Tent camping options around Vesuvius, Virginia encompass both George Washington National Forest dispersed sites and more developed state park facilities within 20-30 miles. The region sits at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 750 to over 2,000 feet, creating varied camping environments. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer cooler camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: 50 yards from tent sites at Canoe Landing Group Campsite provides convenient recreation without relocating. As camper Lauren B. noted about nearby Breeden Bottom, "Sites are spacious and right along the river. Most sites have river access directly from the site. The James river is perfect for kayaking/SUP/canoeing and even swimming, nice and calm."
Stargazing: No light pollution makes the Walnut Grove area excellent for astronomy. According to camper Chris E., "The best place for star gazing! Just ask for a telescope (free at the store) and stare up at the sky for hours!" Jasmin S. confirms this at Branch Pond: "I enjoyed my visit AND LOVED THE DARK SKY FOR STARGAZING!"
Tubing: Rentals available at James River State Park for floating the river. One camper mentioned, "They'll take you to the drop off and you can float down. Have to be 6 or older." For those staying at Poor Farm, a visitor noted, "Water flows fairly fast in this area, so there were a few people floating and kayaking. Current wasn't too strong for the dogs though."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 offers significant space between camping areas. One camper described it as "a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out. There is a giant fire circle in the middle and enough room to fit about 10 vehicles/groups if people don't mind being next to each other."
Stream access: Many sites feature direct water access for cooling off. At Breeden Bottom Campground, one reviewer shared, "This site was in a great location and right on the crystal clear water. Sites are extremely private and spaced out; we couldn't see or hear anyone." Another camper commented, "Our site had a little path right to the river."
Cleanliness of facilities: When available, bathhouses receive positive mentions. A visitor to Walnut Grove noted, "The bathhouse was immaculate and the campsite large enough for two tents to share comfortably." At James River State Park, campers appreciate that "the bathrooms were clean. The women's room had 3 showers."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several riverside campgrounds. A Breeden Bottom visitor explained, "The train was loud at times, but we knew that would happen when we booked the site, so no surprises there." At Branch Pond, a camper mentioned, "There was a train that came through about 2 times a night. I'm a light sleeper and heard it coming miles away."
Cell service limitations: Hog Camp Gap has minimal connectivity. A reviewer reported, "Cell service is poor. I have U.S. cellular and I had one bar sometimes no bars. Data service was in and out as well." Similarly, at Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812: "No cell service (T-Mobile), but if I drove towards the main road, Route 501, I could get some service."
Water access challenges: Some sites have difficult water entry. At Branch Pond, a visitor cautioned, "Sites 11, 12, and 13 are nice but the landing is in a shallow algae filled cove. Not ideal for swimming." Another camper mentioned having to go "through another empty site and climbed down a short drop (hanging onto tree roots) to access the lake."
Tips for camping with families
Bring wheeled gear carriers: Some sites require gear transportation from parking. At Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, campers noted it "wasn't too hard to get there and park in our van," but at Lake James State Park, a visitor warned: "It's quite a walk from the parking area to the campsites. And it's downhill from the car to the sites. There are 2 wheelbarrows available for use, but navigating a wheelbarrow full of camping gear down a hill with stairs isn't easy."
Verify age requirements: River activities have minimum ages. One James River visitor noted, "Tubing down the James River (have tubes you can rent). They'll take you to the drop off and you can float down. Have to be 6 or older (we had a 4 yr old)."
Consider wildlife entertainment: Natural features can engage children. A reviewer mentioned, "In the spring, it is covered in wild hares," while another noted the family-friendly nature watching: "My 4 yr old spent hours playing with all the little animals the ranger station had."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping around Vesuvius is unsuitable for RVs. A camper at Breeden Bottom specifically noted: "No water, no electricity available. Not for RVs." Even at James River State Park, campsites are described as having "level dirt/gravel wooded sites having W/E (50A)" but "very wooded so the rooftop dish didn't work."
Site selection process: At some Virginia State Parks, choosing your site happens upon arrival. A camper explained, "As with other VA State Parks, we picked our site once we arrived." Another mentioned, "We were able to choose a mostly-shaded site with water and electric near the bathhouse."
Terrain challenges: The mountainous setting creates access issues. One RVer reported that a site was accessible in their "conversion van" while another noted some sites are "paved roads with level dirt/gravel wooded sites" but access requires navigating "narrow Virginia secondary roads."
