The state of Virginia in U.S.A is in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern region of the country. Its location is between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coast. People also refer to it as ‘Old Dominion’ because it was the first English colonial possession in North America and as ‘Mother of Presidents’ because the eight U.S presidents were born here. The official name of the state is the Commonwealth of Virginia with Richmond as its capital. The Chesapeake Bay and Ridge mountains influence the climate, vegetation and wildlife of Virginia to a large extent.
Historically, Virginia has been home to many indigenous groups before the displacement of the Native American tribes by the English colonial possession of the land. It was also one of the 13 colonies that were a part of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Further, the oldest continuous law-making body in the world is the Virginia General Assembly. It serves as an ideal camping location for backpackers who want to experience nature and history at the same time. Monticello, the iconic Charlottesville Plantation of the founding father Thomas Jefferson are places of great historical interest. It is also home to the living-history museums of Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown Settlement that reenact Colonial and Revolutionary-era life.
- Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park offers waterfalls, wild forest and unique landscapes with a beautiful view. The place is known for its 500 miles of hiking trails that include 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The most popular and dangerous hike of the park is the Old Rag Mountain. Other activities include fly fishing and enjoying the view from the Skyline Drive. It is accessible by the drive and provides tent, RV and vehicle accommodation. The Big Meadows Campground is a secluded site along Skyline Drive that offers a captivating natural experience. This campground in Virginia allows alcohol for adults who are 21 years and above of age.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Climbing · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV sanitation · Pet-friendly · Availability of potable water · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
Skyline Dr, Stanley, VA 22851, USA
Phone: +1 540-999-3500
- Grayson Highlands State Park Campground
Grayson Highlands spread across a total area of 4502 acres with lots of outdoor activities. It has more than 700 known climbing routes. The Appalachian Trails are accessible throughout the year from this area. Its location is near the two highest mountains; Whitetop Mountain and Mount Rogers. It offers 10 miles of mountain streams that contain native brook and rainbow trout for anglers to enjoy fishing. The fascinating geology of the park gives campers adventurous climbing opportunities. Visitors may also have a fair chance at spotting wild ponies that wander about the area. Moreover, along with the conventional accommodation options, it also offers horse campsites and bunkhouse.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Climbing · Snow sports · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV hookup · Pet-friendly · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363, USA
Phone: +1 276-579-7092
- Westmoreland State Park Campground
This location has a beautiful riverside view. It is just a few minutes away from George Washington’s birthplace along the Potomac River. Anglers can try their luck catching fish like bass and bluefish while they set sail on the historic Potomac River. All in all, it provides stunning scenery along with rich local history, making it ideal for overnight camping.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Paddling · Snow sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV hookup · Pet-friendly · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
145 Cliff Rd, Montross, VA 22520, USA
Phone: +1 804-493-8821
- Caledon State Park Campground
Caledon State Park has tall trees and ten trails designated for hiking. The marshland and wooded area that are the primary features of the park also have four multipurpose trails that allow biking expeditions. The area also includes the James Pond and Caledon Marsh. The location is even close to the King George County Museum in the town of Fredericksburg, which is a place of historical interest. It has plenty of hardwood forest and rushing waters to be the perfect natural getaway for visitors. Those interested in bird watching can observe the bald eagle in its natural habitat.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Fishing · Hiking · Paddling · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Picnic table · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
11617 Caledon Rd, King George, VA 22485, USA
Phone: +1 540-663-3861
- First Landing State Park Campground
The campground gets its name from the fact that it was the first place where the English Colonists first set foot in America, in the year 1607. It is one of the most popular choices for those campers who have an interest in history and wish to get a taste of the colonial era. It is a center for the Virginia Beach and is the state’s most visited park. It offers 1.5 miles of sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay, 20 miles of trails along with a maritime forest, deep lagoons, unusual plants and cypress swamps. Its location along the bay provides fresh sea breeze and a picturesque view.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Paddling · Wind sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV sanitation · Fires are allowed · Pet-friendly |
Location Details:
2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Phone: +1 757-412-2300
- Hungry Mother State Park Campground
Set in the heart of the Virginia mountains, the park surrounds a 108-acre lake. It offers sandy shores and exciting outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. The place is open all year long with 17 miles of biking and hiking trails. The site offers cabin and lodge accommodation along with a restaurant. It has a total of 51 campsites that are open to campers.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Paddling · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · Fires are allowed · Pet-friendly |
Location Details:
2854 Park Blvd, Marion, VA 24354, USA
Phone: +1 276-781-7400
- James River State Park Campground
James River State Park in Virginia offers a beautiful view of the various landforms such as three miles of shoreline and rolling green foothills. The place engages visitors in some exciting outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can also opt for primitive, equestrian, cabin and modern campground accommodation that the site provides. It has 15 miles of biking, hiking, and horse riding trails. People can also take a walk along the three miles of riverfront or access the full-service canoe livery that is available seasonally.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV hookup · RV sanitation · Pet-friendly · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
104 Green Hill Dr, Gladstone, VA 24553, United States
Phone: +1 434-933-4355
- George Washington National Forest (Bolar Mountain Recreational Area)
This National Forest has access to many vital paths and is home to thousands of trails. Camping here would mean that backpackers will get to meet many people during their stay. The Cascade Falls are just at a distance of a two-mile hike from the parking area, and on a warm summer day, visitors can relax in the pool there. The Sherando Lake also known as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains is another tourist attraction. Back bears frequent this area in large numbers and the site also hosts some ultramarathons around the year. The Bolar Mountain Recreational Area offers many activities that are ideal for a family camping trip.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Wind sports · OHV · Snow sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV hookup · RV sanitation · Availability of potable water · Pet-friendly · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
756 Twin Ridge Dr, Warm Springs, VA 24484, USA
Phone: +1 540-839-2521
- Douthat State Park Campground
The Douthat State Park abounds in activities to capture the imagination of the campers. It includes a 50-acre lake which has a lot of fish making it an angler’s paradise. It has 40 miles of multipurpose trails along with rolling mountains, beautiful scenery, and cascading waterfalls. It is one of the best camping locations in Virginia with sandy shores and glistening waters.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV sanitation · Fires are allowed · Pet-friendly |
Location Details:
14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460, USA
Phone: +1 540-862-8100
- Fairy Stone State Park Campground
This public campground is famous for the legendary stones found here; these stones resemble the shape of pixies, hence, giving the park its name. The lake spreads across an area of 168 acres and has an adjoining reservoir. The water body offers a chance to anglers who can fish for smallmouth and largemouth bass. The small lakeside beach serves as a place of relaxation for people who want a refreshing swim. Visitors can pitch their tents near the beach as well. The place also has paddleboat and kayak facilities to make the camping experience even more enjoyable.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · RV sanitation · Fires are allowed · Pet-friendly |
Location Details:
967 Fairystone Lake Dr, Stuart, VA 24171, USA
Phone: +1 276-930-2424
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground
Smith Mountain Lake State Park is the correct place for those who love water activities. Sat in the deep heart of Virginia this area is known for its slow pace and old world charm. It boasts of a well-maintained beach, harbor and snack bar. The park offers cabins and pontoon boat rentals that make it a family friendly location. The Smith Mountain Lake State Park is the second largest freshwater lake in Virginia. It is an ideal location for camping in the backcountry.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Paddling · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV hookup · Fires are allowed · Pet-friendly |
Location Details:
1235 Rd 888, Huddleston, VA 24104, USA
Phone: +1 540-297-6066
- Prince William Forest National Park (Oak Ridge Campground)
At the Prince William Forest National Park conservation and preservation have always been top priorities. The historic appeal of the site won it a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. It offers cabins, off-road bike trails, and many other activities to keep campers busy. It also provides the finest birding and tent accommodation in northern Virginia. The Oak Ridge Campground is near Washing, D.C. It is a favorite weekend getaway with 700 plant species and natural ecosystem that is accessible all year round.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Fishing · Hiking · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Picnic table · RV sanitation · Fires are allowed · Availability of potable water · Pet-friendly |
Location Details:
6975 Oak Ridge Rd, Triangle, VA 22172, USA
Phone: +1 703-221-7181
- Belle Isle State Park Campground
The Belle Isle State Park consists of upland forests along with tidal wetlands and farmlands giving it a variety of terrain. The diverse ecosystem is home to animals like the white-tail deer, groundhogs, rabbits, etc. It also has a fishing pier and a broad along with multi-purpose trails. The availability of motorboat and kayak rentals allows campers to enjoy the beautiful waters to its fullest. The campground is situated in rural northern Virginia and suitable for family camping. The site provides ample shade and privacy for a peaceful stay.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Wind sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV hookup · RV sanitation · Pet-friendly · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
1632 Belle Isle Rd, Lancaster, VA 22503, USA
Phone: +1 804-462-5030
- Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground
The Bear Creek Lake is a 40-acre lake that allows non-motorized coating. It gives campers an opportunity to fish during their stay. There are boats, canoe and kayak rentals along with a diner near the beach. Visitors can also try their hand at archery as the location offers a ten lane archery range and 3D targets. The Cumberland State Forest is also close to the site and it has trails meant for hiking boots only and individuals require prior permission before setting out to hike. The Bear Creek campground is the only one which is right on the water.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV hookup · Pet-friendly · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
22 Bear Creek Lake Rd, Cumberland, VA 23040, USA
Phone: +1 804-492-4410
- Jefferson National Park (Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp)
The Jefferson National Park along with the Washington National Park stretches from one end of Virginia to another. On the east coast of Virginia, it is the largest stretch of public land measuring 1.8 billion acres with thousands of hiking trails. It is home to 53 endangered animal and plant species. It has connections to North Carolina and houses a portion of the Appalachian Trail as well as Mount Rogers, which is the highest point in the State.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Wind sports · OHV · Snow sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · Pet-friendly · Availability of potable water · Fire is allowed |
Location Details:
Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579, USA
Phone: 540-265-5100
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