The state of Virginia offers diverse and unmatched lakeside retreats and mountainous adventures. But the fun doesn’t end there—it also has phenomenal campsites for novice or seasoned campers. In these 15 camping locations, campers can eat their hearts out with s’mores, while their eyes feast on Virginia’s great landscapes.
Shenandoah National Park
Equipped with 221 campgrounds endowed with fire rings and picnic tables, Shenandoah National Park is perfect for campers who love wildlife and can withstand chilly conditions. This campsite is also friendly to solo campers because of its backcountry camping options and to hikers due to its location along the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Because this park is open to both tents and RVs, its campgrounds are more convenient with complete amenities. Hikers will also have a blast, with it being near Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak, and the Appalachian trails. Grayson Highlands State Park is also famous for its wild peonies and alpine vistas, ensuring its campers panoramic views while they pitch their tents.
First Landing State Park
This historic campsite near Virginia Beach was used as campgrounds by English colonists back in 1607. Its more than 200 campsites nestled among cypress trees have easy access to hiking trails and the Chesapeake Bay, making it a hot spot for sunbathing, fishing, and hiking. This park is ideal for campers interested in the maritime forest adventure of a lifetime.
Douthat State Park
This campsite is beginner-friendly with available cabin rentals and accommodations for tents and RVs. Douthat State Park is also nestled within the Allegheny Mountains, making it a perfect site for hikers. Campers and adventurers seeking serenity can find it here, with its 50-acre lake, breathtaking mountain vistas, and secluded woodlands.
Big Meadows Campground
Set deep within Shenandoah National Park, this campground is a favorite among campers who love stargazing and wildlife. Big Meadows is an open site, which attracts many deer, and its elevated location exposes a clear blanket of stars at night. Campers also have access to hiking trails and amenities for beginner campers.
Sky Meadows State Park
For campers seeking a real and raw camping experience, Sky Meadows State Park is the place to go. Its primitive campsites lack running water, toilets, and picnic tables, giving campers a maximum encounter with nature. The Appalachian Trail is also easily reachable from here, attracting hikers who are up for scenic views and adventure.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore is a delight for campers who enjoy the oceanside and wildlife. Located on the coasts of Virginia and Maryland, this island is famous for its wild horses and delicate beaches. Campsites are along the seashore, providing campers with a relaxing nighttime atmosphere. Aside from observing the vast seas and wilderness, visitors can also participate in beachcombing and kayaking.
Holliday Lake State Park
Its 150-acre lake enables campers to enjoy fishing and swimming. Despite being located in central Virginia, Holliday Lake State Park’s tranquility remains ideal for campers. Its campgrounds cater to tents and small RVs with accommodations that include bathhouses and other basic amenities. Its hiking trails lead to nearby forests, making it perfect for hikers as well.
Prince William Forest Park
Its grounds offer both primitive and developed campsites, making it accessible for anyone who wants to try camping. Prince William Forest Park, a neighbor to Washington, D.C., also boasts 37 miles of hiking trails through its woodlands. Lush forests and serene streams surround this park, making it a perfect getaway for campers looking to escape the stress of city life.
James River State Park
James River State Park boasts various campsites—from riverfront spots to lodges. Because it sits along the James River, marine activities like kayaking, fishing, and tubing are prominent. In addition to its rich aquatic environment, this park is also home to 1,500 acres of forest. Given its topography and landscape, it is rich in diverse ecosystems that make birdwatching and wildlife observation more enjoyable.
New River Trail State Park
New River Trail State Park is perfect for campers fond of biking, hiking, and horseback riding because of its 57-mile-long trail. This park also runs along the New River, providing its primitive campsites with panoramic views and riverside camping experiences. Its picturesque nature and coastal vistas make it the perfect fit for campers who appreciate both the aesthetic and the adventures of camping.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
This inclusive campsite is situated in the heart of Virginia. Bear Creek Lake State Park has a 40-acre lake nestled among the woods, allowing its campers to enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking. It also accommodates tents and RVs, complete with bathhouses and picnic spaces. However, campers should be wary of bears at this campsite, as sightings have been reported, though they are quite rare.
Kiptopeke State Park
Campers who revel in nature in its full glory will thoroughly enjoy camping in this Eastern Shore park of Virginia. Its campgrounds near the coast and the Chesapeake Bay offer fishing, boating, and birdwatching opportunities. Kiptopeke State Park also provides campers with yurts, campsites, and cabins for an optimal experience.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Natural Tunnel State Park sets itself apart from other Virginia campsites with its limestone ridge, dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and other unique geological features. It also boasts a variety of hiking trails that capture the beauty of the park’s landscape from every angle. Its camping accommodations include cabins, lodges, yurts, and campsites for various types of adventurous campers.
False Cape State Park
As one of the last surviving untouched coastal areas in Virginia, False Cape State Park offers perhaps the truest primitive camping experience available today. This secluded park is reachable only by walking, biking, or boating, ensuring a maximum camping experience for adventure seekers. It is also surrounded by delicate beaches and six miles of undeveloped shoreline, making sunbathing and swimming even more interesting.
