Lakeside camping in Virginia
Iconic hikes, history, and golden beaches await campers in Virginia’s 41 state parks.
99% (1623 reviews)
- Virginia
99% (1623 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Virginia
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top wheelchair-accessible lakeside campgrounds in Virginia
98%
(1163)
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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from
$35
/ night
98%
(290)
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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$30
/ night
99%
(194)
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 and toilet facility for added privacy. (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 & 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 per night and includes two guests. Please register all additional guests over twelve when booking - price is $25 per additional guest, per day - host will verify guests count on arrival.
Check in with your Host when you arrive!
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$65
/ night
100%
(115)
Casa Vargas
6 sites · Lodging, 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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$40
/ night
100%
(45)
Kerwin K.’s Land
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Keysville, VA
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$30
/ night
99%
(106)
Infinity Acres Ranch
4 sites · RVs, Tents61 acres · Ridgeway, VA
Rick & Laura relocated to Ridgeway VA 15 years ago and are in love with the southern pace and park-like setting of the fields, pond and woods surrounding our Ranch. Folks were fascinated with our animals and kept saying we should open it up to the public!! We finally did just that! Then in 2012 we established an Animal Interactive Educational Non-Profit! Currently we share our domestic and exotic animals to benefit 1000's of folks each year! Now we are opening up the Ranch to you as a HIP CAMPER! You can learn more about us by following Infinity Acres Ranch on FACEBOOK, and also check out our website and watch the videos! Just google Infinity Acres Ranch to find us online! Many CHOICES!! You can choose to have an interactive experience, or just enjoy the tranquility of being in the country!! (fyi: roosters &; peacocks add to the experience, but also may wake you up!! ) Talk with Laura when you book and decide what will work best for YOU!!
Strict supervision of children is required. Any aggressive behavior or harassment of the animals is prohibited!
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$35
/ night
100%
(10)
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
99%
(35)
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
95%
(97)
Shallow Creek Camp
3 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Castleton, VA
Learn more about this land:Welcome to Shallow Creek, where you can set up camp near the pond amidst our 15 acre property. This beautiful spot is perfect for a getaway near Shenandoah National Park! About the Property:My wooded property, with plenty of nicely manicured grass areas for camping, is the perfect combination for a secluded, peaceful outdoor trip. The property itself is wonderful to explore - whether it be hiking around the property, fishing, swimming, or kayaking in the pond, or having a cup of coffee watching the sunrise.The property is also located just 15 minutes from Shenandoah National Park, about 40 minutes from Old Rag Mountain, and about 1.5 hour drive from Little Washington, VA, where you can head to a winery, a brewery, or dine at a nice restaurant. I am just 6 miles from Sperryville, VA if you'd like to head into town.I really enjoy meeting guests and showing you where everything is on the property, beyond that I respect guests' need for privacy and quiet-time. Enjoy your time here!About the Listing:Come and pitch your tent at one of the two campsites, both with a beautiful view of the pond! The campground is grassy and there are shaded areas as well. Each campsite has its own private fire pit to cozy up by and toast some marshmallows. I also provide picnic tables for you to grab a bite to eat after a day of exploring! There is a bathhouse with a flush toilet for your comfort, a utility sink and outdoor shower. There is hot water and electricity as well! There is a spigot for water as well as provided drinking water jugs for our guests. We do not have a kitchen area available, though there is a cooking grate on the fire pit! I suggest a propane camping stove if you'd like to cook at the campsites. While the campsites are spaced out enough for privacy, you should expect to see other campers or me, your Host, periodically throughout your stay. Additional Details to Note:- Check-in time: After 12pm noon and Check-out time: By 12pm noon- There is no wifi on the property and some carriers have limited cell reception here, so please keep this in mind when planning the logistics of your travels and your stay. Great opportunity to unplug if you'd like!- The property is great for everyone, so bring the kids and family!- Camp fires allowed in the fire pit that I provide on the property.- You should expect to hear roosters, dogs, cows next door, and bullfrogs in the summer. You may also hear coyotes in the distance. I provide earplugs in case the noises are bothersome to guests or if you are a light sleeper!- I welcome your pets, though we do ask that they are quiet after 10pm.- Keep food locked up to avoid bear visits.Please feel free to reach out with any questions and I look forward to your stay!
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from
$75
/ night
Booked 1 time
Pigeon Valley Farms River Camp
7 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Yogaville, VA
Pigeon Valley Farms River Camp is a humble sanctuary. It hosts many types of housing and parking sites. The Owl's Nest Glamping Cabin, Fireflies RV Parking, Dark Skies tent sites, planned springtime tiny gardens and riverfront view on the James River. Plenty enough room for all to be with nature and play outdoor games. Relax, heal and gather with your family and close friends. We also welcome your well behaved pets!
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$39
/ night
94%
(9)
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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$27
/ night
97%
(19)
Remote cabin in the woods, Floyd VA
1 site · Lodging48 acres · Check, VA
Learn more about this land:Rustic cabin with a loft, electricity, wood burning stove, no running water. There is an out house. Located in the gorgeous blue ridge mountains, pond, hiking, wildlife, working farm, and lots of natural beauty!
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$60
/ night
Star Hosts in Virginia
Available this weekend
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
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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