Best Tent Camping near Warm Springs, VA

Recent Tent Reviews near Warm Springs, Virginia

590 Reviews of 31 Warm Springs Campgrounds

• 

  Chris E.

  Guide

  

  May. 20, 2020

  Montebello Resort

  Simply Wonderful

  This is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets for Cabins, RV or Tent camping.

  The location is awesome; close to some great hiking spots, very accessible & well laid out.

  The kids are guaranteed to catch something in the fishing hole & the camp store has EVERYTHING!!

  Love this place! It is a great spot to go tent camping.

  Call and speak with the staff about the best dates to go. They helped is pick a day when there were NO other people there.

  Such a great spot.

• K

  Kaleigh

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 24, 2022

  Shenandoah Valley Campground

  Beautiful river access tent sites

  Beautiful river access directly from tent site! Lots of amenities from hot tubs, fishing pond and a heated pool. Staff was friendly and site was well maintained. Bathrooms were clean. Only complaint is that tent sites are really close together.

• 

  Stephanie J.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2018

  Sherando Lake Campground

  Great Recreation Area, Mid-Grade Tent Camping

  Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA. Convenient to both Richmond and Charlottesville, it brings people in for camping and day-use alike.

  There are three camping loops here; a standard non-electric loop (loop A/White Oak Loop), and two RV loops (B and C). Both of the RV loops are very flat and open, with little shade or privacy between sites. They have electric hookups and drinking water available, but do not have water hookups. The tent loop is the oldest loop in this campground, and is heavily wooded, with sites along both meadow and backing up to the mountain. These sites do not have any hookups, but most have driveways large enough for campers and RVs 28' in length or under. All tent sites have fire rings, utility poles, and large picnic tables, and tent pads that are raked clear by campground hosts between guests.

  The biggest benefits of this campground are its location, and the recreation area. It's about an hour and a half west of Richmond and only thirty minutes from Charlottesville, making it a great weekend trip without having to take time away from work. And as for recreation, it's wonderful. There are two lakes--the lower lake is the largest at 25 acres, and and while the beach can get crowded during peak season, it's an easy walk from the campground, with a large swimming area roped off. Canoeing is available at the lake, and there are several hiking trails, ranging from the easy lakeside trail, to more difficult trails that connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and other trails in George Washington National Forest. Fishing is available at both lakes with the proper licensing. There are several large picnic areas right on the lower lake, and a few smaller creekside spaces with picnic table and grills.

  All that said; for RV campers this is an excellent campsite. While the loops with hookups are lacking in shade and privacy, having an RV or camper will afford you what the site itself lacks, and the location and activities make this a great basecamp.

  For tent camping, it's good if you live in one of the nearby cities and want the shorter drive time, or if you like tent camping but still want all the benefits of front-country camping. As a place to set up camp and enjoy spending time near your tent, Sherando is exceptionally maintained. There is not a lot of opportunities for foraging for firewood, which means purchasing heat-treated wood nearby, and while the sites are very shady, there is little underbrush between sites to offer a privacy barrier. Many of the sites are staggered, with one or more levels of steps leading from the driveways. Because of all there is to do this is a great site for older kids, but we learned that, especially with toddlers, the steps around the campsites can turn a relaxing trip into one of constant vigilance.

  Enjoyment of this campground will largely depend on what type of camper you are. If you are mainly looking for a place to get outside of the city, where you can set up for the night and have easy access to hiking, fishing, swimming, or boating, this is a great campground. This is where we typically chose to take friends if they were new to camping, as the bathrooms are well-lit, the road is paved, and the sites are so well-maintained. Plus at $20 a night, while it's more expensive than its neighbors in Shenandoah National Park or Cave Mountain Lake, it's a shorter drive from the neighboring cities, and doesn't have the additional NPS fee. However, if you want something that feels more rugged, or with campsites that offer a greater feeling of privacy, it would be better to skip this one.

• 

  Jeff E.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 16, 2024

  Beaver Creek Campground — Watoga State Park

  Great camping

  I’ve stayed here at least a dozen times over the years. Nice sites for tent camping. Clear skies and a decent bathhouse.

• 

  Andrea N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 3, 2019

  Middle Creek Campground

  Ranger Review: Nature's Coffee Kettle at Middle Creek Campground

  Campground Review

  As a Ranger on The Dyrt, I sometimes receive compensation for reviewing campgrounds like this one. Middle Creek Campground is the perfect place to use as a base camp for all of the outdoor activities in the area. Getting here was a lot easier than expected. The campground is only 6 miles off the I-81 Arcadia exit. We were quickly in the Jefferson National Forest where the road winds through the forest along Jennings Creek. It was absolutely gorgeous. Around every turn we saw fishermen wading into the water or sitting on the banks.

  Check-in is at the fully stocked camp store where you'll likely be greeted by the two resident dogs. They mostly lazed around all weekend and watched people coming and going. The RV sites are directly across from the camp store, but the tent sites were tucked back into the woods. The upper tent campground was closed for renovations during our stay, so we chose from the 8 or 9 sites located in the lower tent campground. All of the sites were roomy and featured a small fire pit, picnic table, water, and electricity. Several of them even had a pull-through site and would work well for a small pop-up. Bonus: most of the lower tent sites have direct access to the creek! There were only four other tent sites occupied the whole weekend. It was very quiet and peaceful.

  We chose site #76 because the creek wound around the back of the campsite and had a gentle slope leading down to the creek. We knew our dogs would love splashing around in it! Once we got everything set up I realized that the site was bigger than I'd originally thought. There was more than enough room to set up our Kingdom 4 tent, 10' canopy, and camp kitchen to glamp in style. We brought a 15' lead for the 2yo beagle so he could go down to the creek on his own or hang out with us. Even at the end of his lead he was nowhere close to the road. Check out the video below for a 360' view!

  The bathhouse was at the back of the camp store. Like the rest of the campground, the facilities aren't fancy, but they are functional and clean. Both men's and women's featured two showers where the water was nice and hot! There are even washers and dryers around the corner.

  Firewood is available for purchase onsite. We paid $7 for a bundle at the camp store, and it was delivered to our site just a few minutes later. The bundle was huge! We had more than enough wood for two cooking fires.

  Because our visit was so early in the year, we weren't able to access most of the amenities. There is a good-sized pool and pavilion on a hill behind the camp store. Right beside that is the swimming pond with two large slides in the middle, plus a small beach. There is another lake at the front of the campground designated for fishing. There are no trails in this campground, so if you want to hike, you'll need to drive about a mile out to where the Appalachian Trail meets Jennings Creek. Or, drive to one of many trail heads within the National Forest. There are also plenty of pull-off spots along the road if you want to wade into the creek.

  During our stay, we observed the staff cleaning, fixing, and getting ready for camping season. The bathrooms got a fresh coat of paint. The roads through the campground were recently groomed with new crushed gravel. All of the picnic tables and sidewalks were being power washed. The game room was also being renovated! Downside: we didn't have water at our site the first day. About half-way through the second day one of the workers came around to let us know they were turning it on and to let it run for a bit since it had been off all winter. That made it much easier to wash dishes in a bucket at camp. There isn't a wash station in the campground for doing dishes, so we had to improvise the first night. The biggest turn-off for us at the campground was the RV section right across from the camp store. It seemed like the sites were really packed in there, one on top of the other. I've never been RV-ing before, so I'm not sure if this setup is typical, but I wanted to point it out.

  All of the staff that we came into contact with were super friendly and helpful. We were immediately made to feel welcome. It felt like spending the weekend with friends and neighbors instead of strangers.

  Product Review

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - today I am testing Nature's Coffee Kettle with Colombian Arabica Coffee. I am completely unable to start my day without coffee even when I'm sleeping in the woods. Nature's Coffee Kettle is a packable system that provides you with delicious, pour-over coffee in the backwoods. The "kettle" is a specially designed pouch with two sections. The top section holds the pre-filled coffee filter in place while you slowly pour hot water over the grounds. It features a zip-top so you can close it up while you're waiting for the magic to happen.The bottom section is the reservoir that holds all of that coffee goodness. Coffee refills are also available separately. The entire system packs flat for storage in a camp tote or in your backpack.

  The directions on the back of the bag are super clear and even contain pictures. The key to making the perfect brew with Nature's Coffee Kettle is time. Don't rush it. This is not instant coffee. It is the real deal and will be worth every minute. Slowly pour 1 cup of hot water over the filter, zip up the top and let it sit for a minute or two so the grounds can soak up all of that water. This is the most important step. Then, unzip the top, and keep slowly adding the rest of the water. How much water? I used my coffee mugs to measure out the right amount of water into the kettle before boiling. After you've poured all the water into the bag zip it up again and let it sit. Then, just twist off the cap and pour!

  The pouch is reusable, so don't toss it out. Dispose of the filter and rinse out the pouch. It will be ready to go the next time you need some caffeine. Nature's Coffee Kettle comes in a variety of coffee flavors as well as orange pekoe black tea, apple cider, and hot chocolate.

• c

  cam M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 22, 2021

  Otter Creek Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

  Peaceful Surroundings

  Stayed in tent sites…Overlanding in my Jeep…single woman..felt safe Campground hosts were wonderful! Clean area

• E

  Eben O.

  Traveler

  

  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!

• 

  Stephanie G.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 1, 2019

  Greenbrier River Campground

  Tent sites on the river

  Tent sites on the river, RV sites, RV and cabin rentals and float trips. Lots of space for kids to play.

• R

  Robert J.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 6, 2021

  Moncove Lake State Park Campground

  Camping on Moncove

  Great family friendly camper and tent sites overlooking Moncove Lake. Electric hookups and water spickets available. Fishing and swimming and hiking trails.

• 

  Jeff S.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 5, 2020

  Tea Creek Campground

  Trout Fishing Paradise

  This is a great place for pull-type campers or tent camping. Campground is always clean and access is directly off the scenic highway. Several hiking trails nearby. First photo is 100 yards from the campground.

• 

  josh S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 25, 2021

  Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

  Beautiful tent sites

  We tent camped at site A1 and had so much room and privacy. Sites are backed up against pond so there were people fishing here and there, but we weren't too bothered after a certain time. Campground offers family showers and a few kid friendly activities.

• 

  RL

  Legend

  

  Mar. 21, 2021

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  2 Night Minimum

  Just went to book a site since I’m in the area, and it’s a two-night minimum to tent camp. This seems crazy for a Sunday night and the campground is not at all packed. It’s also $50/night, which is too high for primitive sites.

• D

  Dave L.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 15, 2019

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  Nice place

  Enjoyed the area. Campground is nice and the facilities are very clean. Good place to roam around if you have a dog. Tent sites are somewhat close together but overall great place to camp.

• 

  Ryan Z.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 2, 2021

  Shenandoah Valley Campground

  Bunnies everywhere!

  Great campground with lots to do with the family. My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt. The one problem is the camper section is very tight, whereas the tent sites look more roomy.

• 

  Ashley F.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 13, 2023

  Kiss the Earth

  Very Private Site

  Ashley here with The Dyrt. I want to welcome this partner to our platform. This is private land where you will be camping in the woods. Site is level and perfect for car or tent camping. Pack it in, pack it out. Book your stay today and leave them some love!

• 

  Alex R.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 7, 2023

  Catawba Mountain Shelter on the AT

  Great campsite !

  You get a lean-to and tent sites.

  Near water (collect water with a filter only)

  I was able to make a fire but make sure it's okay when you go.

  Lots of space for many people.

  Not too far from McAfee knob.

• 

  Kenneth K.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 19, 2018

  Kumbrabow State Forest

  Peaceful creekside

  Beautiful tent sites along the creek! I was there in late summer, but I plan to return in late spring when the rhododendrons would be in bloom. Access is by about 6 miles of dirt/rock road. There are many trails at all hiking levels.

• 

  Shannon L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 14, 2020

  Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

  Great campsite

  The tent sites were large and shaded. We were right by the fishing pond and it was a short walk to the playground, pool, jump pad, and very clean, private bathrooms. It stormed our first night, and the raised gravel tent platforms prevented us from flooding. It was quiet and peaceful, and we will definitely be back!

• K

  Kathleen M.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 17, 2020

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

  Great for young kids

  We camped on a busy fall weekend. The campground has Halloween themed activities for kids on specific weekends. We were there for one of these weekends. It’s geared for younger kids(10 and under).

  We had a tent site with water and electricity. There’s a bath house. There are other amenities, some of which were closed due to COVID.

• 

  RL

  Legend

  

  Aug. 30, 2019

  Shenandoah Valley Campground

  Close to Skydiving!

  Have stayed here twice when skydiving at Skydive Shenandoah. I will say the tent sites aren’t super desirable. Not private and gravel. The cabins though - perfect for one or two people, has a fire ring. Both times we had a nice stay, both times in a cabin. Lots of antiquing and flea marketing in the area.

• 

  Jennifer E.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 14, 2020

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  Great site, awesome brewery!

  Nice campground with plenty of room. The bathhouse is top notch! Squeaky clean with lots of space. Love that you can just walk to the brewery from your site. We had two tents on an RV spot because their tent sites were full. Walked some of the easy trails that were in the area. The scenery was beautiful and our overall experience was great. Will come back for sure!

• 

  Katie

  Guide

  

  Oct. 31, 2022

  Montebello Resort

  Great quiet campground.

  Great mix of full hook up, water and electric, and tent sites. A wooded campground with beautiful ponds, and a trout fishing pond. Big enough for small and medium size campers but not being surrounded by giant RV’s and fifth wheels. Just off the blue ridge parkway. GreAt access to all the hiking. Stayed here twice. The little country store is great.

• 

  Evan G.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 20, 2020

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  Everything you ever wanted and more

  Tent camped at the park late October and everything was perfect. Very quiet, flat ground, so much room, the cleanest and nicest bathhouse I've ever seen, hot water included. Not to mention a very nice fire pit and picnic table at our site. Firewood and ice on site and the best of all, the full service brewery, restaurant, and concert venue all on site. 100/10 best campsite I've ever stayed at.

• N

  Nelson H.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 2, 2018

  Devil’s Backbone Camp

  Ok for what it is.

  An inexpensive place to sleep within walking distance to restaurant and brewery. New very nice and clean bathhouse. But I can't see how it can handle the amount of campsites. About 25 tent sites, maybe another 22 no hookup RV sites, 24 full hook up. Mens room has 2 toilets 3 sinks and 2 showers. Not a problem on a weekday in November. Water saver in the shower, water warm enough but never had to turn on the cold. No bench or chair to dry feet and put on sox and shoes. No wifi at site. AT&T cell service. Tent sites are close together, maybe 25 feet from table to table with little to no privacy between them. Many of the sites are illuminated by the LED floods from the bathhouse. Found myself hiding my eyes in the shadow of the trees. No trash cans. Hammock campers be aware. Most sites are so small with so few trees you may have trouble finding 2 trees within your own site. So if you want to eat, drink, camp and not have to drive, this will work. Just don't plan on getting up in the middle of the night and pee in the woods because you will probably pee on your neighbor's tent.

• S

  Susan P.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 1, 2018

  Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

  Very Clean, Very Friendly, Great tent sites

  It was still off season when we stayed and it was very quiet. The staff was extremely friendly and the campground was super clean! There was plenty for kids to do playground, pool, jump pillow, fishing pond and hiking trails. The tent site was amazing right by the pond. The fire pit has a grate for cooking. It is very close to many hiking trails. We will definitely go back again.

• 

  Kaylee G.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 1, 2022

  Natural Bridge KOA

  Just right

  Normally we camp with our tent, but we decided to make the trip to check out Natural Bridge State Park at the end of December. Never quite sure what the weather is like we were able to get a one room camping cabin. It was perfect for our family of three plus two dogs. Our toddler was throughout entertained by exploring everything around us and we would have visits by a black cat. Can't wait to go back and check out their tent sites.

• 

  Jennifer T.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

  Family Friendly

  Been here a few times as campers and as guests. They have play grounds, mini golf, a game room, air pillow, a pool with a kids area and water slides. If that isn’t enough, there is a lake with a big blow up slide and more in the center and also has river access. You can get free life jackets to use and can rent out boats for the river. They also do lots of activities for kids and families to participate and have fun. There is a small market on site, and a cafe with a grill. You can camp in a tent, RV/camper or you can rent a cabin. You are also right by Natural Bridge State Park and Dixie Caverns. Zoofari and more. So there is also plenty to do right around the area as well.