Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Virginia

Discover the best dog-friendly campgrounds across Virginia. Verified pet policies with trails, swimming, and welcoming sites.

20+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: Year-round (weather dependent)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

Fort Valley
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Your dog can roam freely along Passage Creek's banks and splash through shallow waters while you explore miles of connecting forest trails from your campsite. The spacious, well-separated sites give your pup plenty of room to relax by the campfire after swimming in natural creek pools.

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Natural Bridge Station
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Your dog can splash in the refreshing 7-acre lake and explore winding mountain trails that weave through fragrant pine forests and reveal stunning Blue Ridge vistas. The spacious, well-separated campsites give your pup plenty of room to roam while you cast a line or relax on sandy shores together.

Clarksville, VA
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Your dog can explore miles of pristine shoreline along John H. Kerr Reservoir, with endless opportunities for swimming, fetching, and waterside adventures at this lakeside retreat.

Tents

RVs

About Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Virginia

Pet-friendly camping in Virginia offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the state's diverse landscapes with your four-legged companions, from the misty peaks of the Shenandoah Valley to the tranquil shores of pristine mountain lakes. Virginia's welcoming attitude toward pets makes it one of the most accessible states for campers who refuse to leave their furry family members behind.

Best Time

Spring and fall represent the prime seasons for pet-friendly camping in Virginia, with April through May and September through October offering comfortable temperatures that keep both humans and pets happy on the trail. Spring brings wildflower blooms and moderate temperatures ranging from 60-75°F, ideal for active dogs who might overheat in summer's humidity.

What to Expect

Verified pet-friendly policies
Hiking trails for dogs
Spacious campsites
Swimming access at many locations

More Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Virginia

Discover 17 additional top-rated pet-friendly campgrounds in Virginia

Your pup can splash in Philpott Lake's shallow shoreline while you launch kayaks from the boat ramp, creating memorable waterside adventures together. The sprawling 49-site layout provides ample space for leashed walks between campsites, with plenty of room for dogs to explore without...

Bull Run Regional Park - Centreville

Centreville

Your pup can explore wooded hiking trails winding through 1,500 acres of forest, with plenty of open spaces for on-leash adventures and nature walks. The sprawling campground layout gives dogs room to roam between sites, while nearby trails and disc golf courses welcome leashed companions...

North River Campground

Staunton
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Your dog can roam freely through miles of wilderness trails and splash in the pristine creek that winds through this rustic, CCC-built campground. The primitive setting means fewer crowds and more space for your pup to explore the pine forest, while fire rings and picnic tables create...

Rudds Creek Rec. Area

Boydton
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Your pup can splash in the swimming beach and explore miles of trails through 26 surrounding Wildlife Management Areas teeming with deer, turkey, and songbirds.

Clarksville
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Your pup can roam the expansive shoreline of John H. Kerr Reservoir, splashing in shallow coves and exploring wooded trails that wind through the campground's 66 spacious sites.

Troutdale
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Your furry companion can explore miles of interconnected trails weaving through rhododendron thickets and hardwood forests, with babbling mountain streams offering refreshing splash zones along the way.

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

Natural Bridge Station
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Your four-legged companions can splash in the 7-acre mountain lake's swimming beach and explore surrounding hiking trails that wind through the Blue Ridge wilderness.

Tents

4.3

(81)

Raccoon Branch Campground

Sugar Grove
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Dogs thrive on the miles of surrounding Appalachian trails, including the scenic Dickey Knob route where leashed pups can hike alongside their owners through mountain forests.

Sherando Lake Group Camp

Natural Bridge
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Your dog can explore miles of mountain trails winding through George Washington National Forest, then cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear 25-acre lake. Spacious tent sites give your pup plenty of room to roam while you relax at picnic tables surrounded by Blue Ridge peaks.

Tents

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Virginia

Map of campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Virginia

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Map Key

Elizabeth Furnace

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Buffalo Park

Horseshoe Point

Bull Run Regional Park - Centreville

North River Campground

Rudds Creek Rec. Area

Longwood Park

Grindstone

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

Raccoon Branch Campground

Sherando Lake Group Camp

Beartree Recreation Area

Wilderness Road Campground

Stony Fork Campground

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Pohick Bay Regional Park- Lorton

Walnut Flats Campground

Greenwood Point Campground

Mathews Arm Campground

View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Hiking pet-friendly trails through forests and mountainsSwimming and water play at lakes and creeksLakeside walking and shoreline explorationWildlife viewing with leashed companionsFishing from pet-friendly banks and docksCamping under the stars with your furry friend

Tips & Recommendations

1Always carry proof of current rabies vaccination and other required immunizations, as rangers may request documentation at check-in, and keep a pet first-aid kit stocked with tweezers for ticks, bandages for paw injuries, and any medications your pet requires.
2Bring extra water and a collapsible bowl since Virginia's humidity and active hiking can quickly dehydrate dogs, and pack waste bags beyond what you think you'll need—Leave No Trace principles apply to pet waste on trails and in campgrounds.
3Invest in a sturdy 6-foot leash and consider a tie-out cable for campsite use, ensuring your pet stays within your site boundaries while you're cooking or setting up camp.
4Research specific campground pet policies before arrival, as some limit the number of pets per site or restrict certain breeds, and note that Virginia state parks charge a small pet fee while national forest campgrounds typically don't.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Virginia

Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Virginia FAQ

We've curated 20+ pet-friendly campgrounds in Virginia based on verified pet policies, user reviews, and trail access. Each campground welcomes dogs and many offer hiking trails, swimming areas, and spacious sites.

Not all campgrounds allow pets. Our Virginia pet-friendly list only includes campgrounds with verified dog-friendly policies. Always check specific leash requirements and pet fees before booking.

Essential items include: leash and harness, food and water bowls, dog bed or blanket, waste bags, current vaccination records, flea/tick prevention, and a first aid kit. Also bring familiar toys to keep your pup comfortable.