Private sites mountainous camping in Virginia
Iconic hikes, history, and golden beaches await campers in Virginia’s 41 state parks.
99% (907 reviews)
- Virginia
99% (907 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Virginia
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12 top mountainous campgrounds in Virginia
99%
(424)
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.
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$35
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Watercress Inn at Landon Farm
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Etlan, VA
Welcome to our small Farm and Inn, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Madison County, Virginia. Located just minutes from Shenandoah National Park, we offer intimate nature-inspired cottages and camping on our 120-acre working farm. Enjoy an evening under the stars with fireflies and a campfire after a long day hike, fly fishing on one of our beautiful trout steams or touring the local vineyards and breweries.
We currently offer one cottage and a few campsites for our guests. Our campsites are all private, located acres apart with tables, chairs, firepits, some elevated sleeping areas, some hammock spots and a few with a roof. Three of our spots require walking away from your vehicle, short distances. We have four drive-in sites that will accommodate two or three vehicles. We do not allow RVs or trailers on our main farm due to our narrow mountain driveway. Wisteria Camp has a private driveway therefore can accommodate small RV/Trailers. Camper vans are welcome at the main farm!
Our farm store includes our Animal Welfare Approved products such as Eggs, Chicken, Beef, Pork, Lamb and Dairy, as well as produce, jams, coffee and other items from our local community. We offer camping essentials, local art, bike rentals, farm experiences and tours.
The property has miles of trails along mountain spring-fed streams, a small pond and access to three private acres on the Robinson River, a stocked Trout stream, just 2 miles down the road. Our property is centrally located to White Oak Canyon (20 minutes) and Old Rag Mountain (10 minutes) trailheads in the Shenandoah National Park as well as many vineyards and breweries.
A few offerings on the farm. Tasting in the 1850s Chestnut log cabin, tubing trips, breakfast and picnic lunches, Animal experiences and Yoga. Please inquire about renting the property for private small events.
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$35
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99%
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Ginkgo Ridge
4 sites · Lodging66 acres · Gordonsville, VA
With views over the ocean of trees and town below, we offer three private and very comfy Glamping Cabins. Each of them provides a terrific place to experience the outdoors in comfort. We make it easy and fun to experience nature. Here, you can enjoy the breathtaking vistas, watch the spectacular sunsets, chase fireflies, make a campfire, search for the Milky Way, and then sleep easy in your own queen-sized bed on this historic property.
The two original, off-grid, Jefferson Sea Cabins are perched on the eastern side of Ginkgo Ridge, And the newest, the Boxwood Overlook, sits on top of the ridge and includes electricity, AC, heat and lights.
Ginkgo Ridge sits on the eastern side of the Southwest Mountains, which is the first mountain range west of the Atlantic. The views are big and far. Some say you can even see Portugal!
Wildlife, including eagles, hawks, turkey, fox, rabbit, deer, fireflies and more are abundant on the 66-acre property. If you are interested in history, ask John. He will tell you about the Civil War battle fought here and the tobacco baron who once owned the estate.
Two of our cabins are off grid — no electric and no plumbing but with alternative water and light. The third and newest enjoys electric.
While there is no "running" water, we bring you fresh spring water. And while there is no electric in 2 cabins we make up for it with solar and battery lights and fans. We also offer a propane heater in all 3 to keep you toasty in cooler weather.
Both off-grid cabins are equipped with a comfy, luxury queen-sized bed and box spring with fresh linens and plenty of pillows, a chair, and tables. The cabins are approximately 12x14 of interior living space plus a semi covered 16’ x 8’ deck with chairs and table. The original cabin is slightly smaller interior than the lower cabin.
The newest third cabin is called the Boxwood Overlook Cabin, because it is surrounded by huge boxwoods and overlooks the entire property. It sits where the original main house was located, but burned down in the 1920's. It is more luxurious that the other 2. It's 12x20, includes an organic queen bed, refrigerator, reclining chairs, interior and exterior lights. And you can drive right to the front door.
Each cabin gets a propane heater which keeps you toasty even on the coldest winter nights.
In warmer months, the 2 off-grid cabins have battery-powered fans with plenty of industrial batteries. They also enjoys plenty of solar powered torch lamps which offer a terrific ambiance. We do recommend you bring flashlights and or headlamps. If you forget, no worries, we got you covered.
The Boxwood Overlook cabin has electricity with interior and exterior lights, refrigerator and AC in the summer.
All the cabins enjoy 5-gallon containers of fresh spring water and their own private Loo House/bathroom.
The Loo Houses or bathrooms are semi open air. They have roofs, a solar bag shower, and bedside commodes with large, disposable, biodegradable bag inside with special sand that solidifies your waste. You dispose of the bag at a nearby trash box off property, just like a diaper. Extra bags are available.
Each cabin has its own fire pit and grill with everything you need to make a fire, including split wood, kindling, newspaper and lighter. Firewood is $7.50 per crate. And if you need help starting your fire, no worries, John will help you.
The "Jefferson Sea" is a description many attribute to the nation's 4th President, Thomas Jefferson, who enjoyed the same ocean-like view (but better) of fields and trees below his home at Monticello, that is located 15 miles down the road.
Enjoy giant Ginkgo trees (especially in the Fall), boxwood gardens, colossal Tulip Poplars, and Osage Orange trees, and wild organic raspberries in July.
We support BIPOC and all are welcome to enjoy our property :)
There is a 2-night minimum on weekends.
Just down the hill is the historic town of Gordonsville with perhaps the best BBQ on the east coast, wine tasting room, two breweries, several cafes and restaurants, grocery store and liquor store. Within minutes are Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier and some of the nation’s finest vineyards, including Barboursville Vineyard and many others.
The Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, the University of Virginia and downtown Charlottesville are within 30 minutes.
It’s just an hour to Richmond or Harrisonburg and less than two to Washington, DC, or 3 to
We are very COVID-conscious!
We comply with all COVID cleaning precautions which includes cleaning hard surfaces and fresh linens
PETS
We love dogs! Friendly and well-behaved dogs are welcome but we have pet rules out of necessity.
Prior to making your reservation, please email us and tell us about your dog, describing their breed, size, temperament, owners ability to control dog, confirm that dog will be leashed and under your control at all times and that all vaccinations and flea/tick meds are up to date.
There is a $25 fee per dog with a maximum of 2 dogs.
Please see separate Pet Policy for details.
EXTRAS
$20 weekend rental Kitchen Package includes Coleman 2-burner stove with gas; spatula, fork, tongs; tea kettle and French Press to make hot water and coffee; small & large pots & frying pan; cups, bowls, plates, silverware; sharp knife & mini-cheese grater; large bowl; wine/bottle opener; dish soap & sponge; & smattering of other items.
Also available are additional are:
crates of firewood for $7.50 per
a large cooler
fresh flowers in season
Any of these can be purchased in advance or paid on site via cash or Venmo.
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$85
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Piedmont Farm
6 sites · Tents200 acres · Linden, VA
This farm is an organic herb farm and botanical sanctuary. We are happy to share with you.
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$49.50
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(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
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Happy Camper Trl w/Theater Hot-Tub
28 sites · Lodging, Tents25 acres · Jonesville, VA
About this space
Enjoy amped up camping at this at this posh mountain escape! Here you can reconnect with nature outdoors while luxury furnishings and full amenities provide all the comforts of home inside a spacious, pet-friendly camper. Add in an epic outdoor entertaining area featuring a theater with 120” screen, hot tub, griddle, firepit, and deck and you have the ultimate camping adventure. Bonus – the site is located on 25 acres in the VA mountains with views of KY and TN!
The space
This pet-friendly, luxury camping experience is ideal for everything from weekend getaways to extended mountain sojourns. The camper’s interior is packed with all the necessities required for a comfortable stay: a full kitchen with Keurig coffee machine, hot and cold-water sink, microwave, refrigerator, stove, oven; large dining booth; comfy seating area; full bathroom with shower tub combo; 2 private bedrooms; A/C, heat; a flat screen Smart TV with streaming capabilities; and expansive windows that fill the interior with natural light.
Outdoors is the ultimate entertainer’s paradise. Relax in the hot tub and enjoy theatre under the stars on the 120” elevated screen that can be seen from the entire site. Start mornings off with coffee and the smell of bacon sizzling on the outdoor griddle and end the days with a cold one from the kegerator. Every guest receives all the fixings needed for S’mores to roast on the firepit, and complimentary wood is provided that can also be used to cook up delicious meals on the classic campsite grill.
With views for miles, wildlife sightings, and proximity to major area attractions, a stay here is without a doubt the best way to effortlessly experience the exciting world of “camping with benefits”!
IMPORTANT: Once You have booked a reservation with us, immediately call our our receptionist Tammi at 812.381.4355 because our system does not integrate with our property management software. This is especially important if you are booking last minute or late in the evening. We may not get your reservation until the next morning and you will be locked out of the space. So immediately after booking a reservation, call Tammi so we can ensure it is accessible.
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$18
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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!
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$150
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(206)
Big Dipper Ranch camping - glamping
4 sites · Lodging23 acres · Etlan, VA
Welcome to the Big Dipper Ranch, where glamping in style and stargazing come easy! My wife and I visited this property 19 years ago and we took
one look at the Sugar Maple tree in full bloom and we knew this was it.
Now we want to share this gem with you! We love to greet our camper guests on arrival, and then we always respect privacy during the trip so you can recharge and enjoy the land.
Come stay and relax in one of our four luxurious tents.
Our property, with sweeping mountain views,
is situated at the foot of the Shenandoah's, Old Rag is just a 15 minute drive, making it the perfect location for tons of outdoor exploration and enjoyment! We are close to countless
hiking trails, canoeing spots, apple picking orchards,
and wineries.
You can also try your hand at
fly fishing, or take a dip into the cool, spring-fed pond on a warm day! We are just a few miles from Etlan, VA if you want to head into town or need some necessities.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay!
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$108
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Twin Poplar Farm
3 sites · Tents65 acres · Amherst, VA
The Farm is located on 65 private acres of Woods and Field on the Tye River. This is a place for people who love nature and want to be out in it. We have chosen to prioritize conservation over ease of access, so though the sites are all walk in only [or paddle in!] this means you will camp on the grass or leaves not the gravel of a parking lot.
There are only 3 sites on the land so you can soak up nature without noisy neighbors.
"Twin Poplar" refers to the Tulip Poplar's extraordinary tenacity, after being cut down, like the Phoenix who returns to life after death, a Poplar will often regrow as two "twin" trunks. A chance for a new life and growth!
For more follow us on Instagram @TwinPoplarFarm
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Ryan's Fruit Market and Orchard
2 sites · Tents150 acres · Timberville, VA
This farm has been in our family for nine generations since 1780. We have orchards where we grow apples, peaches and cherries. We also grow produce and flowers in greenhouses and vegetable gardens. We lease cow pastures and hayfeilds. We also wild forage mushrooms from our surrounding woodland.Learn more about this land:Camp between mountains and orchards on our 250 year old farm. We have u-pick peaches, cherries, apples, veggies and flowers available when in season! Go for a bike ride through the farm or a hike on our mountain land. The are lots more activities to do nearby. Running water, showers and restrooms are available in our Fruit Market.
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$50
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High Lonesome Alleghany
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents960 acres · Callaghan, VA
A rarity on the East Coast, these high and lonesome 960 acres will leave you stunned, awestruck, refreshed, invigorated. Steep mountains and deep hollows of mixed forestland surrounded on three sides by National Forest. Explore for hours, almost certainly without seeing a soul. Beautiful Lake Moomaw awaits just over the mountain. See the Milky Way bisect the dark night sky, while a haunting serenade of barred owls, whippoorwills, katydids, and other nocturnal wildlife invites you to wonder.
Multiple available campsites offer different levels of access and privacy. All sites require a medium-clearance vehicle, preferably 4x4, or possibly landowner transport via side-by-side. We have a few spots for car camping, and hundreds of acres of hike-to dispersed camping (plus the thousands of acres of adjacent National Forest camping).
High Lonesome is a vast, rustic place, with few amenities other than solitude and beauty. Spotty cell reception. No electricity. No running water, save a few clean and gurgling natural springs. No toilets. No sirens, no traffic, no artificial lights, no neighbors.
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$55
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Meadow Creek In Dry Valley
5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Radford, VA
Formerly Meadow Creek Campground, this beautiful piece of land has two camping spots and a tent spot overlooking a meandering tributary of the Little River called Meadow Creek. The two camper sites have full water and electric hookup. Tent site is primitive, but guests can access water and electricity at the picnic shelter. A portable outhouse is nearby. Picnic table provided in each spot. Location is central to Radford, Floyd and Christiansburg. Cell service is spotty. It's a great place to unplug!
Campsites are beyond a gravel driveway. You will need to drive through a grassy area to reach the sites. While the sites are located on fairly flat ground, leveling will be required.
We do NOT recommend following GPS. Please see directions to the property and follow carefully to avoid driving around unnecessarily on narrow, winding roads.
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Dog-friendly getaways
Star Hosts in Virginia
Private sites mountainous 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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