Riverside Camping Haven
I am a nature lover who loves spending time in the woods, by the riverside, up on a mountain or by the beach. Living in Virginia, I have always admired the terrain and landscape of this state from the Coastal Plain (Tidewater), the Piedmont, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Valley and the Ridge, and the Appalachian Plateau. But that is not all that Virginia has to offer.
With a sky full of bright stars, soothing sound of crickets chirping and the river flowing, Virginia has many scenic locales that are perfect for camping for any outdoor enthusiast. What is even more interesting is that there are camping grounds for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, starting from first-timer campers to the experienced can-survive-anywhere level of campers.
With so many options available, we decided to pick one that was closer to home so as to reduce the driving time to the camp ground. Campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park seemed like a good option. Although, initial plans were to go in full on camping style, the weather forecast predicted rains for the weekend we were planning. The forecast did not damper our spirits, though! Instead of moping about whether or not to cancel, we simply booked the yurt that was available for rent, so even if it did rain we had proper cover (yes, camping with little children is not easy!). Long story short, we chose the Rock Tavern River Kamp in Luray, Virginia as our campground.
I always wondered why the state of Virginia has “Virginia is for Lovers” as it’s tag line. Now, I know! It is impossible to not fall in love with such picturesque locations. To say that I was in sync with nature during this trip would be understating my frame of mind.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that be the case, I will let this be a photo post allowing these amazing pictures to do the talking about my recent camping experience.
I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of our campground. Are you an outdoor enthusiast? If yes, what is your favorite outdoor activity? If not, then what would you like to do on your free time? Let me know in the comments.
P.S: It always helps to have a photographer friend, especially in trips. My special thanks to Ashwin Boini for these amazing shots! π
[Disclaimer – Pictures are the sole property of Mind and Life Matters. All Rights Reserved.]
63 Comments
Ancient Skies
Wow, just amazing! I want to go there!
MindandLifeMatters
You definitely should! It’s beautiful, soothing, calming and everything wonderful! π
Dr Meg Sorick
Stunning photos! We were in the Blue Ridge Mountains last fall so I can appreciate that you fell in love! It looks like you had a wonderful time. Did you go into the Luray Caverns? We never made it. Thanks for sharing this!
MindandLifeMatters
Luray caverns is like a definite stop everytime we have family and friends visiting π
It’s beautiful, so I don’t mind doing it again and again. Maybe I will take you when you come to Virginia π
Dr Meg Sorick
Awesome! π
Wandering Soul
Me too! Me too!
MindandLifeMatters
More the merrier! π
Lola
Unbelievably beautiful. Heavenly. Precious photos of the kids. Love the bubbles in motion, including the gorgeous child at the helm. It should win some kind of award from somewhere! ^_^ thanks for this post!
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Lola π
j1818
Great photos! Looks like an idyllic location for a family vacation.
MindandLifeMatters
Indeed! It is an amazing location for family vacations. π
Akhila
yes, Reshmi, it was a wonderful tour, even if virtual..
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you, Akhila! Glad you enjoyed π
v4vikey
Stunning photos π
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you, Vikey π
Feelings and Freedom
Amazing pics. It feels like nature is calling you! The place is so so beautiful. I am sure you must have had a great time!
MindandLifeMatters
We had a wonderful time! It really is
draliman
Looks like a lovely spot for a little holiday!
MindandLifeMatters
It is! And there’s lots to do there like fishing, kayaking, tube floats, hiking etc. π
Sri Sudha K
You virtually took us there Rashmi… lovely pics n ur son looks more like superstar maheshbabu in most shots…
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you, Sudha! π
Superstar Maheshbabu? Is he a Telegu star? That’s so cool…I should tell Adi π
Sri Sudha K
Yes maheshbabu is telugu hero n has married namrata sirodkar. His son goutam n adi look alike…chk out “1neenokkadine” posters of them
MindandLifeMatters
I googled “1neenokkadine” and I agree, he does look like the hero! π
Sri Sudha K
Hez hearthrob of almost every south indian gal…
MindandLifeMatters
Hahaha, like the Brad Pitt of the south huh? π
Sri Sudha K
Yes
Sri Sudha K
Rashmi here’s the google libk for some more images
http://www.google.co.in/search?q=mahesh+babu+with+his+son+gautam&hl=en&source=android-launcher-search&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwij3IO7-o3NAhUO6WMKHZ0iBrcQsAQIFQ
MindandLifeMatters
Yep, your right! Adi does look a lot like that kid! π
surbhisachdeva89
Great photography and wonderful description π
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you, Surbhi π
thelonelyauthorblog
Lovely scenery. Is there anything as beautiful as nature? Have a great weekend.
MindandLifeMatters
Nothing as beautiful as nature! Thank you, Andrew. You have a great weekend too. π
thelonelyauthorblog
Thanks
Miriam
These are absolutely gorgeous photos Rashmi. What a wonderful adventure, I absolutely love camping. Nothing beats being out in nature creating memories. π
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you, Miriam! I agree, nothing beats the fun of being out in nature.
Miriam
Absolutely. Your photos made me want to get out there again and camp!
MindandLifeMatters
Oh looking at these photos, I wouldn’t mind spending another weekend there! π
Miriam
I can totally understand that.
Wandering Soul
Exquisite place, of course! But looks more beautiful because of the photography. I tried figuring out which one was my favourite but keep changing my decision from one to another until I decided all were my favourite. The pics do indeed speak a thousand words. It is evident you had such a memorable time. Just viewing them makes me want to go there. Please so write a word account also , even if a short one or may be in series. Would love to know what all you did.
MindandLifeMatters
I was unable to pick the ones I wanted to share on this post, too! There are so many more pictures that is too beautiful for words!
I am not sure of the word account of the trip, but I did write a poem while I was there, maybe I will share that sometime. π
jacquelineobyikocha
Nature has it all. Fabulous scenery and photos π
MindandLifeMatters
Indeed, Nature has it all! Thank you, Jacque! π
Lynz Real Cooking
Gorgeous photos!
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you, Lynz! π
Lynz Real Cooking
Such a lovely tour!
MindandLifeMatters
It really was !
Lynz Real Cooking
π
ranu802
This is a wonderful story of Virginia and the pictures are awesome. I’ve never been to Virginia, but went to Chicago several times. Our province has a lot of places to go camping, but the weather always gets in the way. Although there are many Newfoundlanders who love camping and they care little about the weather, they are the brave ones, I’m too timid so I stay away from camping. π
Bun Karyudo
Woah! A 22,000 word post! (22 pictures) I can’t blame you for falling in love with the place. It really does look very beautiful. My favorite picture, though, is the one with the three kids all pointing. That’s such a cute, happy shot. π
MindandLifeMatters
Yea almost a novella! π
It was a beautiful place and the kids had an awesome time too π
Bun Karyudo
They looked like they were having a great time! π
MindandLifeMatters
Oh they definitely were, they didn’t want to go back home! π
Meritings
Stunning pictures Rashmi. I’m afraid that I was put off camping after 28 years of army life so now like my home comforts too much! However, I do still like to get close to nature with all its wonderful sights, sounds, and smells.
MindandLifeMatters
Wow…28 years in the Army! That’s amazing, Peter! My Dad was in the Air Force for 15 years, and he still keeps talking about that life, so I guess I understand why home feels comfortable π
The sights, sounds and smell of nature is something we can never get tired of though.
judyjourneys
My parents were born and raised in Virginia. I remember the beautiful countryside on trips to visit my grandparents as a child. Even more beautiful, I think, if you have not visited there is East Tennessee. (Think Smokey Mountains.) That is the vicinity where I attended college.
MindandLifeMatters
Wow! I sure will add East Tennessee to my list. Thank you, Judy π
OrganicIsBeautiful
Beautiful photos !
OrganicIsBeautiful
Love them all!
Sabrina πΊππ
http://www.OrganicIsBeautiful.com
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you, Sabrina! π
johnnymangalindan
What a beautiful place! The place are very relaxing. A truly nature lover.
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you! It is a wonderful place to camp! π
keepingitcheap
Love everything about this!
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you! It was an amazing experience! π