Best Campgrounds in Virginia: 2026 Guide

Virginia invented the American road trip — Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway were built for exactly this kind of wandering. But beyond the scenic byways, the campgrounds tucked into the valleys and ridgelines of the Old Dominion offer something rarer: the feeling of stepping into centuries of history while surrounded by ancient hardwood forests. From the misty hollows of Shenandoah to the rugged highlands of Mount Rogers, Virginia camping blends serenity with substance.

Why Virginia Stands Out

Shenandoah National Park alone justifies a trip, with over 500 miles of trails including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. But Virginia's camping goes deeper: the Jefferson and George Washington National Forests blanket the western mountains, the New River — one of the oldest rivers on Earth — cuts through the southwest, and reservoirs like John H. Kerr offer warm-water lake camping in the Piedmont. The state's moderate climate means viable camping nearly year-round, and fall foliage here rivals New England without the crowds.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Big Meadows Campground

The crown jewel of Shenandoah National Park near Luray, Big Meadows sits among thick trees and rolling hills at 3,500 feet. Deer graze in the meadow at dusk, and Skyline Drive access makes it a perfect basecamp.

Beartree

In the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area near Damascus, Beartree offers a relaxing family-friendly atmosphere with a sprawling lake, swimming beach, and trails leading to Virginia's highest peak.

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Natural Bridge Station, this campground welcomes families with a peaceful mountain lake, easy interstate access, and a rustic atmosphere that feels worlds away.

Cranesnest Campground

On the John W. Flannagan Reservoir in the Cumberland Mountains near Clintwood, this southwest Virginia gem offers lakeside camping surrounded by rolling green Appalachian ridgelines.

Buffalo Park

A quiet campground on John H. Kerr Reservoir near Boydton in southern Virginia. The reservoir straddles the Virginia-North Carolina border and provides excellent fishing and boating opportunities.

Collins Cove Horse Campground

A primitive first-come, first-served campground near Ivanhoe with hitching rails and direct trail access — perfect for equestrian campers exploring the Mount Rogers backcountry.

Comer's Rock Recreation Area

Featuring a historic CCC-built log shelter near Marion in the heart of the Mount Rogers NRA, Comer's Rock blends history with highland camping at elevation.

Craig Creek Recreation Area

Old-fashioned rustic group camping near Blacksburg, with a large open field ideal for groups who want to tent camp with few amenities but plenty of mountain character.

Planning Tips

Shenandoah campgrounds fill fast from May through October — reserve early, especially for Big Meadows. The Mount Rogers area stays cool at elevation and is ideal for summer escapes. Fall foliage peaks mid-October in the mountains and late October in the valleys. Virginia's state parks offer additional camping options if national forest sites fill up. Ticks are active from spring through fall, so check thoroughly after hikes.

Find More

Browse all Virginia campgrounds on our Virginia camping page, or explore the full campground directory to plan your next trip.