Best Tent Camping near Washington, VA

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Washington? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent camping near Washington, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Washington, Virginia (34)

    Russ L.'s photo of tent camping at Sky Meadows State Park Campground near Paris, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sky Meadows State Park Campground near Paris, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sky Meadows State Park Campground near Paris, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sky Meadows State Park Campground near Paris, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sky Meadows State Park Campground near Paris, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sky Meadows State Park Campground near Paris, VA

    1. Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    35 Photos
    131 Saves
    Paris, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Anderson F.'s photo of tent camping at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray, VA

    2. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

    4 Reviews
    18 Photos
    296 Saves
    Luray, Virginia

    "Glamping at it's finest!"  "Vacation In the Round" alongside the beautiful, legendary Shenandoah River in Luray, Virginia. Campers all around the world, experience true serenity when you vacation in one of our ONE-OF-A-KIND YURTS! Offering tent sites and yurts!  #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp's riverfront campsite settings and yurts are just perfect for groups; relax with family and friends at this beautiful,  In addition we offer two totally primitive tentsites in the pines diagonally across the road from kamp.  The 1947 Rock Tavern Retreat cabin (luxury) is diagonally across the road from kamp.  Groups can reserve in advance the entire camp and cabin - special pricing.  #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp has on-site tubing,kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and local firewood is available.#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp is central to your camping vacation in Luray: you'll be hiking in GW National Forest within minutes! When you vacation at our camp, you're within **20 minutes of the entrance of Shenandoah National Park.**The famed Luray Caverns is within 7 minutes. Super convenient, the Walmart is a 10-minute drive from the#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp, and if you don't feel like cooking while you camp, Anthony's Pizza Delivers! Horseback riding just 12 min away.  Cooter's "Dukes of Hazzard" Museum is 15 min away.  River Hill Distillery is only 5 min- wine tastings, corn whiskey and bourbon all made on the horse farm.

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

    $45 - $225 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Fort Campground near Woodstock, VA

    3. Little Fort Campground

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    124 Saves
    Woodstock, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Jon N.'s photo of tent camping at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site near Bentonville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site near Bentonville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site near Bentonville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site near Bentonville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site near Bentonville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site near Bentonville, VA
    heather's photo of tent camping at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at South Fork Shenandoah River near Rileyville, VA

    5. South Fork Shenandoah River

    2 Reviews
    12 Photos
    89 Saves
    Rileyville, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Beth S.'s photo of tent camping at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Anna State Park Campground near Mineral, VA

    6. Lake Anna State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    76 Photos
    168 Saves
    Mineral, Virginia

    Camping Lake Anna Campground offers sites with and without water and electric hookups, centrally located restrooms with hot showers, fire-rings, picnic tables and lantern holders. Half the sites may be specifically reserved; the rest are assigned upon arrival. A table showing site-specific sites can be found here (PDF). Click here for pictures of the sites. Bunkhouse One bunkhouse - No weekly requirement. The park rents a camping lodge (bunkhouse) that's next to the bathhouse in the north camping loop. The bunkhouse is not a full-service lodge. The north loop's bathhouse includes the only restroom facilities for your stay. It's a two-room trailer with seven bunk beds, a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a coffee pot and an air conditioner. The bunkhouse also has a charcoal grill and deck outside. Cooking and smoking are not permitted inside the lodge. Five vehicles are permitted with rental of the lodge; the daily parking fee must be paid for additional vehicles. Yurts Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter. Functionally speaking, it's a cross between a tent and a cabin. Lake Anna has four yurts in the back section of the campground and tucked neatly into a wooded area for privacy and extra shade. Each yurt has a large wooden deck and includes a ground-level picnic pad with a picnic table, fire-ring and separate cooking grill. Reservations are required. Parking for two cars per yurt is at the beginning of the "yurt village," and carts are available for moving items from there to the yurts on a gravel trail. Those with more than two vehicles must pay a daily parking fee and park in overflow lots located throughout the campground. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m. The rental season begins on the first Friday in March and ends on the first Sunday in December. Cabin rental and cancellation policies apply. There is a two-night minimum rental during the rest of camping season.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo at Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap OHV System near Woodstock, VA

    7. Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap OHV System

    1 Review
    25 Saves
    Woodstock, Virginia

    Known as the largest OHV complex in the state of Virginia, Peters Mill Run and Taskers Gap is an adventure you will never forget. With the wind in your face, zip along this rugged trail system with exciting twists and turns that will keep you hanging on for more. This is an excursion that is sure to leave you reenergized and coming back for more!

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Crease Shelter near Bentonville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Crease Shelter near Bentonville, VA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Crease Shelter near Bentonville, VA

    8. Little Crease Shelter

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    24 Saves
    Bentonville, Virginia

    The Little Crease Shelter camping area in Virginia offers spectacular surrounding views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is located near the Appalachian Trail, making it a popular destination for hikers. Nearby points of interest include the Shenandoah National Park, Crabtree Falls, and the James River. The campground has amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets. It is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and offers five campsites. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild, averaging around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to note that the campground is often closed during the winter months due to snow and icy conditions.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Toilets
    Nora S.'s photo of tent camping at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT
    Camper-submitted photo at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT
    Camper-submitted photo at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT
    Camper-submitted photo at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT
    Camper-submitted photo at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT
    Camper-submitted photo at Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping near Syria, CT

    9. Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    13 Saves
    Syria, Virginia

    Back-country Permit Required - https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/bc-permit.htm

    Each year thousands of people spend a night or more in the Shenandoah’s backcountry. While visitors seek the backcountry for isolation, the cumulative actions of everyone in these areas can have dire effects on the resources we seek to enjoy. We can mitigate these effects by following Leave No Trace principles, as well as observing park backcountry regulations. The following regulations exist to keep Shenandoah's wilderness wild and untrammeled for you and for future generations of hikers and campers.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Crisman Hollow Road Camp near Mount Jackson, VA

    10. Crisman Hollow Road Camp

    1 Review
    25 Saves
    Mount Jackson, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
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Showing results 1-10 of 34 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Washington, Virginia

931 Reviews of 34 Washington Campgrounds


  • Bridget H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    Trails and Water

    We legit loved this park! I took my grandkids tent camping and we had a wonderful experience. We brought our bikes and hit the trails. It was some great times. We had electricity and water and the bathrooms were close to our site. The park is on the Shenandoah River and there are multiple spots to put in and take out. There is primitive tent camping down by the river which looks fantastic. We definitely loved the trails with hiking and biking options. We will definitely go here again.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Small tent sites with big noise

    Stayed in tent site 005, and while it wasn’t the smallest of the tent sites or least private, if was very close to the main look road and every car entering the camp loop passes right by the site up the hill within eyesight. Camp store didn’t allow dogs, and I didn’t feel good leaving my dog unattended in the park (which is their rule) I didn’t get to visit the store. One good thing was the view from the amphitheater

  • 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).

  • Cory E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Watercress Inn at Landon Farm
    May. 23, 2024

    Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

    Great camp site

    Did two nights at Butterfly Camp while hiking Old Rag and other trails in Shenandoah. Great experience, site had everything you would need and more for tent camping and enjoying some peace and quiet.

  • Amber
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Gap
    Jun. 22, 2018

    Wolf Gap

    Great hiking

    Great place to go tent camping and hiking. The sites are free and are first come first serve. Highly recommended you bring your own water or container to fill at the spring down the road.

  • RL
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Mountain Campground
    Oct. 4, 2019

    Cedar Mountain Campground

    Simple Campground

    $25 + tax per night for a tent site, $2 more per person. Showers and bathhouses avail. RV accommodations. About 6 miles from the town of Culpeper.

  • Brian V.
    Camper-submitted photo from North Fork Resort
    Apr. 30, 2019

    North Fork Resort

    Expensive

    Stopped here for a tent site. And the cost was almost $60 a night. They do offer discounts for some associations but I wasn’t a member of any.

  • Scott F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Christopher Run Campground
    May. 4, 2021

    Christopher Run Campground

    Great campsite off of Lake Anna in Virginia.

    We've spent a number of nights tent camping at Christopher Run. The people who manage the site are very nice. The campground and bathrooms are kept clean. The bathrooms are even air-conditioned. Christopher Run has a boat launch as well.

  • Julia A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
    May. 13, 2019

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    For glamping not camping

    Hot clean showers, all the tent sites platforms were covered with mushrooms and map is labeled completely wrong. 3 stars for the high quality amenities available but needs site maintenance.

  • Maggie A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders
    May. 5, 2017

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    River Front Camping

    This campground has an abundance of things to do. The campground offers adventures like rafting, biking, tubing and zip lining to name a few. If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry (If you’re facing the river then the trail is to the right of the campground with a sign reading that you have entered Harper’s Ferry National Park. The trail is about 1.5 miles one way). From there you can grab a bite, visit the history of Harper's Ferry or continue exploring more hiking trails. There are train tracks behind the campground with a train going through day and night. For me it’s a minor inconvenience and my daughter, who even as a baby, slept through it. Do bring ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper. Bathroom and showers located nearby. You’re not allowed to park at the tent sites but most of the tent sites allow you to drop all your camping gear off and then park in a designated area. Between the tent sites being close together and the campground being part of zip lining/rafting courses there’s not a ton of privacy (especially during the weekend). Overall, it's a great adventurous spot!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Fairfax Campground
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Perfect quick getaway

    For tent camping I would suggests sites 30,33 or 35 these are tucked along the tree line. The bathroom facilities were the cleanest I have seen in a campground. Quiet time was observed and there are plenty of nice trails around for hiking and biking

  • Jen V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
    Jul. 19, 2017

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Great views, secluded sites

    Tent-camped here with a group of friends, and the site was plenty large enough for 2 tents, a makeshift tarp shelter, and vehicle. We ended up getting rained out, unfortunately, but not before we got to do a little hiking and relaxing by the fire :) Beautiful area, with lots of great hiking trails right near the campground.

  • Corey B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
    Apr. 28, 2019

    Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    Great Kid Friendly Getaway

    Great views of the blue ridge mountains with many river access points. The Virginia Canopy Tour is fun. We camped with our pop-up in the RV section. Sites were spacious and the bathhouse clean. We checked out an adventure pack from the visitors center and hiked the River Trail, thus our son became a junior ranger. Tent sites, RV sites, camping cabins and large cabins all available. Firewood for sale in the park. We’ll be back! More trails to hike!

  • Annette K.
    Camper-submitted photo from #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
    Sep. 18, 2019

    #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

    Owner says...

    We are located on the Shenandoah River! Our waterfront unique kamp offers yurts and tent sites along with a well maintained bathhouse! Of course I feel we are 5 stars! Come visit us for the perfect Glamping experience — open year round!

  • Marissa S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Apr. 23, 2022

    Little Fort Campground

    Nice free spot

    Hesitant to post a review for the simple fact that I don’t want more people to come across it 😂 it’s a great free spot to camp! There is an atv trail - so you will hear noise. But everyone is respectful and it’s quiet at night. Sites are decent size for tent camping. Dog friendly.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
    Oct. 18, 2021

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Typical KOA Primitive camping expensive

    Nice tightly packed campground including tent camping. We sent up camp D22. Very tight spacing. Noisy neighbors with no consideration for other campers. No water/electricity. Over $100 for 2 nights. Nice staff. Bathrooms ok and clean. Camp store nice with decent pizza delivery possible. We mountain biked at Bryce ski resort 40 minutes away.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Low Water Bridge Campground
    Apr. 30, 2023

    Low Water Bridge Campground

    Beautiful campground on the river--peaceful

    We loved our stay at a tent site on the river in June 2022. It was peaceful, and we spent a lot of our stay in the water. Will definitely be coming back! The staff was nice, service good, and bathrooms adequate.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
    Oct. 12, 2020

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Gorgeous! Great spot for hiking and car camping!

    Beautiful spot on to of a bald. Good amount of tree coverage from rain/other groups. Some of the tent sites are close to neighbors, but we made friends! No more than 5 minute walk to bathrooms and water source. Would highly recommend!


Guide to Washington

Tent camping near Washington, Virginia offers a fantastic escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.

Explore Scenic Trails and Outdoor Activities

Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities

  • Little Fort Campground provides well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • At #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp, campers can enjoy river access, clean bathrooms, and spacious tent sites, perfect for families and groups.
  • Mountain Lake Campground offers a peaceful setting with essential amenities, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway.

Discover Local Attractions and Natural Beauty

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Washington, VA is Sky Meadows State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Washington, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.