Palmyra, Virginia sits at approximately 455 feet elevation in the central Virginia Piedmont region between the Blue Ridge Mountains and coastal plains. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping. The region's numerous water features, including the James River and several lakes, create diverse camping opportunities within a 45-minute drive of Palmyra.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: At Graves Mountain Farm Campground, campers can watch free-range horses return at dusk and head out at dawn. "Free range horses (they're penned-in) come back at dusk and head out at dawn -- fun to watch from the campground, especially for kiddos," notes Matt.
Water recreation: Powhatan State Park Campground provides James River access with multiple water activities. "The park has lots of trails, miles of open meadows, and James River access. Great park for bicycling," shares RL. Another camper notes, "There is a great swimming area with a little kids area that was so fun! We did a hike around the whole lake, lots of great views."
Star gazing: The limited light pollution makes this area excellent for astronomy enthusiasts. Red Oak Campground has been designated as part of the International Dark Sky Parks Association. "The park is part of the Dark Sky Parks Association and if you're into astronomy and stars this is the place to stay," says Bridget H.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground receives praise for its organization and amenities. "The tent pads are filled with shredded tires instead of gravel or dirt, which provides a little extra cushion," mentions Stephanie J. "All sites have fire rings, lantern hooks, and extra long picnic tables."
Lakeside camping: Many campers appreciate the water-adjacent sites available. "We chose a reservable waterview site (#18) and I'm glad we got the one we did! It is not directly on the water, there is a fence around the site and then a short walk to the water," writes Katie M.
Resort-style amenities: For those seeking more luxurious accommodations, Big Meadows Campground offers unique options. "The yurt has a full kitchen and bath. Coffee, popcorn, toiletries, linens provided," says RL. Another camper shares, "Enjoyed Big Meadows very much. Campground was busy but never felt like we were sharing someone else's tent stakes."
What you should know
Site variations: Camp areas can range from secluded to very exposed. "The tent-only section of the campground is alongside a lake, which provides beautiful views," explains Brittany B. Conversely, at Graves Mountain, Jack B. cautions, "It was essentially a 500'x500' field with little to no trees, hills, anything except buildings."
Seasonal considerations: The central Virginia location means distinct camping seasons. "Cumberland County is only at 455' elevation, so the heat and humidity in the summer is intense—we were very uncomfortable our first night because of this, so fall would probably be the best time to go," advises Stephanie J.
Insects and wildlife: James River State Park Campground and surrounding areas have notable wildlife. "Just worth a mention that my kids came back with poison ivy everywhere, so watch out for that!" warns Katie M. Another camper noted, "The gnats and flies were bad (way worse than I've ever experienced; probably due to the horse and cow poop)."
Tips for camping with families
Choose camps with diverse activities: When camping with children near Palmyra, look for multiple recreation options. "We enjoyed the peace and quiet and the lovely mountain views," says Susan A. "For kids, there is a duck pond, chicken coop, shallow brook, disable farm tractor, and some other stuff to play with/on/in across the street near the lodge."
Consider comfort needs: Family camping requires planning for all ages. "We stayed in a yurt, and I'm gonna let the photos do most of the talking. Yurt has a full kitchen and bath. Coffee, popcorn, toiletries, linens provided," shares RL.
Find family-oriented programming: Several parks offer specific children's activities. "The rangers here are very interactive and very helpful. We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night," says Bridget H.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Shenandoah Crossing and other area campgrounds can have uneven sites. "We reserved a 'pull-through' RV site which ended up being a back-in site that was very uneven and nowhere near level," reports Jed. Another camper observed, "Our site was not exactly level but I think it was because we were in the first spot on a row and it had a slant. The others looked pretty level."
RV amenities availability: Services vary widely between campgrounds. "Big beautiful paved sites with furniture to boot. Complete with gas grills and outdoor sinks," notes Nicole P. In contrast, another camper cautioned, "After staying for two weeks, the bathhouse next to our site was closed because of lack of electricity. Which forced us to drive up to the indoor pool and use the showers there."
Access restrictions: Some horse campgrounds near Palmyra have size limitations. "Limit on RV length to 35 feet. This includes tow vehicle and trailer," cautions Erica M. When bringing horses, remember that "Large back-in sites can accommodate vehicles with horse trailers" at some locations.
