Camping at Virginia State Parks can be as rustic and exhilarating as you'd like to make it. We offer primitive hike-in and paddle-in campsites at a few of our parks, in addition to our electric and water hook-up sites in our regular campgrounds.

Primitive sites are available year-round which is great for backpackers. Late this winter a group called Virginia Backpacking took to the trails at Belle Isle State Park, located on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River, carrying only what they could on their backs.

ABOUT

This is a group for anyone interested in backpacking in the Virginia area. All skill levels are welcome. To view and sign up for trips click here.

You should join this group if you enjoy the outdoors, like the idea of packing everything you need for a weekend on your back and carrying it a few miles into the wilderness. Also, even though we're based out of Richmond, don't let it prevent from signing up if you live elsewhere in Virginia.

Trips will be led in all regions of the state and as long as you're willing to travel to a destination we'll be glad to have you join.

If you're new to backpacking there are plenty of experienced backpackers to help shorten your learning curve to help avoid some of the more common mistakes we've all likely made at some point in our travels.

There will be a good range of hikes for different skill levels including some nice, easy, introductory trips as well as some more intense up and down hikes. The great part is each hike will have a good summary of what you can expect and you decide what works best for you.

Follow Virginia Backpacking on Facebook here.

PRIMITIVE CAMPING

You might be interested in reading:

• 5 Awesome Primitive Campgrounds in Virginia
• Two of the Best Places to Hike the Appalachian Trail in Virginia
• I Discovered Great Winter Backpacking at Belle Isle State Park

We're thrilled that Virginia Backpackers enjoy our parks. If you want to learn more about camping at Virginia State Parks, click here. You can also make a reservation anytime online, or call to inquire about a specific park at 800-933-7275.

#THINKOUTSIDE