The best lakeside camping near Brightwood

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In Brightwood, camping by the lake means waking up to mist over the water and the call of herons, not traffic. Over 200 lakefront campsites sit within reach of hiking trails, fishing spots, and horseback-riding routes. Expect practical comforts—pet-friendly sites, hot showers, and real toilets are common. Nightly rates start at $26, with most options hovering around $50. For a trusted spot, check out Private Farm Minutes to Cville (594 reviews), Camp Shenandoah Meadows (511 reviews), or Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch (284 reviews). You’ll find quiet coves for fishing, sunlit banks for reading, and trails that wind through old-growth forests. This is lake camping in Brightwood: straightforward, unfussy, and exactly what you came for.

99% (2.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Brightwood

2. Private Farm Minutes to Cville

98%
(1377)
29mi from Brightwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night

3. Southern Revere Vineyard & Farm

100%
(90)
31mi from Brightwood · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a family owned and operated vineyard and farm. Home to Southern Revere Cellars - Farm Brewery and Winery! 70 acres of forest and fields with a small pond and 3 Nigerian Dwarf goats. There are some fish in the pond, but it is catch and release. Fenced dog park and playground located behind the tasting room. Located conveniently between Richmond and Charlottesville only 3 miles off I-64 but feels like the secluded countryside. There are trails around the property to explore as well (please be considerate of other campers if present). You are welcome to visit the playground behind the tasting barn too. Porta john is also available in front of tasting room building, and water hose on East side of building for small amounts of water if needed (not intended to fill camper tanks). *Do note that we are a public business open Thurs-Mon, so there may be some noise and driveway traffic during open hours. Though we encourage you to join the fun! Check out our events calendar here: facebook.com/southernrevere/events **Please leave no trace and clean up after your pets. Pets must be on leash if coming to tasting room. QUIET HOURS: 10PM-7AM (please be courteous of potential fellow campers on the property).
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

9. Peaceful Meadows Farm

99%
(274)
44mi from Brightwood · 21 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Welcome to Peaceful Meadows Farm. We have 250 acres for you to explore and enjoy.When you arrive you will drive up to your campground destination which is 16 acres of Loblolly Pine trees. There is a 1 1/2 acre pond stocked with Catfish, Bass, Crappies, Brim and Shell Cracker. Also there are two smaller ponds with minnows and one is home to Tucker the Turtle 🐢 . We have several trails on the property to walk as well. You are welcome to 🐠 fish BUT FISHING IS CATCH AND RELEASE PLEASE. Each site will have a fire ring available and a picnic table. If you need anything else please let me know. We are AUTISM Friendly 💙,so if you have a camper that needs a little more encouragement about camping or other accommodations please let your host know. You are welcomed to bring your furry family members, bikes and kayaks. There is no swimming in the pond. It was built for fishing so it’s not safe to swim due to structures under the water for the fish. We are only 30 minutes from Carter’s Mountain, Monticello and Jefferson Winery’s. Thistle Gate Winery is only 5 minutes away and 20 minutes to Scottsville were you can enjoy the James River. UVA sports complex is only 30 minutes away and you’re able to go the back way in to skip the gridlock of the traffic. There so much more within 30 to 45 minutes of this camping area I can’t list it all. I promise you will Enjoy your stay!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night

14. CASA VARGAS

99%
(193)
8.2mi from Brightwood · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
**Welcome to Our Secluded Farm Retreat** Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and experience the serenity of our 104-acre farm, located just 5 miles from the charming town of Culpeper, VA. Nestled down a quiet dirt road, our farm offers the perfect getaway for those seeking privacy, tranquility, and the beauty of nature. Whether you're bringing your tent, travel trailer, or RV, you'll enjoy secluded sites that provide plenty of space to unwind and recharge. Our farm is surrounded by stunning landscapes, making it the ideal spot for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and horseback riding. If you're looking to relax, you can spend your days stargazing under the clear skies or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. Just a short drive away, you'll find some of the best wineries, breweries, and a wealth of tourist attractions, including the scenic Skyline Drive only 22 miles away. It's the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with something for everyone. Come create memories with family and friends in a place where nature, fun and relaxation come together.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night

18. Labyrinth, Trails and Solitude

98%
(193)
14mi from Brightwood · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
116 acres of forrest, hills and dells. Miles of hiking trails marked and well maintained. A small pond and beautiful labyrinth. Over 50 acres of deep wilderness woods. General Lee and his troops once camped here. But they cleaned up pretty good, so all you can really see is the old spring and wagon road. This is a working herb and small fruit farm. We have been experimenting with all kinds of exotic herbs and trees. Some make it, many don't. We sell dried herb teas. In addition we have 5 different kinds of bamboo. We use the bamboo for so many things. Camptown is our largest site. It features a large fire pit and a circular field that can accomodate 10 to 15 or more tents. You can also park smaller camper vans, teardrops, etc. in this large area. Good for parties, family reunions. The "# person" per site listing considers adults, not children... bring a whole crew of kids (try to have enough supervision - if there is such a concept!) The kids have such a great time out here... it is amazing. They love the labyrinth! By the way, that labryinth entrance is behind the kiosk. It's the largest of it's kind in North America. It seems like we made this place for the kids in ourselves and when actual kids see it they go wild. The last bunch were running and yelping with their picked flowers all round and round in the labyrinth for hours! Also, if you want peace and quiet we have beautiful remote campsites away from all the kids running around the labryinth whooping it up. (sites 4 - 6 - 8 - 9 - 10)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night

19. Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

100%
(492)
36mi from Brightwood · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Voted Top VA site! See Reviews. Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch is conveniently located at the north end of Fort Valley. The recreational draw to this area is hard to beat in VA, and this property has it all for an amazing outdoor weekend! The ranch comprises 40 acres of lowland acreage designated for the camp, including a 5-acre lake. The Cedar Grove sites 1, 2, and 3 are along the banks of Passage Creek located within a sparse, groomed Cedar grove. They are all a short walk (or drive) to the lake and beach amenities. Each site has varying access to the creek, so check out the site details. These sites are extra large and can accommodate multiple family groups, as well as, travel trailers of all sizes up to off-road motorcoaches in site 1. There are no hookups, so just boondocking. Pack it in, Pack it out. Generators are allowed but please be aware of the other sites and direct the noise away. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site is very secluded, nestled between the mountains and the lake. It overlooks our 5-acre lake with mountain views in the background. It's on the opposite side of the lake from the Cedar Sites. This site has its own dock and is just a short walk down a mowed trail to a beautiful section of Passage Creek. An additional seasonal mountain stream can cascade behind the site and run under it to feed the lake when the conditions are right. It's a delicate site, so the accommodations and group size is strictly limited. Check out the reviews and extensive gallery for many options of this amazing property! Locally, the North end of Fort Valley offers many great hiking trails, trout fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and the Elizabeth Furnace day-use park. Taskers Gap OHV/ATV park is a short drive south, and the valley is sandwiched between both forks of the Shenandoah River for those looking to paddle.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$85
 / night

In Brightwood, camping by the lake means waking up to mist over the water and the call of herons, not traffic. Over 200 lakefront campsites sit within reach of hiking trails, fishing spots, and horseback-riding routes. Expect practical comforts—pet-friendly sites, hot showers, and real toilets are common. Nightly rates start at $26, with most options hovering around $50. For a trusted spot, check out Private Farm Minutes to Cville (594 reviews), Camp Shenandoah Meadows (511 reviews), or Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch (284 reviews). You’ll find quiet coves for fishing, sunlit banks for reading, and trails that wind through old-growth forests. This is lake camping in Brightwood: straightforward, unfussy, and exactly what you came for.

99% (2.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Brightwood

2. Private Farm Minutes to Cville

98%
(1377)
29mi from Brightwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night

3. Southern Revere Vineyard & Farm

100%
(90)
31mi from Brightwood · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a family owned and operated vineyard and farm. Home to Southern Revere Cellars - Farm Brewery and Winery! 70 acres of forest and fields with a small pond and 3 Nigerian Dwarf goats. There are some fish in the pond, but it is catch and release. Fenced dog park and playground located behind the tasting room. Located conveniently between Richmond and Charlottesville only 3 miles off I-64 but feels like the secluded countryside. There are trails around the property to explore as well (please be considerate of other campers if present). You are welcome to visit the playground behind the tasting barn too. Porta john is also available in front of tasting room building, and water hose on East side of building for small amounts of water if needed (not intended to fill camper tanks). *Do note that we are a public business open Thurs-Mon, so there may be some noise and driveway traffic during open hours. Though we encourage you to join the fun! Check out our events calendar here: facebook.com/southernrevere/events **Please leave no trace and clean up after your pets. Pets must be on leash if coming to tasting room. QUIET HOURS: 10PM-7AM (please be courteous of potential fellow campers on the property).
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

9. Peaceful Meadows Farm

99%
(274)
44mi from Brightwood · 21 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Welcome to Peaceful Meadows Farm. We have 250 acres for you to explore and enjoy.When you arrive you will drive up to your campground destination which is 16 acres of Loblolly Pine trees. There is a 1 1/2 acre pond stocked with Catfish, Bass, Crappies, Brim and Shell Cracker. Also there are two smaller ponds with minnows and one is home to Tucker the Turtle 🐢 . We have several trails on the property to walk as well. You are welcome to 🐠 fish BUT FISHING IS CATCH AND RELEASE PLEASE. Each site will have a fire ring available and a picnic table. If you need anything else please let me know. We are AUTISM Friendly 💙,so if you have a camper that needs a little more encouragement about camping or other accommodations please let your host know. You are welcomed to bring your furry family members, bikes and kayaks. There is no swimming in the pond. It was built for fishing so it’s not safe to swim due to structures under the water for the fish. We are only 30 minutes from Carter’s Mountain, Monticello and Jefferson Winery’s. Thistle Gate Winery is only 5 minutes away and 20 minutes to Scottsville were you can enjoy the James River. UVA sports complex is only 30 minutes away and you’re able to go the back way in to skip the gridlock of the traffic. There so much more within 30 to 45 minutes of this camping area I can’t list it all. I promise you will Enjoy your stay!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night

14. CASA VARGAS

99%
(193)
8.2mi from Brightwood · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
**Welcome to Our Secluded Farm Retreat** Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and experience the serenity of our 104-acre farm, located just 5 miles from the charming town of Culpeper, VA. Nestled down a quiet dirt road, our farm offers the perfect getaway for those seeking privacy, tranquility, and the beauty of nature. Whether you're bringing your tent, travel trailer, or RV, you'll enjoy secluded sites that provide plenty of space to unwind and recharge. Our farm is surrounded by stunning landscapes, making it the ideal spot for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and horseback riding. If you're looking to relax, you can spend your days stargazing under the clear skies or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. Just a short drive away, you'll find some of the best wineries, breweries, and a wealth of tourist attractions, including the scenic Skyline Drive only 22 miles away. It's the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with something for everyone. Come create memories with family and friends in a place where nature, fun and relaxation come together.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night

18. Labyrinth, Trails and Solitude

98%
(193)
14mi from Brightwood · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
116 acres of forrest, hills and dells. Miles of hiking trails marked and well maintained. A small pond and beautiful labyrinth. Over 50 acres of deep wilderness woods. General Lee and his troops once camped here. But they cleaned up pretty good, so all you can really see is the old spring and wagon road. This is a working herb and small fruit farm. We have been experimenting with all kinds of exotic herbs and trees. Some make it, many don't. We sell dried herb teas. In addition we have 5 different kinds of bamboo. We use the bamboo for so many things. Camptown is our largest site. It features a large fire pit and a circular field that can accomodate 10 to 15 or more tents. You can also park smaller camper vans, teardrops, etc. in this large area. Good for parties, family reunions. The "# person" per site listing considers adults, not children... bring a whole crew of kids (try to have enough supervision - if there is such a concept!) The kids have such a great time out here... it is amazing. They love the labyrinth! By the way, that labryinth entrance is behind the kiosk. It's the largest of it's kind in North America. It seems like we made this place for the kids in ourselves and when actual kids see it they go wild. The last bunch were running and yelping with their picked flowers all round and round in the labyrinth for hours! Also, if you want peace and quiet we have beautiful remote campsites away from all the kids running around the labryinth whooping it up. (sites 4 - 6 - 8 - 9 - 10)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night

19. Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

100%
(492)
36mi from Brightwood · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Voted Top VA site! See Reviews. Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch is conveniently located at the north end of Fort Valley. The recreational draw to this area is hard to beat in VA, and this property has it all for an amazing outdoor weekend! The ranch comprises 40 acres of lowland acreage designated for the camp, including a 5-acre lake. The Cedar Grove sites 1, 2, and 3 are along the banks of Passage Creek located within a sparse, groomed Cedar grove. They are all a short walk (or drive) to the lake and beach amenities. Each site has varying access to the creek, so check out the site details. These sites are extra large and can accommodate multiple family groups, as well as, travel trailers of all sizes up to off-road motorcoaches in site 1. There are no hookups, so just boondocking. Pack it in, Pack it out. Generators are allowed but please be aware of the other sites and direct the noise away. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site is very secluded, nestled between the mountains and the lake. It overlooks our 5-acre lake with mountain views in the background. It's on the opposite side of the lake from the Cedar Sites. This site has its own dock and is just a short walk down a mowed trail to a beautiful section of Passage Creek. An additional seasonal mountain stream can cascade behind the site and run under it to feed the lake when the conditions are right. It's a delicate site, so the accommodations and group size is strictly limited. Check out the reviews and extensive gallery for many options of this amazing property! Locally, the North end of Fort Valley offers many great hiking trails, trout fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and the Elizabeth Furnace day-use park. Taskers Gap OHV/ATV park is a short drive south, and the valley is sandwiched between both forks of the Shenandoah River for those looking to paddle.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$85
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field