Your Guide to Tent Camping in Virginia

There is no better way to get back to nature than to pitch a tent and take on the wilderness. You’ll find hundreds of camping facilities around the state, but how about taking a trip to some tent-only campgrounds? Or better yet, campgrounds that have no vehicular access? You might find it's worth the experience — just make sure you know what you're getting into before you set out on your adventure. 

Read on for some of our favorite places to go tent camping around Virginia, plus tips for first-time tent campers.
 

Explore Campgrounds With: No Vehicle Access | Vehicle Access

What to Know Before Going Tent Camping

• Know Your Limits. If you've never gone camping before, don't start out in the middle of nowhere. Virginia has plenty of places to camp or even glamp (luxury yurt, anyone?) if you're not ready to rough it. 
• Leave No Trace. Give back to the natural environment by following principles like disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, respecting wildlife, and minimizing your camping footprint. 
• Bring Essential Equipment. If you're hiking to your campground, make sure your gear is light enough to carry with you. 
• Do Your Research. Check where you'll be camping ahead of time to see what amenities, if any, are available (running water, toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, to name just a few). 
• Bring Friends! If you're just getting into tent camping, it's a good idea to go with some pals so you don't have to do everything solo. Plus, it's a great bonding experience. 

For more tips, check out our Virginia beginner camping guide. 
 

If You Want to Rough It (No Vehicle Access)

Greenwood Point Campground

Location: Lake Moomaw, Warm Springs
Need-To-Know Info: Open year-round, single site fee $8 
Why We Love It: Quiet lakeside views 

Picture yourself relaxing by a lake, with nothing but the sound of the water and the rustling of leaves in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest to disturb you (and maybe your camping companions). That's probably what you're in for at Greenwood Point Campground, a remote area near Lake Moomaw that's accessible by boat launch or hiking trail. 

You'll find a circle of campsites around a grassy common area when you reach the campground. Access it from Fortney Branch Boat Launch, Coles Point Day Use Area, or a trail from Bolar Mountain Campground. Dogs are allowed but should be kept on a leash. 

New River Trail State Park

Location: Foster Falls
Need-To-Know Info: Fees range from $16-$27
Why We Love It: Proximity to history (and biking)

New River Trail State Park has three primitive campgrounds: Cliffview, Millrace, and Double Shoals. Camping out is the perfect way to take in this unique state park, whether you want to bike or hike the trail or would rather get out on the water.

There is no vehicular access to the campsites, or any showers or bathhouses. Cliffview and Millrace have 12 and 19 sites, respectively, each with fire rings, picnic tables, and a non-flush toilet with drinking water available. Double Shoals is more unique; it is an honor system, self-pay campground with only two sites and no water. 

False Cape State Park

Location: Virginia Beach
Need-To-Know Info: Reservations must be made by phone, call 1-800-933-PARK, fees start at $21. Bug spray is a must.
Why We Love It: Experiencing one of the last underdeveloped areas on the Atlantic coast 

Plan on using your feet, your bicycle, or a boat to access False Cape State Park — those are the only ways in. But once you're in, you'll be able to take in one of the last remaining portions of truly undeveloped land along the Atlantic coast. Campsites are spread out into four distinct areas, allowing for privacy from other campers. 

Because it is remote, you'll want to plan ahead for your camping trip. Advance reservations by phone are required. Once you reserve your spot, the park will send you a confirmation letter and information packet so you're aware of all you need to know before heading to the park. The walk from the parking lot at Little Island City Park to the campsites is around five to nine miles. 

Deer Island Park

Location: Henry County
Need-To-Know Info: Open year-round, reservations required, fees $26
Why We Love It: Spotting aquatic life right from your campsite

You'll need a boat to get to the campsites at Deer Island Park on Philpott Lake. But there's a reason the 2,900-acre lake draws anglers, swimmers, and outdoor enthusiasts. There's 100 miles of shoreline to explore, plus hiking and biking trails to take in the surrounding area. 

There are 21 sites available as well as potable water and pit toilets on the island. 

If You Need a Little More Civilization (Vehicle Access)

Lewis Mountain Campground

Location: Luray
Need-To-Know Info: Closed in winter, no reservable sites, standard campsite fee $30
Why We Love It: Privacy, but still close to the popular SNP spots 

Lewis Mountain Campground is the smallest campground in Shenandoah National Park, which means you'll have a bit more privacy compared to the larger areas. But you don't have to sacrifice convenience, because the campground is still close to a lot of park's popular spots, like Big Meadows. 

There are 30 sites total. Seasonal amenities include a camp store, laundry, coin-operated showers, flush toilets, trash collection, food storage lockers, and firewood for sale. 

Camp Outback

Location: Luray
Need-To-Know Info: Open year-round, sites start at $44/night 
Why We Love It: River proximity

You'll be steps from the Shenandoah River and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests when you stay at Camp Outback near Luray. The sites are mostly concentrated in a wooded area, so you'll likely be close to other campers, making this an ideal spot for a group getaway. 

You'll find 25 campsites at the campground, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill. There is a shared bathroom facility with hot water showers. Dogs are allowed but must be up-to-date on shots and kept on a leash.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Location: Mouth of Wilson
Need-To-Know Info: Site fees range from $16-$32
Why We Love It: Wild pony hikes and scenic views

Virginia's highest peaks and a herd of wild ponies are both compelling features of Grayson Highlands State Park. Pitch your tent at a reserved site at Hickory Ridge Campground, where there are 38 sites with electric and water hookups, and 28 without. 

Grayson Highlands also has the Chestnut Hollow Equestrian Campground, a popular site for those camping out with their horses.

Camp Karma

Location: Bedford
Need-To-Know Info: Reserve online, campsites start at $25 
Why We Love It: Primitive camping, but make it upscale

If clean bathrooms are a non-negotiable for you, check out Camp Karma near Bedford and Smith Mountain Lake. The campground is nestled next to Goose Creek and features a fishing pond, playground for the kids, and a camp store. 

You'll find 37 campsites, including primitive spots and ones with electric hookups. There are also a couple cabins. Leashed dogs are welcome. 

Ed Allen's Campground

Location: Lanexa
Need-To-Know Info: Reservations available
Why We Love It: Family-friendly amenities and prime fishing

Well-loved by fishers, Ed Allen's Campground is located right on Chickahominy Lake, smack dab between Richmond and Williamsburg. The family-owned campground features two fully stocked ponds in addition to the lake, plus opportunities to boat, canoe, or kayak on the water. 

Ed Allen's is a great spot for families, since the campground features a swimming pool, playground, hayrides, and corn hole boards. There's a stocked convenience store as well. Leashed dogs are welcome. 

Burke Lake Park Camping

Location: Fairfax Station
Need-To-Know Info: Reservations available, regluar campsite fee starts at $32
Why We Love It: Lots of campsites and good for families

There are 100 wooded campsites at Burke Lake Park, so there's typically space for all who want to camp in the area (although it will fill up in the spring and fall on the weekends). The campground is only around eight miles from a Metro station, so you could use the campground as your home base to explore Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. 

The sites at Burke Lake Park do not have electric or water hookups. There are hot showers, flushing toilets, and potable water spigots in the area. 

Blowing Springs Campground

Location: Warm Springs
Need-To-Know Info: Open mid-March to early December, single site fee $12/night
Why We Love It: Being so close to a natural phenomenon

A unique area of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Blowing Springs Campground is named for the nearby geologic feature that results in air blowing out of the rocks at a constant 58 degrees. That could feel like a refreshing breeze on a hot summer camping trip, but it has the opposite effect on a chilly winter evening. Pitch your tent and experience it for yourself. 

In addition to the Blowing Springs, there are trails to explore, swimming holes to take a dip in, and a stream stocked with trout to try your luck fishing. Leashed pets are welcome. There is no potable water. 

North Creek Campground

Location: Arcadia
Need-To-Know Info: Open mid-March to late November, single site fee $15/night
Why We Love It: Bird spotting, spread out, and shady

Sit back, relax, and listen to the titular creek at North Creek Campground after setting up your tent under the stars. The rustic campground in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests has beautiful natural views and is a favorite among birders. 

The campground has around 16 sites, vault toilets and potable water available, and picnic tables.

Find more of our favorite places to camp around Virginia below.