From its imposing mountains to its idyllic beaches, the Mid-Atlantic state of Virginia offers an alluring backdrop for camping adventures.
(Photo: Pixabay)
As its tourism slogan goes, “Virginia is for Lovers”, but you could equally say that Virginia is for camping lovers. There’s a huge choice of campsites dotted across the state, some in busier areas close to popular regional attractions and others in more remote spots that connect you with nature. Wine enthusiasts, meanwhile, may favour one of the many campgrounds to be found in Virginia’s renowned wine country. Whatever your camping predilections, you’ll find something to suit your tastes in Virginia. Here’s our pick of some of the most charming campgrounds the state has to offer.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
If you’ve ever camped at one of the many Jellystone Park campgrounds situated around the United States before, then you should know what to expect from this outpost in the town of Luray in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The campground is spread across 73 scenic acres and is just a short drive from notable attractions including Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park. Visitors can choose from more than 150 pitches, but also a selection of cottages and cabins if you’d prefer a touch more comfort and convenience. On-site amenities include a fishing pond, heated pool, laser tag, paddle boats, water slides, miniature golf, and more.
2250 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray
Anvil Campground
Situated in the historic city of Williamsburg, Anvil Campground offers families easy access to one of the most popular theme parks in the United States, Busch Gardens. The closest campground in the area to the theme park, it is commonly used as a base for visits to the park and provides a direct bus service to and from the attraction. You can also buy discounted Busch Gardens tickets at the campground. Other nearby attractions include Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestowne, while onsite campers can enjoy plenty of recreational activities such as swimming.
5243 Mooretown Road, Williamsburg
(Photo: Anvil Campground)
Loft Mountain Campground
Perched atop Big Flat Mountain in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park, this is one of the largest campgrounds in the park. A true wilderness getaway, there are multiple hiking trails that take you past waterfalls, creeks and lakes, or for more leisurely pursuits you can enjoy fishing, exploring historic sites, wildlife viewing, and perusing local bookstores and exhibits in the nearby town. As for the campsite itself, it is equipped with 205 single-family campsites that will accommodate tents, trailers and RVs, and group camping is also available. On-site amenities include an amphitheatre, a campfire centre, a camp store, BBQ grills, a fire pit and picnic tables.
Crozet
Virginia Beach KOA
If you’ve ever stayed at one of the many U.S. KOA campgrounds before, then you’ll know what type of services and experience to expect at this Virginia Beach location. This particular outpost offers families an excellent base from which to explore the area’s many attractions, including both the beach itself, the boardwalk and the many shops and restaurants to be found here. At the campground itself, you can choose to rent one of the many pitches, or even a deluxe or rustic cabin if you don’t have camping gear or an RV of your own. Amenities include WiFi and access to a dog park, outdoor cinema and zip line.
1240 General Booth Boulevard
(Photo: Virginia Beach KOA)
Holiday Trav-L-Park
Nearby, the Holiday Trav-L-Park in Virginia Beach is the closest campground to the destination’s oceanfront. There are more than 200 pitches to choose from, ranging from more rustic tent sites to larger sites suitable for RVs. As well as heading to the beach for some fun in the sun, campers can enjoy the many activities and amenities the campground provides, such as seasonal events, games, miniature golf and more. Families with children will particularly enjoy the numerous onsite playgrounds and pet owners will be delighted to discover the large, fenced-in dog park.
1075 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach
Christopher Run Campground
Explore Louisa County and Lake Anna from Christopher Run Campground, with its 200 pitches and cabins. The campground also offers a Lake Anna marina, with boat ramps and plenty of rental options such as paddle boats, canoes and row boats. While there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy at the campground itself, many visitors will appreciate its proximity to some of the area’s notable historical spots, such as Monticello, the James Madison Museum, Montpelier and Shenandoah National Park.
6478 Zachary Taylor Highway, Mineral
(Photo: Christopher Run Campground)
Bush Park Camping Resort
Located in the town of Wake, Bush Park Camping Resort welcomes campers with the promise of nearly 600 pitches to choose from. The 100-acre site is situated near several areas of interest, including the Chesapeake Bay and Rappahannock River. Those interested in the region’s rich history will appreciate the campground’s close proximity to many Revolutionary War, Civil War and Colonial America landmarks, most of which are just a short drive away. On-site amenities and activities include fishing and crabbing, multiple swimming pools and seasonal events. Boat ramps can also be utilised nearby.
724 Bushy Park Road, Wake
Camp Karma Campground
If it’s Virginia’s prestigious wine country that you’re keen to experience, then you may want to book a campsite at Camp Karma Campground in the town of Bedford. While the campground is somewhat on the small side, with 37 pitches spread across 42 acres, you do enjoy easy access to the Bedford Wine Trail and a handful of wineries (as well as several breweries). Other nearby attractions include Smith Mountain Lake, which attracts water sports enthusiasts from far and wide. The on-site amenities are rather limited and geared more towards rustic campers, but do include restroom facilities, fire pits and picnic tables.
2056 Stone Mountain Road, Bedford
(Photo: Camp Karma Campground)
Misty Mountain Camp Resort
Another campground that gives you easy access to Virginia’s wine country, Misty Mountain Camp Resort is close to more than 30 wineries and vineyards, with several local vendors offering organised tours. If the area’s winery scene isn’t for you, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy at the campground, including swimming, fishing, club house games, volleyball and basketball. There are a range of pitches to choose from, with an impressive assortment of amenities, all set over the campground’s 50 acres.
56 Misty Mountain Road, Route 250 West, Greenwood
(Photo: Misty Mountain Camp Resort)
Horseshoe Flats Campground
Situated along the James River, Horseshoe Flats Campground offers more than 100 pitches all within a short bike ride to historic Scottsville. This river town features many interesting spots to add to your itinerary, and the campground is close enough that you can experience its many charms, but then retreat back to your tent or RV for some quiet time. Fishing, boating, swimming and other water sports are popular at the campground, but do note that campers with pets are not allowed to bring their furry friends to the waterfront.
125 Snowden Road, Scottsville