Best Camping In Virginia: 30+ State Parks, Resorts & Glampgrounds for Your Bucket List

• Location: Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Dr, Stanley, VA, 22851 | Video Tour
• Stats: There are 221 campsites at Big Meadows Campground, which is centrally located in Shenandoah National Park. The campground provides easy access to many of the most popular destinations in the park, including Big Meadows, Dark Hollow Falls, and Byrd Visitor Center. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table.
• Good to Know: Standard sites are $30/night; group sites (7-15 people) are $75/night. Seven accessible sites are available at Big Meadows Campground. Accessible shower and laundry facilities are also available. In early spring, Big Meadows Campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis. Beginning in early May, there are a combination of sites offered through reservations and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Located in the heart of Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadows Campground is peak Virginia camping. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this national park is chock-full of adventure, and staying right on the premises ensures that you can experience it all to the fullest. Plus, there are three beautiful waterfalls within walking distance to the campground, meaning a world of adventure will be right at your doorstep!

• Location: 6742 Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague, VA, 23336 | Video Tour
• Stats: The camping resort can accommodate all kinds of camping: traditional campsites, RV hookups, and some truly one-of-a-kind options. This is one of the most enjoyable places to camp in Virginia for families.
• Good to Know: The "Disney World" of Virginia campgrounds, you'll find no shortage of activities to enjoy at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island. From tours of Chincoteague to fun on the beach, an on-site waterpark including a lazy river, and much more, you could easily spend an entire week exploring all that this resort has to offer!

For the ultimate Eastern Shore camping experience, head to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island. Just one mile from Assateague Island, this campground has it all. More a "destination" than mere campground, you'll be delighted the variety of accommodations and attractions here, whether you're a tent camping purist, RVer, or glamping enthusiast.

Are there many year-round campgrounds in Virginia?

Absolutely! In a state that loves camping as much as Virginia, there are many, many places to go for year-round camping in Virginia. Some of our favorite campsites include Douthat State Park and Hungry Mother State Park!

• Location: Skyline Dr, Rileyville, VA, 22650 | Video Tour
• Stats: Mathews Arm Campground (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, in the northern section of the park. There are 165 sites, all of which include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and picnic table.
• Good to Know: Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away.

This hidden gem in Shenandoah National Park is well-worth seeking out for those looking for a rustic and remote getaway that's still near the area's best attractions and recreation.

Because we simply couldn't narrow down the list of best camping in Virginia to a "Top 3," we've included a few honorable mention campsites you must add to your Virginia camping bucket list:

• 4) Sky Meadows State Park: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sky Meadows is an historical park that shows life from Colonial times through the Civil War at the Mount Bleak Farm House. In keeping with its historical roots, Sky Meadows offers primitive hike-in tent camping throughout the year. All 18 campsites are just a mile from the overnight parking area.


• 5) Occoneechee State Park: This park offers cabins and campsites, including an equestrian campsite. Choose from 11 cabins with two or three bedrooms or two of the six-bedroom lodges, each outfitted with comfortable rustic furnishings, linens, picnic tables, and grills. Or camp out with options that include water views and utility hook-ups, plus the convenience of a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets.


• 6) Lake Fairfax Park: For an escape to nature in the middle of the city, Lake Fairfax Park is the place to go. With a total of 476 acres, the park offers more than 150 campsites, with electric, and non-electric options, fire rings, and grills, potable water, a bathhouse, showers, and toilets -- there's even an epic water park on site, too!

• Location: 695 Chippokes Park Rd, Surry, VA, 23883 | Video Tour
• Stats: Chippokes Plantation State Park campground is open year-round and has 58 campsites (50 with electric and water hookups) and four cabins for rent.
• Good to Know: Situated on the James River, this beautiful park offers visitors a sprawling recreation site with a swimming pool, campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas, equestrian trails, and more.

Ranked as one of the top camping spots in Virginia, Chippokes Plantation State Park has been a working farm since 1619, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the nation. This living history site offers a swimming complex, visitor center, and picnicking, as well as trails, camping, and cabin rentals. Located on the James River, the park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to incredible wildlife such as bald eagles, fox, deer, river otters, and more.

• Location: 4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23456 | Video Tour
• Stats: False Cape State Park is a 4,321-acre state park located on the Currituck Banks Peninsula, a one-mile-wide barrier spit between the Back Bay of the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Good to Know: Cars are not allowed, so the park can only be reached by foot, bike, beach transport, tram, or boat.

Far from the crowds of the boardwalk lies the False Bay State Park, one of the last undeveloped coastal areas on the Atlantic. This is primitive camping in Virginia at its most rustic and resplendent, offering the unique opportunity for intrepid explorers to truly get away from it all.

• Location: 1170 Staunton Trail, Scottsburg, VA, 24589 | Video Tour
• Stats: Staunton River State Park is one of the six original state parks that opened in June 1936. It is located on 1,597 acres along the shoreline of the John H. Kerr Reservoir (also known as Buggs Island Lake), as well as the Dan and Staunton Rivers.
• Good to Know: The largest lake in Virginia is only one of the park’s many attractions; you'll also find amazing camping, cabins, picnic shelters, and nature trails.

Located in the George Washington National Park, this gorgeous lake has on-site camping and plenty of opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking along its shores. With three camping areas, there is plenty of room for everyone at Staunton River State Park; two of the areas offer electric hook-ups, ideal for RVs, while the third is ideally suited for tent campers looking for a more rugged experience.

Are there any campsites in Virginia that offer river tubing?

If you're looking to combine two favorite summer pastimes in Virginia -- camping *and* river tubing -- you can do that at New River Junction in Blacksburg. This family-owned spot is a total hidden gem destination in Virginia that's pure summer fun.

With so many superlative state parks in the Old Dominion, we'd be doing y'all a disservice not to include the following honorable mentions in this list of best state parks in Virginia:

• 10) Pocahontas State Park: Located just outside of Richmond, Pocahontas State Park provides activities for the whole family, including camping and cabins that allow you to settle in an enjoy all the park has to offer. Campsites include electric and water hookups, grills, picnic tables and lantern holders, as well as centrally located restrooms with hot showers. During your stay, take advantage of boat rentals, picnicking, 80 miles of trails for hiking and biking, a Nature Center and Heritage Center, history programs, and fishing.


• 11) Douthat State Park: This park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the design and development of parks nationwide. To help you enjoy it all, the park offers 35 cabin rentals and myriad lakeside camping sites.


• 12) Lake Anna State Park: As one of Virginia's most popular lakes, this park provides traditional activities like swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. To make the most of it, opt to spend the night at one of the campsites or cabins. Campsites come with and without water and electric hookups, easily accessible restrooms with hot showers, fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern holders.

• Location: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA, 23310 | Video Tour
• Stats: This 562-acre park has five lodges that sleep 16, four cabins, myriad RV and tent camping sites, a bunkhouse, and four yurts.
• Good to Know: A parking fee is required to enter most Virginia State Parks; the fee for Kiptopeke is $7/vehicle. In addition, the fishing pier is open 24/7; pier rates are $5 for adults and $3 for kids. The swimming beach is open during daylight hours, but is unguarded.

Kiptopeke State Park is one of the hidden gems of Virginia’s state park system. Tucked away on the beautiful Eastern Shore, this gorgeous natural area boasts a mile-long stretch of shoreline and access to the Chesapeake Bay. Better yet, you could spend an entire weekend here by taking advantage of the park’s camping facilities. You’ll set up your tent just a few steps from the shore and will feel at one with this stunning coastal landscape. This is one of the best places to camp in Virginia.

• Location: 32246 Charles M Lankford Jr Memorial Hwy, Cape Charles, VA, 23310 | Video Tour
• Stats: This KOA resort features hundreds of campsites, cabins, and RV sites; the campgrounds themselves offer plenty of amenities, and there are even two swimming pools and a casual restaurant on-site. Virginia camping has never been so fun!
• Good to Know: This campground in Virginia truly has it all; most campers are eager to take advantage of all the water recreation available, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

The Cape Charles KOA is a little slice of paradise hiding along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Only, there's really nothing "little" about this campground and resort complex. The waterfront campground boasts hundreds of RV camping sites as well as vacation rentals for those looking for a less rustic experience. In addition to the beautiful coastline, the resort is surrounded by 1,700 acres of pristine land that is ecologically protected.

What's the most remote campsite in Virginia?

If you're looking for a secluded campsite in Virginia, Powhatan State Park is one to check out. Powhatan State Park offers a canoe-in campground, accessible by the James River, has nine primitive sites (no electricity or water), *and* is open year-round. Unlike the Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort, this is truly rustic camping; the campground has a toilet, but no bathhouse.

• Location: 64 N Bend Dr, Boydton, VA, 23917 | Video Tour
• Stats: North Bend Park is located on John H. Kerr Reservoir, a 50,000-acre lake that extends 39 miles up the wooded, cove-studded shoreline of the Roanoke River. It's home to 200 sites for tents or RVs, and features amenities like hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station, all of which provide a comfortable camping experience.
• Good to Know: Each camping area has its own swim beach. North Bend Park also has a large day use area with picnic shelters and a swim beach, three boat launching ramps, an amphitheater, a disc golf course, and a paved 1.5 mile bicycle trail.

Located in Boydton, Virginia, North Bend Park & Campground is a picturesque lakefront campground that will fill you with peace from the moment you arrive. In addition to campsites, this destination also features hiking trails, playgrounds, and opportunities for fishing and boating. You can also take advantage of all the amenities of the nearby Occoneechee State Park.

Load up the RV and hit the road; here are some honorable mention RV campsites in Virginia for your bucket list:

• 16) Peaks of Otter Campground: The Peaks of Otter Campground is one of the designated campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it makes a great stopover if you're making the drive. Here, campers will find 140 sites from which to choose, ranging from RV hookup sites to classic tent sites. Nestled within the rolling hills of Virginia, this campground offers a profound sense of tranquility.


• 17) Bethpage Camp Resort: Bethpage Camp Resort in Urbanna, Virginia, is a scenic destination that includes a waterpark, RV campsites, cottages to rent, family-friendly activities, and all sorts of festivities to make your camping experience a memorable one.


• 18) Bolar Mountain Recreation Area: This campground in Warm Springs, Virginia, features cool mountain air, a breathtakingly blue lake, and just about every recreational activity you could hope for. If you can, you'll want to pitch your tent right along the water. Lake Moomaw is a massive manmade lake around the Jackson River that encompasses 2,530 acres -- each site is well shaded by mature trees and features a picnic area and enough space for an RV or vehicle.

• Location: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451 | Video Tour
• Stats: This nearly 3,000-acre park offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Admission to the park is $5/vehicle on weekdays and $10/vehicle on weekends. The grounds and trails are open daily, from 8 a.m. until dusk, to day visitors.
• Good to Know: There are more than 200 campsites in First Landing State Park, which is also a dog-friendly campground. Overnight fees range from $24 to $32, plus tax. Pets are allowed for an additional $5/night charge.

For the ultimate beachfront camping adventure in Virginia, look no further than First Landing State Park. One of the main appeals of this expansive state park is its secluded beachfront. Compared to the rest of Virginia Beach, this northern stretch of shore feels much less crowded. You'll find that especially true when you opt to stay the night; First Landing offers 200 campsites, some of which are located just off of the Chesapeake Bay near the sand dunes.

• Location: 161 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23457 | Video Tour
• Stats: This beautiful camping resort in Virginia boasts 80 tent sites, 65 RV sites, and 13 cabins.
• Good to Know: With year-round events (at a state-of-the-art pavilion, no less) *and* loads of family-friendly activities, there is always something fun happening at North Landing Beach. This camping resort also boasts its own private beach!

Tucked away on the Virginia Coast, North Landing Beach Camping Resort is an amazing destination for the whole family. For Virginia Beach camping with gorgeous views and tons of activities, it doesn't get much better.

Once you've experienced camping on the beach, there's no going back! If the soft sand and dazzling waters are calling your name, pack up and check out one of these other superlative spots for beach camping in Virginia:

• 21) Sun Outdoors: Formerly known as Tall Pines Campground, Sun Outdoors is an outstanding campsite just minutes away from Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, nestled amongst the tall pines and breathtaking waterfront of the Pocomoke Sound.


• 22) Deer Island: Looking for a remote camping adventure on the water? You'll find plenty of campsites along the shores of Philpott Lake, but the most unique is actually a small island known as Deer Park Island. It's a boat-access-only campground that features 21 primitive sites and is available by reservation only. How cool!


• 23) Westmoreland State Park: Westmoreland State Park is situated along the beautiful coast of the Potomac River. Much of the park is heavily wooded, although the most breathtaking spots are a mix of sand and cliffs. There are 133 campsites here, all of which are roomy and secluded. You can expect these sites to fill up quickly in the summer, so reservations are key.

• Location: 2130 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria, VA, 22743 | Video Tour
• Stats: The accommodations at Rose River Farm are three secluded yurts that are tucked away on a private 20-acre plot of land in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Staying here means experiencing a contemporary, lux version of classic Mongolian yurts. It's the atmosphere of camping with the amenities of a five-star hotel, proof that camping in Virginia can be quite luxurious!
• Good to Know: Rose River Farm is a beloved fishing destination -- especially fly fishing. The water of the river is rich in the kind of natural trout food that produces trophy-level catches.

For a unique glamping experience in Virginia, Rose River Farm delivers. With its three well-appointed yurts, complete with 17-foot ceilings and 1,100 square feet of shelter, these accommodations are anything but roughing it. The dwellings are made out of beautiful cedar, glass, and steel and have central heating and AC. The glamour really kicks in with flat-screen TVs, a full kitchen, and high-speed WiFi.

• Location: 16071 VA-311, Paint Bank, VA, 24131 | Video Tour
• Stats: With three luxury tents, an Airstream trailer, and a converted train caboose, you'll be delighted by your options at this Virginia glampsite.
• Good to Know: All of the lodging accommodations are equipped with satellite TV and telephones. Please note that The Depot Lodge does not allow pets.

In terms of unique glamping opportunities in Virginia, The Depot Lodge wins. The Depot Lodge is a converted train depot station tucked away in the scenic mountains of Virginia, and has all sorts of unique overnight accommodations. The most secluded of all is a luxury glamping tent that looks like something from a fairy tale -- and its amenities are just as fantastic, too!

What's the most unique place for glamping in Virginia?

We're partial to Solid Ground Shelters, a glamping company based out of Ruckersville. It's an interesting spin on glamping that works like this: you let them know where you'll be staying, and they will bring the accommodations to you. Now this is peak camping concierge service!

Looking for more glamorous glamping options in the Old Dominion? Look no further!

• 26) Primland Resorts: This is glamping that's *literally* elevated. Three of the accommodations at the Primland resort are actual tree houses. You'd be hard-pressed to find better views from those provided from the private decks overlooking the mountains. Some of the treehouse luxuries include a king bed, soaking tub, 400-thread count sheets, and daily house-keeping services.


• 27) Camp Karma: The glamour at Camp Karma comes from that fact that you can camp in a traditional manner, but won't need to worry about bringing along all of the camping accessories. Everything -- from the tent, to the firewood, to the utensils -- will be provided for you. Just bring a couple of pillows and your sleeping bags. If you're a little uneasy about the concept of glamping, this is an excellent first step to take.


• 28) Rock-n-Creek Cabin: The Rock-n-Creek cabin provides a two-story overlook of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The site sits at 3,200 feet, which is one of the highest points in the area. This version of glamping provides a home away from home vibe. But there is ONE twist. This cabin offers private dining prepared in the cabin by an executive chef. So perhaps not so similar to home, after all!

• Location: 11039 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Tyro, VA, 22976 | Video Tour
• Stats: This family-run campsite in Northern Virginia has both waterfront and wooded tent sites, RV sites, and even cabins. Amenities include a shared bathhouse, on-site general store, playground, water, and electricity.
• Good to Know: The campground's namesake, Crabtree Falls, is a must-visit in the area -- it is the tallest waterfall East of the Mississippi, in fact!

Tucked away in the George Washington National Forest near the iconic Crabtree Falls, this campground is described as a little slice of Heaven. Traditional tent sites at Crabtree Falls Campground allow campers the option to camp right on the river. There are 30 tent sites in total, and 13 of them sit right on the riverbank. The best part? Dogs are allowed at this Northern Virginia campground!

• Location: 96 Sherando Lake Rd, Lyndhurst, VA, 22952 | Video Tour
• Stats: This hidden gem campground has over 60 sites, some of which boast lake views. Each site is delineated with fencing and is equipped with picnic tables, a grill, lantern posts, and a serving table, and there is a newly renovated bathhouse on-site, too.
• Good to Know: The campground is divided into three loops: Meadow Loop, which is appropriate for larger sites and RVs, White Oak Loop for non-electric sites, and River Bend Loop for first come, first served campers (i.e. those without reservations).

Sherando Lake Family Recreation Area has long been a favorite stomping ground for outdoorsy folks. Known by locals as the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this peaceful and scenic campground is sure to become a favorite of yours, too!

What's the most unique campground in Virginia?

Have you ever wanted to camp with llamas? Admit it: you have. This is exactly what you'll get to do when you visit this llama farm in Charlottesville, Virginia! You'll pitch your tent amidst hayfields, rolling pastures, an abundance of fresh air, and, of course, lots of llamas.

Looking for more beautiful places to pitch a tent in Northern Virginia? Look no further!

• 31) Loft Mountain Campground: For an immersive experience into the breathtaking surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains, head to Loft Mountain Campground. This unique camping facility is perched atop Big Flat Mountain, and features 200 campgrounds with flush toilets and a bathhouse that can be used for a small fee.


• 32) Little Fort Campground: If you're into ATVing, grab your quad and head to Little Fort Recreation Area, a primitive campsite located next to the largest ATV trail system in Virginia! With stunning mountain views and trails.for.days, you'll be delighted by this rugged campground in Northern Virginia.


• 33) Misty Mountain Camp Resort: For those in North/Central Virginia, Misty Mountain Camp Resort is a beloved campground near Charlottesville that's sure to provide a memorable camping experience for the whole family. A majority of the sites at Misty Mountain are for RV hookups, as many folks passing through are road-tripping to nearby Shenandoah National Park!