Virginia/Delaware Camping

[anker123]

*Looking for camping recommendations in the Virginia and/or Delaware area.

I am interested in camping in Virginia or Delaware on my journey down the east coast , but I am unfamiliar with this area. I am traveling from New Hampshire to Florida, and would like to stop and camp in one of these states. With the onset of COVID-19, a lot campgrounds are closed. Are there recommendations on locations to just pitch a tent/ any recommended campgrounds that may be open/not crowded? I am mostly familiar with BLM-style camping in the west, but I am having trouble finding public land to just pitch a tent in.

Would appreciate any advice!

- Anker123

 

[Outdoor_Fool]

I don't have much advice as I haven't lived there in a long time, but if you have time to travel down the Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive, it is worth it. The last time I was on this route (4-5 years ago), there were a pretty good number of places (at least for the east coast) to access Forest Service land to camp. Shenandoah NP is currently closed so you may need to jump off the route for that section.

 

[Sullyute]

If you are staying near I-95 then Brandywine State Park is fine in Delaware. If you are going into LSD (Lower Slower Delaware) then Trap Pond State Park is great along with Cape Henlopen State Park. Also Assateague State park on the Maryland coast is nice. Shenandoah National Park is beautiful in Virginia. I believe all of the Delaware state parks are closed so definitely call ahead to confirm before you go.

 

[OldBill]

I see you are a new member so Welcome! You may want to also post on the mid-Atlantic forum at bpbasecamp. GaliWalker is very familiar with that area among others.

Was disappointed we couldn't make our Dolly Sods/Shenandoah trip this year. Would have left yesterday. But, they even have roads shut to the Dolly Sods Wilderness last I checked. Would have been cold camping the next few days anyway. My GF would not have liked lows in the 20's and even 30's. Developed CGs in WV and VA are not considered essential. Dispersed camping is for the most part, highly discouraged it seems to keep tourists out. Increased vandalism at many recreation sites across the US so be careful.

 

[uvagohoos]

I don't have much advice as I haven't lived there in a long time, but if you have time to travel down the Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive, it is worth it. The last time I was on this route (4-5 years ago), there were a pretty good number of places (at least for the east coast) to access Forest Service land to camp. Shenandoah NP is currently closed so you may need to jump off the route for that section.

Check the rapidan recreation area. You can also stop by or call great outdoor provisions in Charlottesville and they will be more than helpful. Shenandoah is closed at the moment! There's a great campsite on top of Strickler Knob as well in Luray, VA. Beautiful views and I don't think it's in nps land.