Lakeside camping in Virginia

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

99% (1645 reviews)
99% (1645 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Virginia

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

12 top wheelchair-accessible lakeside campgrounds in Virginia

98%
(1209)

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.
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$33.25
 / night
98%
(299)

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.
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$22.50
 / night
100%
(138)

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.
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$45
 / night
100%
(69)

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!
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$80
 / night
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!
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$65
 / night
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
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$69
 / night
97%
(77)

River Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents280 acres · Boyce, VA
River Farm is 280 picturesque acres that runs along the Shenandoah River for over a mile in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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$102
 / night
Booked 4 times

Little Goat Farm

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Nokesville, VA
Hi We are retired farmers offering free space for your mobile home in exchange for assisting farmer in the morning 5 days a week. Our farm grows grapes, sunflowers, herbs of lavender, mint, sage, rosemary, and a huge varied plethora of flowers. We have been established for decades. The fishing is great as Va Fish and Game stock the lake each spring with bass, perch, catfish and even walleye. Many trails abound yet you can walk to a country general store from the farm. Mobile home living here is like no other as you don’t have nosy neighbors within an arms length away. You have the opposite with tranquility, and fresh air. Your senses become keener and nights allow you to sleep in the quiet country. We hosted a fellow for a year with this setup but he’s now moving to help his son out of state.
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$1
 / night
100%
(20)

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.
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$85
 / night
100%
(48)

Kerwin K.’s Land

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Keysville, VA
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$30
 / night
95%
(10)

Gratitude at the Mill Pond

2 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Heathsville, VA
In 1831 formerly Northern's Mill had an old mill house, dwelling house, outbuildings, mill pond and water courses with about 31 acres and was bought for an enormous amount of $10.00! At the working mill the owner's wife baked pies for the workers to enjoy while they waited for their ground grains (most likely corn, soybeans and wheat). The pond is also recognized as Courtney Mill Pond and Kissinger Mill Pond. Fires in the 1980's have claimed the building creating a perfect place for you to enjoy nature outside. Learn more about this land: Fresh and salt water surrounds a birding, fishing paradise with 5 acres to explore. Bald Eagles are a common siting. We offer a primitive camping experience in the heart of the Northern Neck.  The road is washed out and fresh water pond mostly drained. You will access from Mundy Point Road. This historical site had a working Mill built in the early 1800's. Please check out my friend's place nearby at Callao Brewery and Rivah Vineyards at the Grove!  Grab some fresh local veggies from one of the Amish stands and don't forget your tackle and bait at RW's. Camp 1 has the most room for car camping and groups close to the road and overlooking the pond. Camp 2 is a short hike to a private knoll overlooking the grassy marsh of Mill Creek, this is tidal water that flows to the Potomac. Welcome to Gratitude!
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$13.50
 / night
Booked 2 times

Azure's Qarya

24 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Gasburg, VA
10 acres of raw land located in Walton Woods, Lot #7 (Azure's Qarya) is ready for campers who enjoy off grid style camping. Bring your ATVs to ride around and outdoor gear. Located 7.4 miles away from Lake Gaston which is about 11 minutes. Pets are welcome (Horses, Dogs, ect.). Convenient to boat ramps, golf course, restaurants, and other amenities in the area.
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$24
 / night

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Lakeside camping in Virginia 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.

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