Tent camping near Palmyra, Virginia offers sites in both river and forest settings. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. Many campsites feature direct water access with boat launch points within 50 yards.
What to do
Water activities: James River State Park has river access where campers can fish, kayak and tube. "Lake James is by far the clearest body of water I have been on in NC. Kayaked to the Long Arm camping area #1 and stayed at campsite #6," notes a visitor to Branch Pond.
Stargazing: The dark skies in this rural area make for excellent star viewing. A camper at Walnut Grove shared, "The night sky was amazing. You could see stars for miles. Enjoyed a nice sunset by the river."
Horseback riding: Several parks offer equestrian facilities and trails. "Wonderful place, very beautiful! Of courses, horses loved it too!" reports a reviewer at Lake Anna State Park Campground.
Swimming: Cool off in rivers and lakes during hot months. At Canoe Landing Group Campsite, one camper mentioned, "Camping along the river at the Canoe Landing Campground is great in the slower seasons. The sites are pretty close together so I'm sure it would be much more cramped when it's busy but it's a beautiful place."
What campers like
Private settings: Many tent campers appreciate separation from neighbors. A guest at Cloverdale Farms noted, "You just set up camp wherever you feel like it on her little farmette and enjoy the peace and quiet and privacy that you don't get in a campground."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive positive mentions. "The bathhouse was immaculate and the campsite large enough for two tents to share comfortably," wrote a camper at Walnut Grove.
Wildlife encounters: Campers enjoy the natural animal encounters. "If the peace and quiet isn't enough for you, there are pet goats, cats, a dog, and chickens that all love attention," says a review from Cloverdale Farms.
Designated tent areas: Level, dedicated tent pads make setup easier. At Canoe Landing Group Campsite, a visitor reported, "The Canoe Landing camping area is spacious with fire rings, and lots of room to set up tents right along the river."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Summer heat can be extreme with limited shade at some sites. "It was SO HOT when we were there and we really wished there was a designated 'beach' area on the river (or in a perfect world, a pool)," noted a camper at Walnut Grove.
Access challenges: Some tent sites require significant walking from parking areas. At Phantom Hill Forest Farm, a visitor observed, "The sites are large and primitive. We had no trouble getting down there in the jeep."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cellular coverage. A Walnut Grove reviewer mentioned, "Cell service is extremely limited, but there's wi-fi available at the visitors center."
Tent pad drainage: During heavy rains, water pooling can be an issue. A camper at Branch Pond stated, "The tent pads don't drain well and huge puddles develop - some sites were completely overtaken by a full inch of water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Parks with play areas offer entertainment for children. A Lake Anna State Park visitor wrote, "Great space for RVs and tents. Cabins and yurts available, bath house clean, beach area is 1/2 mile paved walk. Beach very crowded on weekends."
Educational opportunities: Look for parks with nature programs. "My 4 yr old spent hours playing with all the little animals the ranger station had," shared a camper at Walnut Grove.
Consider noise levels: Weekends are busier and louder at most sites. A Lake Anna State Park guest noted, "Very nice, plenty to see and do, but very crowded and noisy, even after quite time."
Swimming safety: River swimming requires caution due to currents. One visitor to Daybreak Glamp Camp advised, "The owner and his family were super sweet and helpful. They definitely set you up for success!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for level areas with adequate shade. At Lake Anna State Park, a camper observed, "For being a state park, Lake Anna is one of the best I've been to. Although we only tent camped, I noticed a lot of things about the campground that would welcome RVs as well."
Hookup availability: Water and electric are available at select sites. A reviewer at Lake Anna State Park Campground mentioned, "Campers can choose sites with or without electricity. This campground is ADA accessible with the lantern hangers having lower hooks for those in wheelchairs."
Dump station access: Confirm sanitary facilities before arrival. A Lake Anna State Park visitor noted, "There were large back-in sites as well as pull-through sites. There was also a dump station."
