Wes T.
Scout
ScoutAndy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
Favorite Campsite in VA
Clean facilities, each site has plenty of space. Never had an issue with noisy neighbors. Excellent access to the river. 10/10
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 (534)
1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
122 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
120 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
80 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
68 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. 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."
6. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
56 ReviewsBentonville, VAWebsite+1 (540) 622-6840$27 - $427 / night
"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."
"In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."
7. Kiptopeke State Park Campground
54 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
45 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
1213 Photos of 534 Virginia Campgrounds
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Natural Chimneys County Park
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Labyrinth, Trails, and Solitude
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Recent Reviews in Virginia
3673 Reviews of 534 Virginia Campgrounds
- Wes T.Scout
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Mixed Results...
I will start with the negatives. They do not enforce quiet hours. At all. We had multiple nights with a large group neighboring campers partying well past midnight. Yelling, slamming car doors, absolutely no regard for fellow campers. I would not recommend staying along the road sites unless you are equipped to deal with noisy neighbors in close proximity.
And the good... The sites in the more wooded areas on the edge of the campground are beautiful. You are less likely to deal with groups of campers there to party. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, with pay showers available. Firewood, though expensive, was plentiful. Being close to hiking, the lodge, camp store, and visitor center are excellent perks for the price of each site.
I really wish the staff was there to better enforce the quiet hours, as there were multiple campers that struggled to sleep/relax with the raucous crowd so close.
Beth D.
GuideGlen Maury Park Campground
Ok, not great. Not good value for the money
This is the city park with the campground and an old estate. This place doesn’t accept reservations. We arrived at 5pm on Friday. Went to the office to check in,found that they closed at 4:30. There was a note on the door that said to leave money in an envelope and put it through the slot in the door, no further information. Wrote our name and a description of the vehicles and put $110.30 in cash for 2 nights in the door slot, and went to find camping. There are no picnic tables or fire rings, in the large lower section of the campground there is just water and electric, no sewer connection. We chose a site near the river and set up camp. Then found the power isn’t working. First thing the next morning I went to the office to ask about refunding the difference for the full hook up to dry camping spot. The woman was not helpful at all, and insisted that she doesn’t do refunds, even though I explained that I had left cash. She said no one was supposed to be camping on the riverside, and that they don’t turn the power on down there. I said without a note on the door to explain that or assign near the path, there’d be no way to know that. Beware, when you pay, make sure you know what site you’re in and what services you’re getting, then go and pay for it. She was most unpleasant, and unhelpful. On the plus side, the river is pretty, there’s an ice cream stand, and there’s nice hiking trails.
- JJames T.Scout
Cornerstone
Great spot for relax
I have a great spot right by the river. It is away from all noise but the flow of water. Right on the river
lisa K.ScoutShenandoah Valley Campground
Tent campers are allowed to camp on full hook up sites for the full hook up price.
The river is nice for floating when water is high enough. Nice waterfall for pics. Sites are close together but still ok. They have planted trees between sites so in time it will get even better. Camping by the river is very peaceful.
- jjaci S.
TravelerFox Creek Horse Camp
Great spot for boondocking
There are multiple sites for camping rvs if you are set up for boondocking.
Addison S.ScoutCreekside Glamping
Peaceful and serene
Enjoyed my stay. It was peaceful and heard the sounds of nature and got some good sleep
- jjaci S.Traveler
Whitetop
Great spot top of Whitetop Mt
The views from here are next level. They just reworked the rd so it was an easy drive in our class c rv
- LLucinda H.Guide
Skyline Ranch Resort
Good
This camp ground is very nice with a rustic vibe
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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