Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Virginia

The place where the first permanent British colony in mainland North America was founded in 1607, Virginia is a state with an exceptional history and abundant natural attractions. From colonial towns and Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields to various Presidential Homes, including one that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, history is never far away when camping in Virginia. Nature, too, is an intricate part of Virginia’s state identity.

On the coast, you’ll find several state parks and wildlife refuges. Additionally, there are significant historic sites such as Colonial National Historical Park, which includes Historic Jamestown and the Yorktown Battlefield. Across Chesapeake Bay, a calm wave-less bay, lie popular Cape Charles and glorious Assateague Island National Seashore with its feral horses galloping along the beaches. All around Chesapeake Bay, extensive sand beaches and shallow water attract huge crowds of sunbathers and families camping in Virginia over Summer break.

More inland, rolling vineyards and horse farms characterize the Monticello American Viticultural Area, while the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains to the west has been praised in many a country song. It’s in this region, with its undulating forested hills, rocky outcrops, countless waterfalls and rich biodiversity, that you’ll want to go camping in Virginia.

Shenandoah National Park, protecting a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ crest, is an outdoor playground for hikers, cyclists, wildlife watchers and road trippers alike. The only road through the park is Skyline Drive, a world-class mountain road lined with trails, campgrounds, a couple of historic lodges, and more than 70 overlooks.

At the park’s southern entrance, Skyline Drive links up with the equally scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Connecting Shenandoah with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, its 469 miles make it the longest linear park in America. From historic homesteads and the Blue Ridge Music Center to viewpoints, hiking trails and waterfalls like Crabtree Falls, its numerous attractions, combined with free access, make this the most visited unit in the entire National Park Service system.

Other great destinations for camping in Virginia are the Allegheny Highlands, home to natural hot springs, and Grayson Highlands State Park featuring rock-strewn mountain meadows, panoramic vistas and wild ponies.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Virginia (388)

    1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    117 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "Stayed here with three other girls and my dog- it was a great spot! Nice and close to some great trails for our evening walk, and nothing beats staying Inside the NP!"

    "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

    2. First Landing State Park Campground

    116 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Website
    +1 (757) 412-2300

    $28 - $40 / night

    "We live on the other side of Virginia, but have enjoyed returning to First Landing whenever we get the chance. We love the fact that we can visit the beach AND camp."

    "🥾20 miles of Trails!! Lots of trails to hike and mountain/hybrid bike. We were surprised at the quality and the number of trails available. We were never bored."

    3. Pocahontas State Park Campground

    78 Reviews
    Chester, VA
    Website
    +1 (804) 796-4255

    $35 - $40 / night

    "They even installed maintenance equipment at the entrance of each new trail so you can make minor adjustments without carrying your own equipment."

    "Largest State Park in Virginia - nearly 8,000 acres. We stayed two nights and paddled around Swift Creek Lake on Sunday. The staff was amazing."

    4. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    61 Reviews
    Dyke, VA
    Website
    +1 (434) 823-4675

    $30 - $75 / night

    "We arrived around noon and with the hopes of getting a good first-come, first serve site. All of the reserved sites were booked through July."

    "This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days."

    5. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Tons of trails great for families with dogs or those wanting to get out and hike. The campsite featured some of the best bathroom/ shower houses, they were super clean and well maintained."

    "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers."

    6. Kiptopeke State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Townsend, VA
    Website
    +1 (757) 331-2267

    $30 - $47 / night

    "Very pet friendly and they also made a beach side for pets to swim at. Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc; sites are nice and big."

    "It has 2 beautiful beaches ‘ one that allows pets and the other does not . There are wooden boardwalk trails in the park and a few of them leads to different areas on the beach ."

    7. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    44 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"

    "The pull in area was paved and behind it was a nice flat tent area."

    8. Holiday Trav-L-Park

    44 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Website
    +1 (866) 849-8860

    $25 - $92 / night

    "They do have a heated indoor pool, laundry, numerous restrooms, and a great dog park. There is yard/tiki art and paintings around the park."

    "We stayed for the weekend with our 4 kids and dog. There were lots of other pups there and tons of activities for the kids."

    9. Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    40 Reviews
    Marion, VA
    Website
    +1 (276) 781-7400

    $25 - $45 / night

    "The amenities cannot be missed - beach with bath house and snack bar, interpretive center with children’s activities, on-site restaurant with wonderful lake view, $8 kayak rentals, well-kept paddle boats"

    "We stayed here for an overnight stop on our road trip through Virginia, and it was lovely!"

    10. Sun Outdoors Cape Charles

    39 Reviews
    Cape Charles, VA
    Website
    +1 (757) 331-3063

    "Nice dog park and dog beach."

    "It's nearby for Tidewater Virginia campers. Great swimming, fishing, boating and playground opportunities"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 388 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Virginia

3458 Reviews of 388 Virginia Campgrounds



Guide to Virginia

Virginia offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From scenic parks to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s something for every pet owner.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities available at these campgrounds

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great activities for all

Pet owners like the welcoming atmosphere and community

  • Holiday Trav-L-Park is known for its friendly staff and family-oriented environment, making it a great place for pets and their owners to socialize.
  • Virginia Beach KOA offers a dog park and various activities, ensuring your pet has plenty of opportunities to play and meet other dogs.
  • Misty Mountain Camp Resort hosts events for families, creating a lively atmosphere where pets are welcome to join in the fun.