind in holding a pull through spot for us with no more than my name on arrival the campground is awesome for the money.
- BBillie S.Scout
Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park
Camp Burson
A quiet, well maintained campground. Adjacent to Hung Mother State Park with lake and trails. A great year round location.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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