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Hussy Mountain Horse Camp
Speedwell
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Top-rated campground with excellent reviews
Hiking Campgrounds in Virginia
Discover the best hiking campgrounds across Virginia. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.
43+ Campgrounds4.2★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)
Hiking Campgrounds in Other States
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Handpicked destinations that define the region
About Hiking Campgrounds in Virginia
Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian highlands offer some of the finest hiking camping on the East Coast. From the iconic Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park to the rugged trails of Cumberland Gap, hiking enthusiasts will find everything from gentle nature walks to challenging summit climbs, all within reach of well-appointed campgrounds.
Best Time
The best time for hiking camping in Virginia depends on your preferred terrain. Spring (April-May) brings wildflower explosions and rushing waterfalls, though trails can be muddy and bugs emerge.
Activity Highlights
- Direct trail access
- Mountain and forest settings
- Backpacking base camps
- Scenic wilderness views
Campground Locations
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Virginia
Map Key
1
Hussy Mountain Horse Camp2
Sherando Lake Group Camp3
Sunrise Cabin4
Hurricane Campground5
Hopper Creek Group Camp6
Turkey Run Ridge Group7
North Bend Park8
Horseshoe Point9
Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp10
Elizabeth Furnace11
Buffalo Park12
Rudds Creek Rec. Area13
Salthouse Branch14
Goose Point15
North River Campground16
Old Virginia Group Horse Camp17
Bull Run Regional Park - Centreville18
Pound River Campground (Va)19
Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)20
Cave Mountain Lake Group CampPlan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Hiking on the Appalachian TrailWaterfall hiking (Dark Hollow Falls, Overall Run Falls, Crabtree Falls)Summit climbing (Hawksbill, Old Rag, Mount Rogers)Nature trail walks and interpretive loopsWildlife viewing (black bears, deer, wild turkeys)Fall foliage viewing along Skyline Drive
Tips & Recommendations
- 1**Reservations**: Shenandoah National Park campgrounds book out months in advance for fall weekends—reserve at recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead. George Washington National Forest sites operate first-come-first-served at many locations, offering more spontaneous options.
- 2**Gear essentials**: Bring trekking poles for steep Appalachian terrain, rain gear (afternoon thunderstorms are common), and layers—mountaintop temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees from valley floors. A headlamp is essential as most campgrounds lack electric lights.
- 3**Trail intel**: Download offline maps before arriving, as cell service is unreliable. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's app works offline and covers Virginia's 550+ AT miles.
- 4**Regulations**: Backcountry permits are required for overnight AT hiking but not for campground-based day hikes. Some Shenandoah trails close seasonally for peregrine falcon nesting.
24 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Hiking Campgrounds in Virginia
How to Book These Campgrounds
The most popular campgrounds for hiking campgrounds in virginia book up months in advance. Here are the tools to help you get a site.
Hiking Campgrounds in Virginia FAQ
We've ranked 43+ hiking campgrounds in Virginia based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
Permit requirements vary by location in Virginia. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.
Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in Virginia. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Availability Alerts
Popular Virginia Campgrounds Book Fast
The best hiking campgrounds in Virginia book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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- Search 43+ hiking campgrounds in Virginia
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