Camping is a great way to get away from it all, but where should you go?
There are so many campgrounds in Virginia that it can be hard to choose the best one for your needs.
We’ve done the research for you and found the top campgrounds in Virginia. Whether you’re into roughing it or looking for a campsite that borders on a resort, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the beauty of the Old Dominion.
The best Virginia campgrounds (a mix of rustic and luxurious)
Virginia has campgrounds for everyone (well, almost everyone.). They fall into three main categories:
Primitive/ Backpacking Campgrounds: These are cleared areas with no amenities. You have to hike to them, there are no bathrooms, and they’re in the wilderness. You better know what you’re doing.
“Regular” Campsites: You’ll find bathroom facilities, picnic tables, and usually a camp store and electric and water hookups. Sometimes these will have cabin rentals available too. Great for family camping.
Resort Campgrounds: These will often have restaurants, swimming pools, and more. (My favorite, but according to my husband, “doesn’t count as camping.”)
It will come as no surprise that many of the best Virginia campgrounds are in some of the best Virginia state parks.
1. New River Trail State Park: Foster Falls (Primitive)
This park offers three primitive campgrounds: Cliffview, Millrace, and Double Shoals. None of these campgrounds have vehicular access, showers, or washing facilities, so it may not be ideal for those looking for more luxury and comfort. However, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and want to enjoy some peace and seclusion, this park is perfect for you. There are beautiful cliffs and fantastic birdwatching.
New River Trail State Park is a highly popular location that swells with hikers, bikers, anglers, swimmers, canoeists, and horseback riding enthusiasts late spring through early fall. The park has a 57.5-mile trail that follows the New River from Pulaski to Radford. There are also several access points to the park, making it convenient for people living in different parts of Virginia. The park offers plenty of activities for visitors, including fishing, swimming, hiking, and horseback riding.
Foster Falls is one of the campgrounds in the park, and it offers reservable campsites and first-come, first-served sites. If you want to reserve a place, be sure to do so ahead of time—same-day reservations are not accepted. If you’re looking for something more primitive, Double Shoals is an honor-system campground with a self-pay station on site.
We love this campground but wouldn’t recommend taking little kids or anyone who isn’t used to roughing it a bit!
You can make a reservation here.
2. Backcountry Camping in Shenandoah National Park (Primitive)
Shenandoah National Park offers many backcountry camping opportunities throughout its more than 200,000 acres of land. There are almost limitless possibilities for truly wild backcountry camping in the park. There are dozens and dozens of campsites throughout Shenandoah National Park for someone looking for primitive campsites.
Remember: Backcountry camping is camping outside of designated campgrounds and facilities. This type of camping requires experience, survival skills, and carrying your own kit and supplies. You need a special permit because it can be perilous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Campsites should be chosen carefully, as they can be pretty crowded during the peak seasons.
Find out more and look for a specific campsite here.
3. Grayson Highlands (Primitive)
Mountain lovers, this one’s for you.
Grayson Highlands is located in southwest Virginia, north of the Blue Ridge Mountains and south of the Shenandoah National Park. Grayson Highlands has picturesque views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high from Virginia’s two highest mountains, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain.
It’s roadside parking and a spot for a tent, but the views are spectacular.
More about Grayson Highlands here.
4. False Cape State Park (Primitive)
False Cape State Park is a six-mile stretch of undeveloped land along the Atlantic Coast in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The park offers visitors a chance to get away from it all and enjoy nature. There are no designated campsites in the park, so campers must be prepared to rough it.
False Cape State Park is a beautiful but primitive park located on the east coast of Virginia. The park is only accessible by foot or bike, and it has very minimal amenities for camping. Campsites are available for $20-$25 per night and include little support beyond an open area for your tent or RV. If you’re looking for a rustic camping experience with incredible natural beauty, False Cape State Park is hard to beat!
5. Chickahominy Riverfront Park Near Williamsburg (Traditional Campsites)
The Chickahominy Riverfront Park is a beautiful campground overlooking the Chickahominy River. It offers visitors plenty of activities and amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and river views.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park is an excellent place for a family outing. The park features a large outdoor pool, a volleyball court, and a basketball court. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. The fishing is good in the river, and there are several fishing tournaments throughout the year.
It’s enjoyable in the summer, with a camp store that sells ice cream and spots to play corn hole and beach volleyball.
There are no cabins, but there are spots for RV camping. Some tent campsites have river views, but they book up first.
6. Misty Mountain Camp Resort near Charlottesville (Traditional to Resort-Style)
Misty Mountain Camp Resort is located in historic Charlottesville, Virginia. It’s at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides a great camping experience for visitors.
If you’re looking for a great place to camp in Virginia, Misty Mountain Camp Resort is a 50-acre park with primitive camping nestled among the trees. There’s a pool, fishing pond, playground, and well-stocked camp store onsite, as well as activities like hayrides, live music, and dancing. Guests can also enjoy horseshoes, relaxing by the creek, or exploring the properties of nature trails.
The Misty Mountain Camp Resort is a great place to stay if you’re looking for some fun activities to partake in. There’s an outdoor pool for swimming, a recreation room with games like ping pong and air hockey, a pond for fishing, and plenty of space for teaming up for sports tournaments.
Misty Mountain Camp Resort is a great place to stay if you’re looking for some nearby restaurants and attractions. There’s even a shuttle to some of the best local vineyards and breweries.
This is not a national park, but a private business, and is pricier than booking a campsite.
7. Big Meadows Campground near Luray (Traditional)
Big Meadows Campground is a beautiful, spacious campground located in the Shenandoah National Park. It offers excellent tent camping and is one of the best campgrounds in Virginia. The park is home to stunning mountain views, rolling hills, and pristine forests.
Big Meadows Campground is a great place to camp if you are looking for just a few amenities. The campsites come equipped with fire grates and picnic tables so that you can enjoy a nice meal outdoors. If you need to take a break from the wilderness, the campground also has a playground, laundry facilities, and showers.
We LOVE this Virginia campground in the fall for its gorgeous hiking trails. Don’t forget that winter comes fast in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and plan your trip accordingly.
8. First Landing State Park Camping near Virginia Beach (Traditional)
First Landing State Park Camping is located in Virginia Beach, and it is one of the most popular campgrounds in the state. It offers a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and hiking. The campground never feels too crowded and is ideally situated into quieter natural surroundings for forays.
The park provides ample opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy camping, fishing, boating, swimming, birdwatching, and more. In addition, visitors can also partake in educational programs that allow them to learn about the nature and history of the the Chesapeake Bay/Virginia Beach area.
By the way…bring bug spray!
Find out more about First Landing here
9. Horseshoe Flats Campground (Traditional)
This spot is all about the James River and is a fantastic location if you’re into tubing or rafting. You’re also within walking distance to the town of Scottsville if you want to visit a restaurant or buy something you need. There are spots for RV campers as well as
Horseshoe Flats Campground is a great place to camp if you’re looking for something quiet and serene. It’s suitable for small campers or tents and has restrooms, picnic tables, and excellent flat gravel sites surrounded by tall trees. There are spots for RV campers as well as water and electric hookups.
10. Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park (Traditional)
This Shenandoah campsite is another gorgeous spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway; this Shenandoah campsite, has easy access to the Appalachian Trail.
Loft Mountain Campground is a great place to camp if you’re looking for some hiking opportunities. Plenty of trails is available, including the easy-going Double Falls Loop and the more challenging Furnace Mountain-Austin Mountain Loop.
Loft Mountain Campground is a great place to camp if you’re looking for beautiful views of the forest. The campsites are located on a ridge on top of Big Flat Mountain, and you can enjoy panoramic views in all directions at sunset.
Loft Mountain Campground is a great place to camp if you’re looking for amenities like flush toilets, drinking water, and pay showers. You can reserve the campground online, including basic amenities like a fire ring and picnic tables.
11. Natural Bridge Campground (Resort Style)
The Natural Bridge/Lexington KOA Holiday campground is a great spot to enjoy the best camping in Virginia. It’s nestled deep within the middle of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, providing a beautiful and peaceful setting for campers. The campground offers a variety of amenities, including RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, cabins, and even yurts!
The Natural Bridge – Lexington KOA Holiday campground is the perfect place to stay camping in Virginia. It is a rural and wooded campground that offers several amenities for campers, including a gift shop, a convenience store, a game room, a swimming pool, and planned activities. (As a bonus, Lexington is one of the best small towns in Virginia, so be sure to check out the downtown too.
This particular KOA is an excellent option if you’re looking for a place to camp with your family. It has a pool and playground and RV and tent sites. The KOA is also dog-friendly so that you can bring along your furry friend too!
Find out more about their amenities here.
12. North Bend Park & Campground
North Bend Park & Campground is a beautiful park located on Kerr Reservoir in Boydton, Virginia. There’s abundant wildlife, a sandy beach, and biking trails. It is a popular place to spend a romantic weekend getaway and offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy.
The North Bend Park & Campground is an excellent place to camp if you’re looking for amenities. There are nearly 250 water/electric hookup sites and primitive campsites near or on the lakefront. Additionally, there are centrally located bathhouse facilities with toilets and hot showers.
Being on the waterfront here is beautiful and it’s a very popular campground in the summer.
13. Wilderness Presidential Resort (Resort Style)
Wilderness Presidential Resort is a family-friendly RV campground in Spotsylvania, VA. They offer a variety of amenities, including full hookups, laundry facilities, and an onsite store.
Wilderness Presidential Resort is one of the best camping destinations in Virginia. It offers a wide range of activities, including a gym, mini-golf, boat rentals, and an onsite adventure park. There are also three pools on site and a clubhouse that has pool tables, darts boards, and TVs.
The Wilderness Presidential Resort is an excellent place for camping and offers many activities, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, and more. If you’re looking for a fun-filled getaway in Virginia, then this is the perfect spot for you.
If you’re looking for a great place to relax and get away from it all, look no further than Wilderness Presidential Resort. With plenty of activities and amenities, you’ll never be bored during your stay.
No matter how adventurous you are, you can find what you’re looking for
Whether you’re looking for a campground with amenities or you want to enjoy nature and the great outdoors, Virginia has something to offer everyone. The campgrounds we’ve listed are some of the best in the state, so be sure to check them out when planning your next camping trip.