Best Camping in and near Bear Creek Lake State Park

83% (15 reviews)

Discover the natural charm of Bear Creek Lake State Park.

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Stay at a public campground in Bear Creek Lake State Park

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Bear Creek Lake Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In Bear Creek Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Bear Creek Lake State Park

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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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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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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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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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The Forge at Fiddler's Ridge

4 sites · Tents120 acres · Scottsville, VA

The farm was owned in the 30's by a musical family who's members were invited to play for FDR at the White House. My background is as a horse shoer and black smith and I have made Fiddler's Ridge my home since 2003. I have a forge on site and will be happy to demonstrate or give a beginner lesson. Just ask for details.Learn more about this land:Explore 100 acres of forest in eastern Albemarle county including beautiful walking trails & nearby creek. Peaceful and private camping sites with individual fire pits and outhouse access. A shower is available 1/2 mile up private driveway if desired. 20 minutes to Charlottesville and 15 minutes to Scottsville.Site 1- Beautiful pastoral views from a hilltop campsite perfect for 1-2 tents. Site 2- Great for couples to larger groups. Includes use of older pole barn in case of inclement weather.

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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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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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Devils Backbone Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Roseland, VA

Beer and nature come together here at Devils Backbones Camp. We’re tucked in the Rockfish Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains, five miles from the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our forested paradise is open year round. Here you’ll find 71-acres of campground, including 25 full RV hookup sites, 22 standard non-electric sites, and 24 primitive tent sites (and yes, there’s a 24/7 bath house, too). Our Basecamp Brewpub is open 7 days a week. Please visit our website for up-to-date hours and events.

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Field of Dreams Creek Camping

1 site · Tent13 acres · Concord, VA

All of the land on the gravel road in which we live was at one time a large operating farm. The original farmhouse is still present at the end of the gravel road. In recent years the farm land was sub divided. My husband Jacob and I purchased this piece of property 8 years ago. We absolutely love it here and this land is our own slice of paradise. We have 13 acres of private seclusion with a quiet and peaceful creek spot for camping on the back side of our property. We love having a place where we feel we can be away from it all! Also at the same time we are only a short drive away from downtown Lynchburg as well as quick access to route 460. We enjoy that we can get on the river quickly and we frequently take advantage of the beauty of kayaking the James River. Together Jacob and I find tranquility while camping and exploring new places. We are excited to share our slice of heaven with you and meet people who share our love for the great outdoors. :)

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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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Misty Mountain Camp Resort

127 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Greenwood, VA

Welcome to Misty Mountain Misty Mountain Camp Resort offers a delightful, relaxing vacation at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near historic Charlottesville, Virginia. Whether you're looking for a private getaway, a group gathering, or fun with the kids, Misty Mountain Camp Resort is sure to meet your needs. Our scenic 50-acre park provides private sites nestled in the trees and a large recreational building with banquet seating to accommodate any large group. Explore nature trails, splash in our pool, sit by the creek, fish in our pond, play at several playgrounds, climb our hills, shoot hoops and spike the volleyball or pitch horseshoes, take a hayride, enjoy live music and dances, shop at our General Store, shoot pool and play video games, relax in solitude or join with new friends - the choice is yours and it's all at Misty Mountain Camp Resort! OUR ACCOMMODATIONS • Cabins We offer a wide range of cabins to fit any need, from a single room to 3 bedrooms. All cabins have A/C, heat, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, fire ring, and picnic table. Cabins 1-4, 6, 8 & 13-16 are pet friendly. Bring your own linens, blankets, pillows, or towels as we do not provide those. • RV Sites Our RV sites can accommodate any size of camper. We offer full hookup 50/30 amp, water, and electric 50/30 amp, pull-through, and back-in sites. All sites have gravel pads, picnic tables, a fire ring, and Wifi. Most sites have complimentary digital cable TV. • Tent Sites We have several tenting options for small to large groups. Creekside sites for up to 8 people and backcountry sites for up to 100. All sites have a picnic table, fire ring, lantern hook, bench, and table. OUR AMENITIES We provide a wide range of accommodations and event facilities. We take pride in providing every service with a smile, and to your highest level of satisfaction. • Jump pad • Playground • Misty Mountain Mining Company • Stocked fishing pod • Cornhole & horseshoes • Outdoor sports • Pool • Country Store • Fitness Room • Live Music • Planned Activities • Food trucks • Bathhouse and laundry • Community & Club Rooms FEATURED ATTRACTIONS • Pro Re Nata Brewery • Nature Trails • Long Distance Trails • Grand Caverns • Hill Top Winery • Monticello

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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. A well-appointed toilet and shower available for everyone's use (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 and 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 $65/85 per night tent rates or $95/115 per night RV/Electric car rates and includes two guests. Please register all additional guests over 12 years of age when booking - price is $25/35 per additional guest, per day - host will verify guests and vehicles upon arrival. Check in with your Host when you arrive!

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.