Tent Campgrounds in Virginia

About This Region

Virginia tent camping offers an extraordinary range of experiences, from the iconic peaks of Shenandoah National Park to the tranquil shores of Kerr Reservoir. Whether you're pitching your tent beneath towering Blue Ridge Mountains or beside crystal-clear mountain lakes, Virginia's diverse landscapes create the perfect backdrop for memorable outdoor adventures. The state's tent campgrounds span four distinct regions: Shenandoah's mountain meadows and skyline vistas, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests' remote wilderness, the sprawling waters of Kerr and Philpott reservoirs, and the accessible forests near Northern Virginia's metro areas. Virginia's tent camping scene truly shines in its variety of settings and facilities. At destinations like North Bend Park on Kerr Reservoir and Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp in the Blue Ridge, families discover spacious tent sites complemented by modern amenities including hot showers and flush toilets. For those seeking more primitive experiences, campgrounds like Hurricane offer creekside tent camping with direct Appalachian Trail access. Three Shenandoah National Park campgrounds—Big Meadows, Mathews Arm, and Loft Mountain—provide quintessential mountain tent camping beneath starlit skies. From the historic Wilderness Road Campground near Cumberland Gap to riverside gems like Elizabeth Furnace along Passage Creek, Virginia's tent camping destinations combine natural beauty with Southern hospitality.

Virginia's tent campgrounds range from fully developed family destinations to primitive backcountry sites, catering to every camping style. Most developed campgrounds feature essential amenities including flush toilets or clean vault toilets, drinking water access, and picnic tables with fire rings at each site. Popular family campgrounds like North Bend Park and Cave Mountain Lake offer the added comfort of hot showers, while more remote George Washington National Forest sites provide basic facilities for those seeking solitude. Expect varied terrain depending on your chosen region. Shenandoah campgrounds sit at elevations between 2,800 and 3,500 feet, offering cooler temperatures and mountain vistas. Lakeside campgrounds at Kerr Reservoir and Philpott Lake provide level tent sites with water access for swimming and fishing. Southwest Virginia's Appalachian sites feature forested settings with creek access and mountain trails. Reservation systems vary by location—Shenandoah and popular lake campgrounds require advance reservations (often 6 months ahead for peak season), while some National Forest campgrounds operate on a first-come-first-served basis. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at mountain locations, so download maps and directions before arrival.