Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Camping Adventures!
Compiled By Chris Murphy
Virginia, with its diverse landscapes ranging from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene Chesapeake Bay, is a camper’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a family looking for a fun getaway, the Old Dominion offers a smorgasbord of camping experiences. Get ready to pitch your tent, park your RV, or cozy up in a cabin – here’s your guide to some of Virginia’s top camping spots!
Coastal Escapes: Sun, Sand, and Salty Air
First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach)
- Region: Coastal Virginia
- Address: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- Why it’s fun: Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing, just steps from your campsite! First Landing, where the first English colonists landed, offers a unique blend of history and nature. With 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront and 20 miles of trails winding through maritime forests and cypress swamps, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and exploring. The park is surprisingly close to the bustling Virginia Beach Oceanfront, yet feels like a tranquil world away. Look for secluded spots in the Archer Loop (G) for prime beach access.
Kiptopeke State Park (Eastern Shore)
- Region: Coastal Virginia / Eastern Shore
- Address: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310
- Why it’s fun: Crossing the iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is an adventure in itself to reach Kiptopeke. This peaceful park on the Chesapeake Bay offers a quiet beach with shallow, calm waters, perfect for families. Activities include fishing from the pier (look for the concrete ships!), birdwatching (it’s a major migratory bird stop), and enjoying stunning bay sunsets. They even have a “deluxe” yurt with a spectacular bay view!
Mountain Majesty: Peaks, Ponderosa, and Ponies!
Shenandoah National Park (Blue Ridge Mountains)
- Region: Shenandoah Valley / Blue Ridge Highlands
- Address: Accessible via Skyline Drive (North Entrance: Front Royal, VA 22630; South Entrance: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA 22980)
- Why it’s fun: A crown jewel of the national park system, Shenandoah offers over 500 miles of trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. Drive the breathtaking Skyline Drive, stopping at countless overlooks for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Campgrounds like Big Meadows (known for black bear sightings, so secure your food!) offer a true wilderness feel. Hiking to cascading waterfalls, spotting wildlife, and stargazing are must-dos here.
Grayson Highlands State Park (Southwest Virginia)
- Region: Blue Ridge Highlands
- Address: 829 Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
- Why it’s fun: This park is legendary for its wild ponies that roam freely through stunning highland meadows! It’s also your gateway to Virginia’s highest peak, Mount Rogers, and offers direct access to the Appalachian Trail. Backpackers and rock climbers flock here, but even casual hikers will love the scenic trails and three waterfalls. Be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather and embrace the rugged beauty.
Douthat State Park (Alleghany Mountains)
- Region: Shenandoah Valley / Alleghany Highlands
- Address: 1422 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460
- Why it’s fun: One of Virginia’s original state parks, Douthat is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers a classic mountain lake experience. Its 50-acre lake is perfect for swimming, boating (rentals available!), and fishing. Over 40 miles of wooded hiking trails provide plenty of opportunities to explore. Some campsites are right by the lake, offering picturesque views. Note that cell service can be spotty, making it a true escape!
Central Virginia Gems: History, Rivers, and Family Fun
Pocahontas State Park (Chesterfield)
- Region: Central Virginia
- Address: 10301 State Park Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23832
- Why it’s fun: Just 20 miles outside of Richmond, Pocahontas is Virginia’s largest state park, offering a vast playground for outdoor activities. The park boasts campsites with electric and water hookups, modern bathhouses, an outdoor pool, and even laundry facilities. Rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes to explore Swift Creek Lake, or enjoy the extensive trail system for hiking and mountain biking. It’s an ideal spot for families looking for convenience and a wide range of activities.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg)
- Region: Coastal Virginia / Historic Triangle
- Address: 1350 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185
- Why it’s fun: Centrally located in the historic heart of Virginia (near Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg), this park offers 140 acres of gorgeous riverfront camping. Many of its 160 campsites are perched above the Chickahominy River, providing scenic views and direct access to water activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. It’s a fantastic base for exploring the rich history of the region.
Unique Stays and More!
- False Cape State Park (Virginia Beach): For the truly adventurous, False Cape offers primitive, hike-in or boat-in camping on a pristine barrier island. No public vehicular access means a true “back to nature” experience, perfect for wildlife viewing and stargazing.
- New River Trail State Park (Foster Falls): Explore a 57-mile linear park built on an abandoned railroad, offering primitive campsites along the New River. Perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding with the calming sound of rushing water.
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Luray (Luray): If you’re looking for family fun with all the amenities, this award-winning resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains is packed with activities like a splash pad, water slides, mini-golf, jumping pillows, and themed events. It’s a fantastic option for “glamping” with luxury cabins available. (Address: 2250 US Hwy 211 E, Luray, VA 22835)
Virginia’s diverse landscapes ensure there’s a perfect camping spot for every kind of adventurer. So pack your bags, grab your s’mores supplies, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories under the Virginia sky!
