17 Best Places To Camp In Virginia For Every Type Of Adventure

Virginia's diverse landscape caters to every kind of outdoor enthusiast.

The variety of landscapes in Virginia makes it one of the most beautiful states in the South. From the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and the scenic Appalachian Trail to the shorelines of both the coast and inland lakes, it’s challenging to determine which vantage point is the best. Outdoor enthusiasts can thrive within Virginia’s borders, whether taking a weekend hike in the forest or exploring a waterway by kayak on a Tuesday afternoon.

Whether you plan on visiting Virginia or reside in the Old Dominion, one of the best ways to soak in the scenery is to go camping. Go old school and set up a tent with your partner at a primitive campsite, prepare your RV for a weekend getaway with the family, or gather your best friends for a glamping overnight in a yurt. No matter the experience you desire, Virginia has a campground to fit the bill.

Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

If you plan on driving an RV, Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views is ideal and has 76 sites set up for RV usage, including several convenient pull-through spaces. Additionally, the property offers eight tent sites, two deluxe cabins, and four yurts for the ultimate glamping experience. One of the area's main draws is Shenandoah Valley National Park, which is why this campground is so popular with visitors. Spacious Skies has several amenities, including a dog park, playground, laundry facilities, and two swimming pools. However, experiences like a jumping pillow and gem mining make this location near Luray a unique stay.

Hungry Mother State Park

Although its moniker may sound odd, Hungry Mother State Park, fabled to be named after a mother searching for food for her child, is one of Virginia’s oldest state parks. Located in Marion and established in 1933, the park is popular due to the lush forest and lakefront beach, which lends to pastimes like swimming, fishing, and boating. Add in activities like paddleboarding and hiking to Molly’s Knob—a vantage point where you can view three states—and it’s obvious this campground offers plenty to do. Campsites are available for those who want to bring their tent, although don’t miss the opportunity to stay in a yurt or rent a cabin while on site.

Hurricane Campground

Hurricane Campground at the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is one place that flies under the radar. As one of Southwest Virginia’s best-kept secrets, you can often see wild ponies along the 60 miles of the Appalachian Trail, just a half mile from the 27 campsites. However, RVs are not recommended, so it’s best to choose another site if you’re doing anything other than tent camping. One perk is that the bubbling stream provides the ideal ecosystem where hemlock and rhododendron thrive along the banks. Fishing and hiking are popular activities at the campground, as is visiting the nearby town of Marion, known for art, restaurants, and live music.

Bethpage Camp Resort

Those wishing to explore the Chesapeake Bay should prioritize heading to Bethpage Camp Resort, where fun for all ages awaits. All types of accommodations, from RV sites to quaint cottages, are available. However, the highlight of this 700-campsite location is the plethora of activities, such as hay wagon rides, mini golf, and a large water park with multiple pools. Also of note is that this resort offers plenty of planned activities, such as live entertainment and movie nights. Many folks stay for the entire warm weather season, so feel free to book a long-term site if you want to make Bethpage your summer home.

Williamsburg Campground

Once a KOA, the Williamsburg Campground has been in business for over five decades, and the third generation now operates this family-run business. This gated property is pet-friendly and includes hiking trails, a dog park, and a pet washing station. Relax by the outdoor fire pits, enjoy the heated swimming pool, or play disc golf on a nine-hole course. Children will enjoy playing on the playground, bouncing on the jumping pillow, or cooling off at the splash pad. No matter who you’re traveling with, there are many ways to stay, including campsites, yurts, cabins, and deluxe RV sites complete with patios.

Explore Park

Explore Park is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. As part of the Roanoke County Parks system, it is spread over hundreds of acres, offering all kinds of terrain. View the rolling hills, explore hiking trails, and experience the ultimate outdoor adventure along the river. Visitors can also traverse an aerial obstacle course or head out on one of the many mountain biking trails. The park also has two different campgrounds, one with yurts, cabins, and RV sites and the other offering primitive camping and raised platform sites.

Algonkian Regional Park

All levels of recreational activity are in store for those who visit Algonkian Regional Park, which covers 838 acres of shoreline along the Potomac River. Although the property is free of traditional camping and RV sites, guests can stay in riverfront cottages that house anywhere from four to ten guests. One perk that comes with the accommodations is free admission to Volcano Island Waterpark, and families can also enjoy playgrounds, hiking, and miniature golf. A boat launch and fishing are also on-site for those who wish to explore by water.

Emporia/I-95 KOA

Being close to nature is the focus of the new Emporia/I-95 KOA. Choose accommodations ranging from a tent site to an RV pad with full hookups, or rent a cabin to house the whole family. Spend the day off-site at attractions such as Historic Petersburg, downtown Richmond, Lake Gaston, or Pamplin Historical Park. Of course, there’s so much to do at the campground that you may not want to leave. Swim in the pool, play basketball, or test your skills and join in the fun at Water Wars during the summer. Bonus: They offer s’mores all year long, so prepare to roast marshmallows by the fire.

Jellystone Park At Natural Bridge

The highlight of Rockbridge County is the breathtaking Natural Bridge, so many choose Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge to make their home base while they’re visiting. Several types of tent and RV sites are available, some of which are waterfront, affording lovely views of the James River. Kids will enjoy jumping at the splash park, climbing at the playground, and playing mini golf. Spend your day canoeing or tubing on the river, and head to the arcade game room at night. Also, take your fishing pole to catch catfish and bass in the fully stocked pond.

Thousand Trails

Thousand Trails has two locations on our list—one in Williamsburg and another in Chesapeake—so stay near the water or explore history with either option. Amenities at both pet-friendly properties include a game room, playground, miniature golf, pickleball, volleyball, and various other onsite activities. The Chesapeake Bay location is situated along the Plankatank River and has full hookup RV sites, tent campsites, and cabins available. The Williamsburg property is close to historical attractions, yet it’s also within proximity of Busch Gardens and Water Country USA if you’d like to plan offsite activities.

Devils Backbone Camp

Located along the popular Nelson 151 craft beverage trail, Devils Backbone Camp is the perfect place to go camping in Virginia if you want to sip your way through the mountains. Outdoor lovers will get their fill of hiking as these campsites are in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just five miles from the Appalachian Trail. This 71-acre campground features 24 primitive tent sites, but don’t worry, the bathhouse is nearby and open all hours. The camp also has 25 full hookup sites and 22 non-electric sites for RVs. Plan a weekend trip to Devils Backbone Camp to savor wine, cider, and beer along the beverage trail and have a safe place to rest your head at night.

Deer Trail Park And Campground

Nestled into a valley in the Appalachian Mountains, Deer Trail Park and Campground is ideal for those who wish to get to know other campers. Although you can find respite on the hiking trails and enjoy mountain views from the shade, the heated swimming pool and playground lend themselves to socializing. Shop at the country store, eat your meals in the communal picnic shelter and tell stories after fishing from the stocked pond. How you spend your time is up to you, but unplug by keeping your park-wide WiFi usage to a minimum. RV setups, cabins, and a variety of sites for tent camping are available depending on your needs.

Endless Caverns RV Resort

As the name suggests, the main attraction for those that visit Endless Caverns RV Resort is the caves themselves. Because of its proximity to Interstate 81, folks drive in RVs from all over the United States to see the caverns, and this campground is prepared with full-service sites to accommodate the biggest of rigs. In addition, fish at the catch and release pond, play horseshoes or volleyball, and swim at the zero-entry pool, which provides easy entry for children and those with disabilities. Another highlight is that Endless Caverns has several events throughout the year, so plan to visit when there’s live music or a classic car show on site.

Small Country Campground

Small may be in the name, but Small Country Campground in Louisa is mighty in many ways. This 150-acre park includes a mini golf course and a 25-acre lake, perfect for swimming, boating, or catching largemouth bass. As a family-owned operation, this site recently underwent renovations like newly updated bathhouses, a dog park, and conveniences such as a camp store and snack shack. Regular campers look forward to the scheduled entertainment that creates an air of excitement each weekend. Small Country Campground also has several types of tent and RV spaces available, including a group campsite that can accommodate up to five tents.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Situated between two wilderness areas in Abingdon, Grayson Highlands State Park is the gateway to Mount Rogers, the highest peak in the state. Popular in the leaf-peeping season and summer months, many visit the park to traverse the trails via mountain bike, horseback, or foot hiking. The area is also known for bouldering and the presence of wild ponies, which were first introduced to prevent reforestation. Grayson Highlands has many campsites, including stable area spaces for equestrian campers. Due to demand and the extraordinary activities at the park, reserve a spot early to ensure that you can stay overnight.

Floyd Family Campground

Floyd is well known for being a hub for musicians, with annual events like FloydFest and the Floyd Country Store hosting live music events all year. Join in the fun and stay just 10 minutes away from the musical hub at Floyd Family Campground, which is outfitted with premium and primitive tent sites and dry (without utilities) and full hookup RV sites. Gather with family or friends and enjoy amenities like disc golf, biking trails, nature hikes, and cornhole boards to spend time outdoors. In addition, several bathhouses are ADA-compliant for the comfort of guests with varying disabilities.

Twin River Outfitters

If lazy days on the river are your ideal vacation, book a campsite at Twin River Outfitters in Botetourt County. Three separate paddle-up campgrounds have preset sites, including the canvas tent and everything else you need. So, all you have to do is pull your boat up onto the beach and settle into your accommodations. Twin River Outfitters will drop your personal gear off at your tent so you can simply relax and enjoy. Purchase firewood at the site, cook over an open fire, and spend the day on the James River. It’s the ideal mode to get away and unplug for a weekend.

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