Want to get away somewhere near Richmond but don’t know where to camp?
This guide will walk you through some of the best locations for camping near Richmond, from some of the state’s most beautiful state parks to small sites on private land.
State Park Camping Near Richmond, Virginia
Pocahontas State Park

Location: Chesterfield, Virginia
Distance from Richmond: 25 minutes
With over 90 trails you can explore, Pocahontas State Park is Virginia’s largest state park and of the closest places where you can get away from the bustle of ever-growing Richmond and Chesterfield to get outdoors.
Perfect for families or couples just looking for a quick escape, Pocahontas State Park hosts facilities for all sorts of camping.
There are plenty of private tent campsites you can reserve if you’re looking to car camp, or choose a site with hookups if you have a camper or RV.
If a more traditional camping experience isn’t what you’re looking for, the park offers rentals of its unique yurts.
The park also hosts multiple 3-bedroom cabins with a fully-stocked kitchen and two bathrooms that require a reservation farther ahead of time. A 6-bedroom lodge is available as well for even larger groups.
Lake Anna State Park

Location: Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia
Distance from Richmond: 1 hour 15 minutes
If camping near the lake is more of your style, Lake Anna State Park is just a quick trip west down US 64 from Richmond.
Relax on the beach, explore the park’s trails, or rent a kayak and enjoy one of Virginia’s most popular lakes.
The campground at Lake Anna State Park offers sites with and without electricity and water hookups. Each of them have a steel fire ring that you can enjoy with one complimentary bundle of firewood. Additional firewood can be purchased for a small fee.
Several cabins are available if you want to stay at Lake Anna longer than a few days. Three of those have a view of the lake.
Larger groups can rent one of the park’s two 6-bedroom lodges, equipped with two queen beds, four single beds, and two sets of bunk beds.
READ MORE: Best Campgrounds Near Luray, Virginia
Belle Isle State Park
Location: Lancaster, Virginia
Distance from Richmond: 1 hour 30 minutes
Explore the beautiful shoreline of the Rappahannock River in the Northern Neck at our next campground near Richmond, Virginia.
Whether you are looking to stay in an organized campground or hike into a primitive campsite, Belle Isle State Park has it all for those looking to stay a few nights near the city.
The campground is open March through December and hosts several sites with fire ring grills, picnic tables, and electric and water hookups if you need them. All sites have easy access to the bathhouse that has hot showers available.
If you are looking for a great primitive camping experience, you can hike or boat into Brewer’s Point, where more sites are available year-round.
The primitive sites also have fire rings and picnic tables, but there is no potable water or other amenities available.
First Landing State Park

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Distance from Richmond: 2 hours 25 minutes
Getaway from Richmond to one of the top spots for camping near Virginia Beach, where you can explore cypress swamps and all the wildlife the area offers.
First Landing State Park has over 200 spacious gravel or dirt campsites that you can pick between.
Some offer 20, 30, or 50-amp electrical hookups, some are without hookups, and others are for tent-camping only. Group sites are also available if you are traveling with a larger crowd.
Reservations can be made between the first Friday in March and the first Monday in December. However, book your spot early to get the one you want!
Private Tent Camping Near Richmond, Virginia
Riverdale Farms
Location: Doswell, Virginia
Distance from Richmond: 20 minutes
If you are looking for a quick weekend trip near the city, Riverdale Farms is one of the closest spots for camping near Richmond you can enjoy.
Set up site alongside the North Anna River and enjoy serenity only 20 minutes from downtown behind lots of farmland.
The convenient location of this site makes it an excellent destination for visiting Kings Dominion Amusement park or attending the Virginia State Fair.
If you want to stay on-site, you can cool off in the river or bring a fishing pole and snag some largemouth bass!
READ MORE: 8 Best Campgrounds Near Roanoke, Virginia
The Forge at Fiddler’s Ridge

Location: Scottsville, Virginia
Distance from Richmond: 1 hour 20 minutes
The Forge at Fiddler’s Ridge is a hidden gem if you’re just looking to car camp for a night or two near Richmond.
After staying here twice, we can confidently say it is one of our favorite spots for camping for a weekend near the city. It provides seclusion that you can’t find anywhere else, plus it’s an excellent spot to bring your dogs along to roam if you have them.
The site is set on old cow pastures, and there are a few different trails you can explore around the property, along with a small stream.
The host, John, is very welcoming. He will guide you back to the campsite when you arrive after a long trip down the driveway, then help you get set up with firewood if you need any during your stay.
Site #1 at Fiddlers Ridge is located in an old, large cow pasture with a giant fire pit that you could easily fit ten or more people around.
Site #2 sits atop a hill overlooking the farm and has a smaller metal firepit. It’s a little closer to the outhouses than site #2. However, both sites make it easy to get to them.
Speaking of the outhouses, the two outhouses here are some of the cleanest we have seen. John does a great job taking care of them.
Devil’s Backbone Basecamp
Location: Roseland, Virginia
Distance from Richmond: 1 hour 45 minutes
This next campsite is for you if you are a craft beer or wine lover.
Located on the premises of one of Virginia’s most well-known breweries, the basecamp at Devil’s Backbone is only a short walk from the brewpub, where you can enjoy award-winning beers and enjoy live music.
It is also an excellent hub to stay at and explore the other great wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the area.
A few of our personal favorites nearby are Brewing Tree Beer Company, Hazy Mountain, and Blue Mountain Brewery.
The campground at Devil’s Backbone features 73-sites in total; 25 full RV hookup sites, 22 standard non-electric sites, and 24 primitive tent sites. All have easy access to a 24/7 bathhouse.
RV Parks Near Richmond, Virginia
Americamps RV Resort
Location: Ashland, Virginia
Distance from Richmond: 20 minutes
If you’re just passing through Richmond or want somewhere for a long-term stay, then Americamps RV Resort just north of town is your best option.
The campground hosts 184 sites that run up to 99’ feet long so it can fit even the largest RVs.
Pull-thru and back-in options are available depending on your preference, and all sites have 20, 30, and 50 amp service available.
8 “super sites” with large concrete slabs and a patio you can sit on are also open for rent if you want more space.
Picture Lake Campground
Location: Petersburg, Virginia
Distance from Richmond: 40 minutes
A little more off the beaten path, Picture Lake Campground is the next best option for RV campers near Richmond.
It is a bit smaller than Americamps but still boasts large pull-through sites that you can fit large rigs into and 30 & 50 amp electrical service.
There is plenty to keep you busy at the campground as well. Relax by the pool, kayak on the lake adjacent to the campground, or stop by Virginia Motorsports Park next door to take in some local drag racing!