10 of the Top Camping Spots within Driving Distance of Richmond
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 the Campfire & Co. team & Rachel Dawson, Content Coordinator
If you’re looking to stay on the coast…
First Landing
Virginia Beach, VA – 2 hrs from RVA
Cabins, yurts, and tent spots available
$40/night to camp
Looking for a beach getaway without the fuss? This spot has camping right next to the ocean!
>> Reservations <<
Kiptopeke State Park
Cape Charles, VA – 2.5 hrs from RVA
$40/night to camp
Cabins, lodges, RV, and tent camping; plus yurts and a bunkhouse
Another great option for sun and sand, Kiptopeke has camping spots right near the water (on the western side of the Eastern Shore).
>> Reservations <<
Frisco Campground
Frisco, NC – 4.5 hrs from RVA
Tent and RV spots, but no RV hook ups
$28/night to camp
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 be quiet.
>> Reservations <<
If you want to explore the mountains…
Grayson Highlands aka Ponyland
Mouth of Wilson, VA – 5 hrs from RVA
Tent camping, yurts, and bunkhouses in campground
Starts at $15/night for camping
You can also camp on the mountain, but you have to hike in!
Expect expansive mountain views, the tallest point in Virginia, and wild ponies (!!) that love people.
>> Reservations <<
Sherwood Farm
Charlottesville, VA – 1.5 hrs from RVA
Tent camping for $50/night
Camp on a Llama farm? I mean, who doesn't want to pet a llama or watch them pronk about?!
>> Reservations <<
Devil’s Marbleyard
Natural Bridge, VA – 2.5 hrs from RVA
Hike-in tent camping spots sprinkled along the trail – first come, first serve. 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!)
A great day hike, around 3 miles round trip on the Belfast Trail
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.
Bonus! There’s a swimming hole just ½ mile past the trailhead
>> Reservations <<
Crabtree Falls Campground
Tyro, VA – 2 hrs from RVA
Tent camping, RV or Pop-up, Cabins
Starts at $28/night for tent camping
Camping next to a stream, just a ½ mile from the Crabtree Falls hike entrance!
Spy Rock and Humpback Rock hikes also very close by.
>> Reservations <<
Panther Falls
Lexington, VA – 2.5 hrs from RVA
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.
Tent camping spots are primitive and first come, first serve
Panther Falls is the local swimming hole with large boulders to jump into cool mountain water. The falls can be busy on the weekends, try a weekday for a less crowded dip!
>> Reservations <<
James River State Park
Gladstone, VA – 2 hrs from RVA
Tons of water activities, as well as chill hikes with water views
Nice cabins (along with tent and other spots)
>> Reservations <<
What will your next adventure be?
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