Waterside camping in Virginia

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

96% (12460 reviews)

United States
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Virginia

96% (12460 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Virginia

Public campgrounds in Virginia

100%

(5)

Stories from the community

Marco is a proud LLama! One of our 4-H trained pack animals & show boy!

David

1 day ago

Tent

2 nights at Infinity Acres Ranch

Actually we were moved to the Lakeside Campsite based on our needs and Laura's recommendation. Thank you. Laura and Rick were fantastic hosts, they don't come any better. From the time we arrived, to the time we left, we were made to feel at home. The campsite was clean and very scenic. The animals were amazing, each with their own personality. Laura and Rick do amazing things for the animals in their care, as well as the interactive experiences with schools, special needs children, nursing homes, and churches. If you have the time, a Llama walk through their trails will restore your soul. It truly felt like staying in Narnia. Greatly recommend staying at Infinity Acres, we will be back soon.

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Great camping!! Quiet, big spaces, close to town for exploring. Our 2 dogs enjoyed staying.

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Fantastic place to camp and enjoy the beautiful Charlottesville area. Bob is very responsive and makes your stay very comfortable.

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

We had an incredible stay at the farm. Our campsite (#6) was private and serene, only could see one tent in the far distance, everything else woods and nature. In the morning, we said hello to the horses and donkees, all so sweet and cared for...a little equine therapy to start the day. We will definitely be back. Also a plus, we had full cell signal at our site.

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

We really enjoyed camping here. Our grandson is on UVA baseball team. We were only about 10 minutes from the University ballpark. The site was peaceful and quiet.

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Bucolic postcard of Virginia horse and farm country. Hosts went out of their way to ensure we could make it to our site arriving late from a concert in town, navigating us around a damaged road. Access to a private bathhouse and hot shower is a camping luxury. Prepare yourself for the donkey’s vocal stylings (both startling and endearing).

1 night at Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Our stay at Site 5 - Ridgetop Meadow at Private Farm Minutes to Cville was absolutely delightful. This spot is a hidden gem, perfect for anyone traveling through or to Charlottesville. The privacy was unmatched, and the property itself was stunning—such a beautiful place to camp. The peaceful meadow setting made it an ideal escape, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit. Highly recommend!

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Camped at Site 6 for one night! Great location and the owner was very friendly. I would visit again.

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Site 5 was quiet and huge with beautiful views of their horse farm. It was fairly easy to level our van in the spot. So close to all that Charlottesville has to offer but it feels like you’re really getting away from it all. Absolutely gorgeous sunset, too.

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Loved it! The owner came to meet us and was very nice. We will definitely be back!

1 night at Private Farm Minutes to Cville

I enjoyed the beauty of this farm and the ability to camp and reduce my costs for a quick overnight trip to Charlottesville for work. At just $30, I got to be lulled to sleep by the whispering trees and pet a miniature donkey, to boot! This feel-good and healing location was well worth the stop!

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Really nice property, nice sized camping plots, great directions and on-site signage, and very welcoming hosts. We’ll be back!

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Beautiful site and property. Fire pits need replacing. Gazebo and available propane grill were nice touches. Location is amazing if you’re doing anything at the University. Available restroom and shower is also convenient.

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Great place to go camping! So convenient yet you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Very peaceful and well kept land. It was so nice to walk around a little bit too and see the horses! Would definitely camp here again.

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

I loved camping here! Very quiet and peaceful. The sunrise and sunset here were beautiful. The campsites were very spacious.

1 night at Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Just as described. Nice view of farm and mountains in the distance.

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

The farm was beautiful! I was pleasantly surprised by how close it was to everything but felt far away.

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Awesome place for camping! Tucked away enough to see the stars at night, yet close enough to Cville for when when we wanted to go into town. Bob was super friendly. He came by with his dogs, after asking if it was okay first for my kids. Site 2 was secluded down a hill, but was nice and flat for our large tent. It was shaded in the morning, and got perfect sun starting around 930am (in Autumn) . Fire pit was available. The little pond (rope swing and zip line) looks like it would be a lot of fun in the summer. Strong recommendation if you want to be close to Cville but have a more memorable stay than at a hotel! We took a walk to the other sites (around the many horse pens, in which my kids enjoyed seeing the horses) and other sites up the hill also look great for camping. The house was available with a flush toilet and shower (just a regular guest room's bathroom).

2 top waterside campgrounds in Virginia

98%

(1261)

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%

(109)

Infinity Acres Ranch

7 sites · RVs, Tents61 acres · Ridgeway, VA

Rick & Laura relocated to Ridgeway VA 18 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 Friends of 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!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

98%

(25)

Jefferson National Forest

Bluefield, Virginia

100%

(3)

John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Baskerville, Virginia

100%

(2)

Claytor Lake State Park

Clifton Forge, Virginia

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia

94%

(9)

Pocahontas State Park

Brandermill, Virginia

Holliday Lake State Park

Pamplin City, Virginia

83%

(15)

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Cumberland, Virginia

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Waterside 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.