Lakeside camping in Virginia with campfires

Iconic hikes, history, and golden beaches await campers in Virginia’s 41 state parks.

94% (3010 reviews)

United States
—
Virginia

94% (3010 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Virginia

Dog-friendly getaways

Arcadia Sanctuary

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents83 acres · Buena Vista, VA

Arcadia is the name we gave to our 83-acre mountainside retreat center for Earth-Based Spirituality. It’s nestled on the south-eastern slope of 4000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia, convenient to I81. (Note, there is a town called Arcadia off I81, but that is not us. Not to confuse.) We have a mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, Witch Hazels leaning over the water, trout, crayfish, snakes, salamanders, and all the rest. We have about 2000 feet of the vertical mountainside with trails to explore. (But the stage and most of the camping is down closer to creek-level.) There are more sites higher up the mountain if you like more isolated camping. More of a trek to the bathrooms/showers/freshwater. We have one of the finest private stages on the East Coast with a top-notch sound system and a natural amphitheater which is like a single pie wedge of a Stadium that has regular live performances throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our yurt is regularly booked as a unique glamping experience. There are chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl free-roaming. Two dogs, nine cats, and several humans are blessed to call this home.

Camp Shenandoah Meadows

11 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Woodstock, VA

We welcome you to our view of the great outdoors. We are 30 minutes from the entrance of the well known Skyline Drive, part of the Shenandoah National Park. We are surrounded by multiple hikes, restaurants, breweries and wineries less than a 30 minute trip! Onsite we have numerous amenities open to all camping guests which include, fish stocked pond, large swimming pool, basketball court, and soccer field. We welcome you to stay with us and enjoy our 40 acre view! This camp was previously operated as a summer camp for large groups, but will now be open to groups of all sizes including campers throughout the year! This is new for the camp and the new owner, but we’re excited about hosting everyone going forward!Welcome!

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

7 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Charlottesville, VA

This was a 55-acre farm, split in half to accommodate a bypass through Charlottesville, so the previous owners had to give up half the land, and actually moved the house down to the other half of the property! They had to build a land bridge to get to the new home site, so they turned the bridge into a dam and created a beautiful large swimming pond, complete with beach and gazebo. My wife Stephanie and I bought the property in early 2017 and have turned it into a private horse farm, adding pastures, a riding ring, and 6-stall barn. There are ~21 horses who live on the property. The property is unique in that you can hardly see another house from anywhere on the property and yet we are only 2 miles from Barracks Rd. Shopping Center, and 4 miles from the University of Virginia.

Labyrinth, Trails and Solitude

11 sites · RVs, Tents116 acres · Orange , VA

116 acres of hills and dells. Miles of hiking trails marked and well maintained. A small pond and beautiful labyrinth. Over 50 acres of deep wilderness woods. General Lee and his troops once camped here. But they cleaned up pretty good, so all you can really see is the old spring and wagon road. This is a working herb and small fruit farm. We have been experimenting with all kinds of exotic herbs and trees. Some make it, many don't. We sell dried herb teas. In addition we have 5 different kinds of bamboo. We use the bamboo for so many things. In the 5 people per site we are considering adults, not children... bring a whole crew of kids (try to have enough supervision - if there is such a concept!) The kids have such a great time out here... it is amazing. They love the labyrinth! It seems like we made this place for the kids in ourselves and when actual kids see it they go wild. The last bunch were running and yelping with their picked flowers all round and round in the labyrinth for hours! Also, if you want peace and quiet - and we have children booked - we will put you out at one beautiful remote campsites away from all the kids running and singing.

Thunder Bridge

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Natural Bridge Station, VA

Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. We'd like to share the camp with others and see it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky.

Available this weekend

Chigger Creek Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Dinwiddie, VA

The Meadows is family fun for everyone, featuring a stunning twelve-acre lake stocked with large mouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish for the fishing enthusiast. The property is surrounded by hardwoods, with hiking trails for varied wildlife and bird watching opportunities. We have two camp sites on the water, each a short walk to the main beach for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, boarding, swimming, and sunning. We offer a camp kitchen and an outdoor shower at the main lodge for your convenience. Each camp site has their own beach, fire pit. A well-appointed toilet and shower available for everyone's use (Firewood is provided complimentary) The Meadows is a family friendly destination that won't disappoint. Whether you are a couple seeking a secluded spot for some rest and relaxation, a family looking to reconnect over s'mores after a corn hole tournament or a book club wanting a new get away to dissect their latest read you will discover relaxed Southern hospitality. Nearby attractions include Five Forks National Battlefield, Pamplin Park, The Virginia Motorsports Park and Lake Phoenix Scuba Park. Pricing starts at $65/85 per night tent rates or $95/115 per night RV/Electric car rates and includes two guests. Please register all additional guests over 12 years of age when booking - price is $25/35 per additional guest, per day - host will verify guests and vehicles upon arrival. Check in with your Host when you arrive!

Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Fort Valley, VA

Fall colors are just starting to show in the mountains. Voted Top VA site! See Reviews. Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch is conveniently located at the north end of Fort Valley. The recreational draw to this area is hard to beat in VA and this property has it all for an amazing outdoor weekend! The ranch consists of 40 acres of low-land pasture, groomed perfectly for camping groups large or small. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site offers the option to camp on our 5-acre lake or camp creekside in the Cedar Grove sites along the banks of Passage Creek. Creek access varies at each site depending on the bank. The Ceadar Grove sites are just a short walk to the lake and beach amenities. The property has 1/2mi of Passage Creek wrapping around all the campsites, as well as, the privet lake to enjoy. I have all kinds of boats to try out and the waters are stocked with Bass, Blue Gill, and Catfish. Please catch and release. Passage Creek is stocked with Rainbow, Brown, Tiger, and Brook Trout throughout the year. The prime waters are just a mile upstream from Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch. The Creekside Cedar sites are located within a sparse, groomed, Cedar grove along the banks of Passage Creek. These sites are extra large and can accommodate multiple family groups, as well as, travel trailers of all sizes up to off-road motorcoaches in site 1. There are no hookups, so It's just boondocking. Pack it in, Pack it out. Generators are allowed but please be aware of the other sites and direct the noise away. Groups of up to 25 people per site can realistically fit. Each site is very large with car camping space included. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site is very secluded, nestled between the mountains and the lake. It overlooks our 5-acre lake with mirror mountain views in the background. This site also has its own dock and is just a short walk down a mowed trail to a beautiful section of Passage Creek. An additional seasonal mountain stream can cascade behind the site and run under it to feed the lake when the conditions are right. The road can accommodate bumper pulls up to about 35ft to make the turn at the site. However, it is best suited for lighter traffic and smaller tent groups. At higher capacity, single-file parking is needed along the lake road. Max 10 people in order to keep some grass on the ground. Please, if you need more space - go to one of the Cedar Grove sites. Locally, the North end of Fort Valley offers many great hiking trails, trout fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and the Elizabeth Furnace day-use park. Taskers Gap OHV/ATV park is a short drive south, and the valley is sandwiched between both forks of the Shenandoah River for those looking to paddle. Additionally, the local towns (Front Royal, Strasburg, Woodstock) offer their own charm and wide range of activities and attractions.

Cooking equipment

Casa Vargas

6 sites · RVs, Tents104 acres · Culpeper, VA

Bring your tent, travel trailer or RV to our farm, Located 5 miles from the town of Culpeper VA, 22 miles from skyline drive, some of the best wineries, breweries, and many more tourist attractions. Here you can spend some quality time with family and friends, go for a hike, bike ride, horse back riding, stargaze or just do nothing. We are 1 mile down a dirt road on 104 acres, our sites are very private and secluded.

Labyrinth, Trails and Solitude

11 sites · RVs, Tents116 acres · Orange , VA

116 acres of hills and dells. Miles of hiking trails marked and well maintained. A small pond and beautiful labyrinth. Over 50 acres of deep wilderness woods. General Lee and his troops once camped here. But they cleaned up pretty good, so all you can really see is the old spring and wagon road. This is a working herb and small fruit farm. We have been experimenting with all kinds of exotic herbs and trees. Some make it, many don't. We sell dried herb teas. In addition we have 5 different kinds of bamboo. We use the bamboo for so many things. In the 5 people per site we are considering adults, not children... bring a whole crew of kids (try to have enough supervision - if there is such a concept!) The kids have such a great time out here... it is amazing. They love the labyrinth! It seems like we made this place for the kids in ourselves and when actual kids see it they go wild. The last bunch were running and yelping with their picked flowers all round and round in the labyrinth for hours! Also, if you want peace and quiet - and we have children booked - we will put you out at one beautiful remote campsites away from all the kids running and singing.

Beaverdam Falls

4 sites · Lodging65 acres · Covington, VA

Nestled on a private 65-acre farm in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Beaverdam Falls is located on VA SR-311 (Kanawha Trail) in the Sweet Springs Valley. Nestled in the old community of Earlehurst, between Covington & Roanoke, Beaverdam Falls are an historic series of waterfalls on private property. The Falls are at the headwaters of Dunlap Creek and are the terminus for the Sweet Springs. Available for guest stays & recreation, are the Upper Falls portion. Surrounded by the verdant George Washington National Forest, the Upper Falls, displays a constant waterfall of around 40-feet in height, & decorates the final mile stretch of the Sweet Springs, both on our property. Additional beautiful cascades pepper our tract of Beaverdam Falls as well. This private tract of unparalleled Virginia countryside will simply astonish your expectations. As the source of the Falls, Sweet Springs Creek, serves as a long, unique home for trout, calcified travertine rock, chalybeate water, and ancient beaver dams (as well as active ones!). Beaverdam Falls is a rare place for the lack of stone and the centuries of beavers who have left their trace in & on our creek—and swamp, the Stick Marsh, which has an active beaver dam. Be careful! They do bite!

12 top lakeside campgrounds in Virginia with campfires

Thunder Bridge

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Natural Bridge Station, VA

Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. We'd like to share the camp with others and see it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky.

Camp Shenandoah Meadows

11 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Woodstock, VA

We welcome you to our view of the great outdoors. We are 30 minutes from the entrance of the well known Skyline Drive, part of the Shenandoah National Park. We are surrounded by multiple hikes, restaurants, breweries and wineries less than a 30 minute trip! Onsite we have numerous amenities open to all camping guests which include, fish stocked pond, large swimming pool, basketball court, and soccer field. We welcome you to stay with us and enjoy our 40 acre view! This camp was previously operated as a summer camp for large groups, but will now be open to groups of all sizes including campers throughout the year! This is new for the camp and the new owner, but we’re excited about hosting everyone going forward!Welcome!

Arcadia Sanctuary

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents83 acres · Buena Vista, VA

Arcadia is the name we gave to our 83-acre mountainside retreat center for Earth-Based Spirituality. It’s nestled on the south-eastern slope of 4000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia, convenient to I81. (Note, there is a town called Arcadia off I81, but that is not us. Not to confuse.) We have a mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, Witch Hazels leaning over the water, trout, crayfish, snakes, salamanders, and all the rest. We have about 2000 feet of the vertical mountainside with trails to explore. (But the stage and most of the camping is down closer to creek-level.) There are more sites higher up the mountain if you like more isolated camping. More of a trek to the bathrooms/showers/freshwater. We have one of the finest private stages on the East Coast with a top-notch sound system and a natural amphitheater which is like a single pie wedge of a Stadium that has regular live performances throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our yurt is regularly booked as a unique glamping experience. There are chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl free-roaming. Two dogs, nine cats, and several humans are blessed to call this home.

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

7 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Charlottesville, VA

This was a 55-acre farm, split in half to accommodate a bypass through Charlottesville, so the previous owners had to give up half the land, and actually moved the house down to the other half of the property! They had to build a land bridge to get to the new home site, so they turned the bridge into a dam and created a beautiful large swimming pond, complete with beach and gazebo. My wife Stephanie and I bought the property in early 2017 and have turned it into a private horse farm, adding pastures, a riding ring, and 6-stall barn. There are ~21 horses who live on the property. The property is unique in that you can hardly see another house from anywhere on the property and yet we are only 2 miles from Barracks Rd. Shopping Center, and 4 miles from the University of Virginia.

Labyrinth, Trails and Solitude

11 sites · RVs, Tents116 acres · Orange , VA

116 acres of hills and dells. Miles of hiking trails marked and well maintained. A small pond and beautiful labyrinth. Over 50 acres of deep wilderness woods. General Lee and his troops once camped here. But they cleaned up pretty good, so all you can really see is the old spring and wagon road. This is a working herb and small fruit farm. We have been experimenting with all kinds of exotic herbs and trees. Some make it, many don't. We sell dried herb teas. In addition we have 5 different kinds of bamboo. We use the bamboo for so many things. In the 5 people per site we are considering adults, not children... bring a whole crew of kids (try to have enough supervision - if there is such a concept!) The kids have such a great time out here... it is amazing. They love the labyrinth! It seems like we made this place for the kids in ourselves and when actual kids see it they go wild. The last bunch were running and yelping with their picked flowers all round and round in the labyrinth for hours! Also, if you want peace and quiet - and we have children booked - we will put you out at one beautiful remote campsites away from all the kids running and singing.

Chigger Creek Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Dinwiddie, VA

The Meadows is family fun for everyone, featuring a stunning twelve-acre lake stocked with large mouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish for the fishing enthusiast. The property is surrounded by hardwoods, with hiking trails for varied wildlife and bird watching opportunities. We have two camp sites on the water, each a short walk to the main beach for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, boarding, swimming, and sunning. We offer a camp kitchen and an outdoor shower at the main lodge for your convenience. Each camp site has their own beach, fire pit. A well-appointed toilet and shower available for everyone's use (Firewood is provided complimentary) The Meadows is a family friendly destination that won't disappoint. Whether you are a couple seeking a secluded spot for some rest and relaxation, a family looking to reconnect over s'mores after a corn hole tournament or a book club wanting a new get away to dissect their latest read you will discover relaxed Southern hospitality. Nearby attractions include Five Forks National Battlefield, Pamplin Park, The Virginia Motorsports Park and Lake Phoenix Scuba Park. Pricing starts at $65/85 per night tent rates or $95/115 per night RV/Electric car rates and includes two guests. Please register all additional guests over 12 years of age when booking - price is $25/35 per additional guest, per day - host will verify guests and vehicles upon arrival. Check in with your Host when you arrive!

Casa Vargas

6 sites · RVs, Tents104 acres · Culpeper, VA

Bring your tent, travel trailer or RV to our farm, Located 5 miles from the town of Culpeper VA, 22 miles from skyline drive, some of the best wineries, breweries, and many more tourist attractions. Here you can spend some quality time with family and friends, go for a hike, bike ride, horse back riding, stargaze or just do nothing. We are 1 mile down a dirt road on 104 acres, our sites are very private and secluded.

Shenandoah NP Mtn Field

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Stanley, VA

PRIMITIVE campsite in a mountain field, AWD or 4WD required to access the off-road campsite. Enjoy this large private camp in the wilderness on the border of Shenandoah National Park and hike nearby to the Appalachian Trail, Big Meadows, and Waterfalls. Campsite has spectacular mountain views.

Beaverdam Falls

4 sites · Lodging65 acres · Covington, VA

Nestled on a private 65-acre farm in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Beaverdam Falls is located on VA SR-311 (Kanawha Trail) in the Sweet Springs Valley. Nestled in the old community of Earlehurst, between Covington & Roanoke, Beaverdam Falls are an historic series of waterfalls on private property. The Falls are at the headwaters of Dunlap Creek and are the terminus for the Sweet Springs. Available for guest stays & recreation, are the Upper Falls portion. Surrounded by the verdant George Washington National Forest, the Upper Falls, displays a constant waterfall of around 40-feet in height, & decorates the final mile stretch of the Sweet Springs, both on our property. Additional beautiful cascades pepper our tract of Beaverdam Falls as well. This private tract of unparalleled Virginia countryside will simply astonish your expectations. As the source of the Falls, Sweet Springs Creek, serves as a long, unique home for trout, calcified travertine rock, chalybeate water, and ancient beaver dams (as well as active ones!). Beaverdam Falls is a rare place for the lack of stone and the centuries of beavers who have left their trace in & on our creek—and swamp, the Stick Marsh, which has an active beaver dam. Be careful! They do bite!

Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Fort Valley, VA

Fall colors are just starting to show in the mountains. Voted Top VA site! See Reviews. Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch is conveniently located at the north end of Fort Valley. The recreational draw to this area is hard to beat in VA and this property has it all for an amazing outdoor weekend! The ranch consists of 40 acres of low-land pasture, groomed perfectly for camping groups large or small. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site offers the option to camp on our 5-acre lake or camp creekside in the Cedar Grove sites along the banks of Passage Creek. Creek access varies at each site depending on the bank. The Ceadar Grove sites are just a short walk to the lake and beach amenities. The property has 1/2mi of Passage Creek wrapping around all the campsites, as well as, the privet lake to enjoy. I have all kinds of boats to try out and the waters are stocked with Bass, Blue Gill, and Catfish. Please catch and release. Passage Creek is stocked with Rainbow, Brown, Tiger, and Brook Trout throughout the year. The prime waters are just a mile upstream from Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch. The Creekside Cedar sites are located within a sparse, groomed, Cedar grove along the banks of Passage Creek. These sites are extra large and can accommodate multiple family groups, as well as, travel trailers of all sizes up to off-road motorcoaches in site 1. There are no hookups, so It's just boondocking. Pack it in, Pack it out. Generators are allowed but please be aware of the other sites and direct the noise away. Groups of up to 25 people per site can realistically fit. Each site is very large with car camping space included. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site is very secluded, nestled between the mountains and the lake. It overlooks our 5-acre lake with mirror mountain views in the background. This site also has its own dock and is just a short walk down a mowed trail to a beautiful section of Passage Creek. An additional seasonal mountain stream can cascade behind the site and run under it to feed the lake when the conditions are right. The road can accommodate bumper pulls up to about 35ft to make the turn at the site. However, it is best suited for lighter traffic and smaller tent groups. At higher capacity, single-file parking is needed along the lake road. Max 10 people in order to keep some grass on the ground. Please, if you need more space - go to one of the Cedar Grove sites. Locally, the North end of Fort Valley offers many great hiking trails, trout fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and the Elizabeth Furnace day-use park. Taskers Gap OHV/ATV park is a short drive south, and the valley is sandwiched between both forks of the Shenandoah River for those looking to paddle. Additionally, the local towns (Front Royal, Strasburg, Woodstock) offer their own charm and wide range of activities and attractions.

Cooking equipment

Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Woodford, VA

Our farm is host to wild critters as well as our farm animals. There will always be someone to pet, feed or observe during your stay! We started on this land in 2019 and have been steadily working to create a cooperative farmstead and nature school to share with our community as well as travelers and explorers. Our space is super kid friendly! Enjoy the animals, treehouse and trails :) Mickey, our white and gray outdoor cat LOVES to have visitors and will crawl into your lap if you let him. Please do not feed him!

Cooking equipment

Small Potatoes Farm

3 sites · Tents17 acres · Stanardsville, VA

Only 15 minutes from the Swift Run Gap Entrance to the Shenandoah National Park our farm has a mountain feel. Our 17 acre farm was originally part of a larger family farm and moonshine stills were once in operation on the property, now we grow veggies and berries and raise chickens for eggs and meat. The Mayapples are prolific in spring and the fall colors are terrific. The campsites are in the woods and around the field a distance away from the house. There are walking trails and a pond and a hammock for relaxing, close to great hiking, summits and waterfalls, 50 minutes to Old Rag. Many local wineries to discover and many historical sites including Montpelier and Monticello and Charlottesville and UVA New as 2023** the barn referred to in early reviews is now a music studio and no longer for use by campers. Ask us about music nights. "

Under $50

Arcadia Sanctuary

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents83 acres · Buena Vista, VA

Arcadia is the name we gave to our 83-acre mountainside retreat center for Earth-Based Spirituality. It’s nestled on the south-eastern slope of 4000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia, convenient to I81. (Note, there is a town called Arcadia off I81, but that is not us. Not to confuse.) We have a mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, Witch Hazels leaning over the water, trout, crayfish, snakes, salamanders, and all the rest. We have about 2000 feet of the vertical mountainside with trails to explore. (But the stage and most of the camping is down closer to creek-level.) There are more sites higher up the mountain if you like more isolated camping. More of a trek to the bathrooms/showers/freshwater. We have one of the finest private stages on the East Coast with a top-notch sound system and a natural amphitheater which is like a single pie wedge of a Stadium that has regular live performances throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our yurt is regularly booked as a unique glamping experience. There are chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl free-roaming. Two dogs, nine cats, and several humans are blessed to call this home.

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

7 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Charlottesville, VA

This was a 55-acre farm, split in half to accommodate a bypass through Charlottesville, so the previous owners had to give up half the land, and actually moved the house down to the other half of the property! They had to build a land bridge to get to the new home site, so they turned the bridge into a dam and created a beautiful large swimming pond, complete with beach and gazebo. My wife Stephanie and I bought the property in early 2017 and have turned it into a private horse farm, adding pastures, a riding ring, and 6-stall barn. There are ~21 horses who live on the property. The property is unique in that you can hardly see another house from anywhere on the property and yet we are only 2 miles from Barracks Rd. Shopping Center, and 4 miles from the University of Virginia.

Casa Vargas

6 sites · RVs, Tents104 acres · Culpeper, VA

Bring your tent, travel trailer or RV to our farm, Located 5 miles from the town of Culpeper VA, 22 miles from skyline drive, some of the best wineries, breweries, and many more tourist attractions. Here you can spend some quality time with family and friends, go for a hike, bike ride, horse back riding, stargaze or just do nothing. We are 1 mile down a dirt road on 104 acres, our sites are very private and secluded.

Labyrinth, Trails and Solitude

11 sites · RVs, Tents116 acres · Orange , VA

116 acres of hills and dells. Miles of hiking trails marked and well maintained. A small pond and beautiful labyrinth. Over 50 acres of deep wilderness woods. General Lee and his troops once camped here. But they cleaned up pretty good, so all you can really see is the old spring and wagon road. This is a working herb and small fruit farm. We have been experimenting with all kinds of exotic herbs and trees. Some make it, many don't. We sell dried herb teas. In addition we have 5 different kinds of bamboo. We use the bamboo for so many things. In the 5 people per site we are considering adults, not children... bring a whole crew of kids (try to have enough supervision - if there is such a concept!) The kids have such a great time out here... it is amazing. They love the labyrinth! It seems like we made this place for the kids in ourselves and when actual kids see it they go wild. The last bunch were running and yelping with their picked flowers all round and round in the labyrinth for hours! Also, if you want peace and quiet - and we have children booked - we will put you out at one beautiful remote campsites away from all the kids running and singing.

Camp Shenandoah Meadows

11 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Woodstock, VA

We welcome you to our view of the great outdoors. We are 30 minutes from the entrance of the well known Skyline Drive, part of the Shenandoah National Park. We are surrounded by multiple hikes, restaurants, breweries and wineries less than a 30 minute trip! Onsite we have numerous amenities open to all camping guests which include, fish stocked pond, large swimming pool, basketball court, and soccer field. We welcome you to stay with us and enjoy our 40 acre view! This camp was previously operated as a summer camp for large groups, but will now be open to groups of all sizes including campers throughout the year! This is new for the camp and the new owner, but we’re excited about hosting everyone going forward!Welcome!

Star Hosts in Virginia

Arcadia Sanctuary

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents83 acres · Buena Vista, VA

Arcadia is the name we gave to our 83-acre mountainside retreat center for Earth-Based Spirituality. It’s nestled on the south-eastern slope of 4000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia, convenient to I81. (Note, there is a town called Arcadia off I81, but that is not us. Not to confuse.) We have a mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, Witch Hazels leaning over the water, trout, crayfish, snakes, salamanders, and all the rest. We have about 2000 feet of the vertical mountainside with trails to explore. (But the stage and most of the camping is down closer to creek-level.) There are more sites higher up the mountain if you like more isolated camping. More of a trek to the bathrooms/showers/freshwater. We have one of the finest private stages on the East Coast with a top-notch sound system and a natural amphitheater which is like a single pie wedge of a Stadium that has regular live performances throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our yurt is regularly booked as a unique glamping experience. There are chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl free-roaming. Two dogs, nine cats, and several humans are blessed to call this home.

Labyrinth, Trails and Solitude

11 sites · RVs, Tents116 acres · Orange , VA

116 acres of hills and dells. Miles of hiking trails marked and well maintained. A small pond and beautiful labyrinth. Over 50 acres of deep wilderness woods. General Lee and his troops once camped here. But they cleaned up pretty good, so all you can really see is the old spring and wagon road. This is a working herb and small fruit farm. We have been experimenting with all kinds of exotic herbs and trees. Some make it, many don't. We sell dried herb teas. In addition we have 5 different kinds of bamboo. We use the bamboo for so many things. In the 5 people per site we are considering adults, not children... bring a whole crew of kids (try to have enough supervision - if there is such a concept!) The kids have such a great time out here... it is amazing. They love the labyrinth! It seems like we made this place for the kids in ourselves and when actual kids see it they go wild. The last bunch were running and yelping with their picked flowers all round and round in the labyrinth for hours! Also, if you want peace and quiet - and we have children booked - we will put you out at one beautiful remote campsites away from all the kids running and singing.

Thunder Bridge

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Natural Bridge Station, VA

Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. We'd like to share the camp with others and see it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky.

Camp Shenandoah Meadows

11 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Woodstock, VA

We welcome you to our view of the great outdoors. We are 30 minutes from the entrance of the well known Skyline Drive, part of the Shenandoah National Park. We are surrounded by multiple hikes, restaurants, breweries and wineries less than a 30 minute trip! Onsite we have numerous amenities open to all camping guests which include, fish stocked pond, large swimming pool, basketball court, and soccer field. We welcome you to stay with us and enjoy our 40 acre view! This camp was previously operated as a summer camp for large groups, but will now be open to groups of all sizes including campers throughout the year! This is new for the camp and the new owner, but we’re excited about hosting everyone going forward!Welcome!

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

7 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Charlottesville, VA

This was a 55-acre farm, split in half to accommodate a bypass through Charlottesville, so the previous owners had to give up half the land, and actually moved the house down to the other half of the property! They had to build a land bridge to get to the new home site, so they turned the bridge into a dam and created a beautiful large swimming pond, complete with beach and gazebo. My wife Stephanie and I bought the property in early 2017 and have turned it into a private horse farm, adding pastures, a riding ring, and 6-stall barn. There are ~21 horses who live on the property. The property is unique in that you can hardly see another house from anywhere on the property and yet we are only 2 miles from Barracks Rd. Shopping Center, and 4 miles from the University of Virginia.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Jefferson National Forest

Jefferson National Forest

Bluefield, Virginia

George Washington National Forest

George Washington National Forest

Deerfield, Virginia

Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother State Park

Marion, Virginia

Occoneechee State Park

Occoneechee State Park

Clarksville, Virginia

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

North Shore, Virginia

John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Baskerville, Virginia

Prince William Forest National Park

Prince William Forest National Park

Dumfries, Virginia

Claytor Lake State Park

Claytor Lake State Park

Snowville, Virginia

Douthat State Park

Douthat State Park

Clifton Forge, Virginia

Bassett, Virginia

Value Prop

Value Prop

Lakeside camping in Virginia with campfires guide

Overview

Whether you want to dive into Civil War history, follow in the footsteps of former presidents, or drive the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia rarely disappoints. The birthplace of America has thousands of miles of Atlantic coastline and more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state. Still need convincing? Virginia’s 41 state parks boast more than 600 miles of trails and 1,800 state campsites, leading the way to forested mountains, rambling rivers, and beaches. Camping is a year-round affair, whether you prefer fall foliage hikes, pitching a tent on the beach, or snowshoeing from a cozy winter cabin.

Where to go

Central Virginia

Gleaming lakes and pine-clad foothills characterize the central Piedmont region, known for its lakeside camping, canoe and kayak trails, and Civil War sites. Pocahontas State Park is just a half-hour drive from the state capital, Richmond, where multi-use trails are popular for biking and horseback riding. Also within a short drive, Bear Creek Lake State Park offers easy access to Cumberland State Forest trails, while James River State Park has RV, tent, and canoe-in campsites.

Atlantic Coast & Chesapeake Bay

Wide beaches and fishing villages pepper the coast of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia’s top choice for beach lovers. You can pitch your tent right on the beach at First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park, camp on the grounds of Chippokes Plantation State Park, or get on the water at York River State Park.

Shenandoah Valley & The North

The dense woodlands are the star attraction in Shenandoah National Park and along its renowned Skyline Drive. The closest state campgrounds can be found in Shenandoah River State Park, a popular spot for summer hiking, canoeing, and picnicking, while further south, Douthat State Park has a swimming beach, waterfall hikes, and mountain biking trails.

Appalachian & Blue Ridge Mountains

The rugged Appalachian Mountains fringe Virginia’s southwestern borders, merging into the wooded slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grayson Highlands State Park is the gateway to the region’s two most popular hikes: the Appalachian Trail and Mount Rogers. Alternatively, paddle the scenic waterways of New River Trail State Park, book a cabin in the woods in Hungry Mother State Park, or escape the crowds at Clinch River State Park.

Popular Virginia trips

Lakeside camping

River, stream, or creek camping

Hot spring camping

Rv parks & camping

Top parks in Virginia

Shenandoah National Park

Blue Ridge Parkway

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Grayson Highlands State Park

George Washington National Forest

Lake Anna State Park

Pocahontas State Park

Shenandoah River State Park

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me

Hipcamp campgrounds near me

Best RV camping near me

Hipcamps ready for RVs near me

Best glamping near me

Cabins, yurts, treehouses and more

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy

Inclusion Policy

Inclusion Policy

Hipcamp Hand

Hosting Standards

Hosting Standards

Hosting Standards

Hipcamper Standards

Hipcamper Standards

Hipcamper Standards

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

Leave No Trace

National Weather Service

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.