Camping Near Charlottesville, VA: Tent and RV Campsites
Looking for the ideal camping in the Charlottesville area or a campground in Charlottesville, VA? The Charlottesville region and surrounding areas are brimming with scenic outdoor getaways perfect for any adventurer. Whether you’re planning a peaceful weekend immersed in nature or a family RV park near Charlottesville, VA, you’ll find diverse options to suit your style.
From tent sites tucked away under the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to full-service RV parks near Charlottesville, VA that offer all the comforts of home, Central Virginia is an excellent base for hiking, fishing, stargazing, and truly reconnecting with nature. In this guide, we’ve gathered some of the best tent and RV campgrounds near Charlottesville, VA, making it easy for you to pitch your tent, park your rig, and experience all the beauty this area has to offer.
Top Campgrounds Near Charlottesville, VA
Traditional Tent Campsites near Charlottesville, VA
Cozy Acres Campground
đź“ŤPowhatan | đź“ž (804) 598-2470 | good sam
Tucked into the Virginia countryside, Cozy Acres Campground offers a mix of comfort, recreation, and nature for RVers, tent campers, and cabin guests. With a full lineup of amenities—from swimming pools and catfish ponds to a stocked game room and hiking trails—this is a well-rounded destination for families and travelers looking to relax, play, or stay a while.
Activities and Amenities:
- Water Activities: Guests can enjoy swimming in the newly renovated pool or the fenced kiddie pool.
- Outdoor Recreation: The campground offers horseshoes, beach volleyball, fire engine rides for kids, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing on peaceful nature trails.
- Indoor Games: An indoor game room provides ping pong, foosball, billiards, and pinball.
- Planned Events: Throughout the season, campers can participate in planned events and activities.
- RV Sites: Choose from full hook-up RV sites with 20/30/50 amp service, including pull-thru super sites and waterfront sites with patios or gazebos.
- Cabins & Kottages: Rustic cabins and kottages are available, complete with AC, bathrooms, and kitchens.
- Facilities: The campground features a newly renovated private bathhouse, an indoor clubhouse with a camper kitchen and meeting space, and laundry facilities.
- Convenience: A Trading Post is stocked with snacks, RV parts, and supplies. LP gas refill and dump stations are available, along with other camper services.
- Rentals & Storage: Golf cart rentals and seasonal pool memberships are offered, as well as indoor and outdoor RV storage options.
Horseshoe Flats Camping
đź“ŤScottsville | đź“ž 434-286-4401 | the dyrt
Tucked along the banks of the scenic James River, Horseshoe Flats Campground is a peaceful, family-owned retreat in Scottsville, VA. This hidden gem is known for its relaxed vibe, riverside views, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re pitching a tent under mature shade trees or hooking up an RV just steps from the water, this quiet campground offers a charming escape with a walkable connection to the historic town of Scottsville.
Activities and Amenities:
- Riverside Recreation: Enjoy tubing, canoeing, swimming, and fishing right on the James River. A tubing shuttle service is available where staff will drive you upriver so you can float back to your site.
- Campsites: The campground offers 25 total RV sites (9 full hook-up, 25 water/electric) that can accommodate RVs up to 35 ft. There are also 25 primitive tent sites, many with river views and shade.
- Local Exploration: Easily explore Scottsville’s shops, taverns, and local parks by walking or biking.
- Dining & Picnicking: Plenty of grassy riverfront space for relaxed meals outdoors and a small game room in town.
- Tours: Vineyard and brewery trips are available upon request.
- Facilities: Bathrooms with hot showers (indoor & outdoor options).
- Convenience: Firewood for sale (with plenty available), Wi-Fi access in many areas, and a strong Verizon signal. Easy access to gas, groceries, and laundry in town.
- Staff & Service: Known for their friendly, attentive staff and excellent hospitality.
Devils Backbone Camp
đź“ŤRoseland | đź“ž 540-817-9708 | good sam
Where beer and the Blue Ridge meet, Devils Backbone Camp blends a laid-back mountain camping experience with world-class craft beverages, food, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re in an RV, pitching a tent, or gathering with friends for a group stay, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere just steps from a bustling brewpub, scenic trails, and Virginia’s craft beverage heartland.
Amenities and Activities:
- Campsites: The campground offers a variety of options, including full hook-up RV sites with 30, 50, and 110 amp service, along with tent-only sites, group tent sites, and primitive and field camping areas.
- Site Features: Fire rings and picnic tables are provided, with availability being site-dependent.
- Bathhouse: A 24/7 bathhouse with heated showers is accessible to all guests.
- Convenience: Guests can utilize contactless check-in and visit the on-site camp shop.
- Pet Policy: The campground maintains pet-friendly policies.
- Golf Carts: Golf cart-friendly roads are available, subject to specific guidelines.
- Outdoor Recreation: Outdoor lovers can hit the trails with easy access to the Appalachian Trail via Reid’s Gap, or explore the local scene by following the Nelson 151 Trail—home to more than 20 breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
- On-site Entertainment: Enjoy yard games and live music in the bier garden, delicious meals at the Basecamp Brewpub, and a relaxing atmosphere in the Cigar Lounge.
- Shopping & Events: Guests can browse gear and gifts at the Summit store or take part in seasonal events that bring the community together.
RV & Camper-Friendly Parks Near Charlottesville, VA
While most of the campsites in our list are RV-friendly, some are more so than others. Let’s take a look at some of these options:
Christopher Run Campground
đź“ŤMineral | đź“ž (540) 894-4744 | the dyrt
Christopher Run Campground has deep roots on the shores of Lake Anna. Originally farmland, this scenic waterfront property was transformed by Sam and Jean Bazzanella into the very first campground on the lake. What began in 1973 as a simple boat ramp and picnic shelter has grown into a family-run campground with over 200 sites. With a peaceful, rural setting and direct lake access, it’s a great choice for campers who enjoy both history and recreation.
Amenities and Activities:
- Accommodations: The campground offers full RV hook-ups, camper cabins, and a tent camping area.
- Water Activities: Enjoy fishing from dedicated piers, renting boats, or launching your own from one of six on-site ramps on Lake Anna. Guests can also go swimming in the lake.
- Land-Based Recreation: There’s mini-golf (small fee), a playground for kids, and opportunities for hiking.
- Communal Areas: Relax in the recreation hall or large group pavilion, and gather at your campsite for evenings under the stars.
- Facilities & Services: The campground provides a well-stocked camp store, updated bathhouses with hot showers, a laundromat, a dumping station, and mail service.
- Marina & Boating: A marina with 50 wet slips is available, with live bait and boats available for rent on-site.
- Other Conveniences: Picnic tables and ice for sale are also provided.
Misty Mountain Camp Resort
đź“ŤGreenwood | đź“ž (540) 456-6409 | good sam
Misty Mountain Camp Resort provides a peaceful yet activity-filled escape at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This 50-acre campground blends nature with convenience, offering creekside tent sites, hills to explore, and spaces for weddings, reunions, and company retreats. With cabins, tenting areas, and RV sites all on one property, it’s designed to suit a range of camping styles.
Amenities and Activities:
- Campsites: The campground offers a variety of RV sites, including full hookup or electric/water options with both 50 and 30 amp service, available as pull-through or back-in sites. Every site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and Wi-Fi access. Dedicated tent areas are also available for groups ranging from small to large.
- Water Activities: Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, complete with a deck, and a stocked fishing pond for catch-and-release fishing.
- Outdoor Recreation: Fun options include nature trails, playgrounds, hayrides, a jump pad, basketball court, volleyball court, and even cornhole and horseshoe tournaments.
- Unique Experiences: Additional fun includes gemstone and fossil mining at the Misty Mountain Mining Company.
- Entertainment & Events: The campground hosts a variety of seasonal events, live local music, food truck weekends, and karaoke nights. Both indoor and outdoor event spaces are available for gatherings.
- Convenience & Facilities: Two modern bathhouses and on-site laundry facilities are provided for guest comfort. A convenient country store is on-site, stocking essentials, beer & wine, and souvenirs.
- Fitness: A fitness center is also available.
Charlottesville KOA Holiday
đź“ŤCharlottesville | đź“ž (434) 296-9881 | the dyrt
Charlottesville KOA Holiday blends natural beauty with convenient amenities, making it a popular choice for campers exploring the Blue Ridge foothills. With wooded campsites surrounded by blooming dogwoods in spring and vivid fall foliage, this campground offers a quiet place to recharge between local adventures.
Amenities and Activities:
- Campsite Features: The campground offers sites with a maximum of 50 amps for electrical hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet in length.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and cable TV are available for guests.
- Water Activities: An extra-large swimming pool is open seasonally (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
- Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy a nature trail to a beaver pond, on-site pond fishing, pedal kart rentals, a playground, a Jump Pad for younger kids, and a variety of lawn games including volleyball, tetherball, horseshoes, and ladder ball.
- Conveniences: Propane and firewood can be purchased on-site. Laundry facilities are available for guest use.
- Communal & Pet Areas: The campground features a pavilion and a dog park.
Small Country Campground
đź“ŤLouisa | đź“ž (540) 967-2431 | the dyrt
Small Country Campground in Louisa, VA, offers a lively and family-friendly camping experience with everything from lakeside fun to classic campground games. With multiple site types, an abundance of activities, and newly updated amenities, it’s easy to see why this destination is a favorite for both short getaways and extended stays.
Amenities and Activities:
- Campsites: The campground offers a variety of sites, including Full Hook-Up, Water & Electric, and Group Tent sites, accommodating RVs up to 50 feet in length.
- Water Activities: Guests can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and catch-and-release fishing on scenic Beaver Lake, or cool off at the lakeside swimming beaches and the on-site swimming pool.
- Land-Based Recreation: The campground features a jumping pillow, arcades, playgrounds, an 18-hole mini golf course, shuffleboard, volleyball, cornhole, basketball courts, and horseshoe pits.
- Nature & Hiking: Nearby hiking trails wind through wooded areas with beautiful lake views, offering a perfect escape into nature.
- Camp Store: A convenient camp store is available, stocked with snacks, supplies, and local goods.
- Dining Options: An on-site snack shack serves delicious pizza and hand-dipped ice cream.
- Facilities: Guests have access to three renovated bathhouses and a laundry room.
- Conveniences for Pets & RVs: The campground provides a dog park, dog waste stations, propane fill/exchange, and dump stations.
- Connectivity: Free WiFi is available for all campers.
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 The Coves At Monticello Apartments in Cunningham, 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!
Check out our other local guides for a list of State Parks near Palmrya, The Best Coffee in Charlottesville, Local Charlottesville Farmers Markets, and so much more!