Camping Along Cool Waters: 11 Waterside Campgrounds

Last Update: July 22, 2015

The great outdoors bring families to Virginia to unplug, unwind and just be together. Take advantage of the remaining summer weekends – or plan a fall weekend – to escape to one of Virginia’s campgrounds or a Virginia State Park.

Virginia offers all types of camping in various climates and terrains. Beach and lake-based campgrounds are especially popular this time of year and often have great family attractions nearby.

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach is Virginia’s most visited State Park. The beach you’ll find there is actually on the Chesapeake Bay, not the Atlantic, so it’s much calmer water for little swimmers.

ALSO SEE: 13 Awesome Tent Camping Experiences in Virginia

North Landing Beach Campground & RV Resort in Virginia Beach is located on the North Landing River and offers a variety of camp sites, even primitive beach tent camping.

Cherrystone Family Camping Resort in Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore is 300 acres on the waterfront of the Chesapeake Bay where you can, indeed, see a beach sunset in Virginia.

Bethpage Camp-Resort

Bethpage Camp-Resort in Urbanna boasts over 1,000 camp sites and an abundance of those are located on a peninsula in Robinson’s Creek – a tributary of the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay. Also find a large lake, multiple pools and a waterpark here.

ALSO SEE: 13 Favorite Virginia Campgrounds for Summer

Christopher Run Campground in Mineral is located on Lake Anna – Virginia’s third largest lake. Families will enjoy the beach area, as well as marina and boat rentals.

Lake Shore Campground

Lake Shore Campground in Abingdon is situated on the South Holston River. You won’t find a long list of activities and amenities but you will find great fishing, a beach for relaxation, and a quiet, comfortable place to completly connect.

Indian Heritage RV Park & Campground in Martinsville offers camping right along the Smith River. Seventeen tent sites and 29 full hook-up sites are available. Take advantage of the on-site outfitter.

New River Campground

New River Campground in Independence sits right on the VA/NC border and has great sites on the New River. Tents and RVs are welcome; camping cabins are available.

Outlanders River Camp

Outlanders River Camp has wooded tent sites on the Shenandoah River in Luray. Nearly 100 acres back up to 3/4-mile river frontage. Pull in your RV for full hook-up or utilize electric or primitive tent camping sites.

Horseshoe Flats Campground sits alongside the James River and has RV, full hook-up, and primitive sites. The campground is near the small historic town of Scottsville; bring your bikes for a fun way to explore the area.

Paradise Lake Family Campground in Appomattox has 127 sites to accommodate everything from tents to motorhomes. The stocked lake has a swimming beach, and there’s also a pool.

More Virginia Campgrounds

If you need more inspiration or want a ‘best of the best’ list, see our post that includes 12 Virginia campgrounds that made the cut for ReserveAmerica’s Top 100 Family Campgrounds.