Camping Near Charlottesville: Tent & RV Friendly Sites
Looking for the perfect place to go camping near Charlottesville, VA? Central Virginia offers a wide range of scenic escapes, from peaceful tent sites tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills to full-service RV parks near Charlottesville designed for comfort and convenience. Whether you’re planning a quiet solo retreat or an outdoor weekend with family and friends, there’s no shortage of campgrounds near Charlottesville, VA, to explore.
This region is ideal for hiking, fishing, stargazing, and soaking in the natural beauty of the mountains. In this guide, you’ll find some of the best options for tent camping and RV camping near Charlottesville, so you can easily settle in, unwind, and enjoy everything Central Virginia has to offer.
Campgrounds Near Charlottesville, VA:
- Traditional Campsites Suitable for Tents
- RV Friendly Campsites
- Essential Camping Tips for Charlottesville, VA
Traditional Campsites in Charlottesville, VA
While our next section will dive into campsites specifically designed with RVers in mind, you’ll find that some of the traditional tent camping spots listed below also offer options for RVs. These might provide a more rustic experience compared to dedicated RV parks, with fewer full hookup amenities, but they can still be excellent choices for those seeking a different kind of adventure.
Christopher Run Campground
📍Mineral | 📞 (540) 894-4744 | Send an Email | Facebook | TripAdvisor
Lake Anna offers the perfect backdrop for water-based fun. Campers can fish from dedicated piers, rent boats, or launch their own from one of six on-site ramps. Back on land, there’s plenty to do—play a round of mini-golf, let the kids loose at the playground, or relax in the recreation hall or large group pavilion. Campers also enjoy swimming, hiking, and gathering at their campsite for evenings under the stars.
Amenities:
Accommodations: Full RV hook-ups, camper cabins, and a tent camping area.
Facilities & Services: Well-stocked camp store, updated bathhouses with hot showers, laundromat, dumping station, and mail service.
Marina & Boating: Marina with 50 wet slips, live bait available, and boats available for rent on-site.
Other Conveniences: Picnic tables, ice for sale, and mini-golf (small fee).
Important Notes:
- One vehicle per site, and all vehicles must display a valid pass.
- Pets are welcome but must be quiet, leashed, and picked up after.
- Motorbikes, golf carts, and unlicensed vehicles are not allowed.
- The campground enforces quiet hours starting at 10 PM.
- Visitors must register at the office or with security upon arrival.
- Campers are expected to leave sites clean and report issues promptly.
- No dishwashing in bathhouses, and no discharging wastewater on the ground.
Crabtree Falls Campground
📍Tyro | 📞(540) 377-2066 | Send an Email | Facebook | TripAdvisor
Crabtree Falls Campground offers a wide range of activities. You can hike to Crabtree Falls, which is the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, or enjoy stunning 360-degree mountain views from nearby Spy Rock. Other options include exploring Humpback Rock, driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or relaxing at local establishments like Devils Backbone Brewing Company. Plus, kids will enjoy the on-site playground.
Amenities:
Campsites: Tent, pop-up, and RV sites (some walk-in only, others drive-to with hookups). Pet-friendly with restrictions (review pet policy before booking).
Convenience: General Store stocked with camping essentials, snacks, toiletries, firewood, and s’mores supplies. Renovated bathhouses with tiled showers and modern amenities. Water & Electric Hookups (available at select sites for an added fee).
Laundry Facilities: Washer, dryer, and dish-cleaning sink.
Site Features: Picnic tables and fire pits at all sites (except no grill tops or fire rings at field tent sites).
Important Notes
- Field sites do not offer electricity, fire rings, or picnic tables.
- No alcohol or cigarette sales on-site.
- Firewood must be purchased locally (cutting onsite is not allowed).
- Waterfront tent sites are walk-in only and best suited for adults or families with older kids.
- Pop-up and RV sites are close to the bathhouse but may offer limited privacy due to site layout.
- The playground and bathhouse are central to most drive-to sites.
- Nearby fishing holes are available (license required), but the on-site river is not stocked. The fish are not suitable for eating.
- This campground is not ADA compliant.
Graves Mountain Campground
📍Syria | 📞 (303) 877-9659 | Send an Email | Facebook | HipCamp
Outdoor adventure abounds at Graves Mountain. Campers can hike over 29 miles of trails, including nearby Old Rag and White Oak Canyon, or go mountain biking, road cycling, or rock climbing with local guides. Horseback riding is a big draw, with trail rides, pony rides, and overnight horse camping available. Fishing is popular in two stocked ponds and two mountain streams, and there are nature walks, farm tours, and seasonal vineyard and craft brewery tours. In the evenings, gather around the fire pit for music nights and s’mores, or unwind with a massage booked through the Main Lodge.
Amenities:
Utilities: Dump station, water spigots (no continuous hookups), and a small electrical supply for device charging near the entrance. Porta-potties, pit toilets, seasonal wet toilets, and showers.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi accessible up front, enabling cell service calling.
Nearby Amenities (Graves Market-Deli & Tackle): Firewood, groceries, meals, and supplies available for purchase.
Recreational Activities: Seasonal pool, game room, volleyball, badminton, and corn hole.
Important Notes:
- Free-form camping—no hookups, tables, or fire rings (DIY with rocks).
- Dogs are welcome on leash. Campers must stay in designated areas.
- Horse trailers and rigs must park in approved spots.
- Pool access requires a daily fee when open.
- No regular camping during festival weekends—event pass required.
RV and Camper-Friendly Parks Near Charlottesville, VA
You’ll discover that many of the RV-focused spots listed below also offer excellent options for tent campers. These locations often provide more amenities and conveniences than a typical primitive tent site, with well-maintained facilities and easy access. So, for those who appreciate the robust offerings of an RV park but prefer sleeping under canvas, these can be excellent choices, blending comfort with a classic camping experience.
Charlottesville KOA Holiday
📍Charlottesville | 📞 (434) 296-9881 | Send an Email | Facebook | TripAdvisor
Charlottesville KOA Holiday blends natural beauty with convenient amenities, making it a popular choice for campers. Nestled in the woods near historical landmarks and scenic drives, this KOA sits close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, and the homes of Jefferson and Monroe. On-site recreation includes an extra-large swimming pool (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), a nature trail to a beaver pond, and a variety of lawn games like volleyball, tetherball, horseshoes, and ladder ball. Families will also find fun with pedal kart rentals, a playground, and a Jump Pad for younger kids.
Amenities:
RV Specifics: 50 Max Amp, 65′ Max Length (for RV sites).
Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Cable TV.
Recreational: Pool (seasonal: May–September), Fishing Pond, Dog Park.
Convenience: Propane & Firewood sales, Laundry Facilities.
Gathering Spaces: Pavilion.
Important Notes:
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM-9 AM.
- Campers must use campground roads for walking.
- Golf carts are not permitted.
- Trash must be taken to the central dumpster. There is no trash pickup service.
Devils Backbone Camp
📍Roseland | 📞 (540) 817-9708| Send an Email | Facebook | the dyrt
This campground offers activities for all adventurers, from scenic hikes with Appalachian Trail access to exploring the Nelson 151 Trail (home to over 20 breweries, wineries, and distilleries). On-site, enjoy yard games, live music in the bier garden, meals at the Basecamp Brewpub, the Cigar Lounge, and seasonal events.
Amenities:
Campsites: Full hook-up RV sites (30/50/110 amps). Tent-only and group tent sites. Primitive and field camping areas.
Site Features: Fire rings, picnic tables (site dependent). Pet-friendly policies.
Convenience: Contactless check-in & on-site camp shop. 24/7 bathhouse with heated showers.
Accessibility: Golf cart-friendly roads (with guidelines).
Important Notes:
- Generators are allowed, but restricted between 10 PM–9 AM and must remain under 60 decibels.
- Firewood gathering is allowed (only dead wood on the ground), outside firewood is prohibited.
- Golf carts are welcome, but ATVs are not. Drivers must be 16+ and insured.
- Field sites do not have fire rings or picnic tables, and ground fires are not allowed.
- Camp is open year-round, but no laundry is available at this time.
- According to reviews, it’s recommended to check in with the brewery before making your way to the campground, as the GPS may guide you astray.
Misty Mountain Camp Resort
📍Greenwood | 📞 (540) 456-6409 | Send an Email | Facebook | TripAdvisor
Campers can enjoy nature trails, playgrounds, hayrides, and a variety of seasonal events. Additional fun includes gemstone and fossil mining at the Misty Mountain Mining Company, live local music, food trucks, karaoke nights, and even corn hole and horseshoe tournaments. A stocked catch-and-release pond adds to the outdoor charm.
Amenities:
Campsites: Full hookup and electric/water RV sites (50/30 amp) with pull-through and back-in options. Tent areas for small to large groups (up to 100 people).
Site Features: Picnic table, fire ring, and Wi-Fi at every site.
Recreational Activities: Swimming pool with a deck, a jump pad, basketball, volleyball, and playgrounds. Stocked fishing pond (catch and release only). Indoor and outdoor event spaces and a fitness room.
Convenience: Country store with essentials, beer & wine, souvenirs. Two modern bathhouses and on-site laundry.
Important Notes:
- Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- During peak hours, pool access may be limited to one-hour sessions.
Small Country Campground
📍Louisa | 📞 (540) 967-2431 | Send an Email | Facebook | HipCamp
This family-friendly campground offers endless activities. Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on Beaver Lake, plus lakeside swimming beaches and a pool. Land-based fun includes a jumping pillow, arcades, playgrounds, mini golf, shuffleboard, volleyball, cornhole, basketball, and horseshoes. Nearby hiking trails offer peaceful escapes with lake views.
Amenities:
Campsites: Full Hook-Up, Water & Electric, and Group Tent sites (accommodating up to 50’ RVs).
Convenience: Camp store with snacks, supplies, and local goods. On-site snack shack serving pizza and hand-dipped ice cream. Propane fill/exchange and dump stations are available. Dog park, dog waste stations.
Facilities: Three renovated bathhouses. Laundry room.
Connectivity: Free WiFi for campers.
Important Notes:
- Golf carts are welcome, but must be registered with the office and driven by licensed adults.
- Quiet hours are from 11 PM to 8 AM—perfect for a peaceful night’s rest.
- No fishing license is required for Beaver Lake since it’s private.
- Cell service can vary depending on your provider. WiFi is available near key areas.
- Pets are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after—there’s a dedicated dog park for off-leash time.
Camping Tips for a Safe & Comfortable Stay
Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, it’s always smart to plan before setting up camp. Here are a few practical tips to make your Charlottesville camping experience even better:
Reserve Early: Many popular campgrounds near Charlottesville fill up fast during peak seasons, especially weekends and holidays. Booking in advance ensures you get the type of site you want—tent, RV, lakefront, or shaded.
Pack for the Weather: Central Virginia can be humid in the summer and chilly at night, even in spring and fall. Bring layered clothing, waterproof gear, and plenty of sunscreen and bug spray.
Know Your Site: Check each campground’s rules regarding pets, quiet hours, firewood, and amenities. Some sites are primitive with no hookups, while others offer full electric, water, and sewer for RVs.
Leave No Trace: Respect the natural beauty of Virginia’s forests, rivers, and mountain trails. Pack out all trash, minimize campfire impact, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Bring the Basics: Even if you’re glamping, essentials like a flashlight, extra batteries, clean water, first-aid supplies, and backup snacks can make a big difference.
Camping near Charlottesville is a chance to unplug, slow down, and soak up the beauty of the Blue Ridge foothills. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to focus on the best part—relaxing and exploring the great outdoors.
Ready to Camp Near Charlottesville?
With so many scenic tent and RV camping destinations just a short drive from downtown Charlottesville, there’s no shortage of ways to escape into nature. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or a longer stay under the stars, these local campgrounds offer unforgettable experiences for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.
After experiencing the beauty of the area, you might just find yourself wanting to stay. If so, we encourage you to explore Treesdale Apartments in Charlottesville, VA. These apartments offer modern comfort combined with scenic views and convenient access to the region’s natural attractions. Get ready, pack your gear, and head out—the forests and mountains surrounding Charlottesville are ready for your visit. Happy camping!