10 Camping Spots within 2 Hours of Richmond
Living in Richmond affords us such close proximity to so many incredible places to explore and spend a long weekend, and with cooler temps and changing leaves on the horizon, a camping trip (or a few) is in order.
65 mins away
Bear Creek Lake State Park
This 330(ish)-acre retreat is centered on a 40-acre lake, offering swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking opps, plus camping space, cabins, group lodges, picnic areas, playgrounds, and even an archery range. You can relax *and* roam here.
Location: 22 Bear Creek Lake Rd (Cumberland)
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1 hr & 55 mins away
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, and tent camping, RV spots, and cabins are available when you’re ready for some R&R.
Location: 11039 Crabtree Falls Hwy (Tyro)
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1 hr & 55 mins away
First Landing State Park
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, too.
Location: 2500 Shore Dr (Virginia Beach)
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1 hr & 51 mins away
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.
Location: 104 Green Hill Dr (Gladstone)
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1 hr & 45 mins away
John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir
This massive 50,000-acre concrete gravity dam and impoundment on the Roanoke River serves vital roles in flood control, hydroelectric power generation, wildlife conservation, and public recreation — but we’re zeroing in on that last bit in this guide. The reservoir offers more than 800 miles of wooded shoreline across six counties — near to and far from RVA — where you can camp, boat, fish, swim, hike, and spot wildlife.
Location: 1930 Mays Chapel Rd (Boydton)
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1 hr & 20 mins away
Lower Sherwood Farm
When it’s camping with llamas you’re going for, this is your spot. Lower Sherwood Farm is a family-owned working llama farm that’s been raising award-winning llamas for more than 35 years. But it’s also been known to host guests for memorable overnight stays, too.
Location: 291 Llama Farm Rd (Charlottesville)
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1 hr & 20 mins away
Machicomoco State Park Campground
Machicomoco State Park Campground features 27 camping sites, including 13 with water and electric hookups suitable for RVs or tents, and 14 shaded walk-in tent sites. Or you also have the option to stay in a yurt if you’re looking to moreso glamp it up. It’s quiet, it’s spacious, and it’s got plenty of opportunities for exploring in between bouts of breathers.
Location: 3601 Timberneck Farm Rd (Hayes)
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35 mins away
Pocahontas State Park
When you want to get out of town, but not too far, Pocahontas State Park is a great choice. The gorg, widespread space has camping options available year-round, including its “Buddy” sites that host up to 18 people if you’re planning a group trip. There are also yurts and cabins for your choosing, and, depending on the season, you can take advantage of the the park’s pools and boat ramps, too.
Location: 10301 State Park Rd (Chesterfield)
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35 mins away
Powhatan State Park
Powhatan State Park is another great option when you’re looking to camp but you want to stay close to home, too. From March through December, you can opt for something at the River Bend Campground, which features water and electric hookups; you can go for a canoe-in or hike-in site; or you can snag a yurt if that’s more your scene.
Location: 4616 Powhatan State Park Rd (Powhatan)
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1 hr & 40 mins away
Shenandoah National Park
Of all the scenic options in this roundup, Shenandoah National Park probably gives you the most feast for your eyes. To (hiking) boot, the park features five campgrounds — Mathews Arm, Lewis Mountain, Big Meadows, Loft Mountain, and Dundo Group Camp — each open seasonally from spring to fall and offering different feels.
Location: 22591 Spotswood Trail (Elkton)
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