Discover the best lakeside campgrounds in Virginia with swimming

United States
—
Virginia

95% (2464 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Virginia

Under $50

Star Hosts in Virginia

100%

(400)

Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

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

Frogs and Crickets are in full effect! Fall is creeping in, 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.

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.

99%

(428)

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.

12 top lakeside campgrounds in Virginia with swimming

99%

(428)

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.

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.

Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

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

Frogs and Crickets are in full effect! Fall is creeping in, 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.

100%

(71)

The Batesville Sweet Spot

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Afton, VA

Enjoy 100 acres of mature hardwoods, meadows, ponds, and a small stream, the headwaters of the Mechums River. We recognize it as the ancestral lands of the Monacan Indian Nation, a Siouan-speaking tribe of Virginia's Piedmont and mountain regions. We welcome all people to enjoy the land we have been privileged to inhabit for the past fifty years. The property is under a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy and has a recently installed 5-acre wildflower meadow and 1,000 newly planted trees. Fifty acres are mature hardwood forests. Our two Hipcamp sites offer absolute privacy and quiet on 100 acres of open meadows, forests, a small stream, and two ponds. The barn has water and electricity so that you can recharge your phone. Enjoy bird watching, fire-gazing, bicycling, and hiking our many trails. Firewood is provided at no extra charge. Fires are allowed, weather permitting. HIpcampers will be notified if there is a no-burn policy. One pond features a sandy beach, a mud kitchen for the little ones, a dock, two kayaks, two canoes, and an island complete with a hammock! On starry nights, paddle to the floating dock for excellent stargazing. Both ponds are stocked. LOCATION: DETAILS OF TWO CAMPING SITES The two sites are separate from one another, located at different ends of the property. If you are deciding which campsite to choose, here are a few things to consider: Both sites are private, quiet, and within walking distance of a pond or swimming hole, but offer different advantages. WIFI is unreliable at either site but available at the barn, closest to the RIDGE. THE RIDGE CAMPSITE This is a true gem of a campground, with a mature hardwood forest on an incredibly situated ridgeline running north-south. The walking paths around the property are splendid, with signs of native wildlife, including turkey, deer, beaver, piliated woodpecker, and much more. It offers an easy drive right into. The outhouse is a close walk from your campsite—an open meadow on a ridge surrounded by forest and a 5-minute walk to the pond. It is best for groups of 10 and under. It has a fire pit, a picnic table, and a hammock. We welcome families but no large groups. THE RIVER CAMPSITE is a larger open meadow beside a small stream, suited for small and larger groups (up to 10). We welcome several families but no larger groups. A refreshing swimming hole is a short walk away; the pond is a longer walk. CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT DETAILS - Check-in is available after 4 pm; Exceptions can often be made. Please inquire. - Check-out time is 4:00 pm. GENERAL LOCATION To find We are located off a country gravel road at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, two miles from The Batesville Market, where you can pick up gourmet fare and hear live music most Saturday nights. NEARBY SIGHTSEEING AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES We are within half an hour's driving distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Crozet Tunnel, the Shenandoah National Park, Charlottesville, Waynesboro, and Staunton (and its famous Blackfriar Theater). Numerous vineyards, breweries, and distilleries dot the countryside in this area. We would love to share it with you!

99%

(220)

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!

Shenandoah NP Mtn Field

1 site · Tent1 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.

99%

(40)

Private camp site with water access to Lake Anna, VA

1 site · RV1 acre · Mineral, VA

RV Camp Site on private one acre of land. Not like camp grounds where other people are on top of each other. Water access to Lake Anna, VA. Bring your boat for fishing and swimming. Large community with private roads, great place to walk or ride your bicycle. Lots of wildlife to see. Lots of local wineries

The Beech House

2 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Caret, VA

Enjoy a large deck overlooking a creek and patio with fire pit and picnic tables. The tent sleeps two, and we are in the process of building a tiny house at this location ready in Spring 25; the tent will work fine until then. Immerse yourself in nature at our tranquil wooded creek-front camping site, nestled in a remote location right next to a winery. Experience secluded camping on a sprawling 100+ acre farm with proximity to both a lake and a winery. As an added bonus, enjoy FREE wine tastings for all campers and receive a 10% discount on all purchases. Rest easy knowing there's no need to worry about drinking and driving. Indulge in a variety of activities, including fishing, hiking, pond activities, wine tasting, and the chance to witness wild game in the serene lakeside environment. Come and unwind in this secluded oasis where nature and relaxation converge.

100%

(21)

Beaver Cove

1 site · RV, Tent75 acres · Washington, VA

Discover the splendor of our beautiful property boasting a 7-acre lake, expansive river frontage, and miles of winding hiking trails. Immerse yourself in nature's wonders, with abundant wildlife and flourishing gardens to explore. Conveniently located mere minutes from breweries, vineyards, and world-class restaurants, our property offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and easy access to Shenandoah National Park, just ten miles away. Nestled within nature's embrace, our retreat is a mere 90-minute drive from Washington, DC, and only 75 minutes from Charlottesville. Experience the best of both worlds as you escape the city and embrace the serenity of the countryside.

100%

(48)

Kerwin K.’s Land

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Keysville, VA

Available this weekend

100%

(1)

Catlett Gap Cabin

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Cross Junction, VA

Primitive tent camping and cabin, at the historic Catlett gap homestead (with some creature comforts). There is a clean water source, and access to outside power. There is wifi if you stand close enough to the house. But we have no outside bathrooms or shower. The cabin itself is also available for rent. The cabin sleeps 7 but if you have parties larger than that the campsite is available for rent as well in a separate listing. But the cabin is rented first. We don't allow multiple parties.

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!

Private camp site with water access to Lake Anna, VA

1 site · RV1 acre · Mineral, VA

RV Camp Site on private one acre of land. Not like camp grounds where other people are on top of each other. Water access to Lake Anna, VA. Bring your boat for fishing and swimming. Large community with private roads, great place to walk or ride your bicycle. Lots of wildlife to see. Lots of local wineries

Kerwin K.’s Land

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Keysville, VA

The Beech House

2 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Caret, VA

Enjoy a large deck overlooking a creek and patio with fire pit and picnic tables. The tent sleeps two, and we are in the process of building a tiny house at this location ready in Spring 25; the tent will work fine until then. Immerse yourself in nature at our tranquil wooded creek-front camping site, nestled in a remote location right next to a winery. Experience secluded camping on a sprawling 100+ acre farm with proximity to both a lake and a winery. As an added bonus, enjoy FREE wine tastings for all campers and receive a 10% discount on all purchases. Rest easy knowing there's no need to worry about drinking and driving. Indulge in a variety of activities, including fishing, hiking, pond activities, wine tasting, and the chance to witness wild game in the serene lakeside environment. Come and unwind in this secluded oasis where nature and relaxation converge.

Dog-friendly getaways

98%

(1211)

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.

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!

Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

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

Frogs and Crickets are in full effect! Fall is creeping in, 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.

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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(24)

Jefferson National Forest

Bluefield, Virginia

98%

(46)

George Washington National Forest

Deerfield, Virginia

100%

(16)

Hungry Mother State Park

Marion, Virginia

100%

(8)

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

North Shore, Virginia

100%

(2)

Claytor Lake State Park

Clifton Forge, Virginia

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia

A waterfall along one of the hiking trails.

94%

(8)

Fairy Stone State Park

Bassett, Virginia

93%

(7)

Pocahontas State Park

Brandermill, Virginia

Lakeside camping in Virginia with swimming 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.