- Beach Camping
The best beach camping near Charlottesville
99% (1.8K) • 25 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Charlottesville
Private Farm Minutes to Cville
1. Private Farm Minutes to Cville
98%
(1379)
3.1mi from Charlottesville · 6 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
Seven Islands River Front Campsites
2. Seven Islands River Front Campsites
99%
(610)
23mi from Charlottesville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$54
/ night
Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
3. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
99%
(1045)
28mi from Charlottesville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend!Campsite has a firepit, picnic table, river frontage with beach, and fishing hole. Campers can enjoy hiking and the many breweries and wine vineyards in the Shenandoah. Great access point for kayaking. Firewood available (reasonable rates)close to:-Scenic Skyline DriveThorton Gap entrance (33 miles)Swift Run Gap entrance (29 miles)-Shenandoah National Park (50 miles)-Many great VineyardsPrince Michele (3 miles away)Early Mountain (10 miles away)DuCard (16 miles)Barboursville (24 miles)Horton’s ( 25 miles)Old Rag Mountain which was voted #10 in the Top 25 hikes in the world,(20 miles)Historic homes of Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson (Monticello - 41 miles) or James Madison (Montpelier- 21 miles)
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$47
/ night
George Washington National Forest
4. George Washington National Forest
99%
(51)
National forest 59mi from Charlottesville · 487 sites
Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
James River State Park
5. James River State Park
96%
(15)
State park 34mi from Charlottesville · 25 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at James River State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fork Creek Acres
6. Fork Creek Acres
96%
(12)
30mi from Charlottesville · 1 site
Situated about 30 minutes from Lake Anna, this old colonial property features wildlife, quiet, and colonial ruins. We are approximately 25 minutes from civilization where you can shop and dine. We are also about 10 minutes from the nearest country store/gas station.
We sell firewood, fresh eggs, and bottled water. We have the capability to help move your gear to the camp site and back to your vehicle if needed. Right now, we only offer primitive camping, but will be offering a cabin later this year. We also have a small private pistol range!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
Twin Poplar Farm
7. Twin Poplar Farm
99%
(87)
36mi from Charlottesville · 3 sites
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
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from
$50
/ night
Harmony Tree Farm
8. Harmony Tree Farm
99%
(181)
46mi from Charlottesville · 1 site · Tent, RV
As you leave the congestion of daily life, unwind as views of buildings disappear, replaced with pastures and trees. Follow the winding road to Hazel River Rd, then turn on Mordiwoll Lane to Harmony Tree Farm, a 23-acre wooded property.
After setting up camp, take a walk down to the Hazel River to fish or relax on the sandy bank. Or start exploring places nearby Harmony Tree Farm. Culpeper and Fauquier counties are rich in history, breweries, distilleries, farmers markets, and excellent restaurants. In addition, the Shenandoah Mountains, Luray Caverns, and Skyline drive are not far away.
Learn more about this land:
The tent camping site has adjacent parking, portaJohn, a table, benches, and fire ring with firewood provided. It is a five minute walk to the river.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
9. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
95%
(65)
47mi from Charlottesville · 3 sites
#1Rock Tavern River Kamp sits on acre and half on the banks of the Shenandoah River! We offer 7 yurts and 5 tent sites at main kamp.
We are just 5 min from River Hill Distillery, 7 min drive to Luray Caverns. 20 min drive to Shenandoah National Park…lots of hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and civil war museums in the area.
I purchased this property in 2013 ---my Uncle Abe Kibler and Aunt Lizzie Good Kibler owned and operated a tavern across the road for years and rented river lots to their guests---in time this 265 acre spread was sold and divided to many. I am grateful to have a little piece of the Rock Tavern History back in the family. I have so many fond memories of floating the river with my family while growing up and I love sharing this experience with others while offering families the opportunity to create lasting memories!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$115
/ night
Lake Anna State Park
10. Lake Anna State Park
92%
(6)
State park 37mi from Charlottesville · 19 sites
Discover Lake Anna State Park's scenic trails, beaches, and camping.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Bear Creek Lake State Park
11. Bear Creek Lake State Park
83%
(15)
State park 37mi from Charlottesville · 17 sites
Discover the natural charm of Bear Creek Lake State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Holliday Lake State Park
12. Holliday Lake State Park
State park 45mi from Charlottesville · 5 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Holliday Lake State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
99% (1.8K) • 25 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Charlottesville
Private Farm Minutes to Cville
1. Private Farm Minutes to Cville
98%
(1379)
3.1mi from Charlottesville · 6 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
Seven Islands River Front Campsites
2. Seven Islands River Front Campsites
99%
(610)
23mi from Charlottesville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$54
/ night
Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
3. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
99%
(1045)
28mi from Charlottesville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend!Campsite has a firepit, picnic table, river frontage with beach, and fishing hole. Campers can enjoy hiking and the many breweries and wine vineyards in the Shenandoah. Great access point for kayaking. Firewood available (reasonable rates)close to:-Scenic Skyline DriveThorton Gap entrance (33 miles)Swift Run Gap entrance (29 miles)-Shenandoah National Park (50 miles)-Many great VineyardsPrince Michele (3 miles away)Early Mountain (10 miles away)DuCard (16 miles)Barboursville (24 miles)Horton’s ( 25 miles)Old Rag Mountain which was voted #10 in the Top 25 hikes in the world,(20 miles)Historic homes of Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson (Monticello - 41 miles) or James Madison (Montpelier- 21 miles)
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$47
/ night
George Washington National Forest
4. George Washington National Forest
99%
(51)
National forest 59mi from Charlottesville · 487 sites
Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
James River State Park
5. James River State Park
96%
(15)
State park 34mi from Charlottesville · 25 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at James River State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fork Creek Acres
6. Fork Creek Acres
96%
(12)
30mi from Charlottesville · 1 site
Situated about 30 minutes from Lake Anna, this old colonial property features wildlife, quiet, and colonial ruins. We are approximately 25 minutes from civilization where you can shop and dine. We are also about 10 minutes from the nearest country store/gas station.
We sell firewood, fresh eggs, and bottled water. We have the capability to help move your gear to the camp site and back to your vehicle if needed. Right now, we only offer primitive camping, but will be offering a cabin later this year. We also have a small private pistol range!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
Twin Poplar Farm
7. Twin Poplar Farm
99%
(87)
36mi from Charlottesville · 3 sites
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
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from
$50
/ night
Harmony Tree Farm
8. Harmony Tree Farm
99%
(181)
46mi from Charlottesville · 1 site · Tent, RV
As you leave the congestion of daily life, unwind as views of buildings disappear, replaced with pastures and trees. Follow the winding road to Hazel River Rd, then turn on Mordiwoll Lane to Harmony Tree Farm, a 23-acre wooded property.
After setting up camp, take a walk down to the Hazel River to fish or relax on the sandy bank. Or start exploring places nearby Harmony Tree Farm. Culpeper and Fauquier counties are rich in history, breweries, distilleries, farmers markets, and excellent restaurants. In addition, the Shenandoah Mountains, Luray Caverns, and Skyline drive are not far away.
Learn more about this land:
The tent camping site has adjacent parking, portaJohn, a table, benches, and fire ring with firewood provided. It is a five minute walk to the river.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
9. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
95%
(65)
47mi from Charlottesville · 3 sites
#1Rock Tavern River Kamp sits on acre and half on the banks of the Shenandoah River! We offer 7 yurts and 5 tent sites at main kamp.
We are just 5 min from River Hill Distillery, 7 min drive to Luray Caverns. 20 min drive to Shenandoah National Park…lots of hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and civil war museums in the area.
I purchased this property in 2013 ---my Uncle Abe Kibler and Aunt Lizzie Good Kibler owned and operated a tavern across the road for years and rented river lots to their guests---in time this 265 acre spread was sold and divided to many. I am grateful to have a little piece of the Rock Tavern History back in the family. I have so many fond memories of floating the river with my family while growing up and I love sharing this experience with others while offering families the opportunity to create lasting memories!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$115
/ night
Lake Anna State Park
10. Lake Anna State Park
92%
(6)
State park 37mi from Charlottesville · 19 sites
Discover Lake Anna State Park's scenic trails, beaches, and camping.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Bear Creek Lake State Park
11. Bear Creek Lake State Park
83%
(15)
State park 37mi from Charlottesville · 17 sites
Discover the natural charm of Bear Creek Lake State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Holliday Lake State Park
12. Holliday Lake State Park
State park 45mi from Charlottesville · 5 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Holliday Lake State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Joe
February 2026
16 ft car
This is an amazing camp site. I should probably write out a bunch of bad things so people don’t come here but my goodness is this site awesome.
180° surrounded by a small river, large hills and rock outcroppings face one half while the other half is forested farm lands. The campsites to your left and right are far enough away that you don’t have to worry about other people being in your business. I car camped here during the snow storm of 01/2026 so the river was frozen over but I’m sure there are rock bass or even trout. Great spot… highly recommend… definitely coming back in the spring to try some fly fishing!
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J
Jess
January 2026
With pets
We really enjoyed camping at Cherokee Yurt! It is a very short drive from Luray caverns, so we would definitely visit them if we came back. The stars were beautiful at night. The yurt had more than enough space and items (even a waffle maker!). The only complaint we had was that the heat was not turned on when we came, despite the owner saying it would be, and when we did turn it on it only got up to about 50 degrees and took many hours. Admittedly, it was a very cold night--about 18 degrees--and for a glamping site with relatively poor insulation, that isn't entirely unexpected. But we would highly recommend that you temper your expectations if you stay in the winter and maybe bring a few heated blankets.
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B
Bryan
January 2026
Tent
Group trip
Such a great spot and easy to find. Highly recommend!
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n
natalie
January 2026
Tent
This campsite's location is great if you need a place to stay near the city. The campsite itself was spacious and relatively quiet. Unfortunately, one of the days was very rainy-- our tent flooded and we found it difficult leaving the muddy driveway. All in all, would use again, as long as, there is no precipitation in the forecast.
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E
ELIZABETH
December 2025
22 ft campervan
We had a nice time at this very private and level site next to the creek. The firepit was great and we appreciated the wood for sale though we didn't use it. The dogs loved running in the field.
See moreJ
Jonathan
December 2025
Tent
With pets
Graham was an excellent host and all 4 sites here are beautiful! We stayed at site 2 but since no one else was on site we were able to walk the rest of them too.
Site 2 is definitely the largest and most wide-open for multiple tents, we had 4, 6-person tents.
Graham communicated, brought firewood down twice for us, and all in all we felt like we were the only ones out there!
Beautiful spot and will definitely be returning!
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P
Prashant
December 2025
16 ft car
Absolutely loved the place, we did a winter camping on site 1. There are total of 4 sites, initially used the directions from the app which actually is misleading, so please update it, use the address and instruction from the owner. Will be a beautiful place, it’s primitive camping, would be a great upgrade to put some toilet facilities. Will be definitely going back in spring to experience the river.
See moreD
David
December 2025
Tent
With pets
Bob was such a wonderful and gracious host. I lost one of my beagles, and he helped me get the word out quickly, online. Thankfully we found her, none the worse for the wear! In fact I think she had a great time. The camp sites are well laid out and I think this would be a great place for a group.
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j
jesse
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
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.
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T
Tom
November 2025
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
Private, quiet stream-front site. Our lab loved frolicking in the stream. Site was level and well-sized for my truck and camping trailer. In the summer, it would get a lot of sun over the southern ridge opposite the river, so solar collection would work. In November, sun was in short supply, and the sun angle was pretty low, so we just barely eked by. We bring our own bathroom facilities(Cleanwaste GO), but other campers who don’t want to be digging cat holes should be aware that there are no bathroom facilities if they are staying on site for a long time. Convenient to Old Rag for day hikers, and Montpelier for history buffs. No trouble with raccoons etc, but we kept our food secured just in case. Nice steel fire pit, which made cooking over the fire a breeze.
See moreA
Abigail
November 2025
3 nights at #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
It was very cozy and romantic! It was nice drinking coffee by the river and watching the sunrise. Bathhouse was very clean and well kept. We can’t wait for our next stay!
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Noah
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Great place amazing views so peaceful we will definitely be back love the river!
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C
Chris
November 2025
Tent
Great hospitality and location. This is my 2nd time here and will continue to come back time and time again. No need to purchase firewood since they have it on hand.
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T
Tash
November 2025
Tent
With pets
The views were great and it those was well kept! The fire wood burned really well. This site is well worth the visit!
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Amanda
November 2025
Tent
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!
See moreK
Kylie
November 2025
Tent
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!!
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R
Rachel
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Gorgeous location with a private sand beach and awesome fire pit! We absolutely loved this spot! Access was easy and the picnic table was so nice to have. Super private with sounds of the river... what else could you need? Can't wait to come back in warm weather!
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H
Heath J
November 2025
16 ft pop-up camper
Graham's land was beautiful! The site was well maintained, flat and an even space for our truck camping. There was a nice picnic table at each site with a fire box and grate to cook on, all stocked with firewood and even kindling to get started. The river wraps around the sites with giant rocks and a steap forest incline opposite of the site. The hosts were incredibly kind and went far out of their way to help us out. The river was very refreshing (it froze last night) but we still enjoyed the semi polar plunge. It'll be a perfect summer spot with a sandy beach and great rocks to jump off into the water.
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L
Luke
November 2025
Tent
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!
See moreA
Adrienne
November 2025
10 ft travel trailer
Beautiful site. Excellent communication with the host. Feels remote while being close to many amenities. We will definitely stay here again.
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