Camping with kids, even in a full-service campground, may certainly seem like a daunting adventure at times. Therefore, removing the convenience of electricity, water and the family vehicle parked nearby, may feel more like an extreme sport than a weekend getaway.

However, with some planning, strategic packing, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, the chance to experience some of Virginia State Parks’ unique features is worth it. Plus, the setting provides opportunities to instill outdoor skills in your kids, while fostering a love for nature they can carry into adulthood.

What are hike-in, bike-in and paddle-in campgrounds?

Speaking of “carrying” things, it should be noted that what separates these hike-in, bike-in and paddle-in campsites from other primitive campgrounds is the fact that all camping gear must be carried in. The vehicle that transports you to the park will not be at your campsite providing easy access to supplies you may need during your stay.

Hiking and biking to the backcountry campground from the overnight parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park.

While Virginia offers seven state parks with year-round primitive campgrounds, at four of those parks, this is the only form of camping available. All primitive campsites include a tent pad, picnic table, lantern post, fire ring, firewood for purchase and access to a pit toilet. A few also provide bear-proof lockers and hammock posts. You will not find electricity or a bathhouse, and a potable water source is not guaranteed at each location. Additionally, the primitive campgrounds at these four parks are only accessible during daylight hours and by foot, bike, and/or boat, taking the adventure to a new level.

Firewood for purchase near the pit toilets at Sky Meadows State Park.

The fantastic four.

My family set out on a mission a few years ago to camp at all the Virginia State Parks that have campgrounds, so naturally that would include these four without vehicle-accessible sites. As we near the completion of our goal, and have two of these four under our belt, it surprised us all that New River Trail would become our favorite of all the parks so far.

Campsite at New River Trail State Park.

New River Trail offers three primitive campgrounds at different locations along this 57-mile linear state park. Millrace Campground at Foster Falls in Wythe County, where we camped, overlooks the New River. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can easily hop on the converted railroad trail and kayakers and tubers can float the river. We enjoyed both!

Kayaking back to our campsite on the New River.

With peaceful backcountry camping, scenic hiking trails overlooking rolling farmland and mountainous backdrops and International Dark Sky status, Sky Meadows State Park provides a unique and fun adventure. The park also offers bike and equestrian trails, as well as access to the Appalachian Trail.

Enjoying the view at the Whitehouse Overlook at Sky Meadows State Park.

Caledon State Park features trails for hiking and biking, and a six-site primitive campground tucked away on the shores of the Potomac River.

As one of the last remaining undeveloped stretches along the Atlantic coast, False Cape State Park offers kayaking opportunities, hiking and biking trails, 6 miles of pristine beach and primitive camping for experienced campers.

Tip 1: Start with the shortest trail first.

With the parking lot only about a ¼-mile away, the campsites in Millrace Campground at New River Trail are not technically located in the backcountry. The short distance makes this park the perfect place to dip your toes into the world of hike-in camping with kids. While you’re at it, you can dip your toes into the cool water, because these well-shaded sites overlook the beautiful New River.

Wading in the New River just steps from the campsite.

After that, the 1-mile trail to the campground at Sky Meadows was the next logical choice for my family. We will soon conquer the 3.5-mile trail to the Caledon campground, and will most likely save the 6.9 to 8.4-mile journey (depending on campsite location) at False Cape for last. Both of these parks’ campgrounds are also accessible by kayak or canoe. Note that camping at False Cape is not recommended for young children, and we would like our kids to gain a bit more backpacking experience before we embark on that unforgettable adventure.

Tip 2: Even though you can’t drive to your site, you can still use wheels.

New River Trail provides wagons to use for hauling gear to your campsite. Several trips may be required, depending on the amount of gear, but the convenient wagons made it possible for us to bring our large family-sized tent on this trip.

At Sky Meadows, the 1-mile trail from the overnight parking lot to the campground can be traveled by foot or bike. Bikepacking, a combination of backpacking and bike touring that involves carting gear in panniers and other bike bags, would be a great option at this park, as well as Caledon and False Cape. While we used our bikes to reach our campsite, they were used more as a gear hauler rather than transportation due to our heavy backpacks, but they were very handy to have for quick trips to the parking lot and exploring the park.

Spacious campsite at Sky Meadows State Park.

The trails leading to the Sky Meadows backcountry campground are a combination of dirt and gravel and are suitable for wagons and jogging strollers, as we saw both being utilized during our visit. With a decent ascent (167 feet of elevation gain, according to Garmin), those s’mores will be well-earned!

Tip 3: When it comes to food, simple is simply the best.

Meals can be easy and fun in the backcountry.

The camp kitchen is a little more limited on this type of camping trip. However, the possibilities of backpacking meals are endless. The weight of an iron skillet, cooler or two-burner stove is just not practical, so either a lightweight backpacking stove or opting for a cook-free trip is the way to go. Allowing the kids to weigh in on the lightweight menu can make it special, bring excitement and ensure everyone stays properly fueled.

 

Enjoying a delicious backpacking meal of chicken and dumplings.

My kids love freeze-dried backpacking meals and creatively adding mix-ins to instant mashed potato cups. There’s quite a variety of meal options that only require boiling water and have an easy cleanup afterward. Our favorite cook-free options include adding water to a bowl of granola, freeze-dried berries and powdered milk, and tortillas with peanut butter or packets of tuna. At Sky Meadows, the bear-proof lockers at each campsite not only help prevent a visit from a local black bear, but also help keep your food organized. Simply cart the food to camp in a backpack and then transfer it to a grocery tote in the locker.

Sky Meadows State Park provides bear-proof lockers for storing food.

When it comes time for dessert, thankfully marshmallows are lightweight! Plus, roasting sticks abound on nature’s floor, providing an opportune moment for knife safety lessons and whittling practice.

Tip 4: Research, plan and prepare.

It’s always a good rule of thumb to be prepared for any situation when primitive camping, but especially when kids are involved. Determine who is carrying what before you start packing. Borrowing or buying used is a wise option when it comes to children-sized gear items. Also, it’s important that everyone has their own light source. My family members each have a hands-free neck light (similar to a headlamp but with less potential for blinding passersby!).

Do your homework ahead of time and scout out the optimal campsite for your family, whether that is near the privy or closest to the entrance for the shortest hike in. Additionally, Millrace and Cliffview campgrounds at New River Trail offer a universally accessible site and Sky Meadows has two large group sites that are perfect for camping with friends. One thing I’ve learned along the way is that camping with kids can become even easier when they have other kids with whom to play and explore.

One of two group sites at Sky Meadows State Park.

Check the weather and be prepared for rain or chilly mornings and evenings. Extra trash bags always come in handy for keeping things dry or storing wet clothing. Packing card games for hanging out in the tent during the rain and glowsticks for after dark can help keep the fun alive. We always bring two pairs of shoes per person, one pair on our feet for hiking and one packed pair that can be comfortably worn around camp and made to get wet. This particularly came in handy at our Sky Meadows site with a creek running through it, which my kids greatly enjoyed.

A friendly ranger at the visitor center will be happy to share if there are self-guided Junior Ranger booklets available and where the best place for stargazing is located. At Sky Meadows, aspiring astronomers will love viewing the night sky from the small amphitheater area of the campground, as well as the designated Dark Sky Observation Area at Turner Pond.

Finally, Virginia State Parks provide everything you need for a safe and enjoyable primitive stay, including information in your reservation packet and emergency contacts posted within the campgrounds. Planning a hike-in camping trip with the family doesn’t have to carry the weight or intimidation factor of an extreme sport. It can, in fact, just be an extremely fun adventure; one that builds physical strength as well as strengthens bonds with your family and Virginia’s unique state parks! Reserve your primitive campsite here.

New to camping and want to learn more? Check out one of the Let’s Go Camping programs offered at several Virginia State Parks.