Virginia rewards campers with landscapes as varied as Atlantic barrier islands, high-country balds, and rivers that ribbon through rolling Piedmont farmland.
We gathered the towns that place visitors closest to the stateโs most memorable campsites while still offering creature comforts, culture, and a genuine sense of community.
From mountain hamlets with star-studded skies to coastal villages where waves lap at your tent site, each stop on this list pairs outdoor opportunity with small-town personality.
Hidden fishing holes, old-time music jams, and farm-to-table fare appear along the way, proving that a good basecamp can feel as adventurous as the backcountry itself.
Weโre counting down from the most remote mountain city to a Shenandoah Valley classic, so grab the maps, pack the sโmores kit, and discover where Virginia campers truly feel at home.
17. Norton
Norton may be Virginiaโs smallest independent city, yet it delivers outsized rewards for campers chasing crisp mountain air and unspoiled night skies. Sites at Flag Rock Recreation Area perch nearly 1,600 feet above town, where black-bear sightings are common and the overlook glows in technicolor each autumn.
Day hikes to High Knob Observation Tower give a five-state panorama, while the 17-mile Chief Benge Scout Trail tempts backpackers seeking solitude. After hours on the trail, visitors can stroll downtown to sample craft beer at Sugar Hill Cidery or hunt for bluegrass vinyl at regional record shops.
Because far-flung light pollution is practically nonexistent, stargazing programs often set up shop at Flag Rock, turning ordinary evenings into celestial events. We appreciate how Norton balances rugged recreation with just enough amenities to keep Basecamp comfortable.
Norton offers homes priced between $220,000 and $500,000, providing a scenic retreat for those looking to enjoy both nature and comfort.
Where is Norton?
Norton sits in Virginiaโs far southwest corner, hugging U.S. Route 23 where the Appalachians fold into Kentucky. Jefferson National Forest envelops the city, so trailheads begin only minutes from the main street stoplights.
Most travelers reach town by driving two hours west from Roanoke or 45 minutes north from Kingsport, Tennessee, along scenic byways that snake through river gorges. The surrounding geologyโformed by repeated uplift and erosionโcreates high plateaus ideal for camping platforms that command sweeping views.
16. Farmville
Farmville places campers within pedaling distance of High Bridge Trail State Park, a 31-mile rail trail whose namesake trestle soars 125 feet above the Appomattox River.
Area campgrounds such as Twin Lakes State Park and Sandy River Outdoor Adventures let visitors drift-fish for bass in Briery Creek Lake before roasting marshmallows under tall pines.
Bike rentals downtown mean travelers without gear can still ride the crushed-limestone path and peer over High Bridgeโs wrought-iron rails. After the ride, Farmvilleโs historic district offers antique hunting at Green Front Furniture and cold pints at Third Street Brewing.
Festivals like Heart of Virginia host live music that drifts across the tent sites on spring evenings. We find the pairing of small-town hospitality and rails-to-trails history perfect for families easing into multi-day camping trips.
In Farmville, the average price for a 3-4 bedroom home ranges from $240,000 to $520,000, offering a blend of small-town charm and outdoor opportunities.
Where is Farmville?
Set in Virginiaโs south-central heartland, Farmville lies an hour east of Lynchburg and an hour south of Charlottesville via U.S. 460. The town straddles both Prince Edward and Cumberland counties, placing it amid Piedmont farmland that rolls gently toward the Coastal Plain.
Amtrak trains stop in nearby Burkeville, yet most campers arrive by car, parking at trailhead lots just outside downtown. Because the Appomattox River bends around the community, waterside campsites enjoy calm current ideal for canoe shuttles back into town.
15. Lexington
History buffs who also crave campfire nights find Lexington an unbeatable base. Tent pads at Glen Maury Park or Lake A. Willis Robertson Recreation Area keep visitors close to Washington and Lee Universityโs colonnades and the parade grounds of Virginia Military Institute.
By day, paddlers tackle the Maury Riverโs Class II riffles, and hikers explore Goshen Pass, Virginiaโs oldest state-managed natural area with sheer cliffs draped in rhododendron. Evening brings a short drive to Natural Bridge State Park, where dusk tours reveal the limestone arch cut by Cedar Creek.
Downtownโs independent bookshops and old-brick taverns supply provisions ranging from Civil War maps to post-hike barbecue. We love that one campsite reservation unlocks an itinerary mixing geology, military lore, and Appalachian river fun.
Homes in Lexington are priced between $250,000 and $550,000, making it an ideal spot for camping enthusiasts seeking both adventure and a historic atmosphere.
Where is Lexington?
Lexington nestles in the Shenandoah Valley just off I-81, roughly 55 miles north of Roanoke and 35 miles south of Staunton. The Maury and James rivers converge nearby, carving water gaps through the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains that frame most local campgrounds.
Travelers can reach town via the Blue Ridge Parkwayโs scenic exit at U.S. 60, a swooping drive especially vibrant during fall foliage. Because two interstates cross within ten miles, supplies and shuttle services for river trips are never far from even the most remote tent site.
14. Sperryville
Sperryville greets campers with a postcard main street of 19th-century storefronts backed by Shenandoah National Parkโs skyline drive ridges. Primitive sites at Thornton River Outfitters or Graves Mountain supply quick access to Old Rag and Whiteoak Canyon, two of Virginiaโs most demanding yet rewarding summit hikes.
After a lung-burning ascent, visitors chill with small-batch pours at Pen Druid Brewing, fermented using wild Rappahannock yeast strains. Local orchards sell peach cider doughnuts that taste even better around an evening campfire.
Art galleries tucked into former service stations display Blue Ridge landscapes painted by resident artists who hike the same trails. We find Sperryvilleโs blend of rugged peaks and refined palate charmingly unexpected.
Sperryville, with homes ranging from $230,000 to $510,000, serves as a peaceful retreat for those seeking to explore the outdoors without compromising comfort.
Where is Sperryville?
Located on U.S. 211 in Rappahannock County, Sperryville sits ten minutes east of Shenandoah National Parkโs Thornton Gap entrance. The village is situated in a valley carved by the Thornton River, allowing many tent sites to enjoy the gentle sounds of water at night.
Most campers drive from Washington, D.C., in under two hours, making it a convenient weekend retreat from the Capital Beltway bustle. Winding Route 231 links Sperryville to Charlottesville, treating travelers to Blue Ridge vistas that hint at the hiking routes awaiting them.
13. Big Stone Gap
Big Stone Gap intertwines Appalachian culture with camping close to the Powell Riverโs swimming holes. Tents at Jessie Lea RV & Campground sit walking distance from the Trail of the Lonesome Pine outdoor drama, Virginiaโs longest-running show that recounts mountain lore under open skies.
Day trips lead to Southwest Virginia Museumโs coal-boom exhibits or to Devilโs Bathtub, a turquoise pool reached by creek crossings that double as summertime cool-down spots. Mountain bikers challenge the Mountain View Trail System, 35 technical miles carved by volunteers through reclaimed mine land.
Evening often ends with moonshine-infused jam sessions on the porch of Good Times Coal Fired Pizza. We appreciate how Big Stone Gap allows campers to transition seamlessly from cultural immersion to backcountry adventure.
Big Stone Gap offers homes priced between $200,000 and $470,000, a perfect base for those who enjoy a relaxed pace of life near the mountains.
Where is Big Stone Gap?
The town rests in Wise County along U.S. 23, surrounded by the Cumberland Mountains near the Kentucky border. Limestone caverns and old coal seams shape the karst terrain, creating natural springs that feed riverside campgrounds.
Tri-Cities Airport in Tennessee is a one-hour drive, though most visitors road-trip in via the scenic Daniel Boone Heritage Trail. The location at the headwaters of the Powell River keeps humidity low and nighttime temps pleasantly cool for tent sleeping.
12. Scottsville
Scottsville delivers James River campsites infused with colonial-era character. Paddlers can launch from Hatton FerryโAmericaโs last poled ferry still in operationโthen float downstream to Horseshoe Bend Farm, where riverside meadows host walk-in tent spots.
Downtownโs clapboard buildings house the Scottsville Museum and River Discovery Center, both perfect for rainy-day explorations. Outfitters such as James River Reeling & Rafting supply tubes, kayaks, and shuttle rides, making logistics painless for novice river campers.
After sunset, community concerts spill onto the levee, so campers enjoy bluegrass without ever moving the car. We relish how history feels alive here, yet never overshadows the call of the river.
In Scottsville, homes range from $210,000 to $480,000, offering a peaceful country setting close to outdoor activities and natural beauty.
Where is Scottsville?
Positioned 20 miles south of Charlottesville, Scottsville straddles Albemarle and Fluvanna counties along State Route 20. The town hugs a sweeping bend in the James River, which broadens just enough to slow currents ideal for multi-day float camping.
Drivers from Richmond reach camp in about an hour via U.S. 15, while cyclists often arrive on the Adventure Cycling Associationโs TransAmerica Route. Because the Piedmont sits only 400 feet above sea level here, spring arrives early, lengthening the camping season compared with mountain sites.
11. Chincoteague
Chincoteague pairs salt-spray breezes with campsites where wild ponies sometimes wander past the picnic table. Campgrounds like Tomโs Cove Park and Maddox Family draw tent and RV travelers eager to bike the wildlife refugeโs flat loops at sunrise when herons glide over marsh pools.
Summer evenings deliver unmatched spectacle during the annual pony swim, a tradition managed by the volunteer fire company that raises funds for community services.
Beyond equine encounters, visitors cast for flounder from Memorial Park pier or kayak Mosquito Creek toward Assateague Lighthouse. Fresh oyster baskets and rocket launches from nearby Wallops Flight Facility give dinner and entertainment without ever leaving the island.
We find beachside camping here refreshingly laid-back, with natureโs soundtrack replacing city noise. Chincoteague, with its homes priced from $280,000 to $590,000, invites camping lovers to explore the shores and wildlife of this coastal gem.
Where is Chincoteague?
The island sits off Virginiaโs Eastern Shore, connected to the mainland by State Route 175 over Queen Sound Channel. Its barrier-island setting shelters Chincoteague Bay on the west while Atlantic surf pounds Assateagueโs oceanfront dunes to the east.
Most campers drive in from U.S. 13 at Tโs Corner, though regional flights land 45 minutes north in Salisbury, Maryland. The flat coastal plain ensures breezy nights and spectacular sunsets that reflect across miles-wide saltwater flats.
10. Independence
Independence serves as the doorstep to Grayson Highlands State Park, where roaming bands of ponies graze among 5,000-foot balds. Campers often base at Creekside RV Park in town before tackling the Rhododendron Trail, famous for spring blooms and 360-degree mountaintop views.
Fisherfolk wade the New Riverโs South Fork for native brook trout and cap days with bluegrass sessions at the historic 1908 Courthouse. Local farmersโ markets supply ramps, honey, and Appalachian crafts that liven up back-porch meals.
Because temperatures here regularly run ten degrees cooler than the lowlands, summer nights warrant an extra quiltโperfect for snuggling beneath starry skies. We admire Independence for blending high-elevation adventure with small-town graciousness.
Independence boasts homes between $220,000 and $500,000, providing easy access to hiking and camping experiences in a picturesque mountain town.
Where is Independence?
Found in Grayson County along U.S. 58, Independence lies five miles from the North Carolina border and 25 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The town occupies a plateau just below Mount Rogers, Virginiaโs highest peak, creating a rare high-meadow ecosystem.
Roanoke is a two-hour drive northeast, while the regionโs winding byways favor leisurely road trips with plenty of overlook pullouts. Because the New River runs parallel to the highway, paddlers can arrange shuttle pickups with minimal detour from the campsite to the put-in.
9. Wytheville
Wytheville proudly markets itself as โWy-theville,โ but campers know it for trails that begin barely outside the interstate cloverleaf. Crystal Springs Recreation Area hosts shaded tent sites and access to 21 miles of singletrack weaving through hemlock groves.
A quick drive up Big Walker Mountain rewards visitors with a 100-foot lookout tower where raptors ride thermals at eye level. History lovers wander the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum before snagging hot dogsโserved โall the wayโโat the original Skeeterโs, open since 1925.
The Annual Chautauqua Festival fills Elizabeth Brown Park with arts and tethered balloon rides visible from the campground below. We appreciate how Wythevilleโs crossroads location seamlessly blends modern convenience with its deep Appalachian roots.
Wytheville offers homes priced from $240,000 to $530,000, making it a welcoming destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Where is Wytheville?
Sitting at the junction of Interstates 81 and 77, Wytheville lies roughly halfway between Charleston, West Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina. The town occupies a saddle gap where the Blue Ridge and Allegheny chains meet, creating rolling valleys perfect for scenic drives.
Amtrakโs Thruway bus stops here, linking campers with rail service in Roanoke, though most travelers arrive by car. Elevations above 2,200 feet keep humidity low, so summer campground reservations rarely feel sweltering.
8. Mathews
Mathews County offers shoreline camping where the Chesapeake Bay whispers against marsh grass instead of boardwalk bustle. Small, county-run sites at New Point Comfort and Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve let early risers witness ospreys diving for breakfast just offshore.
Paddlers trace the 100-mile Mathews Blueways Water Trail, discovering sand-dollar-strewn beaches reachable only by kayak. In town, Bay School Community Arts Center hosts pottery classes that double as a rainy-day refuge, while hole-in-the-wall seafood shacks sell she-crab soup seasoned to local taste.
The lack of chain stores or traffic signals keeps evenings peaceful, broken only by bobwhite calls and distant crab-boat engines. We value Mathews for delivering true coastal quietude without requiring a ferry ride.
In Mathews, homes are priced between $230,000 and $510,000, offering a tranquil escape with access to numerous natural attractions nearby.
Where is Mathews?
The county sits on Virginiaโs Middle Peninsula, bordered by Mobjack Bay and the Chesapeake proper, reachable via State Route 14 from Gloucester Courthouse. Because Mathews is mostly flat and under 20 feet above sea level, paddling routes crisscross tidal creeks rather than steep portages.
Richmond is a 90-minute drive west, while travelers towing campers can avoid tunnels by using U.S. 17 and State Route 198. The extensive shoreline means even busy holiday weekends leave plenty of elbow room at water-edge campsites.
7. Fries
Fries (pronounced โfreezeโ) hugs a wide bend of the New River where a bygone textile mill once buzzed; today the only hum comes from cicadas above tent roofs.
Campgrounds adjacent to New River Trail State Park let visitors bike 57 crushed-stone miles under towering sycamores, crossing trestles that echo with woodpecker knocks. Anglers flick fly lines for smallmouth bass, then stroll downtown to J&J Grocery for hot fried apple piesโa local legend.
The townโs music jams draw fiddlers from neighboring hollers every Saturday evening, providing front-porch entertainment for weary cyclists. Paddlers appreciate the easy current here, making overnight float trips forgiving for first-timers.
Weโre fond of Friesโ sleepy riverside rhythm that invites campers to slow down and listen. Fries, with homes priced from $180,000 to $440,000, offers budget-friendly options for those seeking a simple, outdoor-focused lifestyle.
Where is Fries?
Situated in Grayson County, Fries sits nine miles north of Galax via scenic State Route 94. The New Riverโs gentle gradient created the flat rail corridor now repurposed for the state park, so campsites occupy the level floodplain shaded by hardwoods.
Roanoke is a 90-minute drive northeast; Tri-Cities Airport lies two hours southwest for those flying in. Because the river twists through a rugged plateau, highway noise fades quickly, letting nighttime campfires crackle against a backdrop of hoot owls.
6. Cape Charles
Cape Charles radiates vintage seaside charm, dotted with pastel cottages and broad porches perfect for post-beach naps. Campers set up at Kiptopeke State Park, where walk-in sites behind maritime forest deliver a short stroll to a sand spit lined by World War II concrete ghost ships now serving as a breakwater.
Days revolve around swimming in calm bay waters, casting for croaker off the lighted fishing pier, or pedaling the flat Cape Charles Bike Loop past Victorian storefronts. Sunsets ignite the sky behind the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, viewed best from picnic blankets on the town beach.
Local creamery Brown Dog serves waffle-cone โjetty meltsโ revered by both kids and kayak guides. We appreciate Cape Charles for marrying resort-town niceties with honest-to-goodness camping under the stars.
Cape Charles features homes ranging from $350,000 to $650,000, perfect for those looking to enjoy camping and water activities on the beautiful eastern shore.
Where is Cape Charles?
Found on Virginiaโs southern Eastern Shore, Cape Charles is a quick detour off U.S. 13, 45 minutes north of Norfolk via the famous bridge-tunnel. The narrow peninsula sandwiches campers between the Atlantic surf to the east and calm bay waters to the west.
Drivers towing RVs favor Kiptopekeโs wide pull-through sites, while cyclists can arrive via the flat Southern Tip Hike-Bike Trail from Cheriton. The barrier-island geography keeps temperatures moderated by sea breezes, extending the comfortable camping season deep into October.
5. Buchanan
Buchanan offers James River camping shaded by the Blue Ridge, with downtown sidewalks lined by antebellum storefronts. Twin River Outfitters provides shuttle-and-paddle packages, dropping campers upriver for overnight floats that end back at their parked cars.
Landlubbers hike Little Rocky Row Trail to views of the river snaking below or explore the Buchanan Swinging Bridge, built in 1851 and still swaying above gentle rapids. Antique shops hide treasures like hand-carved duck decoys, and the Friday โSecond Sundayโ market fills Main Street with kettle corn and heritage apples.
Evenings often conclude with live music at Brink of the James Bistro, where musicians cover Americana classics to the applause of river-weary campers. We enjoy how Buchanan lets visitors weave history, paddling, and small-town browsing into a single weekend.
Buchanan offers homes between $220,000 and $510,000, making it a great starting point for exploring the nearby mountains and campgrounds.
Where is Buchanan?
The town sits just off I-81 in Botetourt County, 25 miles north of Roanoke and minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkwayโs Peaks of Otter section. Geology here is classic Valley-and-Ridge, so the James slices through folded sandstone ridges, creating flatwater stretches ideal for family canoe trips.
Amtrakโs Northeast Regional stops in Roanoke, where shuttle vans ferry campers the final half-hour. Because Buchanan lies in a valley pocket, prevailing winds calm by dusk, giving tent-dwellers remarkably quiet nights despite proximity to a major highway.
4. Abingdon
Abingdon fuses Revolutionary-era brickwork with trail-town energy courtesy of the famed Virginia Creeper Trail. Campers bed down at nearby Washington County Park on South Holston Lake or Creeperโs End Lodgingโs tent platforms, then spend daylight hours cycling the 34-mile rail trail through flame-colored hardwood tunnels.
Barter Theatreโthe state theater of Virginiaโstages Broadway-caliber productions, meaning a cultured evening pairs seamlessly with campfire sโmores. Gartenhaus and other farm-to-table cafes utilize produce from Appalachian Harvest, serving visitors between paddling sessions on the North Fork of the Holston.
The townโs craft scene stretches to Wolf Hills Brewing, whose outdoor stage often hosts pick-up jam circles. We celebrate Abingdon for letting campers pivot from lakeside sunrise to curtain call without feeling rushed.
Abingdon boasts homes priced from $280,000 to $600,000, a charming town nestled in the mountains, making it an ideal destination for camping and outdoor recreation.
Where is Abingdon?
Located along I-81 in Washington County, Abingdon is 20 minutes northeast of the Tennessee border city of Bristol. The Creeper Trailโs downhill section starts in nearby Whitetop Station atop Mount Rogers massif, with shuttle vans making hourly runs.
Tri-Cities Airport lies 40 minutes south, though most visitors road-trip in with bikes strapped to roof racks. The Allegheny Plateauโs high elevation moderates summer heat, keeping trailside campsites pleasantly cool even in July.
3. Floyd
Floyd marries the Blue Ridgeโs hazy vistas with a music heritage that still spills onto downtown sidewalks every Friday night. Tents at Chantilly Farm Campground overlook rolling hayfields where annual FloydFest transforms pastures into a five-day roots-music village.
Motorists trace the Blue Ridge Parkway to Mabry Mill for postcard photos, then return to town for locally roasted espresso at Red Rooster Coffee. Artisans hawk hand-blown glass and felted wool at the Floyd Farmers Market, encouraging campers to pack homegrown souvenirs.
Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve offers a thigh-burning ascent rewarded by the richest view in southwestern Virginia. We find Floydโs fusion of artistry, agriculture, and altitude impossible to resist.
Homes in Floyd range from $240,000 to $530,000, providing access to outdoor adventures and the serene atmosphere of a mountain community.
Where is Floyd?
The town rests on a high plateau along U.S. 221, 45 minutes south of Roanoke and an hour northwest of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Elevations crest 2,500 feet, so campsites capture cool mountain breezes even during August heat waves.
Travelers usually access Floyd via the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, whose overlooks offer a preview of the ridgeline hikes awaiting exploration. Public bus service is nonexistent, making personal vehicles or bike tours the go-to means of arrival.
2. Damascus
Damascus earns the nickname โTrail Town USAโ because seven long-distance trailsโincluding the Appalachian and Virginia Creeperโintersect its main street. Lightweight campers often thru-hike into town, recharge on blackberry milkshakes at Mojoโs Cafรฉ, and pitch tents at Creekside or Crazy Larryโs Hostel backyard.
Bike shuttles haul visitors to Whitetop Station for a 17-mile, brake-friendly coast back into town along cascading Laurel Creek. Anglers cast for native trout beneath graceful trestles while outfitters arrange zip-line tours over leafy ravines.
Each May, Trail Days converts Damascus into a festive carnival celebrating pilgrim culture with parades and gear swaps. We admire how Damascus seamlessly integrates countless trails into everyday life, making even a grocery run feel like an adventure.
Damascus, with homes priced between $230,000 and $520,000, is a prime spot for camping enthusiasts exploring the Appalachian Trail.
Where is Damascus?
Perched in Washington County near the Tennessee line, Damascus sits along U.S. 58 at the foot of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. The town hugs Laurel Creek, which supplies soothing white noise to creek-side campgrounds.
Tri-Cities Airport is a 50-minute drive west, but many arrive via the Appalachian Trailโs footpath itself. The surrounding Iron Mountains funnel cool air into town, so summer evenings often demand a light fleece.
1. Luray
Luray crowns this list for positioning campers between subterranean wonder and Shenandoah skyline grandeur. Tent sites at Shenandoah River State Park or primitive pads at Camp OutBack allow morning paddles on the South Fork before afternoon climbs up Stony Man.
Luray Caverns amazes with cathedral-sized chambers and the Great Stalacpipe Organ, while above ground, the Hawksbill Greenway connects parks rich in pollinator gardens. Downtown hosts the Warehouse Art Gallery and craft-beer hub Hawksbill Brewing, perfect for post-hike refuels.
Each August, the Page Valley Fair lights up the night with tractor pulls visible from nearby campsites. We rank Luray highest because nowhere else blends cavern exploration, mountain vistas, and river recreation quite so seamlessly.
Luray offers homes between $270,000 and $580,000, making it a popular base for campers exploring the nearby Shenandoah National Park.
Where is Luray?
Luray lies in Page County along U.S. 340, an hour northeast of Harrisonburg and 90 minutes west of Washington, D.C. The town sits in the Shenandoah Valley, flanked by Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Parkโs Blue Ridge crest to the east.
Skyline Driveโs Thornton Gap entrance is a 15-minute climb, making pre-dawn summit hikes entirely feasible from any in-town campsite. Because the South Fork Shenandoah loops around the community, outfitters can easily coordinate river shuttles, providing campers with triple access to sky, stone, and stream.
