10 of the Top Camping Spots within Driving Distance of Richmond
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Camping spots around Richmond, VA? They’re not hard to find!
As the name suggests, the Campfire & Co. team has a love for adventure and outdoor experiences. Living in Richmond affords us such close proximity to so many incredible places to explore and spend a long weekend (or more). The cooler fall temps and changing leaves are some of the best reasons to go camping this season!
Our team pulled together a list of some of our favorite go-to camping spots. From beach access to mountain swimming holes to wild and friendly animals, this list has something for everyone.
— contributions by Campfire & Co. and Rachel Dawson, Contributing Writer
If you’re looking to stay on the coast
First Landing
Looking for a beach getaway without the fuss? This spot has camping right next to the ocean! There are cabins, yurts, and tent spots available.
Driving time from RVA: Virginia Beach, VA - 2 hours
Cost: $30+ per night
Kiptopeke State Park
Another great option for sun and sand, Kiptopeke has camping spots right near the water (on the western side of the Eastern Shore). The area offers cabins, lodges, RV space, and tent camping, plus yurts and a bunkhouse.
Driving time from RVA: Cape Charles, VA - 2.5 hours
Cost: $30+ per night
Frisco Campground
In the middle of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this is our favorite OBX campground. The beach tends to be less crowded and the campsites are just over the dunes toward the ocean but far enough from the highway to keep things quiet. There are tent and RV spots but no RV hook-ups.
Driving time from RVA: Frisco, NC - 4.5 hours
Cost: $28 per night
If you want to explore the mountains
Grayson Highlands (aka Ponyland)
Expect expansive mountain views, the tallest point in Virginia, and wild ponies (!!) that love people to see. The campground offers tent camping, yurts, and bunkhouses, and you can also camp on the mountain, but you have to hike in!
Driving time from RVA: Mouth of Wilson, VA - 5 hours
Cost: $8+ per night
Lower Sherwood Farm
Camp on a Llama farm? I mean, who doesn't want to pet a llama or watch them pronk about?!
Driving time from RVA: Charlottesville, VA - 1.5 hours
Cost: Unlisted; learn more here
Devil’s Marbleyard
A little history for you: Ice worked its way into tiny worm holes of a giant quartzite ridge, which eventually broke and tumbled downslope, creating the Devil’s Marbleyard. There’s hike-in tent camping spots sprinkled along the trail and additional primitive camping spots along the road just past the trailhead on the left and the right (some right next to giant slabs you can climb!) Plus, there’s a swimming hole just a half-mile past the trailhead.
Driving time from RVA: Natural Bridge, VA - 2.5 hours
Cost: $20+ per night
Crabtree Falls Campground
Try camping next to a stream, just a half-mile from the Crabtree Falls hike entrance! Spy Rock and Humpback Rock hikes are also very close-by. Tent camping, RV spots, and cabins are available.
Driving time from RVA: Tyro, VA - 2 hours
Cost: $40+ per night
Panther Falls
Panther Falls is the local swimming hole with large boulders to jump into cool mountain water. The falls can be busy on the weekends, so consider trying a weekday for a less crowded dip! Take Route 60 from Richmond for a scenic drive, see signs for Oronoco, and take a left off 60 towards the Pedler River. Drive a couple miles down a gravel road to find camping along the river.
Driving time from RVA: Lexington, VA - 2.5 hours
Cost: $25+ per night
James River State Park
Enjoy tons of water activities — as well as chill hikes with water views — and make homebase somewhere in the nice cabins or tents.
Driving time from RVA: Gladstone, VA - 2 hours
Cost: $10+ per night
What will your next adventure be?:
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