The best camping near Bear Creek Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bear Creek Lake State Park adventure.

83% (15 reviews)
83% (15 reviews)

Discover the natural charm of Bear Creek Lake State Park.  

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Community favorites near Bear Creek Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Bear Creek Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Bear Creek Lake State Park

99%
(463)

City Camp on Reedy Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Richmond, VA
Learn more about this land: Come take a load off at this forested Richmond retreat overlooking Reedy Creek. Set up a tent, car camp, or bring your small trailer to one of two sites on a unique property backed up to 20+ acres of woods. Imagine a hidden gem where you can relax to the sounds of rushing water and chirping birds, but can walk or bike to coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, parks or the river. If you are coming into Richmond for a Brown's Island event we are a five minute Uber to an access point using the Potterfield walking bridge (it's a beautiful walk across the James River to the island). Each campsite includes 3 level spots to pitch tents (see dimensions below), and a connected space to park one car, van or small trailer. The large parking space can be used as a fourth tent footprint if needed. There are additional parking spaces. Each site has a fire pit (with firewood on site), a grate to grill over the fire, a picnic table, and a hammock. There is a shared outbuilding with a composting toilet, hand washing sink, outdoor shower (solar warmed), and space to change privately.  Campsite W ~  Tent footprints: 1) 10' x 12' 2) 10' x 13' 3) 9' x 10' Campsite E ~ Tent footprints: 1) 15'x16' 2) 10' x 15' 3) 9' x 10' **Pricing is based on groups of up to four adults or two adults with children. For groups of five to seven adults there is an additional charge of $10 person per day. For groups of eight or more we suggest you reserve both sites and have the entire camp to yourselves. Campsites W and E are about 80' apart. Both are around 100' to the creek. The spots can accommodate a total length (towing vehicle plus trailer) of up to 35 ft. There is an outdoor spigot with potable water and hoses for clean up. The woodlands and creek adjacent to the campsites have trails that are accessible to the public. You and your furry friends are welcome to use these paths, but know that others may be using them too. Richmond has so much to offer and we are just a hop, skip, and a jump to many wonderful attractions - kayak or sunbathe on the James River, walk or bike on trails around the city, rock climb, dine, imbibe. PLEASE NOTE* These sites are on a private property with a house that is visible to campers, but we give our guests complete privacy and don't plan to interact unless you need something from us. While you are on a 2 acre property backed up to a 20 acre wooded area, we are still in the middle of the city and you will hear city sounds. This is a safe space. We do not discriminate based on anything that makes you...you.
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$36.90
 / night
99%
(195)

Peaceful Meadows Farm

17 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Palmyra, VA
Learn more about this land: When you arrive you will drive up to your campground destination which is 16 acres of Loblolly Pine trees. There is a 1 1/2 acre pond stocked with Catfish, Bass, Crappies, Brim and Shell Cracker. Also there are two smaller ponds with minnows and one is home to Tucker the Turtle 🐢 . We have several trails on the property to walk as well. You are welcome to 🐠 fish for dinner but we ask that you notify your host if you want to keep some fish. Otherwise please practice catch and release policy. Each site will have a fire ring available. We are AUTISM Friendly 💙,so if you have a camper that needs a little more encouragement about camping or other accommodations please let your host know. You are welcomed to bring your furry family members, bikes and kayaks. We are only 35 minutes from Carter’s Mountain, Monticello and Jefferson Winery’s. Thistle Gate Winery is only 5 minutes away and 20 minutes to Scottsville were you can enjoy the James River. UVA sports complex is only 30 minutes away and your able to go the back way in to skip the gridlock of the traffic. There so much more within 30 to 45 minutes of this camping area I can’t list it all. I promise you will Enjoy your stay!
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$40
 / night
98%
(315)

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%
(524)

Seven Islands River Front Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Arvonia, VA
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
 / night
99%
(47)

2nd40 to 420 - The Farm

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents39 acres · Pamplin, VA
The Farm was originally named 2nd 4o by my parents. They planned to live the 2nd forty years of their lives together on the farm. My parents both grew up on the southside of Chicago - where having a tree in your yard meant that you had "made it". They decided to use the land to grow Christmas Trees. This did not last long :) - but the saplings my dad planted by hand are still here & maybe 70' tall! Then my husband & I bought The Farm in 2017 for the 2nd forty years of our life & my parents built their little house right here. My husband and I immediately knew that our dream was to grow a different kind of "tree", so in 2019 we were among the first group to receive our license to grow hemp. We are passionate about both the hemp and cannabis plants! In 2020 when it finally became legal to grow cannabis, we immediately added that to our garden as well and 2nd 40 to 420 was born, or shall I say planted. We currently rent out our 2 RV's 3 Yurts & primitive sites , we also offer group bookings & Canna-friendly B&B options. We plan to add septic & electric hook-ups for RV's in the near future. Come join us in Growing our Dreams! Learn more about this land: Large farm with acres for tent camping. 2 RVs on site - available for rental - able to pull in RV's420 friendly - bed & breakfast options available. Creek, walking & riding trails, in season pool. Happy to host you with a variety of options. This option is for primitive camping on site.
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$42.50
 / night
96%
(183)

Warren Ferry Landing

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Scottsville, VA
Come enjoy Warren Ferry Landing, our expansive and shaded property just steps from the James River! Our property boasts 400+ feet of river frontage for you to enjoy and you can swim, fish, or even launch a canoe directly from our sites. About the property Our property is located adjacent to the historic Warren Ferry crossing of the James River. This is one of two historic ferry crossings near Scottsville, VA! The other, Hatton Ferry, is located a little bit down river from this location. Our property is only 8 miles from Scottsville so if you need to pop into town for something you forgot it is quite easy. There are many other activities that you can partake in nearby or on our property. There is fishing, swimming, hiking, and kayaking all within easy reach of our property. We do not live onsite but we aim to be easily reachable over the phone or text. If you have any questions before or during your stay please don’t hesitate to reach out. Keep in mind that during the night it is possible to hear some train activity from across the river.
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$37.80
 / night
100%
(30)

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 *Please leave no trace and clean up after your pets. Pets must be on leash if coming to tasting room.
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$45
 / night
99%
(99)

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
 / night
96%
(24)

Lovers Lane Farm Stay

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Gordonsville, VA
We have the prefect place for your tent, RV, or stay in our farmstay Studio. Beautiful trees surround the pond and seasonal stream to give you the ultimate nature experience. Spend time on the open pasture with our dairy cows Azelia and Darby, or our pasture-raised chickens. Explore our family garden at your leisure. Our farm has many different things to keep you busy whether it is fishing in our small pond or helping out with the family's daily farm chores. This is a working family farm with goats, horses, chickens, lambs, ducks, rabbits, bees, cats, and dogs and many more farm animals. Learn to take care of baby chicks or milk a cow. Taste the sweetest honey while one of our farm kids guide and teach you the joys of farm life. Take a peaceful guided trail ride around the farm on our horse, Noble. Or just relax on a hammock and enjoy the night-time sounds. Solo, couples, or families are welcomed along with pets on a leash. 5-8 minutes away from historic downtown Gordonsville, restaurants, and stores 10 minutes away from horseback riding and the rodeo 20 minutes away from beautiful hiking trails 30 minutes away from Shenandoah National Park 30 minutes away from Charlottesville 1 hour away from Luray Caverns Available Options/"Extras" for an additional fee (at checkout) -Horseback Riding -Learn to Milk a cow -Farmer for 1 Hour (free) -Jackery Power Station with Solar Panels -Firewood -Farm-to-Table breakfast and dinner -Pastured Raised Organic Chicken -Grassfed Beef Hamburger Patties -Farm-Fresh Eggs -Fresh Milk (Brown Swiss Dairy Cows) -Farm Tour Contact us ahead of your visit to help us plan for your best stay possible.
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$35
 / night

The best camping near Bear Creek Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Two words for Bear Creek Lake State Park: bomb diggity. Traverse the 40-acre lake by non-motorized boat where fishing opportunities abound. Don't have a canoe or kayak? No problem. Rental opportunities make getting one easy. After you're done frolicking on the beaches, grab a bite at the lakeside diner, which offers all kinds of tasty sandwiches and snacks. With a 10-lane archery range and 3D targets, you'll be able to hone your bow and arrow skills only a hop, skip, and jump away from your campsite. Hunters need only go to the neighboring Cumberland State Forest to catch some game, which isn't too far away. Leave the bikes and horses at home though, as the trails here are intended for hiking boots only unless you obtain a permit first.

Notable campgrounds

  • Acorn Loop: Offers a lakeside camping experience with water view tent sites and electric hookups for pop-ups.
  • Chestnut Loop: Features shaded sites with electric and water hookups, including a handicap accessible site with a sewer connection.
  • Black Oak Loop: Accommodates larger camping setups with electric-water sites for equipment up to 35 feet long.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, ensuring you secure your ideal spot.
  • Consider off-peak times for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a great campsite.

When to go

The best time to visit Bear Creek Lake State Park is from spring through fall, when the weather is pleasant and all park facilities are open. Summer offers the full array of activities, including swimming and boat rentals. Winter visits are quieter but note that some amenities, like the snack bar and boat rentals, are seasonal.

Know before you go

  • Day-use guests should arrive early as the park may reach capacity, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Swimming is available at the beach's designated area, but it is unguarded, so swim at your own risk.
  • Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and are not allowed on the beach.
  • Remember to bring all necessary linens for cabin stays as they are not provided by the park.
  • Check the park's website for the latest information on facility availability and any special events or programs.

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