Best Tent Camping near Roseland, VA

State parks and national forests surrounding Roseland, Virginia offer diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. James River State Park provides several tent-specific camping areas including Canoe Landing Group Campsite, Walnut Grove, and Branch Pond. These established campgrounds feature well-maintained tent pads and basic amenities while maintaining a natural setting. Breeden Bottom Campground, located on the James River about a quarter mile downstream of the Arcadia bridge, offers both drive-in and paddle-in tent camping with spacious sites directly on the water. For those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences, Hog Camp Gap provides free backcountry sites accessible by hiking or walking in.

Most tent campsites in the Roseland area include fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of additional amenities. James River State Park's walk-in tent sites require campers to transport gear from parking areas to campsites, with some locations offering wheelbarrows to assist. Tent pads at many sites are framed with wood, which can cause drainage issues during heavy rainfall. Bear boxes are provided at several campgrounds for secure food storage. Primitive tent camping at Hog Camp Gap has limited cell service and no potable water, though a spring is available (water requires treatment before use). Portable toilets are available at some locations, while others have more developed bathhouse facilities with showers.

Tent campers frequently comment on the privacy and natural setting of sites throughout the region. According to reviews, Breeden Bottom Campground offers "extremely private and spaced out" sites where "you couldn't see or hear anyone." One visitor noted that James River State Park's Canoe Landing area is "spacious with fire rings, and lots of room to set up tents right along the river." Walk-in tent sites at Walnut Grove provide a more secluded experience, though campers should be prepared for what one reviewer described as "more a short hike" than a simple walk-in. Weekday visits typically offer quieter experiences with fewer fellow campers. The proximity to water at many sites allows for fishing, paddling, and swimming opportunities directly from tent campsites.

Best Tent Sites Near Roseland, Virginia (18)

    1. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    27 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    13 miles
    Website

    $15 - $80 / night

    "Ranger led park programs are offered year round, this week included a natural history boat tour in the lake, and a naturalist talk on loons."

    "We stayed at site 11 in location 2 on the Lake James campgrounds; it’s a paddle-in-only location. Getting there required canoeing in, which was easy for us to do on the lake’s dock."

    2. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    11 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 933-8061

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Lake James is a true gem, clean and beautiful, with amazing views of Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain, and Table Rock. The State Park has several camping areas."

    "This is a lovely little campground set on the shores of James Lake. Sites are big enough for 2 small tents or 1 largish family tent. All sites have a picnic table, fire pit with grate, and bear box."

    3. Branch Pond — James River State Park

    9 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    13 miles
    Website

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Located in the middle of nowhere off of narrow Virginia secondary roads, we were surprised to get good Verizon reception. We stayed on site 15 which is a long pull-thru."

    "First of all, the ranger over the campgrounds is awesome. He’s really, really nice. Secondly, this campground will always be a favorite for us."

    4. Hog Camp Gap

    2 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    12 miles
    Website

    "service was in and out as well there is a spring but remember to boil or chemical treat the water before use is not tested for parasites another humble bacteria I also recommend investing in a portable toilet"

    "the campground is roughly the size of a Walmart parking lot including the store or three football fields you do have to carry all the stuff from your car do the campsite but luckily you don't have to walk"

    5. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."

    "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."

    6. Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground)

    1 Review
    Big Island, VA
    23 miles
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "It’s quiet and peaceful, and the surrounding area is gorgeous."

    7. Warren Ferry Landing

    2 Reviews
    Scottsville, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 231-2278

    $21 - $60 / night

    "We're so excited to have this property on our platform! These flat, well maintained sites are perfect to pitch your tent or park your RV. The sites are large and offer ample shade."

    8. Kennedy Fields Campgrounds

    Be the first to review!
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 265-0019

    9. Breeden Bottom Campground

    4 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 261-7334

    $40 - $70 / night

    "No water, no electricity available. Not for RVs. There is a railroad track that runs along the James River near the sites, but it never bothered us. Great fishing."

    "This site was in a great location and right on the crystal clear water. The train was loud at times, but we knew that would happen when we booked the site, so no surprises there."

    10. Longs Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Lexington, VA
    24 miles
    +1 (540) 463-7672
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Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Roseland, VA

618 Reviews of 18 Roseland Campgrounds



Guide to Roseland

Tent camping near Roseland, Virginia offers a blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Canoe Landing Group Campsite features picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient spot for families and groups.
  • At Walnut Grove, campers can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with well-separated sites and beautiful views, although it lacks drinking water and showers.
  • Branch Pond offers reservable sites with picnic tables and a serene environment, ideal for those seeking privacy and tranquility.

Tips for tent camping near Roseland

  • Be prepared for a hike at Hog Camp Gap, where you'll find free camping but should bring your own water and be ready for a rustic experience.
  • If you're looking for a quieter spot, consider Branch Pond, which is known for its well-maintained sites and fewer crowds.
  • For a unique experience, try Canoe Landing Group Campsite, where you can enjoy fires and bring your pets along for the adventure.

Local activities to enjoy while camping

  • Explore the scenic trails around Walnut Grove, perfect for hiking and biking with family and friends.
  • Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Canoe Landing Group Campsite, where the river provides a beautiful backdrop for water activities.
  • Stargazing is a must at Branch Pond, where the dark skies offer breathtaking views of the stars away from city lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Roseland, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Roseland, VA is Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Roseland, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Roseland, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.