Best Tent Camping near Waynesboro, VA

Tent campsites in the Waynesboro area of Virginia feature a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed options within short driving distance. Canoe Landing Group Campsite at James River State Park provides dedicated tent camping along the river, while Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping offers more primitive options for backpackers seeking solitude. Walnut Grove in James River State Park also maintains dedicated tent camping sites with picnic tables and fire rings, accessible via drive-in or walk-in options.

Most tent-only sites require campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste disposal. At Switzer Lake, the primitive backcountry camping areas lack facilities, and campers must pack out all trash. One visitor noted that "the road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain" at Switzer Lake. Hog Camp Gap provides free tent camping with fire rings, but no potable water or toilets, so campers should bring filtration systems. Bears are active throughout the region, with James River State Park providing bear boxes at tent sites, while at dispersed locations, food should be secured in vehicles or bear-resistant containers.

The backcountry tent camping areas create opportunities for genuine wilderness experiences. "If you travel back to U.S. 33 and drive 9.1 miles West you will find the Brandywine General Store on your left. They have kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home," advised one Switzer Lake camper. Walk-in tent sites at James River State Park offer more privacy than drive-in options, with tent pads positioned away from parking areas. Tent-only campgrounds like Branch Pond require hiking in, making them quieter than more accessible locations. Sites at higher elevations provide cooler summer temperatures but may have limited shade compared to riverside locations. Cell service is typically poor or non-existent at most backcountry tent sites, offering a true disconnect from technology.

Best Tent Sites Near Waynesboro, Virginia (22)

    1. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    27 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    31 miles
    Website

    $15 - $80 / night

    "Ranger led park programs are offered year round, this week included a natural history boat tour in the lake, and a naturalist talk on loons."

    "We stayed at site 11 in location 2 on the Lake James campgrounds; it’s a paddle-in-only location. Getting there required canoeing in, which was easy for us to do on the lake’s dock."

    2. Kennedy Fields Campgrounds

    Be the first to review!
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 265-0019

    3. Walnut Grove — James River State Park

    11 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 933-8061

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Lake James is a true gem, clean and beautiful, with amazing views of Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain, and Table Rock. The State Park has several camping areas."

    "This is a lovely little campground set on the shores of James Lake. Sites are big enough for 2 small tents or 1 largish family tent. All sites have a picnic table, fire pit with grate, and bear box."

    4. Branch Pond — James River State Park

    9 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    31 miles
    Website

    $15 - $18 / night

    "Located in the middle of nowhere off of narrow Virginia secondary roads, we were surprised to get good Verizon reception. We stayed on site 15 which is a long pull-thru."

    "First of all, the ranger over the campgrounds is awesome. He’s really, really nice. Secondly, this campground will always be a favorite for us."

    5. Hog Camp Gap

    2 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    26 miles
    Website

    "service was in and out as well there is a spring but remember to boil or chemical treat the water before use is not tested for parasites another humble bacteria I also recommend investing in a portable toilet"

    "the campground is roughly the size of a Walmart parking lot including the store or three football fields you do have to carry all the stuff from your car do the campsite but luckily you don't have to walk"

    6. Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    6 Reviews
    Singers Glen, VA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 560-4847

    $25 - $30 / night

    "If you are tent camping or have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area.  The camp area is quiet and there is plenty of firewood for use."

    "We're excited to welcome this property to the platform. Camp out under a canopy of Red Cedar Trees and make yourself comfortable. Free firewood! Give this place a go and leave your review here."

    7. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    37 miles
    Website

    "Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

    Amazing"

    "It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site."

    8. Warren Ferry Landing

    2 Reviews
    Scottsville, VA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 231-2278

    $21 - $60 / night

    "We're so excited to have this property on our platform! These flat, well maintained sites are perfect to pitch your tent or park your RV. The sites are large and offer ample shade."

    10. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    38 miles
    Website

    "It’s a decently private spot with the trail close by, bugs weren’t bad only gripe was bears were constantly checking out our tent during night, we had one beef stick (trash thrown in our hang bag of course"

    "This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Waynesboro, VA

843 Reviews of 22 Waynesboro Campgrounds



Guide to Waynesboro

Tent camping near Waynesboro, Virginia offers a blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tent campers should check out Kennedy Fields Campgrounds

  • This campground is nestled within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, providing a serene environment for tent camping.
  • With a focus on simplicity, Kennedy Fields offers a peaceful retreat without the distractions of modern amenities.
  • The natural surroundings make it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Augusta County Natural Chimneys Park and Campground

  • Enjoy the convenience of electric hookups and drinking water, making your stay more comfortable.
  • Fires are allowed, so you can gather around the campfire for stories and s'mores under the stars.
  • The campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Tent campers like these nearby activities at Walnut Grove — James River State Park

  • Experience breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings, perfect for hiking and exploring the trails.
  • The park offers excellent opportunities for stargazing, with minimal light pollution enhancing the night sky experience.
  • Enjoy water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding on the James River, providing a refreshing way to connect with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waynesboro, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waynesboro, VA is Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Waynesboro, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.