Best Tent Camping near Prospect, VA

Tent camping options near Prospect, Virginia include several established campgrounds within James River State Park, where tent campers can find both riverside and forested sites. The park offers three main tent camping areas: Canoe Landing Group Campsite, Walnut Grove, and Branch Pond. These tent-specific areas provide varying levels of accessibility and amenities for campers seeking outdoor experiences in central Virginia's piedmont region.

Most tent sites at James River State Park feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to basic toilet facilities. Canoe Landing offers group tent camping with riverside access, while Walnut Grove provides more secluded walk-in tent sites. Branch Pond sites require hike-in or walk-in access, making them suitable for campers seeking a more primitive experience. According to one visitor, "James River State Park is beautiful! The Canoe Landing camping area is spacious with fire rings, and lots of room to set up tents right along the river." Tent campers should note that some sites have bear boxes for food storage, and permits are required for all camping areas within the park.

For those seeking free dispersed tent camping, the Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 is located approximately 30 miles west of Prospect. This primitive tent camping area allows fires and permits pets without requiring a camping permit. Hog Camp Gap, another free tent camping option in the region, offers a more rustic experience with no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. A review mentioned that Hog Camp Gap has "a spring but remember to boil or chemical treat the water before use." Cell service is limited at most tent campsites in the area, particularly at the more remote locations. Tent campers should be prepared with adequate supplies, as amenities are minimal at the dispersed sites compared to the established campgrounds at James River State Park.

Best Tent Sites Near Prospect, Virginia (11)

    1. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    27 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    26 miles
    Website

    $15 - $80 / night

    "Ranger led park programs are offered year round, this week included a natural history boat tour in the lake, and a naturalist talk on loons."

    "We stayed at site 11 in location 2 on the Lake James campgrounds; it’s a paddle-in-only location. Getting there required canoeing in, which was easy for us to do on the lake’s dock."

    2. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    11 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 933-8061

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Lake James is a true gem, clean and beautiful, with amazing views of Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain, and Table Rock. The State Park has several camping areas."

    "This is a lovely little campground set on the shores of James Lake. Sites are big enough for 2 small tents or 1 largish family tent. All sites have a picnic table, fire pit with grate, and bear box."

    3. Branch Pond — James River State Park

    9 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    26 miles
    Website

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Located in the middle of nowhere off of narrow Virginia secondary roads, we were surprised to get good Verizon reception. We stayed on site 15 which is a long pull-thru."

    "First of all, the ranger over the campgrounds is awesome. He’s really, really nice. Secondly, this campground will always be a favorite for us."

    4. Daybreak Glamp Camp

    2 Reviews
    Amelia Court House, VA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 223-4223

    $25 - $150 / night

    "I tent camped there for 4 nights and it was amazing. It was quite peaceful and the weather for the most part was great. I had camp fires every night."

    5. Cloverdale Farms

    3 Reviews
    Cumberland, VA
    31 miles
    +1 (804) 346-7306

    $40 / night

    "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."

    "This historic property has gently rolling hills, with a little creek amidst a couple acres of cleared, open, secluded woodland perfect for pitching a tent and listening to nature."

    6. RodneysRaptors

    Be the first to review!
    Randolph, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (202) 766-8837

    $75 - $125 / night

    7. Warren Ferry Landing

    2 Reviews
    Scottsville, VA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 231-2278

    $21 - $60 / night

    "We're so excited to have this property on our platform! These flat, well maintained sites are perfect to pitch your tent or park your RV. The sites are large and offer ample shade."

    8. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."

    "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."

    9. Hog Camp Gap

    2 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    47 miles
    Website

    "service was in and out as well there is a spring but remember to boil or chemical treat the water before use is not tested for parasites another humble bacteria I also recommend investing in a portable toilet"

    "the campground is roughly the size of a Walmart parking lot including the store or three football fields you do have to carry all the stuff from your car do the campsite but luckily you don't have to walk"

    10. Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground)

    1 Review
    Big Island, VA
    46 miles
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "It’s quiet and peaceful, and the surrounding area is gorgeous."

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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Prospect, VA

392 Reviews of 11 Prospect Campgrounds



Guide to Prospect

Discover the beauty of tent camping near Prospect, Virginia, where nature meets adventure in a variety of stunning campgrounds.

Tips for tent camping near Prospect

  • Make sure to reserve a spot at RodneysRaptors, which offers a peaceful environment with amenities like picnic tables and firewood.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Branch Pond — James River State Park, known for its well-maintained sites and hiking trails.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, Cloverdale Farms provides a charming farm setting where you can enjoy the sounds of nature and interact with friendly animals.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Wildwood Campground offers well-maintained sites with access to showers and toilets, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • At Hog Camp Gap, you can enjoy free camping with beautiful mountain views and easy access to hiking trails.
  • Misty Morning Sunrise Farm features amenities like drinking water and firewood, ensuring a pleasant camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Prospect, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Prospect, VA is Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Prospect, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Prospect, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.