Tent camping near Wingina, Virginia offers experiences along the James River watershed at an elevation between 600-800 feet above sea level. The area sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing a moderate climate with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during the day and dropping to the mid-60s at night. Fall camping season typically extends through late October with cooler temperatures ideal for hiking and riverside camping.
What to do
River activities: James River State Park offers canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service for water adventures. "My husband and I car camped at Paddy Creek in Lake James State Park and were surprised to find such great amenities. The bathrooms were clean and convenient from all the sites. There was water available at our site and neat trails down to the lake," notes one camper.
Fishing: Warren Ferry Landing provides direct river access for anglers. The campground features flat, well-maintained sites with ample shade. According to one reviewer, "These flat, well maintained sites are perfect to pitch your tent or park your RV. The sites are large and offer ample shade."
Hiking: Phantom Hill Forest Farm has private trails on its property. A camper reports, "We had a great time at Phantom Hill. The sites are large and primitive. We had no trouble getting down there in the jeep. We appreciated the dishes/kitchen set up, games, and the adorable outhouse!"
Stargazing: James River State Park offers exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor mentioned, "Look at all those stars! The beat place for star gazing! Just ask for a telescope (free at the store) and stare up at the sky for hours!"
What campers like
Privacy: Hog Camp Gap offers free camping with more secluded options. One camper notes, "Great free campsite great place to go hiking with beautiful views of the mountains park your car and scout out your ideal campsite the campground is roughly the size of a Walmart parking lot including the store or three football fields."
River proximity: Branch Pond sites provide direct water access for some campsites. A visitor shares, "Camp here hike up stream then just sit back and float back to your site all to yourself."
Clean facilities: Walnut Grove campground maintains well-kept bathhouses. According to a camper, "The facilities here are some of the best. The bathhouse was immaculate and the campsite large enough for two tents to share comfortably."
Rural atmosphere: Cloverdale Farms offers a farm camping experience. One visitor describes it as, "What a great little place to spend the night. The host is super nice and friendly. You just set up camp wherever you feel like it on her little farmette and enjoy the peace and quiet and privacy that you don't get in a campground."
What you should know
Cell service: Limited connectivity exists throughout the camping areas. At Hog Camp Gap, a camper reports, "Cell service is poor I have u.s. cellular and I had one bar sometimes no bars data service was in and out as well."
Water sources: Bring water or prepare to treat natural sources. "There is a spring but remember to boil or chemical treat the water before use is not tested for parasites another humble bacteria," advises a Hog Camp Gap visitor.
Train noise: Some camping areas experience nighttime train disturbances. A Branch Pond camper notes, "My only complaint, which is 100% personal, is that there was a train that came through about 2 times a night. I'm a light sleeper and heard it coming miles away."
Tent pad drainage: After rain, some tent pads retain water. "As other reviews here and elsewhere mention, the tent pads don't drain well and huge puddles develop- some sites were completely overtaken by a full inch of water," warns a Branch Pond camper.
Tips for camping with families
Farm animal interaction: Cloverdale Farms offers unique experiences with farm animals. "If the peace and quiet isn't enough for you, there are pet goats, cats, a dog, and chickens that all love attention. Guests are more than welcome to help in the garden, pick flowers, and enjoy fresh produce and eggs while they're here," describes the host.
River safety: James River water conditions vary seasonally. One visitor cautions, "We only stopped here for an afternoon, but it was a very cool park with a mile jogging trail, some small rock climbing areas, and access to swim in the James River. The water seemed clear and cool on a Summer day and we had fun fighting the current. Note though-- would be careful swimming with children."
Transportation challenges: Some sites require gear hauling. At Hog Camp Gap, a camper advises, "Great free campsite great place to go hiking with beautiful views of the mountains park your car and scout out your ideal campsite... you do have to carry all the stuff from your car do the campsite but luckily you don't have to walk too far."
Early risers: Farm camping means early morning animal noises. At Cloverdale Farms, a visitor mentions, "The sounds of nature and farm animals surround you round the clock. Fyi the rooster is an early (and persistent!) riser!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground) offers level sites for larger rigs. A visitor notes, "Owners are really nice. Campground is beautiful. Sites are huge and level. It's quiet and peaceful, and the surrounding area is gorgeous."
Access roads: Some dispersed camping areas have rough approach roads. At the Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, a camper warns, "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."
Hookup availability: James River State Park offers water and electric hookups at some campsites. A camper notes, "After visiting the park many times, we finally camped there in July 2019. Most of the sites were huge and level, and we were able to choose a mostly-shaded site with water and electric near the bathhouse."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be challenging without hookups. One James River State Park visitor shares, "It was SO HOT when we were there and we really wished there was a designated 'beach' area on the river (or in a perfect world, a pool)."
