Staunton River State Park Campground accommodates pets across all camping styles with sites spaced reasonably apart for dog walking comfort. The park's International Dark Sky designation creates exceptional stargazing opportunities for campers and their furry companions during evening walks. Tent sites feature gravel pads which can be challenging for securing pet enclosures, while cabin options also welcome four-legged visitors. Most campsites include fire rings with grates, picnic tables, and lantern poles where pets can safely be tethered while families gather. The campground's trails accommodate pets on leashes, though hikers with dogs should watch for horse droppings on multi-use paths. Bathrooms and showers are clean and well-maintained, important for longer stays with pets who might bring dirt and debris back to campsites.
Numerous hiking paths provide exercise opportunities for dogs, with river-adjacent trails offering scenic walks and potential swimming spots. Campers should note that despite being pet-friendly, the campgrounds have limited pet waste disposal options with sometimes only one dumpster located at the campground exit. The park's spacious layout includes open fields perfect for exercising active dogs, particularly near the visitor center where telescopes can be borrowed for nighttime stargazing with calm pets. Wildlife sightings including skunks, groundhogs and deer occur regularly, requiring vigilant leash control during walks. The nearby pool complex remains closed to pets but offers human family members recreation options while pets rest at the campsite. Most sites have adequate shade to keep pets comfortable during hot Virginia summer days when campground temperatures rise considerably.
$27 - $121 / night
"We camped here again at Staunton River State Park, this time we stayed in site 21, which is an electric site near the bathrooms/showers and one of the best for viewing stars."
"Site was built into a hill and had several steps leading up to it. Much smaller site than we are used to at VA State parks."
$21 - $427 / night
"Campgrounds are right next to the water for easy access. Pet friendly which is a must. Great place to go during the summer."
"If you have dogs like we do that hate squirrels they drove them nuts- squirrels running around in our campsite and up trees in our campsite. And while walking around."
$24 - $68 / night
"The exception to this is people putting old rugs or carpet around the shore where the park their boats."
"They were giving g out treats for my dogs which I thought was a great gesture. Facilities are clean as always."
$22 - $53 / night
"Very nice place to walk and lots of sight seeing close by and shor t walk or drive to the water"
"One mile walk to Buffalo park a beautiful place with lots of history. I love it .Great day for a picnic ."
$24 - $125 / night
"I loved the lakefront location in back of C loop and that it was 2 tiered which made the site very private with a lower level table, fire-ring, and gravel site. Well maintained campground."
"Kerr Reservoir (or Buggs Island Lake at is mostly referred as) has the best Bass fishing this side of the Mississippi, and they hold Bass tournaments here on a regular basis."
$24 - $68 / night
"We stayed at the west Bank which offered a great view of the lake. We stayed at camp number 7. There is many activity to do here such as fishing."
$37 - $427 / night
"We hiked some of the trails, there is beautiful nature thT surrounds you. Close to the High Bridge and different Daily excursions."
"The swimming lake has a nice beach and we happened to be there this last weekend and the temperature was nice and warm and the kids enjoyed playing on the beach and on the water playground."
$75 - $125 / night
$27 - $112 / night
"My biggest complaint is the location of the trash dumpsters is very close to the bath house and campsites in this loop and the smell was not pleasant."
"Lakeside camping in a tent is great when fishing and being next to the rods. Level sites, can get flooded after heavy rains as I found out."
$27 - $77 / night
"Huge fresh water lake, large camping spots, large sandy beach, playground for kids, very well groomed, moor your boat in the water at your camp site, big boat ramp, pet friendly, great walking areas, tent"
"Showers/bathrooms are not the closest to sites but if you don’t mind a walk they are not a problem. There are port o johns in one location also."
TravelerWater Water everywhere. Paddle boards....canoes if you have them this is a great place to go. Campgrounds are right next to the water for easy access. Pet friendly which is a must. Great place to go during the summer.
GuideThis was our first time camping at state park with our dogs and it has been great. We were able to score a campsite with a view of the lake and easy access to the Channel Cat Loop trail. Our tent pad was covered in rubber pieces which made for a comfortable base for our tent, and the separate area with fire pit, picnic table and pattern hooks was awesome. Another couple joined us and there was plenty of room for all four people and three dogs to spread out. Fell even more in love when majority of campsites left on Sunday, leaving peace and quiet all around. Bonus is having the dog only section at the swimming beach, which made for a fun afternoon with our pups.
TravelerKimball Point is the BEST. Huge fresh water lake, large camping spots, large sandy beach, playground for kids, very well groomed, moor your boat in the water at your camp site, big boat ramp, pet friendly, great walking areas, tent & RV spaces, NC State run park. Only negative it's hard to book a space. You need to book it EXACTLY 6 months out, call at 08:00 in morning.
GuideSite 16 Left (non-electric) September 18-21, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 76 Average Night Temp: 51 Arrived on a beautiful early Fall Friday afternoon. Host was extremely friendly and welcoming. He offered great advice and information for this first time visit. Firewood is not available on site. You have to travel back to a self service trailer about 4 miles near the local CVS on Route 58. In my humble opinion, Site 16 was the best view of the Lake and has easy accessibility (see photos). Because of the low evening temps, most of the non-electric sites were empty. We basically had run of the area. Pet friendly and very well kept areas. Rock pad for parking and tent set up. Bring a pad if you plan on sleeping on the ground. Two tables, fire pit, and lantern post on sites. Boat parking available close to this site. Swimming was fantastic. Fishing was even better. Will be back.
TravelerI’ll be honest. I didn’t know places could be this awesome. We are beginning campers and this was beyond our expectation. The views are incredible. (Be sure to watch the sunset. We went in the fall and I’ve never seen colors so bright.) Most sites are waterfront with the possibility of a beach or at least a bulkhead with water views. Picnic tables and great fire pits at each site. Showers/bathrooms are not the closest to sites but if you don’t mind a walk they are not a problem. There are port o johns in one location also. So many water access points for fishing or entering the water for swimming or kayaking. Boat ramp on location at Kimball Point. Beautiful walking areas but no hiking or long trails. Pavilion area and open lake sitting areas were available. Our site had 50/30/20 amp and I’m assuming most do as well. The website didn’t say that and I see this app has 30 only. Pets were permitted. Park ranger drove around often. The most amazing Dollar General ever was about 10 minutes away if you need a quick trip. Everything from tents to giant fifth wheels were there so it’s a great place no matter what you have.
LegendAnother site I have camped at while fishing in Kerr lake. All the sites around this lake are good and this one is no exception. Easy access by car, park right next to your site which are nearly all lakeside.
Toilet facilities are available. Sites are all clean and kept in good condition.
Be aware that if there has been heavy rain the lake level will rise considerably and I had to move my tent further away from the waters edge to avoid being flooded out.
Not too many bugs in the summer months and great views of the night sky when clear.
I would recommend this site for families as well.
The lake seems safe to swim in during the summer months.
Fires are allowed there are some fire rings as well.
LegendTucked away in the lush, verdant forests north of Raleigh, here at Bullocksville Park, you’ll discover camping and cabin grounds that are just a short hike from the nearby Lake Kerr, but far enough away from any roadside noisy traffic.
This is a complete natural respite that is incredibly quiet(save the roar of noise from nature!). The grounds themselves are laid out superbly, from 3-4 independent campground sites(in fact, some are across the road from whence you arrived) with blended options for both RV’s and real campers who use tents.
There are a number of amenities and diversions, such as boat ramps for motored-boats, kayaking, canoeing, as well as playgrounds for the kiddos, a big gathering hall that can be rented, several picnic areas and shelters along with countless hiking trails. For anyone visiting North Carolina or for nearby residents who just want to get away from the concrete jungle, then Bullocksville Park is definitely worth a look.
I will end on this point - I have not come across any such amazing camping gem in all of North Carolina than this splendid campground at Bullocksville. You'll be lucky (and hopefully very grateful) for getting a piece of land here in front of this gorgeous lake if you book well in advance.
Happy Camping!
ScoutSite C196. I loved the lakefront location in back of C loop and that it was 2 tiered which made the site very private with a lower level table, fire-ring, and gravel site. Well maintained campground. Swim beaches and boating. Dogs are not allowed on beaches in this loop - not sure about other loops. Lots of great dog walking/people walking trails or riding bikes. Very clean bathhouse. Site 193 would be another amazing site. My site had a slight grade and was gravel.
GuideWe stayed at Bear Creek Lake 11/26 & 11/27. We wanted to stay at a park that had a nice trail system attached to walk about during the day. It was SO NICE walking along trails that were not crowded (we're from Northern VA, it's crowded). My dog thoroughly enjoyed getting out and getting new sniffs! The staff and camp hosts were very friendly and helpful while respecting and maintaining social distancing (COVID-times, amirite?). Sites and facilities were well-maintained. The only negative is that the sites are pretty close together, but that's more of a personal preference!
Camping opportunities near Randolph, Virginia center around Kerr Lake and Staunton River. With summer temperatures consistently reaching 90°F, campers benefit from abundant water access. Terrain varies between sandy lake shores and wooded grounds, with most campgrounds situated at elevations between 250-300 feet above sea level.
**Stargazing sessions: Learn about constellations at Staunton River State Park Campground, where free telescope rentals facilitate night sky viewing. "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. It is an International Dark Sky Park... The park offers rentals of telescopes too," notes Bridget H.
Swimming at multiple beaches: Both small swimming coves and larger beaches provide water recreation options. "We had a blast swimming in the lake and catching her very first fish!!! Our site was in a loop with a few other sites," shares Crystal K. about her experience at Hibernia Campground.
Boat access from campsite: Many lakefront sites allow direct boat access. "Love that we can swim from site (bring water shoes as the bottom is NOT sand). Pick sites #64-99 along water side if you want to have your boat or swim at your site," advises Marcy S. at Rudds Creek Campground.
Private beach access: Waterfront sites often include personal beach areas. "We stayed in site #36, right on the shore line. Several sites are waterfront. There is a small playground, several sandy beach areas and a boat launch," reports Jess at Kimball Point Campground.
Historical attractions nearby: Buffalo Park provides access to local historic sites. "One mile walk to Buffalo park a beautiful place with lots of history. I love it. Great day for a picnic," mentions Brett C. about Callahan's Hideaway.
Nighttime quiet: Despite busy daytime activities, campers report peaceful evenings. "It was wonderful to see life returning to normal after being locked down with Covid for so long. Everyone was feeling it. Dogs barked, kids played, country music was all around us, but by 10 pm it was amazingly peaceful," shares Pam R. from J.C. Cooper Campground.
Water supply logistics: Some sites require extensive hose lengths. "Note: Site 77 required 75 feet of hose to reach water nozzle. Website said 35' so glad we were prepared," warns S K. from Hibernia Campground.
Tent pad surfaces: Most tent areas consist of gravel or sand surfaces. "Bring a tarp or footprint for your tent the pads are all gravel. The sun is strong in the summer with partially shaded sites lots of sunblock," suggests Mike R. from North Bend Park.
Limited grocery access: Some campgrounds lack nearby shopping. "The closest gas station is 11 min away in the opposite direction of the general store. An old general store is 5 min away (sells firewood, basic food items, some camping/rv supplies and some souvenirs)," explains Jess from Kimball Point Campground.
Dog-friendly swimming spots: Many lake access points accommodate pets with varying terrain. "We took web chairs down the 100 ft. path to the water to enjoy the views. Be careful as there is poison ivy alongside the path! Wish they would do something about that," cautions Kelli H. about Rudds Creek Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds offer recreational options for children. "They have a huge gift shop as well. And a fun playground that the kids enjoyed. We made a reservation here because the park is an International Dark Sky park and we wanted a great view of the stars. Boy did it deliver!" says Katie M. about Staunton River State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for various animal sightings when camping with pets. "While staying there I saw a skunk, a groundhog, several deer and a great variety of birds. We enjoyed gorgeous sunsets from a little beach area near the cabins," shares Elena B. about her cabin stay at Staunton River.
Site grading challenges: Many lakeside sites require leveling skills. "Be warned that the sites vary pretty widely in size and grade. We have a 32' travel trailer that fit in spot 65 with no problem but there were many more that we could not fit in because of the steep grades," advises Michael P. about Kimball Point Campground.
Extra utilities planning: Electric connections and water hookup locations vary considerably between sites. "The site was near the water with very nice lake views right from the tent. NOTE - to bring at least 75 feet of water hose, as some sites have long runs from in front of camper," recommends Mark H. at J.C. Cooper Campground.
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds offer dump facilities for longer stays. "Tent sites are a bit confusing as some share the same car access but split into two lower. Some of the lots are marked as tent OR RV which I guess they are but we would probably not boondock here again as it isn't flat," notes M.B. about their experience at a dog friendly campground near Randolph.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Randolph, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Randolph, VA is Staunton River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 37 dog-friendly camping locations near Randolph, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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