Virginia RV & Camping: Time, Dates & Rules (With Examples)

Virginia is a beautiful American state with four distinct seasons that allow for many different seasonal activities.

Regardless of when you choose to visit, you will be surrounded by beautiful scenery that includes gorgeous lakes, bustling cities, sunny beaches, towering mountains, and tranquil rivers.

Additionally, many local attractions make Virginia worth considering. For example, motorhome and tent campers can visit Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Beach, Mount Vernon, the Luray Caverns, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, and the Manassas National Battlefield. 

Let’s take a look at the best Virginia campgrounds for RV and tent camping

2 Virginia Campgrounds With Dates, Times, And Rules

Below we have sourced two of the best Virginia campgrounds that we believe you should consider when planning your next camping trip.

Each of these campgrounds is special for its reasons. Yet, we have chosen them because they have excellent amenities, nearby attractions, and activities.

Additionally, we have included some vital information to ensure you know exactly what you are getting into if you visit one of the below campgrounds.

This information surrounds the various times, dates, and rules you need to know:

1. Aquia Pines Camp Resort

Do you want to visit a campground in Virginia that is within driving distance of Washington D.C., Fredericksburg, and Quantico while being far enough away from the city that you’re surrounded by fresh air and nature?

If so, you may want to book in at the Aquia Pines Camp Resort. This resort is situated in Stafford, Virginia, and is a recognized Good Sam Club-affiliated park.

The Aquia Pines Camp Resort is a favorite amongst those who enjoy full-service sites and prefer “roughing” it at a minimalistic site. There are approximately 120 Rv sites, and you can choose between sites in the open or sites nestled within the spectacular woods.

The full-service sites are equipped with WiFi, 30 and 50 amp electrical connections, and cable, and the basic tent sites come with a picnic table. Campers have full access to restrooms and showers, and other campground amenities.

When camping at the Aquia Pines Camp Resort, you can look forward to hot showers, a laundry room, a swimming pool, and a fenced dog park.

Times:

The Aquia Pines Camp Resort’s office is open seven days from 8:30 am until 6 pm, where you can phone to find out about relevant check-in and check-out times.

Dates:

This resort is open throughout the year.

Rules:

• Pets are not allowed to be in pens or staked outside as they have to be with their owners at all times.
• Campers are permitted to dry towels but not laundry.
• No loud music or talking is permitted after 10 pm.
• Campfires are only allowed in a fire pit that has been raised and has a steel bottom.
• If campers want water in the winter, they will need to winterize their external hose connection.

2. Americamps RV Resort

Should you look for a pet-friendly, family-friendly, and big rig-friendly campground in Virginia, the Americamps RV Resort could be worth it.

This resort has incredible customer service and modern amenities and has a superb Good Sam rating.

There are eight tent sites at Americamps RV Resort, 184 full hook-up RV sites, 79 back-in sites, and 105 pull-through sites. Several discounts are available to campers, including military deals, Good Sam discounts, AARP discounts, and AAA discounts.

Some of the notable activities you can participate in at this resort include movie nights, Christmas dinner with fellow campers, a New Years’ eve party, Thursday night camp dinners, and Sunday ice cream socials.

You can also look forward to being near the historic town of Richmond, where you can tour museums and civil war battlefields. If historical attractions aren’t to our liking, you will likely find the Kings Dominion Theme Park and local breweries and wineries enjoyable.

At the Americamps RV Resort, several amenities make this campground an attractive option for most. For example, there is a fenced leash dog park, a rally room, a fitness center, a relaxation deck, a resort shop, and a playground.

Times:

Motorhome site check-in is at noon, and check-out is at 11:00 am.

Dates:

The Americamp RV Resort is open 365 days a year.

Rules:

• Only one family per campsite and a maximum of eight people per site.
• Campers are only allowed to park at their assigned site.
• Campers are only allowed to ride bicycles with proper lighting after sunset.
• No credits or refunds are given for discomfits of nature.
• The registered camper is the one responsible for the behavior of all persons occupying their site.

Can You Go RVing In Virginia Outside These Dates?

You never know when the camping urge is going to bite you.

Many make the mistake of believing that they can only camp during certain seasons. Although that used to be the case, there are thousands of campgrounds across the country open all year long.

This means that if you feel like embarking on an adventure, you won’t have too much of an issue finding an open campground regardless of the time of year.

Above, we spoke of two RV and tent campgrounds that are open throughout the year. If neither of them appeals to you, fear not, as we have found a few more that might suit your needs.

Below are a few of the other year-round campgrounds in Virginia that are worth considering:

• Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday Campground.
• Small Country Campground.
• Powhatan State Park.
• New River Trail State Park.
• Amelia Family Campground.

In Virginia, Where Can You Camp For Free?

If you are seeking a low-cost vacation, weekend trip, or honeymoon, you may want to consider embarking on a camping venture in Virginia.

Unlike other states, there are quite a few excellent free campground options available that will ensure you make positive memories.

You do need to keep in mind, though, that most of the free campgrounds are going to be only open to dispersed or primitive camping. These types of campground opportunities usually have few amenities and no hookups for motorhomes. However, what they lack in amenities you make up for with savings.

Have a quick look below to identify a few of the very best free campground options in Virginia:

• Jefferson National Forest.
• George Washington National Forest.
• Rapidan Wildlife Management Area.
• Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
• Amelia Wildlife Management Area.
• Three Ridges Wilderness Area.

In Virginia, Can You Camp On Public Hunting Land?

In Virginia, there are approximately more than 216,000 acres of public hunting land available to hunters.

These hunting lands include 44 Wildlife management Areas of which campers are allowed to utilize. However, campers are only allowed to participate in temporary dispersed primitive camping on public hunting lands in Virginia.

Additionally, campers should note that they need to obtain a camping authorization permit that is free.

Once authorization has been obtained, campers can camp on hunting lands for no more than 14 consecutive days.

Moreover, camping is strictly prohibited within 300 feet of boat ramps and fishing lakes.

Virginia Camping And RV Rules For Local State Parks And National Parks

When you visit a Virginia State or National Park, you likely want your visit to be as adventurous and trouble-free as possible.

That means that you need to make yourself aware of the relevant Virginia State and National Park rules.

If you observe the rules we have listed below, you will likely enjoy your camping experience in Virginia and be more likely to want to visit again:

• Campers always need to follow the interior park speed limit of 25 miles per hour.
• No campers are allowed to use fireworks in Virginia State and National Parks.
• No cutting or scarring of trees in parks is permitted.
• Campers cannot collect plants or animals from any parks unless given express permission from state park headquarters.
• Guests should only walk along designated trails to help combat erosion and degradation.
• Campers need to refrain from feeding wild animals in all State and National Parks in Virginia.
• Campers can only consume alcoholic beverages in private areas such as within their RV or tent.
• All campers wanting to fish at a State or National Park in Virginia need to obtain a Virginia fishing license.

Citations:

Virginia Public Hunting Land Camping Policies