Waterside camping near Charlottesville

The Blue Ridge Mountains loom over historic Charlottesville. With waterfalls, caves, vineyards, and heart-stopping vistas, this Virginia hidden gem is one enchanting place to light a campfire. Right off of scenic Skyline Drive, you come to Shenandoah National Park. Explore lush mountain forests and roaring cascades from more than 500 miles of trails (including a section of the Appalachian Trail). Or just pop a beer at one of 75 overlooks. Camping options abound, with Loft Mountain Campground being one of the biggest in the park. Imagine sleeping above the clouds at the summit of Big Flat Mountain. Driving south of Charlottesville brings you to James River State Park, a family-friendly spot in the Blue Ridge foothills. Choose from cabins, campgrounds, and horse camps on the banks of James River and Branch Pond. Ready to explore? Rent a canoe, tube, or kayak right at the park, or launch your own boat to cast a line and catch some dinner. There's no shortage of places to pitch your tent in George Washington National Forest. The sprawling wilderness boasts more than 50 campgrounds for RV and tent camping. While rustic tent camping is a go, you also find some ultra-developed campgrounds with bathhouses and electric hookups. Are you craving a different kind of Charlottesville, VA experience? Look beyond traditional campgrounds. Park your big rig at an RV park with free Wi-Fi, or enjoy misty mountain views from a cabin or cottage. From there, you can drive along scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or explore Thomas Jefferson's Monticello mansion. Camping in Virginia is popular year round, but come prepared for rain. The peak season of May through September is especially notorious for showers.