Where To Go Camping in Virginia

Virginia has some of the most beautiful camping sites in the country, with rolling hills, beautiful forests, and a ton of water in the Shenandoah Valley. Dharmic Adventures and Zen Mountain Spa are world-renowned for their yoga retreats, and this destination has much more to offer than just yoga. Nestled just 45 minutes from D.C., and 30 minutes south of Charlottesville, VA, is the privately owned Zen Mountain Spa; the picturesque property offers diverse fitness, health, culinary, and spa experiences.

New River Trail State Park-Foster Falls

One of the perks of being a West Virginia resident is all of the beautiful state parks you can visit. As a resident of the state parks system, you’ve earned free annual passes. If you’ve never been to the New River Trail State Park before, plan a visit on your next vacation. This new park is located at the Foster Falls parking area off U.S. Route 50. This section of the trail stretches for 9.5 miles and has a variety of activities you can participate in. Not only can you hike through the park, but you can also paddle a river trip through a section of the waterway.

Grayson Highlands State Park Camping-Mouth of Wilson

For the past few years, the North Carolina State Parks system has been renovating some of its campgrounds to bring them up to modern standards. This is great news for visitors to park those, as renovations make it easier to plan trips. One North Carolina state park, notably the Grayson Highlands State Park, is now undergoing renovations. The mouth of Wilson campground is one of the five sites being renovated. Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, the campground is a 15-minute drive to the town of Highlands, where visitors can purchase supplies at a grocery store and dine out.

Backcountry Camping-Shenandoah National Park

If you’ve only got day hikes on your itinerary, you don’t need to go very far from home to find a great spot. The dozens of locations within an hour’s drive will make for a great day hike, but we’ve rounded up the best day hikes near Shenandoah National Park. With everything from leisurely hour-long strolls to more challenging multi-mile treks, these day hikes in Shenandoah National Park are ideal for hikers of every level.

Douthat State Park-Clifton Forge

“Douthat State Park” is a 1,043-acre area located on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The state park offers 53 miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a Joe Douthat hiking trail. This park is named after Joe Douthat, a civil engineer who drafted plans for the Allegheny Portage Railroad, which helped connect Pittsburgh to the Ohio River. Douthat’s railroad was completed in 1852. More railroads followed, including the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which created the Baltimore and Ohio Canal, which connected the Shenandoah River and the Ohio River.

Christopher Run Campground-Mineral

May is National Trails Month and the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether on foot, riding your bike, or on a boat, dependable access to fresh water is essential. (As someone who’s lost dozens of water bottles in the past, trust me when I say: that having quick access to water on the trail or out on the water is a lifesaver.) But, finding a location where water is available can be challenging, especially when you’re camping. Fortunately, Christopher Run Campground in Mineral Springs, West Virginia, offers campers easy access to multiple water options.

Smith Mountain Lake-Virginia Reservoir

Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect camping destination in Virginia. With 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is one of the largest reservoirs in the state. Its clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, boating, and fishing (check out Smith Mountain Lake fishing guides for more info). Campers can find plenty of sites with access to the lake, including amazing campsites, RV parks, and cabins. There are plenty of nearby activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and bird watching.

Chickahominy Riverfront Park-Williamsburg

A visit to one of the Virginia State Parks is a wonderful way to explore the state’s history and culture. You can hike, bike, and swim, spend time bird watching, or even see a live reenactment of the Civil War, all while enjoying Virginia’s natural beauty. People in Williamsburg and the surrounding communities flock to the Chickahominy Riverfront Park throughout the year for picnics, concerts, farm-to-table feasts, and more. This waterfront park in Williamsburg offers access to the river, a bike path, a kayak launch, and playgrounds. Its five-acre Grand Pavilion has outdoor bathrooms, a visitors centre, and tables, chairs, and grills for picnicking.