Forest Camping in Virginia
Discover the best forest camping across Virginia. Immerse yourself in the forest. Towering trees, dappled sunlight, and the sounds of nature.
Forest Camping in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Hurricane Campground
Towering hemlocks and oaks create a cathedral canopy above campsites where Hurricane Branch and Comers Creek ripple through moss-covered stones, while native rhododendron blankets the slopes.
Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp
Towering hardwoods create a cathedral of shade around the 7-acre lake, where forest trails wind through dense canopy and emerge at sun-drenched shorelines.
Sherando Lake Group Camp
Towering hardwoods create a cathedral-like canopy above spacious tent sites, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns while trails wind through sun-dappled forests connecting two pristine mountain lakes.
About Forest Camping in Virginia
Forest camping in Virginia offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the East Coast's most diverse and pristine woodland environments, from the ancient Appalachian hardwoods of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the towering pines of the Piedmont region. Virginia's forests span over 15 million acres, encompassing everything from high-elevation spruce-fir forests to lush river valleys draped in hemlock and rhododendron.
Best Time
The optimal window for forest camping in Virginia runs from mid-April through October, with May and September offering the best combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Spring (April-May) brings spectacular wildflower displays, particularly mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms in late May, though higher elevation campgrounds may not open until late April or early May.
Scenery Highlights
- Towering tree canopies
- Shaded, cool campsites
- Diverse wildlife viewing
- Peaceful woodland atmosphere
Explore Forest Camping in Virginia
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve early for Virginia's most sought-after forest campgrounds, especially those in state parks which can book solid on weekends from May through October.
- 2Most Virginia State Parks use the Reserve America system with reservations opening 11 months in advance, while national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov typically open 6 months ahead.
- 3Bring layers regardless of season—mountain forest temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees at night even in summer, and morning fog is common in valley locations.
- 4A quality rain fly is essential as Virginia's forests can experience sudden afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in summer months.
Forest Camping in Virginia FAQ
We've ranked 20+ forest campgrounds in Virginia based on tree coverage, wildlife viewing, and hiking access. Top options offer shaded sites and peaceful woodland settings.
Forest campgrounds in Virginia are home to diverse wildlife including deer, various bird species, and small mammals. Store food properly and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Virginia offers excellent forest camping with diverse woodland ecosystems, well-maintained trails, and shaded campsites perfect for summer escapes. Many sites offer both developed and primitive options.
Popular Virginia Campgrounds Book Fast
The best forest camping in Virginia book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Hurricane Campground
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