Best Camping in Virginia: 7 Spots You Should Know About

There is no shortage of great camping spots in Virginia. From Blue Ridge mountain views and lazy river bends to peaceful farm country and coastal creeks, the scenery is as varied as the stays—ranging from simple tent camping to full-on, “I can’t believe this is camping” glamping.

Keep reading for a round-up of the best camping in Virginia, organized from the most rustic options to the most luxurious . Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, looking for kid-friendly amenities, planning an RV road trip, or craving a weekend in a yurt with a river view, there’s a spot that fits your style.

1. Fairy Stone State Park: Camping That Feels Magical

If you’re looking for a classic Virginia state park experience with plenty to keep kids engaged, Fairy Stone State Park is a standout. Located near Stuart, this well-loved park is known for its naturally cross-shaped “fairy stones,” along with a lake and beach, and a wide network of forested trails for a full weekend of exploring.

This state park features:

• The park’s famous fairy stones, which turn every visit into a low-key treasure hunt for kids and curious adults alike.
  
• A lake with a swimming beach for cooling off on hot summer days.
  
• Wooded, well-maintained hiking trails that are accessible to a wide range of ages and experience levels.
  
• Multiple camping options, including developed campsites and historic-style cabins.
  

Fairy Stone State Park is best for families, first-time campers, and travelers who want a state park experience that includes a bit of a treasure hunt.

2. Camping with Options: Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay

If you want the most options in one place, this waterfront campground delivers. Spanning about 280 acres along the Piankatank River, Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay offers everything from tent sites and full-hookup RV pads to rental cabins.

This campground features:

• River views and breezes that offer a beautiful backdrop and welcome relief on hot summer days.
• RV sites with full hookups and dependable infrastructure that make this campground a reliable choice for RV travelers.
• Plentiful amenities like a pool, tennis courts, kids’ activities, and wide-open spaces. 
• Pet-friendly policies so no furry member of the family has to stay behind.
  

Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay is best for RV travelers, families who want a campground-resort feel, and anyone who enjoys having plenty to do without ever leaving the property.

3. Natural Beauty on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Fancy Gap Cabins & Campground 

If you want an easy, no-fuss place to stay along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Fancy Gap Cabins & Campground fits the bill. Located right off the Parkway, this combined campground and small motel-style property offers full-hookup RV sites, tent sites with water and electric, and simple cabins or rooms that work well for overnight stops or short stays.

Fancy Gap features: 

• Direct access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it an ideal base for scenic drives and road-trip itineraries.
  
• Flexible lodging options that allow travelers to choose between tent camping, RV sites, or simple cabins depending on their plans.
  
• Basic, but dependable amenities with some limitations during the winter months.
  
• A relaxed, family- and pet-friendly atmosphere that keeps things simple and welcoming.
  

Fancy Gap Cabins & Campground is best for Blue Ridge Parkway travelers, RVers, and campers exploring western Virginia by road.

4. Camping with Comprehensive Amenities: Luray RV Resort & Campground

If you want river access paired with resort-level amenities, Luray RV Resort & Campground camping doesn’t get much more comprehensive than this. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley near Luray, this riverside campground offers RV sites with electric and water, tent sites, bathhouses, and direct access to the Shenandoah River, all within a well-developed, activity-rich setting.

Luray Resort &Campground features:

• Direct river access for fishing, kayaking, tubing, and easy entry and exit to the Shenandoah River.
  
• Extensive recreation options such as a resort-style water park with slides and pools, pickleball and basketball courts, RC car and BMX tracks, cornhole, table tennis, playgrounds, and a fenced dog park.
  
• On-site dining and adult-only relaxation spots, including the Fifth Wheel Café and a tiki bar.
• Close to Shenandoah National Park. Easy to pair river days with mountain days.
  

Luray Resort & Campground is best for RVers, tent campers who like amenities, and anyone wanting a “do-it-all” Shenandoah weekend.

5. The Depot Lodge: Camping for History Buffs

If you want a mountain stay that feels like stepping back in time, The Depot Lodge delivers. Located in the quiet village of Paint Bank in the Alleghany Mountains, this collection of restored historic buildings centers around a former train depot dating to 1909, when Paint Bank was the final stop on the Potts Valley Branch of the Norfolk & Western Railway during the early mining boom.

The Depot Lodge features:

• A thoughtfully preserved historic setting that blends original architecture with modern comforts.
  
• A range of accommodations, including rooms, cottages, cabins, a retro Airstream, and designated glamping tents.
  
• A peaceful, crowd-free atmosphere focused on scenic drives and walkable village charm.
  
• Easy access to outdoor recreation such as fishing, hunting, fly fishing, and float trips through nearby Potts Creek Outfitters, plus dining and a general store just across the road.
  

The Depot Lodge is ideal for couples, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a peaceful mountain getaway rich in character and local charm.

6. Camping Meets Summer Camp at the Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Resort

If you want camping with true summer-camp energy and year-round appeal, try Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Resort. This family-friendly, farm-based resort near Rice, Virginia offers furnished log cabins, luxury glamping tipis, and a full calendar of on-site activities designed for outdoorsy, fun-loving travelers of all ages.

You’ll enjoy the following features:

• Comfortable, year-round accommodations including log cabins, luxury glamping tipis, and cottages.
• An on-site adventure park and activity offerings like zip lining, paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, and seasonal events.
•  A working farm setting with fresh eggs, seasonal garden vegetables, and farm animals.
• Extras like an on-site swimming pool, Sandy River Distillery & The Barrelhouse, and bike rentals.

Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Resort is best for active families and anyone who unwinds best when there is plenty of fun to pursue.

7. Luxury Glamping: The Retreat at Crabtree Falls

If luxury is part of your expectation for any spot claiming the title of the best camping in Virginia, The Retreat at Crabtree Falls is peerless. Located just half a mile from Crabtree Falls—Virginia’s tallest waterfall—this Blue Ridge getaway combines breathtaking scenery with elevated comfort.

The Retreat at Crabtree Falls features:

• A range of upscale accommodations, including restored historic cabins and the Pinnacle Ridge Lodge, a dog-friendly five-bedroom high-end retreat designed for group gatherings and special occasions.
• Heated adults-only glamping tents with private keyed entry to spa-like bathhouses, complete with heated floors and upscale toiletries.
• Access to miles of hiking trails and close proximity to Crabtree Falls.
• A serene mountain setting with outdoor seating, fire pits, expansive decks, and comfortable porches to take in the views.
• Thoughtfully curated experiences and nearby attractions, including Nelson 151 wineries and breweries, local outdoor adventures, restaurants, shopping, and concert venues.

The Retreat at Crabtree Falls is best for couples, hikers, families, friend groups, and “indoorsy” campers who want to enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing comfort or privacy. The property is also well-suited for intimate weddings, reunions, and small group celebrations, with gathering-friendly lodging like the Pinnacle Ridge Lodge.

Best Camping Spots In Virginia: Final Thoughts

Virginia offers no shortage of memorable camping experiences, from family-friendly resorts and RV parks to classic state parks and peaceful riverside escapes. Travelers craving activity-packed stays may gravitate toward places like Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Resort or Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay, while RV travelers and traditional campers will find excellent options throughout the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.

For those drawn to mountain scenery, waterfall hikes, and a more luxurious take on camping, we invite you to visit us at The Retreat at Crabtree Falls. Whether you’re planning a private escape, a bachelorette weekend, a quiet family stay, or looking for a family reunion venue in Virginia, we look forward to welcoming you to a place that feels both adventurous and restorative.