Misty Mountain Camp Resort
Bathrooms/ showers
Showers are well removed from the center of activity
Also the personalities at the office are extremely short
The Lake Anna region surrounding Mineral, Virginia encompasses several mixed-use campgrounds supporting various camping styles within a rural setting. Christopher Run Campground in Mineral offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with direct access to Lake Anna, a popular man-made reservoir for water recreation. Small Country Campground in nearby Louisa provides similar accommodations with additional family-oriented amenities. The area extends to include Lake Anna State Park approximately 7 miles east of Mineral, offering year-round camping with electric hookups and sanitary facilities for visitors seeking a more structured outdoor experience.
Many campgrounds in the Lake Anna area operate seasonally, with Christopher Run Campground typically open from April through October. "The sites are nice, lake is amazing in the summer time, and the family that runs the place are always helpful," noted one visitor about Christopher Run Campground. Road access to camping areas is generally well-maintained with paved routes suitable for most vehicles, including larger RVs at several locations. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, making lakeside camping particularly appealing for swimming and water activities. Cell phone coverage is generally reliable throughout the region, though service may be limited in more remote areas around the lake's perimeter.
Lakefront camping receives consistently positive feedback from visitors exploring the Mineral area. Several campgrounds provide direct water access, boat ramps, and swimming areas that prove especially popular during summer months. The lake itself serves as the primary recreational draw, with fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities accessible from multiple camping areas. Visitors particularly value the family-friendly atmosphere at Christopher Run Campground, which features amenities like mini-golf, canoe rentals, and seasonal events. For those seeking a quieter experience, Phantom Hill Forest Farm in nearby Louisa offers more primitive tent camping with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Most camping areas provide basic facilities including fire rings, picnic tables, and at least primitive toilets, though amenities vary significantly between developed campgrounds and more rustic options.
$32 - $459 / night
"Our site was nicely situated between a trail down to the lake and bathhouse. We had a long driveway that was perfect for throwing a ball around."
"Great walking trails surrounding the campground. Well maintained."
"Christopher Run Campground is located in the small town of Mineral, Virginia. It is located right on Lake Anna, a beautiful man-made lake."
"Great campground at Lake Anna and it’s also near Virginia’s Lake Anna State Park. The staff here at the campground are very friendly, pleasant and very accommodating."
$31 - $109 / night
"From the bouncing blob to the oversized chess set, from the lakeside beach to the swimming pool, it seems as though plenty of thought has been placed on how to keep a family entertained when in this area"
"Campground is tucked away but has nice large sites, large lake , pool. Friendly staff"
$50 / night
"It's located in Gordonsville, Virginia. There's not much to do in the area, but the campground itself is nice."
"Such a sweet little spot tucked outside of the Blue Ridge Mountains."
$16 - $97 / night
"access to human food."
"Like most Virginia state parks the River Bend campground is well spaced out and great for RV camping."
$30 - $75 / night
"While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."
"Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."
"We want to check out the other sites and walk the trails, so we will be back!"
"Nice location. Next to King’s Dominion."
"Location is right next to Kings Dominion amusement park. Staff was very friendly!"
$40 - $110 / night












Showers are well removed from the center of activity
Also the personalities at the office are extremely short
I chose Big Meadows to stay at because my traveling companion is definitely a bit bougie and was anxious about camping in the mountains of a NP. Due to this site having showers, toilets, a laundromat, camp store(s) and even a lodge/taproom, they felt more comfortable. We stayed at site D142, right near the entrance by the registration office and showers. I didn’t expect the site to be so nice and quiet and still feel quite private despite the location! We checked out the loops and besides the tent sites, I actually preferred our site. We stayed the week before Memorial Day weekend and I was pleased with how quiet it was. Quiet hours were strictly adhered without rangers having to ask, other campers were respectful toward each other and we had no issues. The NP staff were awesome and the concession employees for the showers, camp store, and the Wayside grill were genuinely friendly and obviously cared about their jobs, which I sincerely appreciate. Wayside grill with attached camp store was fun and had some great gift items as well as some pretty solid quality hiking and camping items. The grill even had a beyond burger which I greatly appreciated! The lodge was funky but not my cup of tea, the taproom was ok, although the employees were really nice.
It did rain half the time we were there with extremely heavy fog so we only did a few hikes but they were still a lot of fun. We didn’t see any bear either! The number one animal we had invade our campsite on the regular were birds. Two catbirds regularly tried to involve themselves in everything, including landing on a pot of oatmeal I was actively cooking and standing next to! We followed leave no trace of course but any chance the birds got, from catbirds, robins, brown thrashers, towhee, and even a redstart, they would try to investigate.
There is clean drinking water listed on the campsite maps, there are utility sinks for grey water (don’t use the bathroom sink!), bathrooms were always clean and bathrooms and showers are open 24/7 and are well lit. I didn’t buy the firewood so I’m unsure how much it is but the little camp store was open from 9-6 (right by the bathroom) for firewood, ice, and other various supplies.
Only downsides to the site are 1) showers are not cheap ($5 for 10 mins) and don’t stay warm for long so you’re showering in chilly water. Some stalls last a bit longer than others. 2) The biggest issue though was surprisingly the bear boxes. They are quite large and fit a lot of stuff which is great. However, you are expected to keep your cooler in them. I have a bear proof cooler (IGBC) so I’ve never had to experience this situation before. The bear box being made of metal, heated everything up in it which caused rapid melting of ice. Despite pre-chilling it and my ice usually lasting for days and days, we had to refill it daily. The camp store thankfully sold ice (10 lb bags for $5) but it was frustrating that there was no other option for bear proof items. I didn’t fight the rangers regarding it because it’s their rules, it’s for the safety of the bears and people, and the rangers and park staff have enough stuff to deal with.
All in all, I’ve never really glamped before so it was quite a luxurious trip even with the rain and fog for half the trip. I’ll most definitely be back and would even stay at the same site or a tent only site with no driveway.
We camped here Labor Day weekend 2025. Our site was nicely situated between a trail down to the lake and bathhouse.
We had a long driveway that was perfect for throwing a ball around. Plenty of space to spread out, and surrounded by trees.
Enjoyed a sunset walk down to the lake and exploring the entire beach area. Loved seeing the turtles at the pond and exploring two different play areas.
Stayed here Memorial Day weekend 2025. We had a water electric site for our tent and had a great time.
The first day we checked out the Aquatic Recreation Center, admission was included for each member of our party. The kiddos had so much fun with the splash park, that it took everything to drag them away from it.
There is a trail from the campground to the aquatic center, but with our small kids it was easier to drive. There is plenty of parking.
The next day we took to the lake in a peddle boat. The lilly pads were blooming and it was so nice. You can also rent paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. Easy access if you have your own boards or kayaks.
Lots of trails to explore, and be mindful some trails have both bikes and people.
The kids had a good time and it was nice to just do loops of the campground. The playground in the campground was under construction so we look forward to going back to check it out.
My wife and I stayed here one night, while driving south to north, Skyline Dr. the drive has been awesome and this campground is the perfect resting spot for us, for the night. Had a couple drinks at the lodge while watching a spectacular sunset. I’d definitely come back.
I will start with the negatives. They do not enforce quiet hours. At all. We had multiple nights with a large group neighboring campers partying well past midnight. Yelling, slamming car doors, absolutely no regard for fellow campers. I would not recommend staying along the road sites unless you are equipped to deal with noisy neighbors in close proximity.
And the good... The sites in the more wooded areas on the edge of the campground are beautiful. You are less likely to deal with groups of campers there to party. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, with pay showers available. Firewood, though expensive, was plentiful. Being close to hiking, the lodge, camp store, and visitor center are excellent perks for the price of each site.
I really wish the staff was there to better enforce the quiet hours, as there were multiple campers that struggled to sleep/relax with the raucous crowd so close.
The sites vary greatly in size. That being said, each site is spaced or aligned to offer privacy. Bathrooms are easily accessible. Showers can be a bit of a hike away depending on your site location. Pricey; &5 dollars for ten minutes. No other option.
If you are camping off season the biggest inconvenience is the registration process if you are arriving “day of”. There is no WiFi outside of the camp store with is about .75 mile away from the campground. If you find a site you have to drive all the way back to the store to get the WiFi needed to register with Rec.gov. Try to identify 2 or 3 sites in case you drive back and find out that one may not be available. The volunteer “ranger” drives around to monitor. Our volunteer said that a site may be taken but no reservation slip has been attached to the campsite post. We thoroughly enjoyed our site. The fog rolled in and out of the valley like a heavy blanket. The camp was quiet and peaceful in large part due to the absence of noisy generators. There were several hikes of varying abilities that could be accessed from the campgrounds. A great asphalt path led to the camp store. Great for walking g or biking. There was also a gas station and a small cafeteria for those who want a note to eat.
Our family loved this campground. It was entirely wooded with plenty of shade, sites were close but separated enough to feel like you were in your own site. Our kids and others rode their bikes around the loop all weekend long. Bathrooms could have been a little cleaner and all the entrances except one were closed, but that’s what happens when you cut budgets for public lands.
Very well kept campground. Clean bathrooms Clean camp sites Cell Verizon and att worked well. Was able to zoom for work and watch Netflix at night. Excellent trails all through the park. Fast rolling gravel trails for gravel bikes and some more technical trails for mountain biking.
Camping opportunities near Mineral, Virginia center around Lake Anna, a 13,000-acre man-made reservoir with 200 miles of shoreline. The region sits at approximately 400 feet elevation in Virginia's Piedmont region, characterized by gently rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with primitive camping options available year-round at select locations.
**Fishing access: Lake Anna offers abundant fishing opportunities with largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish and crappie. "The sunsets over the water are priceless. Our grandchildren love that they are able to bike ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery," notes a visitor to Lake Anna State Park Campground.
**Watercraft rentals: Many campgrounds provide boat launch facilities and rental options. "They have canoes that can be rented, places to fish, mini golf, and weekly events. It is a great place for the whole family to enjoy," reports a camper at Christopher Run Campground.
**Hiking trails: Explore woodland paths through the Piedmont landscape. "Nice trails, decent campsites, cabins! The paved handicapped-accessible trail and fishing platforms are a really nice addition," states a visitor to Lake Anna State Park.
**Lake swimming: Direct water access ranks high among camper preferences. "The campground has a wonderful beach with swim access to the lake. The beach is well maintained and campsites are spacious," notes a reviewer at Christopher Run Campground.
**Privacy options: For those seeking seclusion, certain campgrounds offer more isolated sites. "Our time at PHFF was excellent! It was such a peaceful escape from our work week. The mushroom farm is unlike anything I've seen," shares a camper at Phantom Hill Forest Farm.
**Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive consistently positive feedback. "The sites in the River Bend Campground (main campground) are private and wooded, especially this time of year when the trees are so full. I was very happy to see such a clean bathhouse," reports a visitor to Powhatan State Park Campground.
**Site selection considerations: Campsite quality varies significantly across locations. "The sites are good size, but not very level. We did finally get ours squared away. Mostly wooded, with shade. Our site D9, backed up to a small wooded section," notes a camper at Christopher Run Campground.
**Seasonal crowding: Summer weekends draw large crowds to lake-adjacent campgrounds. "Very nice, plenty to see and do, but very crowded and noisy, even after quite time," reports a visitor to Lake Anna State Park.
**Shower facilities: Bathhouse amenities differ between campgrounds. "The shower left SO MUCH to be desired. First, the shower head is on the ceiling which is about 10 feet tall. There is a push button to turn water on (no temp adjustment) and it only allows 36 SECONDS of water before it shuts back off," explains a camper at Christopher Run Campground.
**Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "We really enjoyed our visit! They have a beach, playgrounds, mini golf, hiking, arcade and many other amenities. Very friendly and helpful!" shares a visitor to Christopher Run Campground.
**Kid-friendly water activities: Lake access provides swimming opportunities during summer months. "Great place for families with children, young and old! Kid friendly biking around the park. Also saw many with electric scooters and golf carts. Large playground and pool, all very clean and well kept," notes a visitor to Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA.
**Age considerations: Some campgrounds better suit specific age groups. "The campground is pretty big and has a wonderful beach with swim access to the lake. The playground is for kids 5+ and there's not much to do outside of swimming in the lake for 5 and under. I'd recommend for adults and teens more so than large families with younger kiddos," advises a camper at Christopher Run Campground.
**Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring leveling blocks. "Some sites were very level. We were on site seven which was very long but very unlevel," reports an RVer at Powhatan State Park.
**Hookup options: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds. "This campground is waaayyy back in the back of park. Only a few years old. No full hookup (yes 30/50 amp). Well maintained trails, level sites. No river access in campground," notes an RVer at Powhatan State Park.
**RV size considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations on larger rigs. "The sites are nice, lake is amazing in the summer time, and the family that runs the place are always helpful. It's a great place for one night or a month. They have cabins, RV sites, and good old fashioned sites," explains a visitor to Small Country Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mineral, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mineral, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 78 campgrounds and RV parks near Mineral, VA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Mineral, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mineral, VA is Lake Anna State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mineral, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Mineral, VA.
What parks are near Mineral, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Mineral, VA that allow camping, notably Shenandoah National Park and Prince William Forest Park.
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