Escape to Nature: Charlottesville Tent & RV Camping Destinations
Looking for the perfect outdoor getaway near Charlottesville, VA? Whether you’re planning a peaceful weekend in the woods or a family RV adventure, the Charlottesville region is surrounded by scenic campgrounds that offer something for every kind of camper. From tent sites nestled beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains to full-service RV parks with all the comforts of home, Central Virginia is an ideal base for hiking, fishing, stargazing, and reconnecting with nature. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best tent and RV camping destinations near Charlottesville—so you can pitch a tent, park your rig, and enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer.
Top Campgrounds Near Charlottesville, VA:
Traditional Campsites Suitable for Tents
Graves Mountain Campground
Phone: (303) 877-9659 | Facebook | HipCamp
Activities:
- Hiking: Over 29 miles of trails, including nearby Old Rag and White Oak Canyon.
- Cycling & Climbing: Mountain biking, road cycling, and rock climbing with local guides available.
- Horseback Riding: Trail rides, pony rides, and overnight horse camping.
- Fishing: Two stocked ponds and two mountain streams.
- Nature & Farm Experiences: Nature walks, farm tours, and seasonal vineyard and craft brewery tours.
- Evening Entertainment: Music nights and s’mores around the firepit.
- Relaxation: Massages can be booked through the Main Lodge.
Amenities:
- Restroom Facilities: Porta-toilets, pit toilets, and seasonal wet toilets and showers.
- Utilities: Dump station, water spigots (no continuous hookups), and a small electrical supply for device charging near the entrance.
- 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.
Crabtree Falls Campground
Phone: (540) 377-2066 | Facebook | TripAdvisor
Activities:
- Crabtree Falls: Hike to the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi, a moderate, switchback trail (approx. 1.5-hour roundtrip).
- Spy Rock: Just 4 miles away for stunning 360-degree mountain vistas.
- Humpback Rock: Another popular hiking option.
- Scenic Drives: Explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway with its overlooks and winding roads.
- Local Attractions: Visit nearby Devils Backbone Brewing Company or Blue Mountain Brewery for craft drinks and food.
- Family Fun: On-site playground with swings, a lookout tower, and a log cabin-style playhouse.
Amenities:
- Tent, pop-up, and RV sites (some walk-in only, others drive-to with hookups).
- Water & Electric Hookups (available at select sites for an added fee).
- Renovated bathhouses with tiled showers and modern amenities.
- General Store stocked with camping essentials, snacks, toiletries, firewood, and s’mores supplies.
- Laundry facilities with washer, dryer, and dish-cleaning sink.
- Picnic tables and fire pits at all sites (except no grill tops or fire rings at field tent sites).
- Pet-friendly with restrictions (review pet policy before booking).
Christopher Run Campground
Phone: (540) 894-4744 | Facebook | TripAdvisor
Activities:
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing from dedicated piers.
- Boating: Rent boats or launch your own from one of six on-site ramps.
- Swimming: Take a refreshing dip in Lake Anna.
- Mini-Golf: Play a round of mini-golf.
- Playground: Kids can have fun at the playground.
- Relaxation & Gatherings: Relax in the recreation hall or the large group pavilion, and enjoy evenings under the stars at your campsite.
- Hiking: Explore the surrounding area on foot.
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).
RV and Camper-Friendly Campgrounds 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 fantastic choices, blending comfort with a classic camping experience.
Devils Backbone Camp
Phone: (540) 817-9708 | Facebook | TripAdvisor
Activities:
- Hiking: Easy access to the Appalachian Trail via Reid’s Gap.
- Local Exploration: Follow the Nelson 151 Trail, featuring over 20 breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
- Games & Music: Yard games and live music in the bier garden.
- Dining: Delicious meals at the Basecamp Brewpub.
- Relaxation: Unwind in the Cigar Lounge.
- Shopping: Browse gear and gifts at the Summit store.
- Events: Participate in seasonal community events.
Amenities:
- Campsites: Full hook-up RV sites (30/50/110 amps). Tent-only and group tent sites. Primitive and field camping areas.
- Restroom Facilities: 24/7 bathhouse with heated showers.
- Site Features: Fire rings, picnic tables (site dependent).
- Pet Policy: Pet-friendly policies.
- Convenience: Contactless check-in & on-site camp shop.
- Accessibility: Golf cart-friendly roads (with guidelines).
Misty Mountain Camp Resort
Phone: (540) 456-6409 | Facebook | TripAdvisor
Activities:
- Water Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, and catch-and-release fishing on scenic Beaver Lake; Lakeside swimming beaches and an on-site swimming pool.
- Family Fun: Jumping pillow, arcades, and playgrounds; 18-hole mini golf course.
- Games & Sports: Shuffleboard, volleyball, cornhole, basketball courts, and horseshoe pits.
- Nature & Exploration: Nearby hiking trails wind through wooded areas with beautiful lake views.
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 deck, jump pad, basketball, volleyball, and playgrounds. Stocked fishing pond (catch and release only).
- Convenience: Country store with essentials, beer & wine, souvenirs. Two modern bathhouses and on-site laundry.
- Event & Fitness: Indoor and outdoor event spaces, and a fitness room.
Charlottesville KOA Holiday
Phone: (434) 296-9881 | Facebook | TripAdvisor
Activities:
- Swimming: Extra-large swimming pool (open Memorial Day through Labor Day).
- Outdoor Games: Volleyball, tetherball, horseshoes, and ladder ball.
- Nature Exploration: Nature trail leading to a beaver pond.
- Family Fun: 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.
Small Country Campground
Phone: (540) 967-2431 | Facebook | HipCamp
Activities:
- Kayaking, canoeing, and catch-and-release fishing on scenic Beaver Lake.
- Lakeside swimming beaches and an on-site swimming pool.
- Jumping pillow, arcades, and playgrounds.
- 18-hole mini golf course.
- Shuffleboard, volleyball, corn hole, basketball courts, and horseshoe pits.
- Nearby hiking trails wind through wooded areas with beautiful lake views.
Amenities:
- Full Hook-Up, Water & Electric, and Group Tent sites (accommodating up to 50’ RVs).
- Camp store with snacks, supplies, and local goods.
- On-site snack shack serving pizza and hand-dipped ice cream.
- Three renovated bathhouses and a laundry room.
- Dog park, dog waste stations, propane fill/exchange, and dump stations.
- Free WiFi for 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 ahead 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 Lofts at Meadowcreek 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!
Check out our other local guides for a list of State Parks near Charlottesville, The Best Coffee in Charlottesville, Local Charlottesville Farmers Markets, and so much more!