Beach Camping Near Lake Monticello, Virginia, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! Whether you're a beach lover or simply seeking a sandy escape near Lake Monticello, Virginia, we've got you covered. With over 90 options available near Lake Monticello, Virginia that offer beach access, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Looking for recommendations? Check out top-rated campsites like Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), Rendezvous Farm (222 reviews), or Private Paradise on Rivers Bend (210 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, showers, and campfire pits. And for all you adventure seekers, get ready for some epic surfing, swimming, and climbing experiences. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the beach life at Lake Monticello, Virginia!

99% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Monticello

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! Whether you're a beach lover or simply seeking a sandy escape near Lake Monticello, Virginia, we've got you covered. With over 90 options available near Lake Monticello, Virginia that offer beach access, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Looking for recommendations? Check out top-rated campsites like Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), Rendezvous Farm (222 reviews), or Private Paradise on Rivers Bend (210 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, showers, and campfire pits. And for all you adventure seekers, get ready for some epic surfing, swimming, and climbing experiences. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the beach life at Lake Monticello, Virginia!

99% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Monticello

1. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

99%

(1039)

33mi from Lake Monticello · 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)

2. Private Farm Minutes to Cville

98%

(1377)

15mi from Lake Monticello · 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.

3. Seven Islands River Front Campsites

99%

(610)

14mi from Lake Monticello · 3 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.

4. Bear Creek Lake State Park

83%

(15)

17 sites · Cumberland, Virginia

Discover the natural charm of Bear Creek Lake State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Lake Anna State Park

90%

(5)

19 sites · Mineral, Virginia

Discover Lake Anna State Park's scenic trails, beaches, and camping.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest

100%

(51)

47mi from Lake Monticello · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Our farm is host to wild critters as well as our farm animals. There will always be someone to pet, feed or observe during your stay! We started on this land in 2019 and have been steadily working to create a cooperative farmstead and nature school to share with our community as well as travelers and explorers. Our space is super kid friendly! Enjoy the animals, treehouse and trails :) Mickey, our white and gray outdoor cat LOVES to have visitors and will crawl into your lap if you let him. Please do not feed him!

7. Harmony Tree Farm

99%

(179)

50mi from Lake Monticello · 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.

8. Twin Poplar Farm

99%

(87)

37mi from Lake Monticello · 3 sites · Tents

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. Fork Creek Acres

96%

(12)

20mi from Lake Monticello · 1 site · Tent

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!

10. James River State Park

96%

(15)

25 sites · Arrington, Virginia

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at James River State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

11. George Washington National Forest

99%

(51)

487 sites · Deerfield, Virginia

Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

12. Holliday Lake State Park

5 sites · Pamplin City, Virginia

Discover the serene beauty of Holliday Lake State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Camper favorites near Lake Monticello

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest

100%

(51)

47mi from Lake Monticello · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Our farm is host to wild critters as well as our farm animals. There will always be someone to pet, feed or observe during your stay! We started on this land in 2019 and have been steadily working to create a cooperative farmstead and nature school to share with our community as well as travelers and explorers. Our space is super kid friendly! Enjoy the animals, treehouse and trails :) Mickey, our white and gray outdoor cat LOVES to have visitors and will crawl into your lap if you let him. Please do not feed him!

Harmony Tree Farm

99%

(179)

50mi from Lake Monticello · 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.

Twin Poplar Farm

99%

(87)

37mi from Lake Monticello · 3 sites · Tents

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

Fork Creek Acres

96%

(12)

20mi from Lake Monticello · 1 site · Tent

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!

Public campgrounds near Lake Monticello

83%

(15)

Bear Creek Lake Campground

27mi from Lake Monticello · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Bear Creek Lake State Park

90%

(5)

Lake Anna Campground

31mi from Lake Monticello · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Anna State Park

96%

(15)

James River Campground

32mi from Lake Monticello · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in James River State Park

100%

(9)

Sherando Lake Recreation Area and Campground

37mi from Lake Monticello · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in George Washington National Forest

Holliday Lake Campground

40mi from Lake Monticello · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Holliday Lake State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

j

jesse

3 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.

T

Tom

3 weeks ago

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

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.

Noah

3 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!

C

Chris

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

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.

T

Tash

November 2025

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!

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!

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

Rachel

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

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!

H

Heath J

November 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

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.

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.

E

Erik

November 2025

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

The campsite was the perfect Fall escape—wide open views of rolling hills with the Blue Ridge in the distance, golden light through the trees, and an unexpected bonus: several well-kept horse fields that made the place feel unique. Clean, scenic, and peaceful—absolutely worth the trip for families looking for a quiet weekend with actual views, not just a parking lot with trees.

K

Kristy

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

This was our second time camping there and we'll be back again. We have a teardrop camper and the site was perfect for our needs. Beautiful farm and absolutely perfect location.

T

Tish

November 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

I couldn’t believe how peaceful this place was, so close to town. Standard camp spots, nice tree canopies, and generally level. Waking up to soft rolling hills and grazing horses (and 2 very charming mules) hit the spot!! Highly recommend.- tho I confess part of me wants to keep this gem a secret - so it’s always available for when I return! ;) Thank you again!

A

Ami

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

Camping spot was fabulous, right along the river. Would definitely book again!

E

Erica

November 2025

18 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

Lovely HUGE site with beautiful views of the horse farm and the mountains. Special little oasis so close to town! We will be back!

O

Orice

November 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Seven Islands River Front Campsites

Vistas were great, very private and flat site. Easy to navigate to thanks to it being well marked with signage. Will definitely be coming back!

J

Justin

November 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Private Farm Minutes to Cville

It was a great site, super convenient. We will definitely be back!

D

Dan

November 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

Fantastic site! Great location! Stayed with two kids and we had the best time, will definitely be back!

Lots of room and options for setting up.

Jason

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Paradise on Rivers Bend

One of the best spots I've been to. Easily accessible with any vehicle and the site offered a great view (and sounds) of the river and large field on the other side of the river where I saw buck and deer running across several times. The host, Graham, and his son made an initial visit to make sure I had everything that was needed: very friendly and welcoming! There are a few other spots on the land that others were camping on but they were not visible from my spot. This did mean an occasional drive by from other campers, but I didn't mind that at all. Loved the custom made fire box and the option to leave cash for firewood provisions. The picnic table was a nice touch as well. I will definitely keep this one top of the list for future camping!