Palmyra, Virginia sits within the central piedmont region at an elevation around 400 feet, surrounded by rolling hills and the waters of Lake Anna and the James River. The area experiences distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching the upper 80s and cool winters that rarely drop below freezing for extended periods. Many campgrounds offer primitive sites with river views and specialized facilities for glamping experiences throughout the four-season climate.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground offers a 40-acre manmade lake with multiple fishing spots. "Fishing was not bad. Caught my first ever catfish," notes one visitor to the area, while others mentioned seeing many people catching various species from the stocked waters.
Hiking trails: Powhatan State Park Campground provides extensive trail networks through diverse terrain. "The park has lots of trails, miles of open meadows, and James River access. Great park for bicycling," shares a camper. Several trails are also horse-friendly, giving visitors a chance to see equestrians on their outdoor adventures.
Waterfall exploration: Crabtree Falls Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the nearby waterfall. "The falls are a great hike and there are lots of services nearby. A great Parkway stop," mentions one reviewer. The campground sits along a river fed by the waterfall, just a short hike away.
Stargazing: Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. A visitor noted they "love to camp in Big Meadows for the star watching at night." The higher elevation and distance from urban light pollution creates ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground features premium lakeside camping spots. "We chose a reservable waterview site (#18) and I'm glad we got the one we did! It is not directly on the water, there is a fence around the site and then a short walk to the water," shares a camper who enjoyed the balance of lake views and safety.
Natural soundscapes: Campsites at Crabtree Falls provide a uniquely immersive audio experience. As one visitor described, "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night." This natural white noise creates a peaceful camping atmosphere.
Clean facilities: Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park maintains exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms were very clean!" and "The bath houses were pristine," report multiple visitors. The campground's attention to cleanliness extends throughout the property, with one camper noting it was "one of the cleanest parks I've been to."
Wildlife viewing: Numerous campgrounds in the area offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Big Meadows, visitors report, "We saw many deer and bear while camping." The diverse ecosystems throughout the region support various animal species that frequently visit camping areas.
What you should know
Site spacing varies widely: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Christopher Run Campground, "sites are good size, but not very level" and "sites somewhat level, very small and packed in." Research site maps and reviews before booking if space between neighbors is important.
Weather considerations: The Palmyra area experiences high summer humidity. One camper at Bear Creek Lake noted, "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."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for waterfront sites. "If you do not reserve your spot early, you may be placed near the road, where traffic is an issue," warns a Powhatan State Park visitor. Book well in advance for prime locations, particularly during summer and holiday weekends.
Glamping options: Several locations near Palmyra offer upscale accommodations. At Big Meadows, luxury glamping options provide comfort while maintaining a connection to nature. Lake Anna State Park Campground also features glamping units with added amenities not found in traditional tent sites.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Lake Anna State Park Campground offers swimming opportunities that children enjoy. "The swimming area is clean and very family oriented," shares one visitor. Another adds, "Our grandchildren love that they are able to bike ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery."
Playgrounds and activities: Cozy Acres Campground RV Resort provides numerous family-friendly amenities. "They have a play area for the kids, swimming pool, several fishing ponds, bike trails and more," notes one reviewer. Another mentions, "The playground is impressive and the staff is very welcoming upon arrival."
Educational programs: Big Meadows Campground offers learning experiences for children. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," reports a visitor. These educational activities help children connect with nature while learning about local ecology, wildlife, and conservation.
Safety considerations: Bear Creek Lake State Park includes family-friendly design elements. One visitor appreciated that their waterfront site had safety features: "I'm glad we had the beautiful view of the lake while camping, but didn't have to stress about the kids getting in the water the whole time. Note that there is a fence around the site and then a short walk to the water."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA offers various site options for RVs. "From what I observed, the sites were all pretty level. Close to the Interstate so made it great for a one night stay," shares one RVer. The campground provides full-hookup sites with relatively easy access.
Site leveling challenges: Christopher Run Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. "We did finally get ours squared away," notes an RVer who initially struggled with the site's slope. Bringing leveling blocks is advisable for most area campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Walnut Hills Campground provides year-round access for RVers. "Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck," reports a visitor. Not all sites have full hookups, so checking specific amenities before booking is essential.
Length restrictions: Some campgrounds limit RV size. At Bear Creek Lake State Park, there's a "limit on RV length to 35 feet. This includes tow vehicle and trailer." Larger rigs should verify access before making reservations, as many of the area's more natural campgrounds have size restrictions due to narrow roads and smaller sites.
