Tent camping options near Remington, Virginia range from riverside primitive sites to hike-in backcountry campgrounds. The region sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,100 feet, creating varied camping environments. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions between 60-75°F.
What to do
Riverside swimming and fishing: At South Fork Shenandoah River, campers can enjoy direct water access. "The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river," notes camper Justine I. The riverside location provides swimming and fishing opportunities within steps of your tent.
Hiking on varied terrain: Multiple trail networks connect to campsites in the region. At Sky Meadows State Park Campground, campers can access both rolling meadows and forest trails. "Lots of great hiking to do in the area. When we were there they were having a historical reenactment near the visitors center that was so cool!" shares Katie M. The park connects to the Appalachian Trail for more challenging hikes.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. "At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail," reports Reba H. about her Sky Meadows experience. Binoculars are recommended for spotting bald eagles along the Potomac River areas.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Little Fort Campground offers quiet, wooded camping with minimal facilities. "Nice flat camp site with picnic table and fire pit. Comes with tent pad but surface is too hard to use pegs. No requirements, just show up and claim your spot on the board," reports Zack B. The free campsites include fire rings and picnic tables, though tables may be weathered.
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out. "The campground was clean & the staff, maintenance, & volunteers were all very helpful & friendly. We stayed at tent site #7 we were right by the bathroom/shower house," notes Beth S. about Lake Anna State Park, though she mentions proximity to facilities means less privacy and potential door noise at night.
Access to water recreation: Lake Anna State Park Campground provides multiple water activities. "We absolutely love this camp ground. It has spacious camp sites with a great amount of natural shade. The swimming area is clean and very family oriented. It has great hiking trails and if your looking for a relaxing fishing afternoon, they have some of the nicest fishing piers with ample sitting area," shares Jennifer G.
What you should know
Primitive facilities: Many sites near Remington have limited amenities. "There are 9 campsites, each with at least one fire ring, a tent pad and a picnic table, and there is a vault toilet in the middle," explains Lindsay C. about Little Fort Campground. Sites like this require bringing all water supplies and packing out trash.
Hike-in requirements: Some campgrounds require walking to your site. "It's about a mile hike in to the campground, which sits in the woods in the park. Firewood is available for sale and there are fire rings with grates and a picnic table. Sites are large enough for three one person tents," explains Amy S. about Sky Meadows State Park. Backpacking gear or wheeled carts are needed to transport equipment.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty throughout the region. "This page says that Verizon has limited service but I have a Verizon prepaid plan and I had no service at all starting from about 20 minutes away from the site, so I wouldn't count on having any reception," warns Lindsay C. about Little Fort Campground. Download maps and information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible facilities: Consider campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. "Great space for rvs and tents. Cabins and yurts available, bath house clean, but toilet paper is thinner than dry onion skin. Beach area is 1/2 mile paved walk. Beach very crowded on weekends," explains j A. about Lake Anna State Park, providing important context for families planning beach activities.
Kid-friendly activities: Caledon State Park Campground offers educational opportunities. "Caledon was an amazing adventure that's so close to Fredericksburg. It's a nice 3 mile hike to the campsite which is right by the Potomac river! They have porta Johns and a pavilion close by. The beach is beautiful and we saw the most gorgeous sunset," shares Shelby O. The park's nature programs are suitable for school-age children.
Safety considerations: Prepare for wildlife encounters when tent camping near Remington. "Make sure you bring a bear bag or box with you," advises Amy S. about Sky Meadows State Park. Most sites have bear-resistant trash containers, but proper food storage remains campers' responsibility.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Few dispersed camping areas accommodate larger vehicles. "The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to. Campsites themselves were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season. Seemed to be about a dozen spots to camp," explains Sumner C. about South Fork Shenandoah River. RVs under 25 feet have more options than larger rigs.
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings potential flooding issues. "I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable," warns Heather about South Fork Shenandoah. Check recent weather conditions before planning riverside camping.
Parking logistics: Advance planning for vehicle size is essential. "The campground is ADA accessible with the lantern hangers having lower hooks for those in wheelchairs, and at least one of the cabins has a wheelchair ramp," notes Myron C. about Lake Anna State Park, which also offers larger back-in and pull-through sites suited for RVs, plus a dump station.
