Most campsites at Virginia State Parks offer peaceful views of nature, but when the site you’ve booked features panoramas with sunshine and moonlight reflecting off rippling water, you know you’ve found something special. Enjoy a few of Virginia’s picturesque lakes, rivers and creeks right from the door of your RV or tent at these eight parks. 
 

Lakes

1. Bear Creek Lake State Park

A book with a view from site A16 

With a wide range of outdoor activity options, including boating, fishing, swimming, archery and hiking, you can’t go wrong with a campsite at Bear Creek Lake. The park provides three campgrounds, but Acorn Loop is the only one by the lake with sites that offer water views. The 11 tent sites do not have electricity or water hookups. However, if you are camping in spring or fall you can catch glimpses of the lake from the other electric/water sites that accommodate equipment up to 20 feet long. 

 

2. Douthat State Park

A campsite with a lake view in Lakeside Campground 

Camp right by the lake in Douthat’s Lakeside Campground. One of four campgrounds at this historic park in the Allegheny Mountains, Lakeside offers electric and water hookups for equipment up to 40 feet. Enjoy swimming, fishing and boating on the 50-acre lake, as well as hiking and biking on the more than 40 miles of trails. Planning a trip during the off-season? Camping is available year-round in Whispering Pines Campground, which just so happens to have a beautiful creek running through it. 

Camping creekside in Whispering Pines Campground 

 

3. Occonneechee State Park

Campsite in Campground C 

With picnic areas, playgrounds and an amphitheater overlooking the popular Buggs Island Lake, you can bet Occoneechee features campsites with these spectacular views as well. Rent a motorized or non-motorized boat and hit the water, then soak up a sunset or sunrise over the lake right from your campsite. When making your online reservation, simply look for the sites marked “Waterview” in Campground C. Note that some sites have electricity and water, while others do not. Partial water views can also be enjoyed from a few sites in Campground B. 

 

Rivers

4. James River State Park

View from a campsite in Canoe Landing 

Access the historic James River right from your campsite in the Canoe Landing campground. James River State Park offers six camping areas, one of which hosts ten primitive tent sites with water views and river access via canoe launch. Camp here year-round and enjoy the multi-use trails and river paddling in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

 

5. New River Trail State Park

View from the hammock posts on site 15 in Millrace Campground 

Sleep to the calming sound of rushing water at New River Trail’s Millrace Campground. These shaded primitive tent sites are just a short walk from the parking lot and steps from the river. Launch a kayak or canoe rental and bike the rails-to-trails trail at this 57-mile linear park that passes through four counties. Outdoor adventure and serene accommodations go hand-in-hand at New River Trail. 

 

Creeks

6. Hungry Mother State Park

Site 16 in Creekside Campground 

Hungry Mother Creek meanders through Creekside Campground at Hungry Mother State Park, providing a relaxing wooded retreat after a day of lake swimming, boating, fishing and hiking. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this historic park offers three camping areas, but to score that water view, book a paved site in Creekside Campground which can accommodate rigs up to 30 feet.  

 

Primitive Hike-in/Paddle-in  

7. Belle Isle State Park 

View from Brewer’s Point Campground 

Your 2.5-mile paddle from the visitor center or 1.5-mile hike or bike from the parking lot will be rewarded with waterfront camping overlooking the beautiful Rappahannock River. Brewer’s Point Hike-in or Boat-in Primitive Campground offers four sites for year-round camping. At Belle Isle you’ll also find a full-service campground, multi-use trails, boat rentals and launches, and fishing opportunities.  

 

8. Caledon State Park 

View from a Caledon campsite 

Enjoy a secluded spot along the shores of the Potomac River at Caledon. Six primitive campsites welcome campers with stunning water views year-round. While taking in the views from camp or the trails, keep your eyes open for American bald eagles at this National Natural Landmark.  

 

Bonus park: False Cape State Park 

Instructions for beach camping at False Cape 

Seeking an adventure with an ocean view? Beach camping is a possibility at False Cape. However, research and preparation are required for this unique overnight stay. Campers must hike between 6.9 and 8.4 miles to reach the four separate primitive camping areas. The views and water access are well-earned for those experienced campers up for a challenge.