Tent camping near Smithfield, Virginia offers a mix of coastal and woodland environments within driving distance of this historic town. Located on Virginia's coastal plain, most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations below 100 feet and experience humid summers with mild winters. Several tent camping destinations require significant hikes or specialized access methods, creating secluded experiences despite the region's relatively developed surroundings.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: Sandy Bottom Nature Park provides excellent paddling opportunities with affordable rental options. As camper Susan P. notes, "To kayak here it's the bomb!" The park's central lake serves as the main attraction for water activities, just a short walk from the camping area.
Wildlife viewing along trails: Big Woods WMA offers primitive camping with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The Wildlife Management Area contains some of the region's remaining longleaf pine habitat, supporting diverse species including deer, turkey, and numerous bird species. No formal campsites exist, so campers must practice leave-no-trace principles.
Beach activities beyond swimming: Wisteria Beach Hideaway provides access to less-crowded beaches where visitors can collect shells, fish, or simply relax. One camper mentioned, "The beaches were surrounded by pine, wetlands, and tall grasses - it felt remote and not overdeveloped!" The hideaway sits near multiple beach access points for varied coastal experiences.
Fishing for unique species: Merchants Millpond Canoe-In Campground offers distinctive fishing opportunities in its swampy environment. One camper reported, "One of my kids caught a gar," highlighting the unusual species present in this ecosystem. The pond contains several fish species not commonly found in standard lakes and rivers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Sandy Bottom Nature Park campsites maintain good separation, allowing for peaceful camping experiences. A recent visitor noted, "They were spaced nicely apart and had nice sand tent platforms with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate." The park's layout prevents sites from feeling crowded even when fully booked.
Unique waterfront options: False Cape State Park Campground offers campers choices between forest or beachfront camping. As one camper explained, "You actually have two sites to choose from at this campground. There is the #12 in the live oaks site and then if you walk a short distance to the Beach, you have a designated #12 spot on the beach that you can choose to camp at as well!"
Well-maintained facilities: Despite their remote nature, many campgrounds maintain clean facilities. At Wisteria Beach Hideaway, a camper appreciated that "having a shower was great - it felt like we were glamping!" The campsite includes unexpected amenities like an insect screen and hammock.
What you should know
Highway noise affects some sites: Sandy Bottom Nature Park experiences significant road noise from nearby Interstate 64. One camper reported, "The biggest negative was that no matter where you were in the park, there was significant noise from the highway. Horns honking, sirens blaring, the general rush of cars going by."
Difficult navigation in swamp environments: Merchants Millpond presents navigation challenges due to changing water levels. A camper advised, "The kayak/canoe round was not easy to navigate so bring your 3rd party map/GPS. The maps they provide are almost useless because it outlines the terrain but because it's a swamp the terrain changes with the water level."
Insects can be overwhelming: Coastal sites particularly suffer from biting insects. A Wisteria Beach Hideaway visitor warned, "Due to a lack of wind, flies were bad on the beach. I would recommend bringing an insect screen if you have it." Several campgrounds provide screening structures to help mitigate this common issue.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly trails and facilities: Bennett's Creek Canoe-In Campground welcomes pets but requires they remain leashed. The park includes several miles of pet-friendly trails, though one camper noted a drawback: "The houses near the sites had a dog that barked all night. Super annoying."
Educational wildlife experiences: Sandy Bottom Nature Park provides excellent educational opportunities for children. One family reported, "This park has plenty of camping spots and also has some yurts that are available to rent out. I would recommend this spot to anyone who wants a convenient family friendly camping/outdoor experience."
Water safety considerations: Merchants Millpond presents unique safety challenges for families. A visitor cautioned, "This park was great but do recognize that is a true swamp. Alligators included. The water there does not move therefore is not recommended for filtering for consumption."
Tips from RVers
Limited services for larger vehicles: Most tent camping areas near Smithfield offer minimal or no RV accommodations. At Carter's Cove Campground, a reviewer noted it's "More of a long term stay but there are a few spots for RVs" with "Laundry, trash, restrooms, picnic table, fire pit (day use only)."
Towing equipment for beach access: When accessing coastal sites, some campers improvise transportation solutions. At False Cape State Park, one visitor shared their approach: "We're both in good shape, and on bike we made the trek in less than an hour. I rode my mountain bike, and my wife road her hybrid commuter bike without issue. We brought a collapsible 5 gallon jug that I had to ride back to the visitors center to fill up."
Limited water and electricity: Most primitive sites lack hookups entirely. Sandy Bottom Nature Park provides no electric or water connections at tent sites, requiring campers to carry in all necessary water from the central facilities. The walk to these facilities can be substantial after dark.
