- Camping with pets allowed
The best dog-friendly camping near Lake Monticello
97% (6.1K) • 279 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Monticello
Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
1. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
99%
(1045)
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)
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$47
/ night
Upper South River Campground
2. Upper South River Campground
95%
(10)
33mi from Lake Monticello · 1 site · Tent, RV
The camp is secluded on 42 acres of woods and pasture land just outside Waynesboro, VA. The Upper South River is spring fed, and it runs diagonally through the property. Day lease fly fishing is also conducted on the property. Though urban, it is very private and the water is always cool.
The campsite has a fire ring, cooking grates, rotisserie, picnic table and a trash can. It is primitive camping with no outhouse (yet). There are 5 campsites on the property, spaced apart nicely to keep it private. Orkney Springs Outfitters provides lessons and guide services onsite and on surrounding waters from this location. Hit the Tye River, South Fork of the Potomac, Cow Pasture and the Jackson River, to name a few.
Excellent access to Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, Blueridge Parkway.
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$125
/ night
Two Rivers: Riverside Retreat
3. Two Rivers: Riverside Retreat
100%
(103)
34mi from Lake Monticello · 2 sites
Welcome to Two Rivers, a picturesque haven nestled in the heart of Madison, Virginia. Our property offers a unique and immersive camping experience that combines the charm of the great outdoors with modern comforts. Here, you'll discover the perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
At Two Rivers, we provide two carefully designed camping sites, each featuring deck structures with roofs. (Camping essentials such as tents, sleeping pads...etc. are not provided) There is plenty of room to camp traditionally on the ground if desired. These sites offer a blend of comfort and ruggedness, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing the convenience of shelter. What's more, these structures are equipped with solar lights, ensuring your evenings are well-lit and cozy. You'll also find hooks for hammocks, inviting you to relax and sway with the gentle breezes, suspended amidst the natural beauty that surrounds you. We do not allow parties or additional guests on site under any circumstance. You will be asked to leave the property immediately and will be charged an additional fine.
We provide on-site firewood for purchase (cash or Venmo), ensuring that you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a campfire throughout your stay. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the natural wonders of Two Rivers.
Two Rivers takes its name from the two exquisite waterways that define our landscape. The Robinson River flows gracefully through the property, and it connects to the White Oak Run. The confluence of these two rivers creates a serene and enchanting atmosphere that you can explore and enjoy. In the state of Virginia, a fishing license is required on all rivers. We recommend walking up stream or down stream if you plan to fish, as the water is often only 2-3' deep near the camp sites.
Abundance of Wildlife:
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the diverse and abundant wildlife that calls Two Rivers home. Birdwatching, nature photography, and simply observing the local fauna are all favorite pastimes here. Please note that hunting is not allowed on the property by guests, ensuring a safe and protected environment for the animals that grace us with their presence.
**Kayak season is in the spring - the water depth average should at least be 2.75’ before attempting a trip. Otherwise you will drag. During summer droughts, the river will be shallow near the camp sites.
Campfires
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$56
/ night
Sunrise by the Pond
4. Sunrise by the Pond
100%
(72)
37mi from Lake Monticello · 1 site
Stay on a working farm by a beautiful 8 acre pond. The spacious canvas tent contains a queen sized bed and lantern. Hang out by the pond and canoe, kayak, fish, or just sit back and watch the wildlife. You can also walk the 54 acre farm and visit the friendly farm animals. Your hosts live on the property and are available to offer farm tours or answer any questions you may have.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$80
/ night
South River Camp
5. South River Camp
95%
(21)
37mi from Lake Monticello · 4 sites
Welcome to South River Camp: Where Nature Is Real and Expectations Are Optional
If you’re dreaming of a glamping getaway where the birds file noise complaints against themselves and the rest of the world disappears beyond a 50-mile radius… well, this isn’t that place.
At South River Camp, we celebrate actual nature — chirping birds, babbling water, star-filled skies, and yes, a few passing cars from the nearby bridge and adjoining roads. You might even catch a distant train whistle about half a mile away. (Darn Norfolk Southern Railway.)
We’re tucked along the beautiful South River in the Shenandoah Valley, where comfort and nature meet in perfect balance — yet remain conveniently close to civilization. Sip your coffee by the river, roast marshmallows under the stars, and let nature do its thing — without filing a noise complaint against a frog choir.
⸻
A Few “Concerns” to Clear Up
• “This isn’t off-grid.” If your idea of off-grid is 100 miles from civilization and reachable only by carrier pigeon, then sure — we’re not that. But there’s no power, no running water, no gas line, and nothing tied into municipal infrastructure. We’re powered by nature, not a utility bill. So yes, we’re off-grid — just not your wool-socks-and-Birkenstocks version of it. (Though, for the record, we wear Birkenstocks too.)
• “We were seen in towels.” Hmmm… which is why we gently suggest skipping the towel parades through camp. Our enclosed shower stalls are there for a reason: shower, dry off, then get dressed before rejoining the great outdoors.
• “It was in somebody’s backyard.” Sorry — our two acres aren’t tucked away in the middle of a federally protected reserve in the middle of nowhere. But our closest neighbor is nearly 300 feet away, and we happen to think riverside camping with a little civilization nearby is a pretty great trade-off.
⸻
If those realities feel unacceptable, we wish you luck finding a soundproof, neighbor-free, bird-mute utopia. But if you’re after a laid-back, laughter-filled, and unapologetically outdoor getaway on the banks of the South River — welcome. You’ve found it.
Don’t forget your robe.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$85
/ night
97% (6.1K) • 279 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Monticello
Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
1. Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
99%
(1045)
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)
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$47
/ night
Upper South River Campground
2. Upper South River Campground
95%
(10)
33mi from Lake Monticello · 1 site · Tent, RV
The camp is secluded on 42 acres of woods and pasture land just outside Waynesboro, VA. The Upper South River is spring fed, and it runs diagonally through the property. Day lease fly fishing is also conducted on the property. Though urban, it is very private and the water is always cool.
The campsite has a fire ring, cooking grates, rotisserie, picnic table and a trash can. It is primitive camping with no outhouse (yet). There are 5 campsites on the property, spaced apart nicely to keep it private. Orkney Springs Outfitters provides lessons and guide services onsite and on surrounding waters from this location. Hit the Tye River, South Fork of the Potomac, Cow Pasture and the Jackson River, to name a few.
Excellent access to Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, Blueridge Parkway.
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$125
/ night
Two Rivers: Riverside Retreat
3. Two Rivers: Riverside Retreat
100%
(103)
34mi from Lake Monticello · 2 sites
Welcome to Two Rivers, a picturesque haven nestled in the heart of Madison, Virginia. Our property offers a unique and immersive camping experience that combines the charm of the great outdoors with modern comforts. Here, you'll discover the perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
At Two Rivers, we provide two carefully designed camping sites, each featuring deck structures with roofs. (Camping essentials such as tents, sleeping pads...etc. are not provided) There is plenty of room to camp traditionally on the ground if desired. These sites offer a blend of comfort and ruggedness, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing the convenience of shelter. What's more, these structures are equipped with solar lights, ensuring your evenings are well-lit and cozy. You'll also find hooks for hammocks, inviting you to relax and sway with the gentle breezes, suspended amidst the natural beauty that surrounds you. We do not allow parties or additional guests on site under any circumstance. You will be asked to leave the property immediately and will be charged an additional fine.
We provide on-site firewood for purchase (cash or Venmo), ensuring that you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a campfire throughout your stay. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the natural wonders of Two Rivers.
Two Rivers takes its name from the two exquisite waterways that define our landscape. The Robinson River flows gracefully through the property, and it connects to the White Oak Run. The confluence of these two rivers creates a serene and enchanting atmosphere that you can explore and enjoy. In the state of Virginia, a fishing license is required on all rivers. We recommend walking up stream or down stream if you plan to fish, as the water is often only 2-3' deep near the camp sites.
Abundance of Wildlife:
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the diverse and abundant wildlife that calls Two Rivers home. Birdwatching, nature photography, and simply observing the local fauna are all favorite pastimes here. Please note that hunting is not allowed on the property by guests, ensuring a safe and protected environment for the animals that grace us with their presence.
**Kayak season is in the spring - the water depth average should at least be 2.75’ before attempting a trip. Otherwise you will drag. During summer droughts, the river will be shallow near the camp sites.
Campfires
Toilets
Picnic table
from
$56
/ night
Sunrise by the Pond
4. Sunrise by the Pond
100%
(72)
37mi from Lake Monticello · 1 site
Stay on a working farm by a beautiful 8 acre pond. The spacious canvas tent contains a queen sized bed and lantern. Hang out by the pond and canoe, kayak, fish, or just sit back and watch the wildlife. You can also walk the 54 acre farm and visit the friendly farm animals. Your hosts live on the property and are available to offer farm tours or answer any questions you may have.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$80
/ night
South River Camp
5. South River Camp
95%
(21)
37mi from Lake Monticello · 4 sites
Welcome to South River Camp: Where Nature Is Real and Expectations Are Optional
If you’re dreaming of a glamping getaway where the birds file noise complaints against themselves and the rest of the world disappears beyond a 50-mile radius… well, this isn’t that place.
At South River Camp, we celebrate actual nature — chirping birds, babbling water, star-filled skies, and yes, a few passing cars from the nearby bridge and adjoining roads. You might even catch a distant train whistle about half a mile away. (Darn Norfolk Southern Railway.)
We’re tucked along the beautiful South River in the Shenandoah Valley, where comfort and nature meet in perfect balance — yet remain conveniently close to civilization. Sip your coffee by the river, roast marshmallows under the stars, and let nature do its thing — without filing a noise complaint against a frog choir.
⸻
A Few “Concerns” to Clear Up
• “This isn’t off-grid.” If your idea of off-grid is 100 miles from civilization and reachable only by carrier pigeon, then sure — we’re not that. But there’s no power, no running water, no gas line, and nothing tied into municipal infrastructure. We’re powered by nature, not a utility bill. So yes, we’re off-grid — just not your wool-socks-and-Birkenstocks version of it. (Though, for the record, we wear Birkenstocks too.)
• “We were seen in towels.” Hmmm… which is why we gently suggest skipping the towel parades through camp. Our enclosed shower stalls are there for a reason: shower, dry off, then get dressed before rejoining the great outdoors.
• “It was in somebody’s backyard.” Sorry — our two acres aren’t tucked away in the middle of a federally protected reserve in the middle of nowhere. But our closest neighbor is nearly 300 feet away, and we happen to think riverside camping with a little civilization nearby is a pretty great trade-off.
⸻
If those realities feel unacceptable, we wish you luck finding a soundproof, neighbor-free, bird-mute utopia. But if you’re after a laid-back, laughter-filled, and unapologetically outdoor getaway on the banks of the South River — welcome. You’ve found it.
Don’t forget your robe.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$85
/ night
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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S
Sarah
January 2026
Tent
With pets
Lovely place, quiet and peaceful. Loved the covered area since there was a lot of rain over the weekend. Would definitely stay again!
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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.
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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.
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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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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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B
Ben
November 2025
25 ft fifth wheel
With pets
It's the perfect fish camp, where you are landing beautiful fish within sight of your campsite. The guys were accommodating and communication was excellent.
Its also 5-10min from some good food an bars, grocery, etc. in case you forget something. Really enjoyed it.
See moreA
Ami
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Camping spot was fabulous, right along the river. Would definitely book again!
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J
Justin
November 2025
2 nights at South River Camp
The tent and all furnishings and equipment were in impeccable condition. We stayed in early November and although it got down to freezing temps outside we were comfy with our heater running.
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D
Davey
November 2025
With pets
This place was absolutely beautiful. The owner and the property are welcoming in thier respective areas. The pond is beautiful, the animals are beautiful, and the site has more than enough. Bring pillows and blankets, pots and pans, but other than that, you are good to go. Wonderful stay here.
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D
Dan
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Fantastic site! Great location! Stayed with two kids and we had the best time, will definitely be back!
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Jason
November 2025
Tent
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!
See moreT
Thomas
November 2025
With kids
Kevin and Melinda are great hosts, have an amazing propertyl, and are very accommodating! We'll definitely visit again!
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Joe
November 2025
Tent
Perfect camping spot for a weekend getaway. Couldn’t beat the wood bundle for $5.00 more than enough to get you through the night and was already waiting for us at campsite. Graham awesome and came to see if we needed anything during our stay.
Highly recommended, we will definitely be back.
See moreJ
Julie Anne
October 2025
Tent
Lovely private spot on the river. Very clean and flat for the tent. You can walk down the river a good while!
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S
Sam
October 2025
2 nights at South River Camp
Kim and Bob are expert hosts; they are kind, considerate, and very responsive! They will help you have the best camping trip out at South River. The amenities were amazing; there is an outhouse, a shower, charcoal grill and even two separate firepits to hang out around! The river is not far from either camp. There is plenty to do nearby as well; Lil Gus’ is one of my favorites! Highly recommend their two sites!
See moreJ
Jamie
October 2025
23 ft Class B
Group trip
Site 2 was perfect. Peaceful and secluded. Having 6 cane corsos who just loved the open field and playing in the water along the river. Will definitely return to Paradise on the rivers bend.
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