Consider one of these awesome primitive campgrounds at Virginia State Parks if you desire privacy and a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
These basic areas are accessible all year round and are not readily available to the public in general. This implies that instead of encountering crowds, vehicle sounds, and commotion, you will experience the sounds of nature and the breeze rustling through the willow trees.
If your goal is to visit, there are year-round primitive campgrounds available at Virginia State Parks that are unique.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is the term used to describe camping on public lands that are not equipped with recreation facilities. The majority of public lands allow dispersed camping, as long as it does not disrupt other authorized activities or take place in areas designated as “closed to camping,” or harm wildlife species or natural resources in any way.
On public land, dispersed camping is generally permitted for a maximum of 14 days in a 28-day period. The specific rules regarding camping limitations differ depending on the office, so it is advisable to consult your local office for precise information. Furthermore, campers are required to refrain from leaving personal belongings unattended for longer than 10 days (or 12 months in Alaska).
Permits, Fees and Limitations:
When using a campground, it is typically necessary to pay a fee, as these fees contribute to the upkeep of the facilities. Campsite selection is typically based on a first come first serve system, although some campgrounds do offer the option to make reservations through recreation.gov. It is important to follow all rules that are posted specifically for the campground and remember the following.
- Fee sites vary in price. Please check the campground’s website or call the local field office for details.
- Camping stay limits vary by location but are generally about two weeks within a month period.
- Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying a site.
- A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full with the pay-stub properly completed and displayed on site and the site is occupied by campers.
- Do not leave personal property unattended for more than 72 hours.
- Due to adverse weather, many campgrounds are only seasonally available. Make sure to check if the campground is open before planning your trip.
Campsite Selection
Camp sites that are dispersed are situated alongside secondary roads and might not have any markings. Campers can identify popular areas by observing flat disturbed patches that have been previously used as camp sites. It should be noted that not all flat spots are designated as sites. Whenever feasible, it is recommended to utilize existing sites instead of creating new disturbances. In order to ensure the preservation of public lands, it is strictly prohibited for campers to dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or engage in any activity that could pollute the surrounding area.
RIVERFRONT CAMPING AT JAMES RIVER STATE PARK
James River State Park offers 13 basic campsites near the river at Canoe Landing. These sites are designated for tents only and are conveniently located a short distance from the parking area. When facing the river, the sites are located to the left of the canoe launch. It is important to note that there are no designated tent pads available.
You can also consider Branch Pond, which is situated in a wooded area approximately two miles away from the river. It offers a total of seven primitive sites exclusively for tents. Additionally, each site includes a designated tent pad.
CANOE-IN CAMPING AT POWHATAN STATE PARK
Powhatan State Park provides a canoe-in campground, which is reachable via the James River and consists of nine basic sites without electricity or water. This campground remains open throughout the entire year and is equipped with a toilet, but does not include a bathhouse.
Campers may hike with their gear to the campground from a parking lot located .2 miles away.
COASTAL CAMPING AT FALSE CAPE STATE PARK
False Cape State Park camping may not be suitable for everyone due to its unusual restrictions and lack of easy access, requiring some planning to reach. To reach the park entrance, a hike or bike ride of 6 miles is necessary. Additionally, the park’s primitive campsites are located another three to six miles away.
Although reservations are not available online due to False Cape’s very primitive nature and unusually restrictive access, camping is permitted year-round and the reward is worth the energy to get there.
False Cape does not accept same-day reservations. The park has campsites in four different areas: Barbour Hill Bay, Barbour Hill Ocean, False Cape Landing Bay and False Cape Landing Ocean. These areas are located far apart from each other. To obtain information, please contact the Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-7275.
PRIVATE WOODSY CAMPING AT NEW RIVER STATE PARK
New River Trail State Park consists of three primitive campgrounds, namely Cliffview, Millrace, and Double Shoals, where there is absence of vehicular access to the campsites as well as showers or bathhouses.
The New River Trail, which spans 57 miles, is a linear park that is popular for hiking, biking, and trail riding due to its location along an abandoned railroad right-of-way and a lengthy section of the New River.
Although there are no specific swimming zones available, many people enjoy tubing on the New River at this location. To rent tubes, bikes, kayaks, or canoes, simply contact the Foster Falls Boat and Bike Livery at 276-699-1034. Additionally, if you are interested in going on a guided trail ride, there is a horse livery available.
HIKE-IN CAMPING AT SKY MEADOWS STATE PARK
Sky Meadows State Park provides an unparalleled and serene camping opportunity. Within the park, there are hike-in tent camping sites available all year-round, located snugly against the Blue Ridge Mountains foundation. Campers are required to hike the 1-mile Hadow Trail, while carrying their equipment, starting from the overnight parking region in order to access these campsites.
Bicycles can access the campground, but campsites prohibit vehicles. It is important to book your reservations ahead of time. Starting in 2022, site-specific reservations will be implemented at all Virginia State Parks.
The park provides a pathway to 2.43 miles of the Appalachian Trail. It is possible to reach the park in three days if hiking from Harper’s Ferry, W.Va., and in two days if coming from Shenandoah National Park.
HISTORIC CAMPING AT CALEDON STATE PARK
In addition to the primitive campgrounds we showcased, there are numerous Virginia State Parks that provide similar primitive camping options, such as the chance to camp via kayak, canoe, hike, or bike at Caledon State Park. These campsites are located 3 miles away from the Visitor Center.
The paddle-in primitive campground at Caledon is connected to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, and the sunsets over The Potomac River are unbeatable.
