12 Best Private Campsites Near Amherst, VA, US 2025

Looking to embark on a camping adventure near Amherst, Virginia? Hipcamp has got you covered with over 290 private campsite options in the area. Whether you prefer a private farm experience or a riverside paradise, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. With top-rated campsites like Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), Private Paradise on Rivers Bend (210 reviews), and Seven Islands River Front Camping (131 reviews), you can trust that these sites have been vetted and loved by fellow campers. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfire pits, as well as activities such as climbing, exploring historic sites, and boating. Prices start as low as $17 per night, with an average price of $45 per night. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the great outdoors in Amherst, Virginia!

98% (344)

Top-rated campgrounds

Kayaking on the pond! It actually goes down to a depth of about 30 feet in the middle. Super refreshing for an afternoon or morning dip.

Looking to embark on a camping adventure near Amherst, Virginia? Hipcamp has got you covered with over 290 private campsite options in the area. Whether you prefer a private farm experience or a riverside paradise, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. With top-rated campsites like Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), Private Paradise on Rivers Bend (210 reviews), and Seven Islands River Front Camping (131 reviews), you can trust that these sites have been vetted and loved by fellow campers. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfire pits, as well as activities such as climbing, exploring historic sites, and boating. Prices start as low as $17 per night, with an average price of $45 per night. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the great outdoors in Amherst, Virginia!

98% (344)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Private Farm Minutes to Cville

98%

(1377)

45mi from Amherst · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Charlottesville, VA

This was a 55-acre farm, split in half to accommodate a bypass through Charlottesville, so the previous owners had to give up half the land, and actually moved the house down to the other half of the property! They had to build a land bridge to get to the new home site, so they turned the bridge into a dam and created a beautiful large swimming pond, complete with beach and gazebo. My wife Stephanie and I bought the property in early 2017 and have turned it into a private horse farm, adding pastures, a riding ring, and 6-stall barn. There are ~21 horses who live on the property. The property is unique in that you can hardly see another house from anywhere on the property and yet we are only 2 miles from Barracks Rd. Shopping Center, and 4 miles from the University of Virginia.

2. Thunder BRidge

99%

(687)

25mi from Amherst · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Natural Bridge Station, VA

Starting December 1, or first night below freezing we will be closing down Bath House and only access will be at outhouses. Only sites near outhouses will be open and there will be no access to water. Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. Most of the buildings out front are artist studios (currently for 16 artists). We like to share the camp with others and watch it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky. We want to share our property with those who want to stay for more than one night, so we do not accept inquiries of single night stays.

3. Seven Islands River Front Campsites

99%

(610)

39mi from Amherst · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Arvonia, VA

NOTICE: Some campers are having navigational problems with their phone’s GPS feature. Having a paper roadmap available for a backup is recommended . 9337 Bridgeport Rd, Arvonia Va.23004. NOTE:We have changed things a bit. We are going with only 2 sites this year. Site 1 is no longer available. Turn at the aluminum canoe placed on top of a large orange road barrier at the edge of our drive way. The canoe is bolding displaying the word HIPCAMP with a red arrow leading the way. Follow the drive down to the river front campsites.. This is due to a yearly Festival held in Scottsville where Historic river . Smallmouth and catfish are biting. Go by a local store and buy night crawlers,worms and a pack of 2/0 hooks and you will catch something . Firewood available per request and delivered for$30.00 a load. Accessible by car or canoe, East End at Seven Islands provides endless fun for the whole family, including your well behaved off-leash dogs. When you arrive take a cooling dip in a quiet “river pool”, relax on your private beach, or see if the fish are biting. Let your kids experience the best the river has to offer by exploring the shallows for crayfish, chasing minnows, or watching for Bald Eagles patrolling the river. Your site is approximately 2 acres, so you will have your choice of where to pitch a tent or place your camper or trailer. Spend your nights stargazing, enjoying a campfire (remember to bring s’mores ingredients), or fishing for catfish. This is an ideal family-oriented campsite about an hour NW of Richmond. Come, enjoy and make some memories! Children 10 and under are free On the other side of the river you might hear a train passing by at different times, both, day and night. Safety Notice: Not accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak when the James River level is 6 feet or higher at Scottsville. At 7.5 - 8 feet, there is not much beach to play on and the river is too dangerous to navigate. You can drive in and camp, but please stay clear of all water activities, including fishing, in these dangerous conditions.

4. Hawthorn Hollar

99%

(244)

44mi from Amherst · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Palmyra, VA

Discover Hawthorn Hollow-"COME LET YOUR DOGS RUN FREE!" A Family-Owned Retreat Since 1949. Where we Welcome you to our little slice of paradise, where the beauty of nature and the joy of adventure come together to create an unforgettable experience! Nestled on family-owned land rich with history and charm, our property offers a unique blend of rustic appeal and abundant space. Imagine waking up to the serene sounds of nature, with endless opportunities for excitement and relaxation right at your doorstep. Our property is perfect for those who simply love being outdoors. Enjoy a leisurely hike, a peaceful picnic by the water, or a night under the stars. With plenty of space to spread out, you can truly relax and unwind without feeling crowded. Our land is a haven for wildlife, and you might catch glimpses of deer, eagles, turkey, fox and other animals that call this place home. We take pride in sharing our family land with guests. Whether you're here for the fishing, canoeing the scenery, or simply to relax and unwind, we promise a warm welcome and a delightful stay. Come be mesmerized by the fire, cook outside and play games like badminton or corn hole to experience the magic of being outdoors, where every moment is a celebration of nature and the simple joys of life. Welcome to our home – we're excited to share it with you!

5. Altamont Farms

96%

(12)

10mi from Amherst · 8 sites · Lodging · Concord, VA

Welcome to Altamont Farm, where nature's grandeur meets rustic elegance! Perched atop Goin Hill, our Sunset Pavilion beckons with breathtaking views of the James River and the majestic Appalachian Mountains. This off grid cabin has a cozy Outhouse, a fenced front yard for your furry friends, and a charming glass-enclosed cedar room with a queen-size bed suspended from the ceiling. Warm yourself by the real wood-burning parlor stove or step onto the small deck to savor the outdoors.

6. WishFlower Gardens in the Woods

100%

(8)

49mi from Amherst · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Keysville, VA

WishFlower Gardens is an off grid mostly wooded homestead in progress. You'll have access to a tent site (accessed by an in progress trail), Campervan, or mostly level parking spots for self-contained vehicle camping. We are visual artists and herbalists and are happy to add on an intuitive painting class or plant medicine workshop to be enjoyed during your stay.

7. 4 Mile Rock Meadow

99%

(58)

20mi from Amherst · 2 sites · RVs · Montebello, VA

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Crabtree Falls in Montebello, Virginia, lies a one-of-a-kind campsite. Located on 60 acres of hardwood forest, the site boasts a mountain top meadow at the crest of Fork Mountain. Adventure seekers will love the onsite hiking and bird watching opportunities, while biking, fishing, and horseback riding can be enjoyed in the nearby vicinity. As a unique feature, this campsite offers an unobstructed view of the stars, making it a perfect spot for stargazing enthusiasts. Welcome to your very own Dark Sky campsite! 4 Mile Rock Meadow offers Designated Fire Pit 2 Water Pumps 2 Electric Hookups Picnic Tables Pet Friendly Area Privacy Dark Sky Area The state road leading to the property is narrow for the last 1.5 miles.

8. Twin Poplar Farm

99%

(87)

8.4mi from Amherst · 3 sites · Tents · Amherst, VA

The Farm is located on 65 private acres of Woods and Field on the Tye River. This is a place for people who love nature and want to be out in it. We have chosen to prioritize conservation over ease of access, so though the sites are all walk in only [or paddle in!] this means you will camp on the grass or leaves not the gravel of a parking lot. There are only 3 sites on the land so you can soak up nature without noisy neighbors. "Twin Poplar" refers to the Tulip Poplar's extraordinary tenacity, after being cut down, like the Phoenix who returns to life after death, a Poplar will often regrow as two "twin" trunks. A chance for a new life and growth! For more follow us on Instagram @TwinPoplarFarm

9. Nealand Farm

100%

(35)

34mi from Amherst · 3 sites · Tents · Scottsville, VA

Nestled on 65 acres of rolling hills, Nealand Farm offers a perfect balance between pastoral beauty, farm experiences, and modern convenience. Visitors can hike through our broadleaf forests, explore two different creeks, and wander through pastures. Sharp-eyed guests may spot our pair of resident Cooper's hawks. You'll be staying on an active sustainable farm and homestead. We can arrange for interactions with goats, dogs, chickens, and cows, and we offer tours of our gardens during the growing season. You can relax on a hammock or on our front porch. We often feel like we're in the middle of nowhere, but it's a 3-minute walk through the woods to a grocery store, post office, food, and more. Historic downtown Scottsville and access to the James River are about a mile down the road. The campsites are located in an area with views of both beautiful sunrise and sunset, and they're mostly shaded throughout the day. You'll have access to our toilet trailer (compost toilet and sink), electricity (our property is 100% solar-powered), and wifi that reaches the campsites. There are no campfires at the campsites, but all campers can use our firepit area and the patio with a picnic table. Our free range chickens and Livestock Guardian Dog have access to campsite areas. The dog is very friendly, but if that's a problem, let us know and we can move him to prevent access. Because we are an active farm, we strictly prohibit pets.

10. Buttermilk Bluff

100%

(4)

30mi from Amherst · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Timberlake, VA

RV, Overland or Tent campsite on 60 acres with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Peaks of Otter. Located 25 minutes from Liberty University in Lynchburg and 50 minutes from Roanoke, it's a great place to bring your RV and visit LU's campus while getting to enjoy the outdoors. Buttermilk Bluff is also conveniently located between Smith Mountain Lake and the Blue Ridge Parkway, the location is a short drive to lake amenities, the Appalachian Trail or one of Bedford counties favorite hikes, Sharp Top Trail. It's a perfect place to get to spend one on one time with family and nature. An abundance of wildlife including deer, turkey, hawks, owls and the occasional black bear can be seen. Enjoy exploring Buttermilk Creek which surrounds the property on two sides while having the entire 60 acres to yourself!

11. Camp 4everyoung

100%

(4)

46mi from Amherst · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Sandy Level, VA

3/4 of mile to Leesville Lake (Walking Distance), lake access has small boat ramp, picnic tables, grass area to relax and enjoy the day at the lake. The 10 acres offers a large fire pit and hang out area, plenty of room for walking or hiking the property. Very nice full outdoor bathhouse with hot water and composting toilet. 5 min ride to Smith Mountain Lake Dam visitors center, 15 min to Magnum Point Marina, 25 mins to Rocky Mount, Va and Gretna, VA. Hiking, fishing, biking, golf all with 25-30 mins. https://www.smithmtn.com/ https://business.visitsmithmountainlake.com/list

12. Camp McFender

100%

(24)

16mi from Amherst · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Appomattox, VA

Camp McFender was started in 2020 by offering our friends and guests a place to relax, camp, mountain bike, hike, fish, and swim to name a few. With 91 acres of rolling hills, gorgeous views, highland cows, and 2 creeks, it's the perfect escape. - Over 7 miles of hiking/mountain biking trails. - Bent Creek and a natural spring with a zip line, swimming hole, and multiple rock beaches. - Lookout points to enjoy the sunrise, sunset, and dark sky for star and planet viewing. - Highland cows that you can pet and feed (contact us first to visit them). - 13 miles from Holiday Lake State Park. - 8 miles from Bent Creek/James River boat ramp. - 15 miles from James River State Park. - 6 miles from Appomattox Court House National Park. - 10 miles from downtown Appomattox. - 33 miles from Farmville. - 28 miles from Lynchburg.

Camper favorites near Amherst

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

4 Mile Rock Meadow

99%

(58)

20mi from Amherst · 2 sites · RVs · Montebello, VA

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Crabtree Falls in Montebello, Virginia, lies a one-of-a-kind campsite. Located on 60 acres of hardwood forest, the site boasts a mountain top meadow at the crest of Fork Mountain. Adventure seekers will love the onsite hiking and bird watching opportunities, while biking, fishing, and horseback riding can be enjoyed in the nearby vicinity. As a unique feature, this campsite offers an unobstructed view of the stars, making it a perfect spot for stargazing enthusiasts. Welcome to your very own Dark Sky campsite! 4 Mile Rock Meadow offers Designated Fire Pit 2 Water Pumps 2 Electric Hookups Picnic Tables Pet Friendly Area Privacy Dark Sky Area The state road leading to the property is narrow for the last 1.5 miles.

Twin Poplar Farm

99%

(87)

8.4mi from Amherst · 3 sites · Tents · Amherst, VA

The Farm is located on 65 private acres of Woods and Field on the Tye River. This is a place for people who love nature and want to be out in it. We have chosen to prioritize conservation over ease of access, so though the sites are all walk in only [or paddle in!] this means you will camp on the grass or leaves not the gravel of a parking lot. There are only 3 sites on the land so you can soak up nature without noisy neighbors. "Twin Poplar" refers to the Tulip Poplar's extraordinary tenacity, after being cut down, like the Phoenix who returns to life after death, a Poplar will often regrow as two "twin" trunks. A chance for a new life and growth! For more follow us on Instagram @TwinPoplarFarm

Nealand Farm

100%

(35)

34mi from Amherst · 3 sites · Tents · Scottsville, VA

Nestled on 65 acres of rolling hills, Nealand Farm offers a perfect balance between pastoral beauty, farm experiences, and modern convenience. Visitors can hike through our broadleaf forests, explore two different creeks, and wander through pastures. Sharp-eyed guests may spot our pair of resident Cooper's hawks. You'll be staying on an active sustainable farm and homestead. We can arrange for interactions with goats, dogs, chickens, and cows, and we offer tours of our gardens during the growing season. You can relax on a hammock or on our front porch. We often feel like we're in the middle of nowhere, but it's a 3-minute walk through the woods to a grocery store, post office, food, and more. Historic downtown Scottsville and access to the James River are about a mile down the road. The campsites are located in an area with views of both beautiful sunrise and sunset, and they're mostly shaded throughout the day. You'll have access to our toilet trailer (compost toilet and sink), electricity (our property is 100% solar-powered), and wifi that reaches the campsites. There are no campfires at the campsites, but all campers can use our firepit area and the patio with a picnic table. Our free range chickens and Livestock Guardian Dog have access to campsite areas. The dog is very friendly, but if that's a problem, let us know and we can move him to prevent access. Because we are an active farm, we strictly prohibit pets.

Buttermilk Bluff

100%

(4)

30mi from Amherst · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Timberlake, VA

RV, Overland or Tent campsite on 60 acres with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Peaks of Otter. Located 25 minutes from Liberty University in Lynchburg and 50 minutes from Roanoke, it's a great place to bring your RV and visit LU's campus while getting to enjoy the outdoors. Buttermilk Bluff is also conveniently located between Smith Mountain Lake and the Blue Ridge Parkway, the location is a short drive to lake amenities, the Appalachian Trail or one of Bedford counties favorite hikes, Sharp Top Trail. It's a perfect place to get to spend one on one time with family and nature. An abundance of wildlife including deer, turkey, hawks, owls and the occasional black bear can be seen. Enjoy exploring Buttermilk Creek which surrounds the property on two sides while having the entire 60 acres to yourself!

Camp 4everyoung

100%

(4)

46mi from Amherst · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Sandy Level, VA

3/4 of mile to Leesville Lake (Walking Distance), lake access has small boat ramp, picnic tables, grass area to relax and enjoy the day at the lake. The 10 acres offers a large fire pit and hang out area, plenty of room for walking or hiking the property. Very nice full outdoor bathhouse with hot water and composting toilet. 5 min ride to Smith Mountain Lake Dam visitors center, 15 min to Magnum Point Marina, 25 mins to Rocky Mount, Va and Gretna, VA. Hiking, fishing, biking, golf all with 25-30 mins. https://www.smithmtn.com/ https://business.visitsmithmountainlake.com/list

Camp McFender

100%

(24)

16mi from Amherst · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Appomattox, VA

Camp McFender was started in 2020 by offering our friends and guests a place to relax, camp, mountain bike, hike, fish, and swim to name a few. With 91 acres of rolling hills, gorgeous views, highland cows, and 2 creeks, it's the perfect escape. - Over 7 miles of hiking/mountain biking trails. - Bent Creek and a natural spring with a zip line, swimming hole, and multiple rock beaches. - Lookout points to enjoy the sunrise, sunset, and dark sky for star and planet viewing. - Highland cows that you can pet and feed (contact us first to visit them). - 13 miles from Holiday Lake State Park. - 8 miles from Bent Creek/James River boat ramp. - 15 miles from James River State Park. - 6 miles from Appomattox Court House National Park. - 10 miles from downtown Appomattox. - 33 miles from Farmville. - 28 miles from Lynchburg.

Stories from the community

j

jesse

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Lovely private car camping site on beuatiful horse farm, minutes from downtown Charlottesville. Camp site was clean and private. The amenities were quality and the space was beuatiful. Check in and check out were effortless.

Noah

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Seven Islands River Front Campsites

Great place amazing views so peaceful we will definitely be back love the river!

B

Bat

3 weeks ago

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Hawthorn Hollar

Persimmon Patch was very nice with lots of space & privacy. (our campsite was at least acre). The facilities were nice, and the hosts were friendly and went out of thier way to accommodate our needs--they even dewinterized plumbing for us.

P

Paul

3 weeks ago

24 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawthorn Hollar

Most welcoming HipCamp we have ever been to. Julie and Moon are gracious and supportive hosts. Our grandkids ( we have 9 but brought 5 this time) love this camp area. Wonderful hiking Huge fields for games and Moon and Julie even took us on an old fashion hayride Grandkids begging for return visit

T

Tash

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Seven Islands River Front Campsites

The views were great and it those was well kept! The fire wood burned really well. This site is well worth the visit!

J

Jessica

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Thunder BRidge

One of the best places we have camped! Clean sites and facilities. Adam was so accommodating and responsive. We hope to go back very soon.

J

Jessica

3 weeks ago

20 ft Class B

1 night at WishFlower Gardens in the Woods

The host was incredibly kind and accommodating, spot is secluded and private. We were alone for the night but there were some other parking spots. Nice to have a sink and toilet set up for us and the herbal tincture was lovely :)

r

russ

November 2025

34 ft travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Buttermilk Bluff

We thoroughly enjoyed this campsite! The solitude and serene views were truly unmatched. We could see for miles, and the sunsets were amazing. We traveled with two young kids who loved exploring the nearby creek. The host was wonderful—friendly, attentive, and made sure all of our needs were met. Highly recommend!

S

Shane

November 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Buttermilk Bluff

The pictures don’t do the view justice at this place. Perfectly isolated, yet close enough to local amenities to go get something if necessary. The sights and sounds of the area are amazing! We saw deer, wild turkeys, a beaver, and plenty of friendly cows. With minimal light pollution, the night sky was breathtaking. Katie was more patient and accommodating than we deserved. We enjoyed campfires both nights and utilized the well placed utility hookups for our camper. I definitely plan to return and visit some of the local attractions that we learned about and weren’t able to fit into this trip.

A

Aaron

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawthorn Hollar

Beautiful property, and Moon and Julie were very nice and welcoming. I would highly recommend.

B

Bill

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Great location, close to DMY. Easy to work with management. Added extra spot at the last minute when we ended up with a large group.

E

Emma

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

We had a wonderful time! Very helpful directions from the owner and the cabin was beautiful! We would definitely come back and recommend to others.

Amanda

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Seven Islands River Front Campsites

My partner took me camping for my birthday and he chose the site. The view was spectacular and the hosts were very friendly! There is a really cool train that passes on the other side of the water, and it is so cool to watch. We got a bundle of wood, and it lasted us all weekend. I was on site 2, and the only suggestion I might make is to perhaps make stairs going down to the water level area. I'll be back for sure!

Breakfast, with car/tent camping set-up and bathhouse in background.

M

Moon

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Directions were clear. Camp sites were well kept. Great communication.

V

Victoria

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

The camp site was beautiful and had everything we needed. Adam was a wonderful host and extremely helpful. I hope to stay here again!

S

Seth

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Camp experience was great (aside from the directions pulled from the app not being accurate - had to ask a couple of locals for directions to get un-lost). Adam was super friendly and check-in/out was super simple.

K

Kylie

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Amazing!! The site was private and there was a fire pit which was great! The bathroom was easy to get to and had everything you could need! The property was so beautiful and we loved looking at the horses and donkeys!!

R

Ryan

November 2025

22 ft travel trailer

2 nights at 4 Mile Rock Meadow

Really beautiful spot off the beaten path with great views of the mountains. Nice level spot for the rig and the electric and water hookups worked great. Sam was also really responsive and a great host. Will be back!

Do your own thing, be alone with nature.

L

Luke

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Bob was incredibly helpful at relocating us because site #2 doesn’t allow dogs. He moved us to the spacious #7 campsite at no additional charge, and we never had to talk to another person while we were camping. It was exactly the kind of escape into nature that we were looking for. We will be back!

A

Adrienne

November 2025

10 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Beautiful site. Excellent communication with the host. Feels remote while being close to many amenities. We will definitely stay here again.