Tent Campgrounds in Virginia

Discover the best tent campgrounds across Virginia. Get back to basics with traditional tent camping. From established sites with amenities to secluded wilderness spots.

20+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: May-September (peak season)

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Pet-Friendly With Showers Potable Water Flush Toilets Reservable Under $15/night

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.8

(147)

Hurricane Campground

Sugar Grove
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Moss-covered ground and level grassy clearings beneath towering hemlocks create naturally cushioned tent sites along babbling Hurricane Branch. The Appalachian Trail passes directly through camp, letting you start your morning hike without ever packing up your car.

Tents

4.6

(345)

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Natural Bridge Station
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Tent sites nestle beneath towering hardwoods around a pristine mountain lake, offering shaded, level ground and genuine separation from neighboring campers.

Rudds Creek Rec. Area

Boydton
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Spacious sites tucked among mature trees offer tent campers genuine seclusion while maintaining easy access to the shimmering waters of Kerr Reservoir. Level ground throughout the campground means effortless tent setup, letting you spend more time casting lines and exploring the shoreline.

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RVs

About Tent Campgrounds in Virginia

Tent camping in Virginia offers an unparalleled outdoor experience across some of the most diverse landscapes on the East Coast, from the rugged peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene shores of pristine mountain lakes and sprawling reservoirs. The Commonwealth's rich tapestry of public lands provides tent campers with everything from primitive backcountry sites to well-appointed campgrounds with modern amenities, all set against backdrops of cascading waterfalls, ancient Appalachian forests, and scenic waterways.

Best Time

The prime tent camping season in Virginia runs from late April through October, with May and September offering the most comfortable conditions and fewer crowds than peak summer months. Spring camping from late April through May showcases wildflower blooms in the mountains and pleasant temperatures in the 60s and 70s, though occasional rain showers require quality rain gear.

What Makes It Great

Designated tent pads and flat ground
Fire rings and picnic tables
Varying levels of amenities
Scenic natural settings

More Tent Campgrounds in Virginia

Discover 17 additional top-rated tent campgrounds in Virginia

Fort Valley
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Wooded sites along Passage Creek offer shaded tent pads with level ground and the soothing soundtrack of flowing water just steps away. Morning mist rises from swimming holes while hikers head straight from their tents onto mountain trails that wind through the surrounding George...

Clarksville, VA
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Spacious sites stretch along the waterfront where gentle waves lap against the shore, offering both shaded primitive spots beneath mature trees and electric sites with lake views.

Spacious tent sites nestle among towering hardwoods along Philpott Lake's shoreline, where level ground and natural buffers create genuine solitude between neighbors.

Troutdale
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Tent campers find naturally level, soft forest floor beneath a thick canopy of hardwoods and rhododendrons that creates genuine privacy between sites. The 3,800-foot elevation brings cool mountain air and easy access to trails where morning mist clings to ancient trees and native trout...

Damascus
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Towering rhododendrons and dense forest canopy create naturally secluded sanctuaries between each campsite, offering true privacy rarely found in developed campgrounds.

Clarksville
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Spacious campsites nestle beneath a dense forest canopy along Kerr Reservoir's shoreline, offering tent campers natural shade and serene lake views. Launch your boat from the nearby ramp to explore hidden coves, then return to your wooded sanctuary for starlit campfires.

Raccoon Branch Campground

Sugar Grove
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Towering pines and hardwoods shelter spacious sites where Dickey Creek's gentle sounds drift through your canvas walls, while level grassy patches provide soft ground for stakes and sleeping pads.

Stony Fork Campground

Wytheville
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Spacious sites tucked among towering hardwoods offer genuine seclusion, with the constant soundtrack of Stony Fork Creek flowing through camp. Level tent pads sit just steps from clear mountain water, while extensive trail networks lead directly from your site into Big Walker Mountain's...

Wilderness Road Campground

Ewing
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Towering hardwoods shade 154 generously spaced sites where level ground and soft forest floor create comfortable tent camping beneath the Appalachian canopy.

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RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in Virginia

Map of campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in Virginia

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Map Key

Hurricane Campground

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Rudds Creek Rec. Area

Elizabeth Furnace

Buffalo Park

Horseshoe Point

Grindstone

Beartree

Longwood Park

Raccoon Branch Campground

Stony Fork Campground

Wilderness Road Campground

Pound River Campground (Va)

Mathews Arm Campground

North River Campground

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

Sherando Lake Group Camp

Bull Run Regional Park - Centreville

Dundo Group Campground

Comer'S Rock Recreation Area

View all 62 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Tent camping in mountain and lakeside settingsHiking on Appalachian Trail and regional trail systemsFishing in mountain streams, lakes, and reservoirsSwimming at lake beaches and mountain swimming holesKayaking and canoeing on lakes and riversWildlife viewing including deer, black bears, and birds

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve popular campgrounds like Rudds Creek and Cave Mountain Lake 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends, as waterfront and premium sites book quickly through Recreation.gov for federal sites or Virginia State Parks' reservation system.
2Bring a quality rain fly and footprint for your tent, as Virginia's humidity and afternoon thunderstorms are common from May through September.
3For mountain camping, pack layers including a warm fleece or jacket even in summer, as temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees at night at higher elevations.
4A headlamp or lantern is essential since many primitive sites lack electric hookups.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Tent Campgrounds in Virginia

Tent Campgrounds in Virginia FAQ

Virginia offers 20+ tent-friendly campgrounds. We've ranked them based on site quality, natural setting, amenities, and user reviews.

Tent camping in Virginia typically costs $15-35 per night at developed campgrounds. Some national forest and primitive sites may be free or under $10 per night.

Essential gear includes a quality tent, sleeping bag rated for Virginia conditions, sleeping pad, camp stove, and appropriate clothing. Check weather forecasts and pack layers.