Tent camping near Somerset, Virginia ranges from secluded river spots to family-friendly state parks across elevations from 300 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions in the 60-75°F range. The region's Piedmont geography creates varied camping terrain with both riverside flats and forested hillsides available to tent campers.
What to do
River activities: Swimming and fishing at South Fork Shenandoah River are popular with tent campers seeking water access. A camper noted, "The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go." The river provides multiple fishing spots with both calm and moving water sections.
Hiking trails: Access nearby paths at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm where tent sites connect to local trails. A visitor shared, "This place was incredible! Accessibly located and cute as all get out!" The farm's location provides convenient access to both on-site and nearby hiking options.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at primitive tent sites offer opportunities to spot deer, birds, and other local wildlife. Bring binoculars for the best experience. One camper at Phantom Hill noted they "had no trouble getting down there in the jeep. We appreciated the dishes/kitchen set up, games, and the adorable outhouse!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate the spacing at Rock Tavern River Kamp, where a visitor commented, "We could not have asked for a nicer location! Our tent was about 20 feet from the river and the campground had everything we could have asked for." Sites along the river offer natural separation.
Clean facilities: Tent sites with access to well-maintained bathrooms reduce the need for backcountry skills. One camper stated, "Great experience. It was awesome. River access, hiking near by and if you forget something town is 8 minutes away."
Swimming options: Lake Anna State Park provides designated swimming areas near tent sites. A visitor shared, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer tent camping requires extra water and shade considerations. At Lake Anna, one camper noted, "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."
Permit requirements: Backcountry tent camping at Laurel Prong Trail requires advance permits. One camper observed it was "about as flat as you'll get, the hike here was nice. It's a decently private spot with the trail close by."
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage for tent campers. Pack bear-resistant containers or use hanging techniques. As one Laurel Prong camper warned, "100% do not have food scents near your tent."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: Family tent camping works best at established campgrounds with facilities. One Lake Anna visitor reported, "Our grandchildren love that they are able to bike ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery."
Consider noise levels: Some Somerset area tent sites experience weekend crowd noise. At South Fork Shenandoah River, a camper warned, "Dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. I think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either."
Look for accessible options: Emerald Pond Primitive Campground offers tent sites with variable hiking distances. A visitor explained, "This was suggested to me by a seasoned AT thru hiker as a great starter trip for a couple reason. You start at the old Welcome Center... and take a really steep ascent to the ridgeline, but then it's mostly flat for the remainder."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access to some tent camping areas requires high-clearance vehicles. At South Fork Shenandoah River, a camper advised, "The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow."
Limited services: Most tent sites near Somerset lack hookups or dump stations. Pack accordingly with sufficient water and waste storage. A visitor to Crisman Hollow Road Camp described it as having "many quiet spots on the water" but warned some areas were "full of trash."
Camping pads: Tent platforms vary widely between Somerset area campgrounds. Lake Anna State Park provides level, cleared tent pads, as one visitor noted: "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."
