Best Places To Camp In Virginia

From misty mountains to peaceful beaches, explore the Best Places To Camp In Virginia. Discover scenic parks, riverside retreats, and coastal escapes perfect for every kind of camper. It provides you a mix of outstanding mountain views, lakes views, and beautiful forests. You’re an experienced camper or just a beginner there’s a perfect site waiting for you. From the rolling meadows of Sky Meadows State Park to the sandy shores of First Landing State Park. Let’s discover the best camping points in the Old Dominion. Here we will discuss perfect timing, things that will be required, and type of camping. Ready your bags for a new trip. Before belt your seats don’t forget to check reservation to camp in Virginia

Table of Contents

1. Shenandoah National Park – Camp Beneath Virginia’s Blue Ridge Beauty

Tent set on a ridge overlooking sunrise in Shenandoah National Park, a scenic Virginia camping destination.

Escape into a world where misty mountains kiss the morning light. Shenandoah is one of the most iconic places to camp in Virginia, with views that soothe the soul.

Type of Camping: Backcountry and car camping. Shenandoah offers both developed campgrounds and backcountry sites.
Best Season to Visit: Spring and winter for enjoyable periods and amazing greenery. Summer can be hot and many people visit here, while winter provides privacy and possible snow.
Important Appliance: Tent, warm layers, climbing boots, and bear protected food storage.

2. Grayson Highlands State Park– Camp With Wild Ponies and Windswept Views

Campsite near wild ponies and rocky meadows at Grayson Highlands, one of Virginia’s most unique camping spots.

Feel the wind on your face as wild ponies roam nearby. This high-elevation gem is among the best highland camping areas in Virginia.

Type of Camping: Backcountry camping is popular here with many trails leading to remote camping sites. There are also a few established campgrounds.
Best Season to Visit: Late spring to early winter for mild weather and wildflower blooms. Winter camping is possible but can be very cold and snowy.
Important Appliance: Cold weather staff, climbing boots, and layers. A good tent is very important due to high winds.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Where Forests Whisper Peace

Smoky mountain forest campsite near the Virginia-Tennessee line, ideal for rustic camping lovers.

Step into deep woods, misty mornings, and endless trails. Virginia’s side of the Smokies offers a peaceful place for nature camping in Virginia.

Type of Camping: Both car camping and backcountry camping. The park has multiple campgrounds with varying levels of facilities.
Best Season to Visit: Spring and winter for the best weather and less visitors. Summer is busy and winter can be cold and snowy.
Important Appliance: Winter clothing, rain coat, and strong climbing boots. A good tent with rain flies is also required.

4. Hungry Mother State Park– A Hidden Gem With Lakefront Calm

Surrounded by forest and legend, this lakeside park is a soul-soothing escape. It’s one of the best lesser-known Virginia campgrounds for quiet reflection.

Type of Camping: Primarily car camping with well-developed facilities, but there are also some primitive sites.
Best Season to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather. Summer can be warm, but it’s great for water activities.
Important Appliance: Camping gear for lake-side conditions, including a good tent and rain cover. Swimwear and water shoes for lake activities.

5. Lake Anna State Park– Family Camping With a Splash

Family tent near the beach at Lake Anna State Park, one of Virginia’s most fun-filled places to camp. — A wooden pier over the beautiful lake with the trees and the blue sky in the background in Sweden

Clear waters, beachy shores, and picnic-ready spots await at Lake Anna — a top Virginia campground for families and water lovers.

Type of Camping: Car camping is the main option here, with sites close to the lake.
Best Season to Visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather and water activities. Summer is the peak season, while winter is quiet but can be cold.
Important Appliance: Water gear (like a kayak or canoe), campfire equipment, and sun protection. A tent with good ventilation is key.

6. First Landing State Park– Coastal Camping by Chesapeake Bay

Tent set near dunes and water at First Landing, Virginia’s iconic coastal campground. — A beautiful shot of a wooden path in hills at the shore of the ocean in Sylt Island in Germany

Feel the ocean breeze and watch the sun dip into the bay. First Landing is a favorite coastal place to camp in Virginia, especially for beach campers.

Type of Camping: Car camping in developed sites with amenities, close to both beach and wooded areas.
Best Season to Visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is warm and can be humid, while winter is mild but can be rainy.
Important Appliance: Beach gear (like a sunshade), rain gear, and bug repellent. A tent with good ventilation is important.

7. James River State Park – Camp Beside a Flowing Virginia Treasure

Riverside campsite at James River State Park, a scenic and peaceful Virginia camping area.

Camp under tall oaks while the James River flows beside you. This park is one of the best riverside camping spots in Virginia, perfect for paddlers and hikers.

Type of Camping: Car camping and some primitive sites are available, with proximity to the river.
Best Season to Visit: Spring and early winter for pleasant weather and fewer bugs. Summer can be hot and winter is cooler but less crowded.
Important Appliance: Water gear for river activities, a good tent with rain cover, and insect repellent.

8. Sky Meadows State Park – Rolling Hills, Quiet Nights

Tent pitched in a grassy meadow at Sky Meadows State Park, offering classic rural camping in Virginia.

Tucked in the foothills, Sky Meadows is all about peace, starry skies, and scenic trails. It’s one of Virginia’s top countryside camping experiences.

Type of Camping: Car camping and backcountry camping are both available.
Best Season to Visit: Spring and fall for the best weather and scenic views. Summer can be warm, while winter is colder and quieter.
Important Appliance: Good hiking boots, layers for changing weather, and a well-ventilated tent.

9. Natural Bridge State Park– Camp Below an Ancient Wonder

Camp setup near Natural Bridge area, a dramatic and historic Virginia camping destination.

Feel the awe of standing beneath Virginia’s natural stone arch. Though camping is nearby, it’s still one of the must-visit places for outdoor lovers in Virginia.

Type of Camping: Mostly car camping with access to the park’s provide and climbing trails.
Best Season to Visit: Spring and early winter for mild temperatures and beautiful sites. Summer can be hot while winter is perfect.
Important Appliance: A good tent with rain cover, strong climbing boots, and winter clothes for changing weather.

10. Westmoreland State Park– Bluffside Camping With Bay Views

Elevated tent site at Westmoreland overlooking water and forest — a favorite Virginia coastal camping location.

Wake up to sweeping Potomac River views from forested bluffs. Westmoreland is a tranquil and scenic campground in Virginia’s Northern Neck.

Type of Camping: Car camping with access to the park’s facilities and nearby waterfront.
Best Season to Visit: Spring and early winter for comfortable time and less visitors. Summer is warm, while winter can be cold and less busy.
Important Appliance: Beach and river gear, including swimwear and sun protection, plus a good tent and layers.

Important Camping tools Recommendations

Sleeping Bag: Choose one rated for the temperatures you’ll encounter.
Tent: Make sure it’s suitable for the season conditions.
Cooking Gear: movable cooker, appliance, and a cooler for food.
First Aid Kit: A basic needy medicines and first aid kit on hand.
Sleeping Pad: For comfort and insulation from the ground.
Navigation Tools: Map, compass, or GPS device.
Lighting: Headlamp, candle or flashlight.

Before going on a trip make sure to check your selected site availability. Ready according to season required things and conditions. Looking to explore more stunning campgrounds out West? Don’t miss our guide on the Best Places To Camp In Utah, featuring red rock canyons, alpine lakes, and desert stargazing spots.