Private sites river, stream, or creek camping in Virginia
Iconic hikes, history, and golden beaches await campers in Virginia’s 41 state parks.
99% (1177 reviews)
- Virginia
99% (1177 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Virginia
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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Virginia
99%
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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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Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
4 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Brightwood, VA
Welcome to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend!Campsite has a firepit, picnic table, river frontage with beach, and fishing hole. Campers can enjoy hiking and the many breweries and wine vineyards in the Shenandoah. Great access point for kayaking. Firewood available (reasonable rates)close to:-Scenic Skyline DriveThorton Gap entrance (33 miles)Swift Run Gap entrance (29 miles)-Shenandoah National Park (50 miles)-Many great VineyardsPrince Michele (3 miles away)Early Mountain (10 miles away)DuCard (16 miles)Barboursville (24 miles)Horton’s ( 25 miles)Old Rag Mountain which was voted #10 in the Top 25 hikes in the world,(20 miles)Historic homes of Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson (Monticello - 41 miles) or James Madison (Montpelier- 21 miles)
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$46.75
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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
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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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Phantom Hill Forest Retreats
5 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Louisa, VA
Three creek-side tent sites and an RV site in an enchanted forest! Enjoy well maintained walking trails, hidden treasure boxes, scavenger hunts, gnome hide and seek, and learning about a working shiitake mushroom farm! All sites are spaced out for maximum privacy - see map!
Each site includes a large propane grill, fire pit, solar string lights, tables and seating, hammocks, critter proof boxes for food, and firewood available for purchase (conveniently located at the site). Clean composting toilet (serviced 2x a day).
Rental items include tents (we will set up for you), sleeping pads, coolers with ice, potable water jugs, and insect screens.
Within a couple miles of Southern Revere Brewery/Winery and scenic Forrest Green Farm.
There is a lot to do on the property:
* 40 acres with a couple miles of trails you can hike or bike (map provided)
* Self-guided tour of mushroom farm
* Hidden creature scavenger hunt
* Gnomes are hidden throughout the forest for you to find AND hide!
* Hidden treasure boxes - take something and/or leave something!
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$65
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Camp Cedar Creek
6 sites · Tents20 acres · Middletown, VA
Creekside camping on Cedar Creek, one of the cleanest creeks in America. You'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery with a fire pit at each site. Enjoy birdwatching, wood turtles, wood ducks, eagles, hawks, blue crane, and other wildlife. Cell phones optional! Take day trips to wineries, farm markets, orchards, historic sites, and more. Enjoy fishing, hiking, National Forest, biking, solitude and nature. Outdoor shower and port-a-john on site. Cornhole boards, firewood and load-in assistance available upon request for a small fee. Nearby attractions include fishing, hiking, swimming, wineries, biking, orchards, Skyline Drive, and GW national forest.The oral history of Coal Mine Hollow has it that a moonshine still once graced the banks of Camp Cedar Creek. It was run by a recluse, who was always on the move from the Revenuers. A revenuer went missing along Cedar Creek one moonlit night, never to be seen again. The bearded recluse who ran the still, owned two mules, and an old car frame without a motor. Those mules would pull him through the hollow, and up into the mountains, where the revenuers never found him. Some say on a cold, moonlit night, they’ve seen his two old mules, pulling an old car frame past Camp Cedar Creek.
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$61.60
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100 Acre Wood
3 sites · RVs, Tents101 acres · Draper, VA
100 Acres of forested land in the Draper, Virginia area with scattered clearings that are connected by various roads/trails throughout. Over the years cutting roads has been a hobby that has resulted in miles of cleared pathways throughout the property that are perfect for hiking, running, cycling, and horseback riding. The property includes a small stream, several ravines, ridge lines and trails to explore. We frequently encounter deer, and see the occasional turkey, black bear, and Bigfoot. The thing people seem to enjoy most is the privacy and and quiet that allows you to connect with nature with no one else around.
Things to watch out for other than the wildlife mentioned above the two main concerns in this part of Virginia are deer ticks and poison ivy. We are located about 5 minutes from I-81 or 15 minutes from I-77 making it an easy place to stop when passing through on your way to other adventures. Nearby attractions include Appalachian Gem and Gold Mine (5 min), New River Trail State Park (10 min), Claytor Lake State Park (20 min) and the Town of Draper has a couple small town shops to explore including The Draper Mercantile and Trading Company and the newly opened Conery.
We love hosting campers and are happy to help make accommodations to help you have an enjoyable stay. We have 3 sites but only allow 2 to be in use at a time on the property. This insures that all guests continue to feel complete privacy from others and allows us to always have an alternate site available if campers want to change.
Available "Extras" include portable toilet setup, Woodshop class making a cutting board, big foot siting's as well as various camping gear items. If there are other extra's you would like to see or something you forgot to bring please let us know and we will see what we can do.
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$35
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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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Seven Islands River Front Camping
3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Arvonia, VA
RIVER IS FLOODED NOT GOOD UNTILL OCT 1 approx.9337 Bridgeport Rd. Arvonia, Va. Turn at the aluminum canoe placed on top of a large orange road barrier at the edge of our drive way. The canoe is bolding displaying the word HIPCAMP with a red arrow leading the way. Follow the drive down to the river front campsites.. Bateau boats pass by all 3 campsites on the third Thursday ofJune. This is due to a yearly Festival held in Scottsville where Historic river boats that used to haul goods up and down the river back in the day are maned by people in period clothing re-enacting the route that was taken. Smallmouth and catfish are biting
Go by a local store and buy night crawlers,worms and a pack of 2/0 hooks and you will catch something . Firewood available per request and delivered for$30.00 a load.
Accessible by car or canoe, East End at Seven Islands provides endless fun for the whole family, including your well behaved off-leash dogs.
When you arrive take a cooling dip in a quiet “river pool”, relax on your private beach, or see if the fish are biting.
Let your kids experience the best the river has to offer by exploring the shallows for crayfish, chasing minnows, or watching for Bald Eagles patrolling the river.
Pitch your tent on the beach or under the trees if you prefer some shade.
Spend your nights stargazing, enjoying a campfire (remember to bring s’mores ingredients), or fishing for catfish.
This is an ideal family-oriented campsite about an hour NW of Richmond.
Come, enjoy and make some memories!
Children 10 and under are free
On the other side of the river you might hear a train passing by at different times, both, day and night.
Safety Notice: Not accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak when the James River level
is 6 feet or higher at Scottsville. At 7.5 - 8 feet, there is not much beach to play on and the river is too dangerous to navigate. You can drive in and camp, but please stay clear of all water activities, including fishing, in these dangerous conditions.
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$54
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Camping on the Hazel River
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · Rixeyville, VA
Located on the scenic Hazel River, River Hills is 70 acres of private family property. The owners are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the land and the Hazel River. This land has been in the family for over 200 years. The owners live on the property.
Nestled within the embrace of nature’s tranquility lies a secluded camping site on private property, where serenity reigns supreme. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, this hidden gem offers a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The gentle melody of the nearby river serves as a soothing soundtrack to the outdoor adventure that awaits. Campers can pitch their tents on soft, grassy patches beneath the sprawling canopy of stars, finding solace in the symphony of crickets and rustling leaves. As dawn breaks, the golden rays of sunlight filter through the foliage, illuminating the picturesque landscape and inviting explorers to embark on nature trails and riverside strolls, forging unforgettable memories amidst the untamed beauty of the wilderness.
Those who visit River Hills are awed by the beauty and serenity. There are wide open fields and miles of well-maintained trails in the woods. In a time where open land is disappearing, we are determined to keep our land as natural as possible and to have it remain in the family. This is not an inexpensive task. All proceeds are used to maintain and improve River Hills.
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$50
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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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Southern Revere Vineyard & Farm
3 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Louisa, VA
We are a family owned and operated vineyard and farm. Home to Southern Revere Cellars - Farm Brewery and Winery! 70 acres of forest and fields with a small pond, 2 funny resident geese, & 4 newly added Nigerian Dwarf goats. There are some fish in the pond, but it is catch and release. Located conveniently between Richmond and Charlottesville only 3 miles off I-64 but feels like the secluded countryside. There are trails around the property to explore as well (please be considerate of other campers if present). You are welcome to visit the playground behind the tasting barn too. Porta johns also available in front of tasting room building, and water hose on East side of building for small amounts of water if needed (not intended to fill camper tanks).
*Do note that we are a public business open Thurs-Mon, so there may be some noise and driveway traffic during open hours. Noise ordinance begins at 10pm, so it will wrap up by then at the latest. Though we encourage you to join the fun! Check out our events calendar here: facebook.com/southernrevere/events
**There will be a kids haunted barrel trail ride cutting through the trails past some of the campsites from 11am-6pm on these dates: Oct 19/20, Oct 26/27, Nov 2/3.**
*Please leave no trace and clean up after your pets.
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$45
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Available this weekend
Star Hosts in Virginia
Private sites river, stream, or creek 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.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.