Several Virginia State Parks offer campsites specifically designed for hosting a larger group, making the trip organizer’s job much easier. Not only is it cost-effective, but the convenient layout is perfect for group activities like eating meals together and gathering around the campfire.  

Recently, a group leader organized a weekend camping trip at James River State Park for men of his church, along with their kids or grandkids. Below, Joseph shares a few of the details that go into putting a group camping trip together. You may find the inspiration you need to pull off an epic outdoor adventure for your group from the following insights. 

Group camping at James River State Park

How did you decide on the park for your group camping trip and how did the reservation process go? 

The location and river access are two elements that drew us to James River State Park. This park is not too far from the Richmond area, where the group would be traveling from, making it easier to drive out after work on Friday or simply join us for the day on Saturday. The James River provides perfect activities for cooling off in the summer heat, which we knew would be needed. Also, since our group had the potential to be on the larger side, it was important to pick the group site at James River since it is one of the largest, with a 42-person limit.  

Making the reservation was easy! I called the reservation number (1-800-933-7275) to book the site and was given all the information I needed. 

In the past, our group has made this annual trip to Kiptopeke State Park a couple of times, which is also really nice with its beach and swimming opportunities.  

At James River, we had plenty of room to set up eight tents and two large canopies to gather under on our group site. A potable water source can be found near the two picnic shelters within walking distance and a nearby field provides a great spot for kids to play in.  

While this site is not on the river, it is close to a bathroom with sinks and toilets. Some prefer this feature over the river view primitive sites that offer pit toilets. Additionally, showers can be accessed with a short drive from the group site to the equestrian bathhouse.  

Group campsite at James River State Park

What was the communication plan for promoting and organizing the trip? 

As one of the leaders, I sent out a couple of emails. First, we wanted to announce the upcoming trip and ask men to sign up. Then I sent out a reminder email before registration closed. This email also included detailed park information and a list of what to bring. We encouraged those who did not have camping equipment to let us know and we would provide what they needed. 

How did you handle meal planning? 

We set up a centralized kitchen area within our group site, making meal prep and eating together much easier. We utilized the site’s six picnic tables, charcoal grill and firepit with a cooking grate. We also brought two large gas griddles for cooking a hamburger dinner and breakfasts of pancakes, eggs and sausage. Dinners and breakfasts were hosted, and the group was instructed to bring their own lunches or cook the provided hotdogs.  

The group’s designated cooking area 

We brought two 5-gallon water coolers that were kept full of ice and water. Hydration during the heat is vital and we made sure everyone brought refillable water bottles. Conveniently, firewood and ice are available for purchase at the camp store. [Note: Do not bring your own firewood to a park, as it can carry unwanted invasive pests that can hurt the park’s ecosystem. Learn more here.] 

What was the most challenging aspect of coordinating the group camping trip? 

Ensuring we had the right amount of food for everyone was the biggest challenge. Along with a fellow member, Chris, who helped me organize the trip, we made a plan and went grocery shopping the day before. We ended up with more than enough food, but it’s better to have too much than not enough! 

A ranger-led activity at the picnic shelter

Did your group participate in any self-guided or ranger-led activities? 

Yes! First, we enjoyed the ranger-led trivia game and s’mores around the fire on our first night. We also went panning for gold, led by Ranger Gabby and AmeriCorps Member Jocelyn. They explained the difference between real gold and fool’s gold, about black sand, and how the pans capture the gold and other heavy minerals. We learned the history of gold in the area at the picnic shelter, then we watched a demonstration down by the river. They did a great job of incorporating the younger kids in the group as well. It was educational and fun!  

Embarking on a river float from Canoe Landing

The park offers a supported James River float for $20 per person, however, we opted to organize our own float. We put in at Canoe Landing and took out at Dixon Landing, which provides a 1-hour to 1-hour, 20-minute float. The group tubed, paddle-boarded and kayaked this route a couple of times. The current was navigable even for the younger children during our visit, and it was a very refreshing way to cool off. The older kids also went fishing at the ponds and out on the river in kayaks.  

Floating the James River

What motivated you and your group to go on a weekend camping trip? 

An important goal for us was building relationships between dads and their kids, as well as friendships within the group of men, and there’s no better place to do this than the great outdoors. We’ve been doing this trip for many years, but this was the first year I led it, with the help of my co-leader. Getting outdoors with their kids is a highlight for many guys, including dads, granddads and other father figures, and we plan to keep this annual tradition going for a long time. 

What advice would you give to someone considering planning a group camping trip? 

Plan ahead! Visit the park in advance if possible and check the vicinity for bathrooms and potable water. Close registration with enough time to plan meals properly. I recommend that you cut off sign-ups one week before the trip.  

Get to know the staff and rangers because they are a great resource and really enhance the visit. A few even stopped by our group site. When we first arrived, Ranger Gabby brought around a gar skeleton and some fossil samples from the area and gave us a little history of the park. Officer Justin helped answer questions and made sure we had everything we needed. The entire staff was very personable and helpful.  

I highly recommend a Virginia state park destination for a group camping trip, especially if it’s your first time organizing one! 

Group campsite at Westmoreland State Park

Camp Washington group campsite at Sky Meadows State Park 

Ready to plan a trip with your group at one of several Virginia State Parks that offer group campsites? 

Check out this list of tents-only group camping sites to find the right fit for your group: 

• Bear Creek Lake State Park – max of 36 people 
• Chippokes State Park – 4 sites in Loop A, max of 24 people 
• Claytor Lake State Park – max of 35 people (Click here for a 360-degree view.) 
• Fairy Stone State Park – 6 sites in group camp (must reserve at least 3) 
• Grayson Highlands State Park – max of 35 people 
• Holliday Lake State Park – max of 30 people 
• James River State Park – max of 42 people 
• Kiptopeke State Park – 5 sites in Campground G, max of 30 people 
• Natural Bridge State Park – 3 group sites (max of 24 people each) 
• Powhatan State Park – max of 24 people 
• Shenandoah River State Park – max of 30 people 
• Sky Meadows State Park (hike-in primitive campgrounds) – Camp Slater (max of 24 people), Camp Washington (max of 36 people)   
• Westmoreland State Park – max of 40 people 
• Wilderness Road State Park – must call the park 

To learn more or to book overnight accommodations, visit reservevaparks.com or call 800-933-PARK (7275).