Virginia is home to some of the best outdoor experiences in the United States, offering incredible camping opportunities for all preferences. From mountain retreats to coastal escapes, camping sites in Virginia provide diverse options for nature lovers. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, or relaxing by the fire, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures. To ensure your camping trip starts on the right foot, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead, especially when relocating closer to nature. Explore reliable resources like Verified Movers to make your easier and stress-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying Virginia’s stunning camping locations.
Why Is Virginia a Good State for Camping?
Virginia is an excellent state for camping because it offers incredible variety and accessibility. Its landscape includes mountains, beaches, rivers, and forests, providing campers with options for every preference. The Blue Ridge Mountains are perfect for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, while the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastline cater to those who enjoy water-based activities. Virginia’s state parks and national parks are well-maintained, offering clean facilities, marked trails, and campgrounds suitable for tents, RVs, and even cabins.
The state’s moderate climate allows for year-round camping, with each season bringing a unique experience. Spring and fall are especially popular for their mild temperatures and colorful scenery. Families, solo adventurers, and groups can all find activities to enjoy, from fishing and kayaking to exploring historical landmarks nearby. With its mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and well-organized camping options, Virginia stands out as a go-to destination for unforgettable camping trips.
Best Times to Camp in Virginia
Virginia’s camping season varies depending on your destination. Spring and fall are popular because of the mild weather. These seasons offer cooler temperatures, making hiking and outdoor activities more comfortable. Summer is ideal for lake and coastal camping, with warm weather perfect for swimming and boating. However, it can be humid, so prepare for that. Winter camping is possible in certain parks, especially in the mountains, where snow-covered landscapes create a unique experience. Choosing the right time depends on what you want to do and how well you can handle varying weather conditions.
What Are the Best Camping Sites in Virginia?
Having so many choices is making it hard to pick only one to visit. According to your preferences, you can try and narrow the selection. Depending on what experience are you searching for, Virginia has to offer different picnic areas. The level of comfort you are seeking can be the starting point for deciding where are you going to spend these few days. Even if you are crossing through the country with some of the long-distance moving companies in Virginia, we are sure that you will find time to spend few hours outdoors and take a break. Enjoying beautiful outsights can help you relax. Therefore, here are some of the best camping areas to explore:
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is a top pick for camping in Virginia, stretching across over 200,000 acres of protected land in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park features more than 500 miles of hiking trails, including a 105-mile segment of the Appalachian Trail. Campers can choose from four main campgrounds: Big Meadows, which is near scenic waterfalls and meadows; Lewis Mountain, a smaller, quieter option; Loft Mountain, located atop the park’s largest campground with views of the Shenandoah Valley; and Mathews Arm, a family-friendly site near Overall Run Falls, the park’s highest waterfall.
Wildlife is abundant, with deer, black bears, and over 190 bird species commonly spotted. If you love challenging hikes, Old Rag Mountain is a must, offering sweeping 360-degree views. Reservations for campgrounds can be made through the National Park Service website, and sites fill up quickly during fall when the leaves change color. If you are moving to nearby Harrisonburg with long distance moving companies Harrisonburg, you should visit these camping sites!
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park, located in Virginia Beach, covers 2,888 acres where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a historically significant area, marking the 1607 landing site of English colonists before they established Jamestown. The park offers over 200 campsites, including tent sites and air-conditioned cabins, all shaded by towering pine trees.
The park has 19 miles of trails, including the Bald Cypress Trail, which winds through swamps filled with cypress trees and Spanish moss. Water enthusiasts can kayak or paddleboard in the calm bay waters. For history lovers, the park’s visitor center features exhibits about its past. After hiking or paddling, campers can unwind at their site with a beachside view or enjoy sunset walks along the dunes. After your long distance moving companies Virginia Beach finish the job, you can unwind here! This park is one of the best camping sites in Virginia.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park, located near Marion in southwest Virginia, offers unique high-elevation camping at over 4,900 feet. This park is famous for its wild ponies, which graze freely on its grassy balds. Visitors often see these iconic animals while hiking trails like the Rhododendron Trail or the Mount Rogers Spur Trail, which leads to the state’s highest peak at 5,729 feet.
The park provides camping options ranging from electric hookup sites to backcountry camping. Rock climbing enthusiasts will enjoy the park’s boulder fields, while stargazers can take advantage of the park’s minimal light pollution. Weather in this area can be unpredictable, so campers should pack for sudden temperature drops, even in the summer. It is one of the best camping sites in Virginia.
Douthat State Park
Douthat State Park, located near Clifton Forge, spans over 4,500 acres in the Allegheny Mountains and features a 50-acre man-made lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The lake is a hotspot for fishing, with species like trout, bass, and catfish stocked regularly. The park offers over 80 campsites, including some along the lakefront, as well as cozy cabins with modern amenities.
The park’s 40 miles of multi-use trails cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Trails like the Blue Suck Falls Trail offer stunning vistas and cascading waterfalls. Families can enjoy picnic areas, boat rentals, and the park’s swimming beach, making it a favorite destination for outdoor fun. For those relocating to the area, to for example, Roanoke, which is 50 miles from this park, and eager to explore the park’s offerings, long distance moving companies Roanoke can make the relocation successful.
Chippokes State Park
Chippokes State Park, situated in Surry County along the James River, is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the country, established in 1619. The park combines history and nature, with a plantation house museum showcasing artifacts from centuries past. Campers can choose from shaded sites for tents or RVs, as well as historic cabins.
The park features a small riverside beach where visitors can search for fossils, such as shark teeth and ancient shells. Its wooded trails, like the College Run Trail, provide peaceful walks through forests. The Farm and Forestry Museum on-site offers insight into Virginia’s agricultural history. This park’s slower pace makes it one of the best camping sites in Virginia and an excellent choice for those seeking relaxation. If you are relocating to nearby Norfolk, with the help of long distance moving companies Norfolk, this place is a must see!
Pocahontas State Park
Pocahontas State Park, just 20 miles from Richmond, spans over 7,900 acres and is the largest state park in Virginia. Campgrounds include options for tents, RVs, and group camping, as well as yurts equipped with beds and outdoor fire pits. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 90 miles of trails that range from beginner-friendly to advanced.
The 225-acre Swift Creek Lake offers fishing, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The park also features an aquatic center with water slides and pools, making it a hit with families. History lovers can explore remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps’ contributions to the park’s development during the 1930s. After you move to this area with long distance moving companies Richmond, don’t miss the opportunity to go camping here!
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island, located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, is a barrier island that stretches into Maryland, known for its wild Chincoteague ponies. Campsites on the Virginia side are primitive, with no electricity or running water, making it ideal for off-grid adventures. The oceanfront location lets campers fall asleep to the sound of waves.
Popular activities include kayaking through salt marshes, birdwatching for species like ospreys and herons, and crabbing along the coast. The Toms Cove Visitor Center provides educational exhibits about the island’s ecosystem. Be prepared for windy conditions and ensure you secure your tent properly to avoid any surprises. If you are looking for the best camping sites in Virginia to visit after moving to nearby Hampton with long distance moving companies Hampton, this one is the right choice!
James River State Park
James River State Park, located in Gladstone, spans 1,561 acres along 3 miles of the James River. It offers a mix of camping options, from riverside tent sites to RV spots with full hookups and cozy cabins. For a unique experience, canoe-in campsites let visitors paddle to their spot.
The park features 15 miles of trails and plenty of water-based activities. Tubing and kayaking are popular, with rentals available on-site. Fishing enthusiasts can cast for smallmouth bass and catfish. Visitors often enjoy the quiet, natural surroundings while picnicking or exploring the park’s meadows and woodlands.
Lake Anna State Park
Lake Anna State Park, located in Spotsylvania County, surrounds the 13,000-acre Lake Anna, one of Virginia’s largest freshwater lakes. Campers can choose from tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts. The park’s sandy beach area is perfect for swimming, while the lake provides opportunities for boating, water skiing, and fishing.
Trails like the Gold Hill Trail take hikers through wooded areas and past remnants of the area’s gold mining history. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as nature walks and educational talks about the local environment. Its combination of water activities and history makes it a favorite for families.
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park, located in southern Virginia Beach, is one of the state’s most remote camping destinations. Accessible only by hiking, biking, or boat, the park offers a true wilderness experience with backcountry camping. It features six miles of undeveloped beach and marshlands teeming with wildlife, including foxes, otters, and migratory birds.
Campers must pack in all supplies, as there are no stores or facilities. Popular trails like the Barbour Hill Trail provide scenic views of dunes and maritime forests. This park offers a serene escape for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in untouched nature.
History Parks
While having cross-country moving companies in Virginia relocating their belongings, most of the people are searching to visit one of the historic parks when taking a break from the road. We made a shortlist of the most popular ones:
- Christopher Run Camp in Mineral – laying beside Lake Anna has more than 200 camp areas. Equally important, there are a few basketball and volleyball courts which makes it perfect for kids. The campground is less than an hour away from historic sites – Monticello, Ash Lawn, Montpelier, and Shenandoah National Park.
- Chickahominy Riverfront Park in Williamsburg – Located between Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg this riverfront camp area will give you an experience of true Virginia history. Staying beside water will offer you plenty of different activities to have. This is a great option for people who wants to discover the origins of Virginia’s history.
- Douthat State Park in Clifton Forge – It is close to Virginia’s oldest bridge, Humpback Bridge. Being one of the oldest State Parks in this area, Douthat State Pars has a lot to offer to history lovers.
Campgrounds Suitable for Your Four-Legged Friends
If you are moving from California to Virginia and have your most loyal friend with you, this might be the crucial requirement for your camping site choosing. Luckily, it is not a problem to find one of these camping sites in Virginia. Crabtree Falls Campground in Tyro is one of them. Here you can have a walk to Crabtree Falls, the highest cascade waterfall in the area. Surely, all of your family, including pets will love it! Don’t forget to bring your pet’s records, especially the rabies vaccine. In Scottsville, there is Horseshoe Flats Campground where you can make a pitstop and have a nice dinner from fire pits. Your pets can have fun with you across all the land, but not in the water nearby.
Wildlife Safety Tips
Virginia’s parks are home to diverse wildlife, including deer, birds, and black bears. To stay safe, always store food and scented items in bear-proof containers or hang them from a tree if you’re in the mountains. Keep a safe distance from animals and never feed them. Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to admire them from afar. When hiking, make noise to avoid surprising wildlife. If you’re traveling with pets, keep them leashed to prevent encounters with wild animals. Respecting wildlife not only protects you but also helps preserve the natural ecosystem.
Camping Etiquette and Leave No Trace Principles
Practicing good camping etiquette helps keep Virginia’s parks clean and enjoyable for everyone. Always follow the Leave No Trace principles, which include packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impact, and respecting wildlife. Use designated fire rings for campfires and ensure they are completely extinguished before leaving. Stick to marked trails to protect the natural environment. Respect quiet hours at campgrounds and keep noise to a minimum, especially at night. Being mindful of your surroundings and considerate of others ensures everyone has a positive camping experience.
How to Reserve Campsites in Virginia
Many of camping sites in Virginia require reservations, especially during peak seasons. State parks and national parks often use online booking systems that allow you to choose your preferred dates and campsite type. It’s a good idea to book well in advance, particularly for summer weekends and holidays. Some parks also offer first-come, first-served sites, which are perfect for spontaneous trips. Make sure to check cancellation policies and fees when reserving your spot. Planning ahead guarantees you’ll have a place to set up camp when you arrive.
Make the Most of Camping in Virginia!
Exploring camping sites in Virginia offers something for everyone, whether you enjoy mountains, beaches, or rivers. These locations provide endless opportunities to connect with nature, relax, and make lifelong memories. Whether you’re hiking through the Blue Ridge Mountains, enjoying the Atlantic coastline, or fishing on serene lakes, Virginia’s diverse landscapes have you covered. Pack your gear, plan your trip, and embrace the outdoors. Start your adventure at one of Virginia’s exceptional camping destinations today!