Best Tent Camping near Staunton, VA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Staunton and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in Virginia with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Staunton, VA (30)

    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    1. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    28 Reviews
    90 Photos
    10 Saves
    Greenway, Virginia

    Canoe Landing Group Campsite (one primitive site) - There's a group site near the canoe landing. The site accommodates up to 42 people - no hookups, tents only. It's near a restroom and features a fire ring with a flip grill, picnic tables and a pedestal grill. There's a $30 fee for canceling a group-camping reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $15 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    2. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    57 Photos
    408 Saves
    Brandywine, West Virginia

    This colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound. Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    3. Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    6 Reviews
    10 Photos
    51 Saves
    Singers Glen, Virginia

    I grow mushrooms and sell them at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market. The camping area is about an acre and is beside the house. Park under a canopy of red cedar trees which are bug resistant so very few mosquitoes. Two fireplaces, first come first serve. No neighbors yet close to Harrisonburg. Free firewood. No curfews. Tent camping and conversion vans only. No RV's.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $25 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    4. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    11 Reviews
    38 Photos
    5 Saves
    Greenway, Virginia

    Camping reservations are highly recommended, and all campgrounds are site-specific - call 1-800-933-7275. The park has five campgrounds. Three of them, Branch Pond, Walnut Grove and Canoe Landing, are open year-round for primitive camping. There are primitive restrooms at those campgrounds. Drinking water is unavailable in the primitive campgrounds, but potable water is available at five of the six picnic shelters. Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river. Please note that primitive sites do not have electricity.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $15 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Branch Pond — James River State Park

    5. Branch Pond — James River State Park

    9 Reviews
    32 Photos
    3 Saves
    Greenway, Virginia

    Camping reservations are highly recommended, and all campgrounds are site-specific - call 1-800-933-7275. The park has five campgrounds. Three of them, Branch Pond, Walnut Grove and Canoe Landing, are open year-round for primitive camping. There are primitive restrooms at those campgrounds. Drinking water is unavailable in the primitive campgrounds, but potable water is available at five of the six picnic shelters. Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river. Please note that primitive sites do not have electricity.

    Branch Pond - Seven primitive sites in a wooded area about two miles from the river (BranchPondPrimTent). Tents only. Each site has a tent pad.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

    $15 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Camp Gap
    Camper-submitted photo from Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    7. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    1 Photo
    83 Saves
    Warm Springs, Virginia

    Hiking and fishing opportunities are abundant at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area. Enjoy hiking trails that meander along the Jackson River, or break out that rod and reel as the trout stocked waters are popular amongst fly and traditional fishermen alike.

    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
    • No image available

      9. Augusta County Natural Chimneys Park and Campground

      Be the first to review!
      2 Saves
      Mount Solon, Virginia

      It's hard to imagine, but the Shenandoah Valley was once the floor of a great inland sea. Centuries ago, as that sea receded, the forces of nature carefully etched out an awe-inspiring formation of solid rock. The seven Natural Chimneys tower as much as 120 feet above the pastoral terrain of the Shenandoah Valley, offering onlookers a sight unrivaled in majesty.

      Viewed from one angle, the formations resemble enormous chimneys standing in bleak contrast to the greenery of the Valley. Take a few steps, though, and the chimneys are transformed into the massive turrets of a foreboding medieval castle.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • No image available
      Showing results 1-10 of 30 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Staunton

      880 Reviews of 30 Staunton Campgrounds


      • Wayne T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
        Nov. 19, 2024

        Devil’s Backbone Camp

        Best primitive sites! Such a nice campground!

        This was such a awesome campground!! First time ever staying and everybody was so helpful and friendly. He had the camp host come and check on us to see how things were. We stayed at the group 105 site and could not have been happier with that pick. It was off all by itself with the other 4 group primitive sites. Sites were huge and you could arrange and set up however you liked. Really loved that having 2 vehicles and 3 tents we had so much room. Loved the bathhouse being close too. Just a quick little walk/or drive around the corner the showers and stalls were so clean as well. Fire ring was huge too and they have wood on site. We even checked out the restaurant and bar/brewery on site. Everything looked so cool loved the way everything was set up. We will 100% be coming back and do the group site again. ur original plans of going off into the national forest and dispersed camping got canceled so we hated we couldn't do that. But this site the way they are set up really makes you feel like you are still out there disperse camping but with the luxury of a campground being so close. Loved it so much!

      • KThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
        Nov. 17, 2024

        Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

        Clean, neat, and family oriented

        Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center. Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground.

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Rivers Edge Campground
        Oct. 30, 2024

        Rivers Edge Campground

        Lovely little spot

        Family camping trip and we tagged along in our tent. We’ve been priced out of our area so pleased to find this hidden gem. A small, comfortable, family run campground that has enough amenities to keep the littles entertained and adults relaxing. We stayed in the tent area, which we had all to ourselves. Our site was on the river and able to pull our motorcycles right up. I do think if the tent area is full it will feel crowded. There’s a small bathroom attached to back of camp store nearby. Then the larger bathhouse down the way. The RV sites were flat, clean, in an open area. We will, for sure, be back.

      • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
        Oct. 29, 2024

        Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

        Very long road to get there

        Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.

      • N
        Camper-submitted photo from Oronoco Campground
        Oct. 26, 2024

        Oronoco Campground

        Great FREE disperse campground with bathroom

        I love this campground, it’s 5 to 10 minutes from BV, right on the river, primitive with bathrooms, which is fine with me, I sleep in my forerunner with my two dogs, plenty of land and trails, it’s perfect for what I need👍

      • N
        Camper-submitted photo from Oronoco Campground
        Oct. 26, 2024

        Oronoco Campground

        Great primitive campsite with restrooms

        Less than 10 campsites, all with fire circles and a public bathroom site. each campsite is on the river, very beautiful.

      • WThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Oronoco Campground
        Oct. 16, 2024

        Oronoco Campground

        Great!

        Loved this little campground. Nice and quiet, toilets available (though not very clean but good enough). Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers. Luckily it went home around 18h, so we had a great night, but it was back the next morning and immediately had aggressive behavior. So watch out and be careful with your food!

      • nancy B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Waynesboro North 340 Campground
        Oct. 10, 2024

        Waynesboro North 340 Campground

        Aftermath of the hurricane

        My Rv sustained damage from a tree. The staff were awesome but the owner wasn’t. She wouldn’t even acknowledge me or say how sorry she was. Then she had me assigned to the worst site in the park. I have never been treated so terribly. She was only interested in her revenue and not the people.

      • hThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Camp Roosevelt
        Oct. 7, 2024

        Camp Roosevelt

        Great overnight spot!

        Camped here as a plan B, but it was still a great time. The lookout over the mountain about 5min drive from the campground was breathtaking. As far as camp went, it is a bare bones site with two port a potties (well maintained) and a couple water spouts that didn’t work. The sites are right next to a road, so expect some noise all night. Maybe because of rains there were flying bugs everywhere. Sites were spacious and level, no large rocks. Fire pits were very large and have grates for cooking. First CCC site ever made so there is some cool history if you’re into that.

      • Rob  O.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
        Sep. 20, 2024

        Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

        Excellent campground especially as a base for hikes

        Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 2 nights and found that my original planned site wasn't very hospitable to tent camping due to the slope, Conferred with park ranger who easily changed my site to a better one with no fee. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. This is a great base camp for getting out to hike the Appalachian trail and the local water falls in the area. Firewood and some camping supplies can be obtained onsite and there is a park wayside store and cafeteria a short distance away (i highly recommend the honey breaded chicken).

      • EThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Thunder Bridge
        Sep. 17, 2024

        Thunder Bridge

        Idyllic forest campground

        Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp. Now it is home to many quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and even some fully furnished rental cabins.

        The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes  several artists' studios.  At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading. 

        The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.

        This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!

      • CThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hone Quarry
        Sep. 16, 2024

        Hone Quarry

        Great for mid week

        If you live in Harrisonburg, Bridgwater and any surrounding area, this place is amazing. Fair warning, this place is DARK DARK, but your campers, so. The campsites are clean, $5 a night will get you a place to stay. Payment box upfront. There’s a pond up the road to fish.

      • CThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Rock Campground
        Sep. 16, 2024

        Eagle Rock Campground

        Great for a night

        Was coming back from fishing and need a place to sleep without paying for a hotel. Great place honestly. I don’t really have anything negative to say about it. At $10 and fishing, I’ll definitely be back.

      • BThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages
        Sep. 2, 2024

        Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

        Beautiful Resort

        The resort is beautiful. Pulling up and checking in, a host takes you to your site. Sites are spacious and there's lots to do! We loved our site because we are the only one on the right side of the hill. I did not get any info email though which I had to contact about. Other than that, everything was great. Drove around the campground to see which other sites I would like to try and get! I def would return.

      • M
        Camper-submitted photo from Bennie’s Beach Campground
        Aug. 21, 2024

        Bennie’s Beach Campground

        Cool spot by the creek

        Bennies has a cool spot by the creek for tent camping.  I was the only one there - after having driven through the aging RV neighborhood.  Check-in was mystical, but finally reached the groundskeeper by phone and left money in a mailbox.  "$40 cash money..."  Way overpriced considering the unsanitary (gross) showers and restrooms.  I think I felt cleaner before the shower.  If you don't need a shower and don't mind dropping $40 for a place to pitch your tent then Bennies may be for you.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
        Jul. 31, 2024

        Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

        Camping and remote work

        Nice campground in line with expectations for most Virginia state parks. Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data but with a directional cell booster we are able to get enough signal for our Verizon Jetpack to work

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Brandywine Lake Campground — Shenandoah Wildlife Management Area
        Jul. 24, 2024

        Brandywine Lake Campground — Shenandoah Wildlife Management Area

        Drive on up to site!

        Clean, comfortable campground with spacious sites. Some of the sites are very private, others are a little less. Some have bear boxes and some are a lot closer to bath house than others. There is a large overflow lot available and set up for campers. However, we went on a Monday night and only shared the campground with 4 other groups of campers. Hosts are on site and both friendly and informative. Hiking trails nearby and some start at campground. Lake is low but still good for swimming or floating. We had a very peaceful night, even with the rain. Recommend!

      • N
        Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
        Jul. 12, 2024

        Devil’s Backbone Camp

        Robbery

        $150 per night is crazy. Nothing special about the campground except proximity to devils backbone. This is a parking spot in a field with no trees and the sewer likely on the wrong side. There are no amenities. We’ve stayed many times but plan to go elsewhere going forward.

      • Martin T.
        Camper-submitted photo from Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
        Jul. 9, 2024

        Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

        Great Facilities, Easy Access to Many Parts of Park

        We loved our 4-night stay in Big Meadows. I definitely recommend booking a site on the outer part of the loop, or one of the walk-in sites, if you are tent camping. A lot of the interior sites seemed very close together, but the farther out you get, the more spaced out they seemed to be, we could see a couple of other campsites from ours but generally felt we had plenty of space and privacy.

        Campsite facilities seemed pretty clean and well-maintained, and there is the campstore at the front of the campground with necessities, laundry and shower (for a fee). And if you need more the Big Meadow visitor center, and Wayside souvenir store/snack bar are just a mile or so from the campground where it meets Skyline Drive. They even have a gas station there. We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing, all very close to the campground.

        Bear boxes are big and sturdy, fire pits are on the smallish side but fine. Honestly this place is pretty tough to beat in terms of facilities, value, and proximity to a lot of beautiful and fun national park hikes and sights.

      • Jeremiah S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
        Jul. 8, 2024

        Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

        KOA Newbie

        This was our first KOA experience. I liked the pool, camp shop, and proximity to Massanutten water park. I also liked the size of site.

        My wife didn’t care for the lack of grass (mostly gravel) or the guy who took us to site that worked there talking over her when she was helping me back in.

        Most people know this but if a couple is backing in just let them figure it out.

        Other than price and backing in annoyance, I thought it was good place and would go back.

      • Trisha G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Rock Campground
        Jul. 4, 2024

        Eagle Rock Campground

        ♥️

        We have been coming to Eagle Rock for years. Most of the people change every year but there are some that have permanent campers here. A few rude people this year but we still enjoyed our time. It doesn’t have all the amenities that some would want. If you enjoy roughing it then ER is worth camping at.

      • Chaz M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Misty Mountain Camp Resort
        Jul. 1, 2024

        Misty Mountain Camp Resort

        Fun for the family

        This campground was really great for a family with small children. There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome. The only detractors were that our site (52) was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road, the smell of weed that was prevalent (not the campground’s fault) and the motorcycle noise from the nearby interstate.

      • GThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah Valley Campground
        Jun. 7, 2024

        Shenandoah Valley Campground

        Nice place to stay

        We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly. Very nice campground ammenities- stocked fishing pond, big swimming pool, and really nice creek for tubing with waterfall to cool down on the hotter days, horseshoes, mini golf and more. The biggest negative is lack of cell service/internet. Luckily it's a short drive to get service. Weekends were packed(esp. Memorial Day), but much quieter during the week. Many sites are tight and no walking paths between rows so people regularly walk through occupied sites when it's crowded. Smaller negatives- some washer/dryers out of order and litter left by campers wasn't picked up. Overall, a nice place to stay.



      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Staunton, VA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Staunton, VA is Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Staunton, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.