Beach Camping in Virginia

Discover the best beach camping across Virginia. Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: May - September

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Handpicked destinations that define the region

Rudds Creek Rec. Area

Boydton · John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Campers step directly from shaded woodland sites onto a designated swimming beach where Kerr Reservoir's clear waters lap against sandy shores. The protected beach area transforms lazy afternoons into splashing, swimming adventures while sunrise fishing expeditions launch just steps from...

4.6(900 reviews)

Buffalo Park

Clarksville, VA · John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Waterfront campsites line the shores of massive Kerr Reservoir, where 50,000 acres of sparkling water invite endless swimming, boating, and fishing adventures.

4.6(332 reviews)

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Goose Point

Bassett · Philpott Lake

Philpott Lake's sandy swimming beach stretches along 100 miles of winding shoreline, where crystal waters lap against the ancient Blue Ridge foothills and create sheltered coves for exploration.

4.6(856 reviews)

About Beach Camping in Virginia

Beach camping in Virginia offers a refreshing twist on the traditional coastal experience, with pristine lakefront campgrounds nestled throughout the state's diverse mountain and piedmont regions providing sandy shores and swimming beaches far from ocean crowds. While Virginia's Atlantic coastline draws millions of visitors annually, the state's inland lakes and reservoirs create intimate beach camping destinations where you can pitch your tent steps from the water, enjoy designated swimming areas, and experience the tranquility of mountain-backed shorelines.

Best Time

Late May through early September represents prime beach camping season at Virginia's lakefront campgrounds, when water temperatures climb into the comfortable 70s and 80s and swimming becomes the focal activity. June offers the sweet spot of warm weather without peak summer crowds, with campground availability still reasonable and water temperatures reaching pleasant levels for extended swimming sessions.

Scenery Highlights

Oceanfront and lakeside sites
Sandy beaches and swimming
Stunning sunrise and sunset views
Water sports and fishing

More Beach Camping in Virginia

Discover 17 additional top-rated beach camping in Virginia

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Natural Bridge Station · George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

This mountain retreat isn't beach camping—Cave Mountain Lake sits landlocked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by forests and peaks rather than ocean waves.

4.6(345)

White Oak Campground

Douthat State Park

Tucked into the Allegheny Mountains, this forested campground sits beside a scenic dammed lake surrounded by ridges and creeks rather than ocean beaches. Swimmers splash in cool mountain lake waters while hikers explore 40 miles of trails through hardwood forests and past small waterfalls.

4.6(170)

Creekside Campground

Hungry Mother State Park

The 108-acre mountain lake delivers a sandy swimming beach framed by forested ridges and rhododendron thickets, bringing Appalachian scenery right to the water's edge. Rent a boat to explore the shoreline or wade into the cool lake waters beneath a canopy of hardwoods.

4.7(154)

Horseshoe Point

Henry · Philpott Lake

Waterfront sites line the sandy shores where Philpott Lake's clear waters invite swimmers and paddlers to dive straight from their campsite into refreshing mountain-fed waves.

4.6(87)

Whispering Pines Campground

Douthat State Park

Campers enjoy direct lake access with a sandy swimming beach backed by mountain views and wooded trails that wind through the Alleghany highlands. The freshwater lake invites paddling, fishing from the shore, and cooling off after hiking the surrounding 40 miles of scenic pathways.

4.7(47)

Hunts Campground

Claytor Lake State Park

Campers launch directly into Claytor Lake's clear waters from multiple boat ramps, with canoe-friendly coves beckoning paddlers to explore quiet shorelines. The waterfront sites put you steps from swimming beaches where gentle waves lap against sandy shores beneath forested mountain ridges.

4.6(112)

Machicomoco Campground

Machicomoco State Park

Nestled along the York River's tidal waters, this campground delivers authentic Chesapeake Bay camping where ancient waterways wind through marshlands and wooded shorelines. Launch kayaks into Cedarbush Creek at dawn, or watch herons fish the river's edge from your waterfront site.

4.6(49)

Canoe-In Campsites Campground

Powhatan State Park

Paddle your canoe to secluded riverside campsites nestled along the gentle curves of the James River, where you'll wake to morning mist rising off the water. Swim, tube, and fish right from your waterfront site, surrounded by 1,565 acres of forest and wildlife.

4.6(100)

Hunts Campground

Shenandoah River State Park

I cannot write a beach camping summary for this campground because Hunts Campground is located along the Shenandoah River in Virginia's inland mountains, not near any beach or ocean.

4.6(131)

Explore Beach Camping in Virginia

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Popular Activities

Swimming at designated beach areasLakefront camping with water viewsKayaking and canoeingFishing from shore and boatsPaddleboardingBeach volleyball and games

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve campsites well in advance for summer weekends, particularly at popular locations like Cave Mountain Lake and White Oak Campground, where waterfront sites book within hours of becoming available six months out.
2Request sites in the first few rows from the beach for convenient water access, though these premium locations command higher fees and require the earliest reservations.
3Pack water shoes for rocky beach entries at some locations, along with shade structures since lakefront sites often lack the tree cover found in interior camping areas.
4Bring your own firewood rather than collecting it locally, as Virginia enforces strict regulations to prevent the spread of invasive insects, and most campgrounds sell bundles on-site.

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Curated for Beach Camping in Virginia

Beach Camping in Virginia FAQ

We've ranked 20+ beach campgrounds in Virginia based on water access, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include oceanfront and lakeside sites with sandy beaches and swimming access.

Beach camping in Virginia is generally best from May through September when water temperatures are warmest. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and milder weather.

For beach camping in Virginia, bring sun protection, beach chairs, water toys, and sand-friendly gear. Wind stakes for your tent are essential, and consider a shade structure for daytime comfort.

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