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Best Tent Camping near Richmond, VA

368 Reviews

Tent campsites dot the landscape surrounding Richmond, Virginia with several established options providing varied camping experiences. Lake Anna State Park Campground offers tent camping with amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilets in a wooded setting approximately 50 miles northwest of Richmond. Cloverdale Farms provides a more rustic tent camping experience with fire rings and picnic tables on a small hobby farm property that maintains a more secluded atmosphere.

Most tent sites near Richmond feature basic facilities with varying levels of accessibility. Lake Anna State Park maintains developed tent pads with nearby restroom facilities, while locations like Phantom Hill Forest Farm offer more primitive experiences with composting toilets but no shower facilities. Walk-in tent sites are available at multiple locations, requiring campers to carry gear short distances from parking areas. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, particularly during dry summer months when fire danger increases. A review mentioned that Lake Anna State Park has "spacious camp sites with a great amount of natural shade" but notes that sites can fill quickly on weekends and holidays.

The region's tent campgrounds provide distinctive outdoor experiences based on their setting and proximity to natural features. Areas like Daybreak Glamp Camp cater specifically to tent campers with designated sites and established fire rings. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, one camper shared that Cloverdale Farms offers "a little creek amidst a couple acres of cleared, open, secluded woodland perfect for pitching a tent and listening to nature." Most backcountry tent camping options require advance reservations, particularly during peak seasons from late spring through early fall. Tent campers should be prepared for varying weather conditions, as summer humidity and occasional storms are common. Wildlife encounters are possible but generally limited to smaller animals like raccoons and deer at most campgrounds within the Richmond vicinity.

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Best Tent Sites Near Richmond, Virginia (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Richmond, VA

20 Photos of 7 Richmond Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Richmond, VA

368 Reviews of 7 Richmond Campgrounds

  • Katie M.
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Powhatan State Park Campground

    Peaceful and quiet!

    We stayed here in March and it was very cold for tent camping, I think it got into the 20's at night! There were no other campers staying there while we were there in the canoe-in campground so it was very peaceful and quiet. This campground is primitive so there is no electricity or water. The sites include a picnic table and fire ring. Our tent pad was pretty level and pretty big! You could probably fit two small tents on there. There is a short .2 mile hike from a parking lot so we packed light and backpacked in. We stayed in site 4, which is towards the back of the loop. Not much privacy in the winter because there are no leaves on the trees. This campground has a pit toilet at the front of the campground and fire wood available for purchase near the canoe launch. 

    We loved this park! The trails are fun and love all the beautiful views. We saw some incredible sunsets over the James River. There are all sorts of fun, gnarly trees for the kids to play on at the campsite! They had so much fun!

    There are some great breweries nearby and only a short drive from Richmond and Charlottesville!

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

    Well maintained with lots of recreational activities

    Part of the VA State Park system, BCL is exceptionally well-maintained. Most of the site are RV accessible, but there are a few tent-only sites along the lake, which is where we stayed. These sites are absolutely beautiful--great lake views, and while the only swimming allowed is at the roped off beach area, there is a canoe launch and fishing opportunities right at the campsites.

    The tent pads are filled with shredded tires instead of gravel or dirt, which provides a little extra cushion, but can be uncomfortable on bare feet.

    All sites have fire rings, lantern hooks, and extra long picnic tables. Tent pads are of varying sizes--we stayed in site A12 and our 6 person tent fit easily, and we could have fit a second one-many of our camp neighbors had 10 person tents set up.

    The water view loop was not heavily trafficked, though the water does provide a hazard if you have small children as it is not roped off in any way. Our kids loved having the water right there and we loved watching them, it just requires extra vigilance. Loops B and C have more sites that are very shady but closer together, and there is more vehicle and bicycle traffic going past campsites.

    Bathrooms are clean, and have showers and electrical outlets to charge devices if needed.

    The park has lots of hiking, including trails that go directly from the camp sites to the swimming area, boat/canoe rentals, cabins, fishing, and a lakeside diner that sells concessions. Campsites allegedly have Wifi though we did not test this to see how reliable it is.

    Cumberland County is only at 455' elevation, so the heat and humidity in the summer is intense--we were very uncomfortable our first night because of this, so fall would probably be the best time to go as it is when central Virginia has the best weather.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Powhatan State Park Campground

    Peaceful and well-maintained campsites, just a short drive from the city

    Powhatan State Park is a relatively new addition to the VA State Parks system; the park itself has only been open since 2003. The primitive, canoe-in campground opened with the park, and the loop with electric and water hookups opened in 2016.

    **Canoe-In Campground: **

    When we stayed, we stayed in the canoe-in campground, although we hiked in the approximate 1/4 mile from the parking lot, rather than coming in by boat. This is a quiet, beautiful loop, with 8 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There are composting toilets here and no potable water, so you will need to bring enough water for your trip or purification methods. Proper food storage is also essential back here; while this section of Virginia does not have the bear activity you’d find in the mountains, there are still raccoons and other wildlife who should not have access to human food. There are no bear boxes, so treat food storage as you would in the backcountry. 

    -Sites 7 and 8 are closes to the toilets, and back up to the woods leading towards the Turkey Trail; hikers are visible from site 8 and audible from site 7.  

    -Sites 4 and 5 back up to a very wooded area, and are further back from the gravel loop. Site 4 is closest to the boat ramp and is visible; site 5 is probably the most private in the loop. 

    -Sites 1,2, and 6 are in the center loop, but have more space between them than inner-loop sites usually have. Sites 1 and 2 are right against the River Trail however, so will have hikers walking directly past during the day. 

    The canoe-in loop sits against the James River; there is a rack to stow your canoe/kayak overnight, and a pay by honor-system pile of firewood. Due to the thick foliage there is no actual river-view during the warmer months, but it’s easily accessbile. When we stayed in early spring there were a lot of vines that served as “natural playground” for our kids; they used them as swings, monkey bars, and enjoyed getting their feet wet at the base of the canoe ramp, so much that they declined hiking or driving to the park’s man-made playground. This loop makes a great “trial run” site for anyone considering a future backcountry trip; the walk to the parking lot is short enough to make multiple trips if you need to, and you still have access to the park amenities if you don’t mind a walk/drive to get there.

    River Bend Loop

    The River Bend Loop has 29 sites with water and electric hook-ups, though very little privacy between sites. The surrounding trees give all but the first three sites decent shade and a wooded atmosphere, and this is a great loop for RVs or tent campers who enjoy being close to other sites. If you are looking for a feeling of isolation however, you would be better off minimizing your gear and walking to the primitive sites, or going to a different park altogether. The bathrooms here have electricity, flush toilets, and showers with hot water. Sites 1-14 are available for advance reservation, and sites 15-29 are first-come first-served. Site 25 offers the most privacy for tent campers, and it’s very large, but if the campground is at full occupancy all sites are going to have a crowded feel.

    There are several hiking trails at this park ranging from very easy to moderate, and a couple of them are horse-friendly; our kids enjoy seeing horses on the trail with them, but be mindful if you have kids/dogs who may be afraid of the horses. The park also has a playground, picnic shelters, and ranger activities on the weekends, and there are three yurts available to book.

    This is a very open, well-maintained park, and the camping options should appeal to a wide spectrum of campers, and my only reason for giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the lack of privacy in the drive-up campsites. It feels a lot like a hidden gem; the hookup campground fills up during warmer weather, but all of our visits here have been very quiet and peaceful. If you are looking for camping options near Richmond, I highly recommend this park!

  • RL
    Nov. 17, 2020

    Pocahontas State Park Campground

    Lovely November Trip 🔥

    Camped on a Friday night, had site 106. It was a really nice site: set back a bit from the road, fairly wooded, not a long walk to the bathhouse water/electric hook-ups, and a long back-in driveway. Nice fire ring with grill (that had been cleaned), lantern/trash pole, picnic table. Pea gravel tent pad. Honor pay wood.

    After a neighboring camper left we noticed they were disinfecting the campsites very well. Picnic tables, electric/water areas, fire pit areas, poles, etc. were all getting sprayed down between campers.

    Walked around the trails on Saturday. The trail around Beaver Lake was a really nice 2.5 mile loop. Gorgeous in November. Like most weekends, a bit busy on a Saturday. Everything’s open right now, and masks are required in common areas, bath houses, etc.

  • B
    Mar. 3, 2017

    Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

    Wonderful place to escape to!

    This park is only about an hour's drive from Richmond which makes it very accessible for a short weekend trip. The tent-only section of the campground is alongside a lake, which provides beautiful views. There are lots of hiking trails to explore in the park. The facilities are well-maintained.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Chickahominy Riverfront Park

    Needs Some Overdue TLC

    PROS 

    Perfect campground to explore the Historical Triangle 

    Campground along Virginia Capital Bike Trail, which was an excellent riding trail 

    Site#335 level side-to-side 

    Sandy gravel site 

    Moveable plastic wood picnic table 

    Metal fire pit with cooking grate 

    Shady site 

    Wood and ice for sale at Guest Services 

    Slight river view from Site#335 

    Toilet/shower building clean 

    Pool 

    CONS 

    Overused James City County Park…definitely needs some TLC applied 

    Check-in clerk very curt and extremely non-customer service oriented 

    Never saw a camp host site or the actual camp host 

    Weirdly laid out full hook up campground. Some sites are 20 ft long 

    Sites are extremely close to each other 

    Had to park tow vehicle next to trailer due to short length of site 335

    Tight roadway thru full hook up campground 

    Dirt roadways = dusty 

    Empty campsites were heavily littered

    No privacy from neighbor sites 

    Extremely low water pressure even when campground is not fully occupied 

    No gate or controlled access to campground so lots of gawking drive thrus 

    Lots of speed bumps throughout park 

    Site#335 fire ring filled with ash upon arrival 

    Toilet/shower building lit up like a Christmas tree all night long

    Street lights throughout campground 

    Road noise from VA5 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Small Country Campground

    Designed With Family In Mind

    This is by no means the biggest campground or the most modern but something which can be said for this campground is it feels like it was designed with family fun in mind. From the bouncing blob to the oversized chess set, from the lakeside beach to the swimming pool, it seems as though plenty of thought has been placed on how to keep a family entertained when in this area of Virginia.

    The sites themselves are not just average tent and RV sites. Instead they have various types of cabins which you can rent in addition to these. The tent sites are grouped in the same area and while there are only a handful of them, they are well shaded, nicely spaced and pretty even. The rolling hills of the area do not seem to effect the layout of these spaces.

    My site was equipped with a picnic table however I did not have a fire ring or lantern post. They do have some upgraded sites for tents which include these or even have electricity. I enjoyed the location and when I was visiting there were not many people staying in this area.

    I do wish I hadn't been traveling alone because it would have been a bit more fun with all the activities had I have had a travel companion. This is one of those places where it pays to have a buddy!!

    TIPS:

    • If you will be staying on a weekend call in advance to book because of limited tent sites.

    • During summertime this place is like one of those dream summer camps with lake toys including blobs and inflatable obstacles. Try to visit during this time of year to fully take advantage.

  • RL
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Chippokes State Park Campground

    Beautiful Plantation

    Awesome things to see here! It’s been a working farm since 1619 with beautiful gardens and livestock. The mansion and outbuildings are pretty cool as well.

    Restrooms were not very clean. Each time I went to the ladies room, the door was propped wide open, and when I went to brush my teeth in the morning the counters were covered in moths and bugs and gnats. Yuck. The showers were ok.

    Ice is $3 and you can grab that from the camp host if it’s after 4pm which is when the store closes. It’s cash only, exactly change. Wood is $6 and there’s a metal box - pay on your honor.

    The beaches were very nice. You’re on the Cobham Bay vs. right on the river and in the dead of the summer, the water is sooo unpleasantly warm. You can wade out at the very least 100 yards and still be less than knee-deep, water still hot. The access to the little beaches are short but moderately steep, especially with lots of beach gear or strollers. It also seems to get washed out so watch your steps.

    The little visitor center near the water access has cold drinks, souvenirs, ice cream, etc. They obv. accept credit cards. You can bring your dog into this area. There’s also a little wildlife info center and restrooms in the same buildings. There are also areas for day use and a good sized parking lot near the water access.

    Straight across the river is Jamestown and Williamsburg, which is cool. I think I was told it’s about four miles across. That being said... those are your closest grocery stores and you have to take the Jamestown Ferry to get there. There is a Dollar General near the park, for odds and ends. Just make sure to stop in advance for what you need because you won’t find much in Surry.

    Stopped at the Surry Seafood Co. for lunch and it was ok. Food and service was mediocre, but there was a nice water view from the deck. Was looking forward to stopping for some shrimp to cook that night from Colonial Seafood market but after walking in, I walked right back out. It was so unclean and didn’t smell fresh at all.

    We took a beautiful drive around the plantation. The cabins look great and we’ll definitely try those out next time. There were corn fields and soybeans for miles. Such a great park due to its history.

    Campsites themselves were pretty nice; not too close together. Our site had the tent pad down away from the picnic table and fire ring which was kind of nice. It was really shady, too. Room for hammocks.

    Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, tent pad, lantern pole. Verizon service was great.

  • B
    Mar. 31, 2021

    Thousand Trails Williamsburg

    Extenuating circumstances

    We arrived on opening day (March 19, 2021) for the season. They had unfortunately been a victim of the rain and the main road to the campground had washed out. Alternative routes were set up to enter and exit. I understand from reading other reviews that they can routinely have problems when it rains . We were placed in a small site in front of the check in location. We were pre assigned a site and not given a choice. The mud and puddles were so bad we couldn’t locate the sewer connection. But the next day they came over and found it for us and leveled out some gravel piles that had been dumped on the site. The site was level and gravel. A picnic table and fire ring was available. The roads are a bit narrow and there are lots of trees. Plenty of nice area to walk our dog. We didn’t use or even go in the bathhouses so can’t comment on those. All in all it was okay... as long as it doesn’t rain. It appeared there were some full time cabin residents and camper residents as well. Location was great and we loved going into Colonial Williamsburg from here.

Guide to Richmond

Tent camping sites around Richmond provide access to Virginia's diverse landscapes from densely wooded lakeshores to rural hobby farms. Sites range from 15 to 50 miles from downtown Richmond with most concentration toward the northwest near Lake Anna. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions and less competition for prime campsites.

What to do

Water recreation access: Lake Anna State Park Campground offers multiple fishing piers with ample sitting areas for anglers seeking largemouth bass and catfish. According to one visitor, "The swimming area is clean and very family oriented. It has great hiking trails and if you're looking for a relaxing fishing afternoon, they have some of the nicest fishing piers with ample sitting area."

Farm animal interactions: At Cloverdale Farms, campers can participate in unique farm activities not found at typical campgrounds. One reviewer noted, "If the peace and quiet isn't enough for you, there are pet goats, cats, a dog, and chickens that all love attention. Guests are more than welcome to help in the garden, pick flowers, and enjoy fresh produce and eggs while they're here."

Hiking trails: Multiple campgrounds provide trail access with varying difficulty levels. A camper at Daybreak Glamp Camp shared, "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."

What campers like

Privacy levels: Some sites offer significantly more seclusion than others. A visitor to Phantom Hill Forest Farm mentioned, "We had a great time at Phantom Hill. The sites are large and primitive. We had no trouble getting down there in the jeep. We appreciated the dishes/kitchen set up, games, and the adorable outhouse!"

Stargazing opportunities: Rural locations provide exceptional night sky viewing away from Richmond's light pollution. A Cloverdale Farms camper noted, "Fields in the back lend a great view for star gazing and looking up at the Milky Way."

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-serviced bathroom facilities despite rural locations. One Lake Anna camper shared, "The bath house was clean, and I especially liked the privacy of individual shower rooms. Since it is a state park, it lacks some amenities that privately owned campgrounds have, but camping in a state park is about enjoying the natural features of the park."

What you should know

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels during peak times. One Lake Anna State Park visitor reported, "Very nice, plenty to see and do, but very crowded and noisy, even after quite time."

Bathroom facilities: Composting toilets are common at more primitive sites. At Phantom Hill, these facilities receive positive reviews despite being rustic: "We appreciated the dishes/kitchen set up, games, and the adorable outhouse!"

Site privacy variation: Proximity to other campers varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. A Lake Land'Or General Campground camper shared, "The sites are fairly level, although some do have a slight slope. There is no water or electricity at any of the sites, but there are fire rings. Some of the sites have a standing grill and a picnic table."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. According to a Lake Land'Or visitor: "My grandson loves camping there because of the playground, and for dog lovers, there is a fenced dog walk."

Swimming options: Beach and swimming areas provide cooling options during hot summer months. One Lake Anna camper noted, "The swimming area is clean and very family oriented... The sunsets over the water are priceless. Our grandchildren love that they are able to bike ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery."

Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to spot local wildlife in natural settings. At Daybreak Glamp Camp, one family mentioned, "My boyfriend and I went camping here for our anniversary last October, and it was so fun! The owner and his family were super sweet and helpful. They definitely set you up for success!"

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Many campgrounds require leveling blocks on sloped terrain. A Lake Land'Or camper observed, "The sites are fairly level, although some do have a slight slope. There is no water or electricity at any of the sites."

Dump station access: Full hookup options are limited but some campgrounds offer dump stations. According to a Lake Anna visitor: "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. There were large back-in sites as well as pull-through sites. There was also a dump station."

Accessibility features: Several campgrounds provide ADA-compliant facilities. One visitor to Lake Anna noted, "This 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."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the amenities available at tent campgrounds near Richmond?

Tent campgrounds near Richmond offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Daybreak Glamp Camp provides clean bathroom facilities with showers and fire rings for nightly campfires. At Cloverdale Farms, campers enjoy access to water spigots, refrigerator use, and the freedom to set up camp anywhere on the property. This farmette setting offers peace, quiet, and privacy not typically found at larger campgrounds. Some campgrounds also provide amenities like fishing platforms, accessible trails, kitchen setups, and nearby attractions such as wineries. Amenities vary by location, so it's best to check specific campground details when planning your trip.

Where are the best tent camping sites near Richmond, VA?

The Richmond area offers several excellent tent camping options. Lake Anna State Park Campground is a popular choice with both back-in and pull-through sites, minimal light pollution for stargazing, and good drainage. The park features hiking trails and lake access, though it's recommended to book in advance as sites fill quickly. For a more private experience, Phantom Hill Forest Farm provides large primitive sites accessible by vehicle, with amenities like a kitchen setup, games, and an outhouse. The property also has walking trails to explore. These campgrounds offer a great balance of natural surroundings and access to Richmond's urban attractions.

Do all campgrounds around Richmond allow tent camping?

Not all campgrounds around Richmond are equally accommodating for tent camping, though many do welcome tent campers. Lake Land'Or General Campground is particularly tent-friendly and offers excellent water activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking regardless of season. Private properties like Cloverdale Farms specifically cater to tent campers looking for a more intimate camping experience. When researching campgrounds, look for those that specifically mention tent sites or primitive camping options. Some campgrounds primarily serve RVs with full hookups and may have limited or no designated tent sites. Always check campground policies before planning your trip, as some may have restrictions on tent placement or require advance reservations.

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