Top Tent Camping near Vesuvius, VA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Vesuvius and then fall asleep in your tent? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Vesuvius campgrounds for you and your tent. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Vesuvius campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Vesuvius, VA (27)

    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
    9 Saves

    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 Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

    2. Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

    11 Reviews
    6 Photos
    404 Saves

    Braley Pond Day Use Area is a very popular access to multiple trailheads including Ramsey's Draft Wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this universally accessible area perfect for family picnics, or plan to stay overnight in the adjacent dispersed camping site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
    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

    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

    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

    6. Hog Camp Gap

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    22 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    7. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    129 Saves

    The best way to find out what areas are open to dispersed camping is to contact the nearest District Office to the area you wish to visit. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads and look for a clearing or a spot with a view. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 200 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breeden Bottom Campground

    8. Breeden Bottom Campground

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    74 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    $40 - $70 / night

    • No image available

      9. Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground)

      1 Review
      10 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

      10. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

      4 Reviews
      1 Photo
      82 Saves

      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
    Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In Vesuvius

    683 Reviews of 27 Vesuvius Campgrounds


    • 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.

    • 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!

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from North Creek Campground
      Oct. 13, 2024

      North Creek Campground

      Great campground

      very private, $15 a night, water, bathrooms, right on the river, pet friendly👍.. right next to the AT.. I have a German shepherd and a mini Australian shepherd and they had a blast!

    • 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.

    • Tiel M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Morris Hill Campground
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Morris Hill Campground

      Decent, nice hosts

      Nothing to write home about but it’s pretty. There’s a road that runs right in front that has some noise. Not all that different from most national forests, which isn’t bad.

    • E
      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.

    • LDcakes
      Camper-submitted photo from North Creek Campground
      Aug. 24, 2024

      North Creek Campground

      A Peaceful Camping Getaway

      Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature. The campsite featured picnic tables, a fire pit, and even hooks to hang a cauldron for boiling water or cooking fish, adding to the rustic charm. Although there were no showers or sinks, the pit toilet served its purpose well. We spent our time enjoying a barbecue under the stars, fully embracing the natural world around us. Despite bear warnings and the lack of modern conveniences, this getaway left us refreshed and grateful for the peacefulness that only nature can offer.

    • Jen T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park
      Aug. 16, 2024

      Holliday Lake State Park

      Nice but Gun Range During Summer

      Probably a great place to camp during the fall. During the summer they lease space to the 4-H club that teaches people to shoot black powder muskets for the civil war reenactments. From 8:30am until 3-5pm it sounds like a gun range. It’s not a shot here and there, its volleys of black powder guns (think cannons) being shot all at once. It echos off the water and is the opposite of peaceful. The ranger said it would only be for an hour a day, unless it was a competition day, well for the 5 days we were there it must have been competition. We ended up leaving the park during the day.

      The sites are good. Most need lots of leveling help (bring spare wood!). The newer part has a nice bathhouse. The older part had a really old bathhouse. (So old it’s hard to tell if it’s dirty or just old.)

      It’s not a bad place to visit. But combat veterans should avoid during the summer months.

      The sites are nice. The ones in the newer area (laurel ridge) are close to the nice bathhouse. Both bathhouses have WiFi. No cell service to speak of. (We have Verizon but most of these places have none.)

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • V
      Camper-submitted photo from Chris’s Private Property
      May. 26, 2024

      Chris’s Private Property

      Basic private startup site with hookup

      Chris is establishing a couple of sites on his private property and getting organized. Simple and just off the road, but quiet. Chris is friendly and reachable by phone. A short 100 yards to a rushing creek. We needed a last minute spot during Memorial Day weekend and Chris set us up. Now showers, flat gravel site with pull through between hookups and picnic table platform.

    • Colletta & Co. 🤙.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lee Hi Campground
      May. 19, 2024

      Lee Hi Campground

      A situation-dependent stopover

      For $43.24 we got a pull through site with full hookups. However, we had to disconnect shore power because we kept tripping the 50A service even when we turned our draw down to 30A. As we head into 2 weeks of sewerless sites, this made sense for us to stop, shower, laundry, and top up on power and water. If you don’t have that sort of limitation ahead, this gas station truck stop likely isn’t worth your money.

    • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Road Campground
      May. 1, 2024

      Wilderness Road Campground

      Very mixed bag

      This campground had some good features: hookups and bathhouse were good, location is very pretty, staff clearly take good care of things. Mostly older folks mid week so pretty quiet.

      But for some reason there is a path that goes through several campsites. We booked one of these sites without knowing (B12), which meant we had strangers walking through our campsite all the time. Our dogs hated it and so did we! Also sites are close together, most aren’t level, and some are in clear disrepair. They also do a good job cleaning the bathhouses, but they do it from 8-9am which is also when many people are trying to use them.

    • Brad W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Devil’s Backbone Camp
      Apr. 21, 2024

      Devil’s Backbone Camp

      Awesome spot

      Great spot with clean facilities. Cell phones worked just fine. They are adding more electric sites. Walk to the brewery. Probably my favorite improved camp site for beer enthusiasts!

    • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
      Apr. 18, 2024

      Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

      Terrible road to get in

      I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn’t the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days . The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .



    Guide to Vesuvius

    Camping near Vesuvius, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, like those at Loft Mountain Campground. One camper mentioned, "Easy access to the Blackrock Summit and Doyles River Falls trails!"
    • Fishing: Many campgrounds, such as Shenandoah Valley Campground, have stocked ponds. A visitor noted, "Very nice campground amenities—stocked fishing pond, big swimming pool, and really nice creek for tubing."
    • Swimming: Enjoy the refreshing waters at places like Sherando Lake Campground. One reviewer said, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an island if you want to."

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Misty Mountain Camp Resort remarked, "Great shower and laundry facilities as well."
    • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA said, "The folks I interacted with in the office were very nice."
    • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One guest at Crabtree Falls Campground mentioned, "The view and sound of the creek is the best."

    What you should know:

    • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Douthat State Park Campground noted, "No cellular signal which can be a plus."
    • Crowded on weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during holidays. A visitor at Shenandoah Valley Campground said, "Weekends were packed, but much quieter during the week."
    • Fees for amenities: Some campgrounds charge for showers or other facilities. A camper at Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "Showers were pretty expensive at $5 for 10 minutes."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Look for family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Misty Mountain Camp Resort offer events for kids. One parent said, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
    • Choose spacious sites: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A visitor at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA noted, "The sites are small and close to each other, but well maintained."
    • Plan for quiet hours: Be mindful of noise, especially at campgrounds like Canoe Landing Group Campsite, where one camper said, "Our neighbors were noisy, obnoxious, and trashy into the wee hours of the morning."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Devil’s Backbone Camp mentioned, "The water, electric and sewer hookups are on the wrong side for half of the RV sites."
    • Look for amenities: Some campgrounds offer full hookups. A visitor at Sherando Lake Campground said, "Each site has small pebble in the site which is raked and makes it nice no dirt."
    • Be prepared for noise: Campgrounds near highways can be loud. A reviewer at Misty Mountain Camp Resort noted, "The motorcycle noise from the nearby interstate."

    Camping near Vesuvius, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Vesuvius, 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 Vesuvius, VA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Vesuvius, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.