Backcountry Hike-In Campground

3655 Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835, USA

Nestled within the emerald embrace of Shenandoah National Park, Mathews Arm Campground offers families an unforgettable escape into Virginia's mountain wilderness. Here, ancient hardwood forests create a natural cathedral where adventurers can explore miles of hiking trails leading to the magnificent Overall Run Falls—the park's highest cascade. As you navigate the legendary Skyline Drive, 75 breathtaking overlooks unveil panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon, each turn revealing another masterpiece painted by nature herself.

Shenandoah River State Park

Virginia State Parks have nearly 2,000 campsites ranging from primitive hike-in sites to sites that can accommodate large RVs.

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The park has 5.6 miles of river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The rolling, hilly land features steep slopes and is mostly wooded.

Shenandoah River State Park

Virginia State Parks have nearly 2,000 campsites ranging from primitive hike-in sites to sites that can accommodate large RVs.

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground invites outdoor enthusiasts to experience Virginia's natural splendor along the banks of Passage Creek. This beloved family destination combines modern comfort with rustic charm, featuring essential amenities like vault toilets, seasonal hot showers, and fresh water from a traditional hand pump. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear creek, exploring scenic hiking trails, or taking a refreshing dip in natural swimming holes, this campground serves as your gateway to unforgettable mountain adventures.

15618 Fort Valley Road

Nestled within the scenic Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area, this group campground beckons scout troops, reuniting families, and close-knit organizations seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Six thoughtfully arranged campsites form a welcoming circle around a central group picnic area, creating the perfect setting for shared meals and evening gatherings. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables, traditional fire rings for storytelling under the stars, and level tent pads that promise comfortable nights in nature's embrace.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at mile marker 34.4 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite beckons weary travelers with its rustic charm and riverside tranquility. This free wilderness retreat caters exclusively to those exploring the towpath on foot or two wheels, offering essential amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table for trail-side meals, and a grill for evening cookouts. A water source is available on-site, though adventurers should come prepared with purification tablets or filters, as treatment is required before drinking. Note that water access hibernates with the cold, shutting off from mid-November through mid-April when frost grips the region.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 47.6 along the legendary C&O Canal Towpath, Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite beckons weary travelers with its peaceful solitude and essential comforts. This hidden gem offers complimentary camping with thoughtfully provided amenities including a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, cooking grill, and access to treated water. Far from the crowds, this tranquil waypoint serves as an ideal rest stop for adventurous souls journeying along the historic towpath by foot or bicycle.

Sweet Run State Park

Virginia State Parks has overnight accommodations in most parks.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 50.3 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite welcomes weary travelers with open arms and no reservation hassles. This free wilderness haven invites adventurers to rest their heads for a night under the stars, offering essential amenities without the fuss of fees or lengthy stays. Whether you're pedaling through on two wheels or trekking the towpath on foot, this rustic retreat provides the perfect pause in your journey.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 62.0 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Huckleberry Hill Hiker-Biker Campsite offers weary travelers a peaceful respite without the burden of fees. This charming waypoint provides everything essential for a comfortable night under the stars: a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, convenient grill for evening meals, and access to non-potable water for basic needs. Perfect for cyclists and hikers traversing the legendary towpath, this unpretentious site embodies the spirit of simple, authentic outdoor adventure.

Shenandoah River State Park

Shenandoah River State Park

Sweet Run State Park

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15618 Fort Valley Road

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

3655 Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835, USA

2021 Hurricane Camp Road, Sugar Grove, VA, 24375, USA

Tucked away in the rolling mountains of southwest Virginia, Hurricane Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine creeks and towering forest canopy. Here, where Hurricane Branch meets Comers Creek, campsites nestle beneath a cathedral of mixed oak and hemlock trees, their branches creating natural shade pavilions over soft, grassy clearings. Adventure awaits just beyond your tent flap, with direct access to the legendary Appalachian Trail and the scenic Hurricane Knob Trail winding through the surrounding wilderness.

96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952

Escape to Sherando Lake Group Camp, where tent camping takes on a whole new meaning against the backdrop of Virginia's stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. This exclusive tent-only facility within the acclaimed Sherando Lake Recreation Area has become a beloved gathering place for those seeking memorable outdoor experiences. From multi-generational family reunions to Scout troops earning their wilderness badges, church retreats to corporate team-building adventures, this special campground transforms ordinary group outings into extraordinary memories under the stars.

64 North Bend Drive, Boydton, VA 23917

Discover your perfect lakeside escape at North Bend Park, where over 200 campsites sprawl across the scenic shores of Kerr Reservoir. As the crown jewel of the reservoir's park system, this expansive outdoor haven welcomes both tent campers seeking a connection with nature and RV enthusiasts looking for modern conveniences. Wake up to stunning water views, refresh with hot showers after a day of adventure, and enjoy the comfort of flush toilets and full RV hookups including a convenient dump station. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, North Bend Park offers the ideal blend of natural beauty and essential amenities.

Grayson Highlands State Park

The park is home to plenty of wildlife and offers camping, picnic shelters, lodging, boat launches and numerous types of trails. Canoeing is popular here.

620 Salthouse Branch Road, Henry, VA 24102, USA

Nestled along the pristine waters of Philpott Lake, Salthouse Branch Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience the raw beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. This lakeside haven offers 111 thoughtfully designed campsites, from fully-equipped electric sites perfect for RV adventurers to secluded primitive tent spots where you can truly disconnect. For those seeking the ultimate escape, boat-in sites provide exclusive waterfront camping accessible only by water. Modern comforts meet wilderness charm with well-maintained flush toilets, hot showers, and a convenient dump station. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: explore winding hiking trails through ancient forests, dive into crystal-clear swimming areas, or launch your boat for a day of fishing and exploration on the lake's expansive waters.

16064 Highway 58, Boydton, VA 23917

Nestled along the pristine shores of John H. Kerr Reservoir, Rudds Creek Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of waterfront beauty and woodland tranquility. This beloved campground welcomes both tent campers seeking a connection with nature and RV travelers looking for modern conveniences, all while providing direct access to one of the Southeast's premier recreational lakes. From sunrise fishing expeditions to lazy afternoon swims, Rudds Creek serves as your gateway to endless aquatic adventures.

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine 7-acre lake sparkling beneath forested peaks. Here, families gather on sandy shores for afternoon swims, cast lines into crystal-clear waters teeming with fish, and explore winding trails that reveal the area's natural splendor. This rustic mountain retreat serves as your gateway to adventure, with the legendary Natural Bridge and historic Lexington just a short drive away, offering the perfect blend of wilderness tranquility and cultural exploration.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Grayson Highlands Campground sits at over 4,500 feet elevation within Grayson Highlands State Park, offering a peaceful high-mountain camping experience in southwestern Virginia. The campground provides access to the park's famous wild ponies that roam freely near the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the park. With approximately 135 sites including pull-through spaces, campers enjoy well-spaced, quiet sites surrounded by stunning ridge scenery. The area is known for its cooler temperatures even in summer, making it an ideal escape from the heat. Popular activities include hiking the Twin Pinnacle and Wilburn Ridge trails, wildlife viewing, and stargazing in the clear mountain air.

4780 Goose Point Road, Bassett, VA, 24055, USA

Where the crystal waters of Philpott Lake meet the ancient foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Goose Point Campground offers an enchanting escape into nature's embrace. This lakeside haven features 63 thoughtfully positioned campsites, including 53 sites equipped with electric and water hookups for modern comfort. Wake up to panoramic mountain vistas and spend your days enjoying an impressive array of amenities: from the refreshing beach and convenient boat launch to the fishing pier where memories are made. Families delight in the playground and picnic shelter, while evening programs at the amphitheater bring campers together under starlit skies. With flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station, Goose Point perfectly balances wilderness adventure with creature comforts.

5199 Carter's Point Road, Buffalo Junction, VA 24529

Nestled along the pristine shores of John H. Kerr Reservoir, Buffalo Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of waterfront tranquility and modern comfort. This lakeside haven offers 21 thoughtfully positioned campsites, ranging from 11 electric sites (including one spacious double site perfect for larger groups) to 10 primitive sites for those seeking a more rustic experience. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, taking a refreshing dip at the swim beach, or simply unwinding under the stars, you'll appreciate the convenience of hot showers and flush toilets after a full day of adventure.