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There are many awesome campsites in Virginia.
This blog post covers all the different camping spots in Virginia, from the beaches to the mountains and all the way up to our state park gems, so you can discover a new spot for yourself. From the Chesapeake Bay area to the Blue Ridge Parkway and everywhere in between, you’ll be sure to find a favorite (or two) on this list. Happy camping!
Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park is a scenic wilderness area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Its most popular destination is Skyline Drive, which follows the ridge line of the mountains for 105 miles. Hikers and campers can enjoy more than 500 miles of trails in this park, but there are also other activities to keep you busy: boating on fishing streams and rivers; horseback riding through meadows and forests; or just relaxing at one of several visitor centers along Skyline Drive. And don’t forget to look up! You’ll see wildlife like deer, foxes, bears, raccoons…and even bald eagles!
The scenery here will take your breath away–there’s no better way to enjoy it than by hiking through some of those trails while camping overnight with friends or family members who share your love for nature (or maybe just make new ones). The scenic views include granite cliffs that reach over 4500 feet high (Mounter Jefferson), rolling green hills where cattle graze peacefully next to peaceful streams flowing down steep slopes (Stony Man Mountain), plus stunning waterfalls cascading into deep gorges formed millions years ago by glaciers during an Ice Age (Maryland Heights).
So if you’re ready for an adventure unlike anything else out there–and want it all under one roof (literally!) then Shenandoah National Park may be just what you’ve been searching for when planning your next vacation!
New River Trail State Park
New River Trail State Park is a great place to visit if you want to hike, bike or canoe. The park has miles of trails and over 200 campsites available for rent. There are also several places where you can fish in the river, swim or go boating on Lake Gaston. There are picnic areas throughout the park as well as playgrounds and horseshoe pits for family fun!
The New River Trail State Park also has opportunities for cross-country skiing during winter months when there is enough snow on the ground.
Claytor Lake State Park
Claytor Lake State Park is located in Pulaski County, Virginia and is open from April to October. The park offers a lake and a marina as well as swimming areas, beaches and boat launches. There is also an on-site store where guests can purchase groceries or other items needed during their stay. The campground has a recreation room with video games available for guest use at no charge with your paid camping fee (Wii gaming system provided), as well as hiking trails where you can explore the local nature and wildlife.
James River State Park
The James River State Park is located in Prince Edward County, Virginia. The park was established in the 1970s, and it has since been one of the most popular places to visit in Virginia. The James River State Park is filled with many activities that you can enjoy while camping here. Some of these activities include hiking trails, fishing spots, swimming holes and more!
The perfect time to visit this state park is during the summer months because temperatures are usually warmer than they are during other seasons of the year. You should also keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as deer and birds along some of their hiking trails at this time as well!
You can get there by driving down Interstate 64 until you reach exit 201B onto Route 646 which leads right into Prince Edward County where you will find yourself near both Interstate 64 & Routes 60/258 intersection which connects directly with Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center (exit 22). From there it’s approximately 1 mile south on Route 60 until reaching another major intersection called “Prince Edward Plaza Road” where several businesses including Wal-Mart Supercenter & Kroger Grocery Store are located nearby within walking distance from entrance gates located off Colonial Parkway Drive (Route 707).
First Landing State Park
You’re going to want to get in touch with your inner explorer. First Landing State Park is the place for that. It’s got a lot of history, and there are plenty of things you can do here that will take you back centuries—like hiking along trails with names like Old Virginia Beach Road Trail and American Indian Cultural Trail, or even camping out in one of their campgrounds (more on those later).
First Landing State Park was established as a recreational area by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1946, so it’s got plenty of history behind it already. The park has over 4 miles worth of trails for hikers and bikers alike, as well as many scenic views from which you can take photos (or just look at them like we do). Plus if you’re not into hiking or biking down these trails all day long (as we know some people aren’t), there are plenty of other activities within this park such as fishing at one of three lakes within its borders!
False Cape State Park
- You’re in for an adventure. Located on the Virginia Beach coast, False Cape State Park has a campground that is perfect for any camper who wants to explore the beach. The park offers plenty of hiking trails, fishing spots and swimming areas.
- If you are looking for more than just a tent site then False Cape State Park is also home to three different types of cabins which can accommodate up to six people each. These cabins include: two bedroom/two bathroom, one bedroom/one bathroom and two bedroom/one bathroom units. Each cabin also has its own private deck overlooking the water!
- Another great feature about this campground is they offer boat rentals as well as personal watercraft (i.e., jet skis). This makes it easy for campers who want a more exciting camping experience without having to bring their own boats along with them!
Three Ridges Wilderness Area
Three Ridges Wilderness Area is a popular destination for hikers, backpackers and kayakers who want to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains. The wilderness area is in Bland County, Virginia and borders the George Washington National Forest. It’s also accessible by canoe across the Rapidan River from its sister wilderness area: Catawba Valley.
Three Ridges itself has many trails that take visitors through highland ridges with spectacular views of Mount Rogers (the highest peak in Virginia) and other peaks in Appalachia such as Brush Mountain and Hogback Mountain.
Birders will find plenty of birds to see at Three Ridges Wilderness Area including bluebirds, thrushes, warblers and vireos (to name just a few).
Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park is located in Grayson County, Virginia. When you go there, you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Grayson Highlands State Park has a campground with 35 campsites. There are also yurts available to rent that sleep 6 people each and cabins that sleep 8 people each.
There is no reservation system for camping in Grayson Highlands State Park; you just need to arrive early enough on Friday before 8 p.m., or Saturday before 9 p.m, to get a site during peak season (generally May through mid-October). The rest of the year parking spots are first come first served.
The weather at Grayson Highlands State Park can be cold at night even when it’s warm during the day—temperatures usually stay around 50 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months but drop below freezing during winter nights which means you will need warm clothes if camping here in those seasons!
You will find most facilities at Grayson Highlands State Park clean and modern for any type of traveler: showers, bathrooms with hot water showers (and sinks), playgrounds for kids who want fun activities while parents prepare meals outdoors under covered pavilions equipped with grills so everyone can enjoy delicious food together as family!
Devils Backbone Campground and Outpost Brewery
Devils Backbone Campground & Outpost Brewery is a family-owned resort nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Nelson County, Virginia. It’s open year-round and has something for everyone: cabins, yurts and camping sites are available; there’s an onsite brewery that offers beer tastings daily; there’s even a swimming pool!
You can even bring your furry friends along too with their dog park! But don’t worry if you haven’t got one—there are many other things to do at Devils Backbone: play volleyball on the beach or get lost in the corn maze during fall season (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love corn mazes)? You could also take a hike around the campground trail system or just relax with some good food from their restaurant where they serve breakfast all day long. There’s so much fun waiting for you here at Devils Backbone!
Hungry Mother State Park
Hungry Mother State Park: Located in Marion, Hungry Mother State Park is an amazing place to camp and hike. The park is frequented by some of the best whitewater rafting in the country, so bring your kayak or canoe and get ready for a wild ride! Ready to just relax? Stroll down one of the many trails that crisscross the entire park and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
It’s important to note that if you’re planning on staying here for more than one night, you will need a reservation during peak season (May-September). Additionally, there are no showers available at this state park – but it’s so close to civilization that there will definitely be one within walking distance from wherever you stay!
Conclusion
Here are all of our favorite Virginia camping spots, from the beaches to the mountains and all the way up to our state park gems, so you can discover a new spot for yourself. Happy camping!
