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Riverside Camping with Donkeys

100%

14 reviews

· Ruckersville, Albemarle, Virginia

7 acres hosted by Rega J.

1 lodging site · 2 tent sites

Near Shenandoah National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Rega is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at some sites.

Enjoy peaceful seclusion with beautiful views, and endless outdoor fun: splash in the river, meet friendly goats and donkeys, rope swing into the river, explore with our paddle boat, adventure on the paddle boards, relax in a hammock, go fishing, or take a hike along the river. I purchased this home with the intent to turn it into a massive play ground for kiddos and kiddos at heart. We welcome anyone that embraces the spirit of play, levity, kindness and doesn't sweat the small stuff. Children 12 and under stay free and are not counted toward your guest total. Optional Rentals for a Small Fee: - Wood bundles for your fire pit ($10 per bundle) - Kids’ kayaks ($5/day) - Paddleboards ($10/day) We have three campsites on the property. Everyone has access to the river. If you are camping beside the river, please understand that it is a space accessible to all though there is plenty of space between campsites to have privacy. If you would like to reserve the entire space for yourself, please let us know ahead of time and we'll block the rest of campsites from being reserved, provided that they are not already reserved, for $100 extra per night. Parking: If I’m available, I’m happy to help haul your things to the river on the UTV. Park at the house and enjoy a 5-7-minute walk to the river. Friendly donkeys, a couple of goats, and our Aussie shepherd will likely say hello. While donkeys love people, they can be protective around unfamiliar dogs. We ask that all pups be leashed, but we leave it up to you if you think your doggo is good off-leash. If your dog is aggressive, this may not be the right fit. Please ensure the two gates you will go through are closed so the donkeys do not get out. Potty: We have an outhouse. We kindly ask that you use it only for #2s and that you place TP in a trash bag. This helps the decomposition process, keeps the smell down... future campers will thank you. Things to Do Nearby: ⁃ Shenandoah National Park - nearest entrance 25 minutes away ⁃ Rivanna River - right on the property ⁃ Blue Ridge Parkway ⁃ Wineries & Breweries - nearest winery only 1/2 mile from the house. Donkeys can be your DD (JK) ⁃ Downtown Charlottesville (also 25 minutes away)

Activities

Fishing

Paddling

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Mountainous

Farm

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Lodging

1 site

New

Glamping Tent with River View

Booked 1 time

Bell tent · Sleeps 5 · 1 bed · 1 toilet

Keep your tents at home. This yurt (bell tent) features a full-sized bed and a couch that converts to a bed for kids. The tent is 16 feet in diameter, is ideal for a small family, though can reasonably accommodate five adults if a few are willing to sleep on the floor of the tent. This site also includes a picnic bench and a grill. Linens are provide: sheets, blanket, and two bed pillows. Please leave the tent as you find it and remember to pack in and pack out. Also, please, no pets in the yurt.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$95

/ night

for 2 guests

Tent sites

2 sites

Riverside Campsite

100% (8)

Tent site · Sleeps 8

Pitch a tent... cook out... roast s'mores... go for a swim... go fishing... bring a paddle board (or borrow ours for a small fee)... explore upstream.. visit downtown Charlottesville (25 min drive)... go for a hike in Shenandoah (25 min drive to nearest entrance)... explore the several wineries nearby, while the closest one is within walking distance (1/2 mile away). This site is closest to the water. Please note that although there is plenty of privacy between campsites, all campers at the two other sites are permitted access to the dock and river. I have two boys, ages 10 and 8, and would be happy to coordinate play dates on the water if our schedules align.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$50

/ night

for 2 guests

Camp with Donkeys

100% (2)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

The Camp Sites: At peak season, the 7 acres is shared with two other camp sites, spaced well apart from each other for privacy, each with its own fire pit. Firewood may be available for $10 for small bundle (see “extras”). Also on these 7 acres are two donkeys, Abraham and Angus; two goats, Eros and Spartacus; and our Australian Shepherd, Lady. All the animals are friendly. Please note that if you bring a dog, we advise that you keep your dog on a leash if they do not recall easily, at least until the donkeys understand your pup is not a threat. Please be respectful of the space where other campers may be staying. If no one else is staying there, please feel free to visit all the campsites as you please. There are several firepits and hammocks you may use. If available, you are also welcome to use our two paddle-boards and/or kid-sized kayaks for a small fee. Otherwise, please bring whatever inflatable craft you wish to get onto the river. Parking and Getting to Your Campsite: For most campers, we ask that you park your vehicles by the main house and carry your gear to the campsite (roughly 5-7 min walk). I will do my best to be around to greet you and haul you and your gear to the river, but count on carrying your gear in case I cannot be there. In some cases you may be able to drive your 4x4 vehicle (Jeep, Truck) down into the pasture if the conditions are dry. The Area: There is a winery just half a mile up the road. If you need a DD, maybe our donkeys can give you a lift. Just kidding, I would not trust them to not imbibe. Otherwise, there are several wineries and breweries with a 10 mile radius. Downtown Charlottesville is approximately 25 minutes south of our location and the nearest Shenandoah entrance off of Rout 33 is only 30 minutes NE of our location. Kiddos: If you have kiddos and would like to arrange a play-date, please let me know. My boys are 10 and 8 years old and they love to play. If you need us to accommodate a larger party for larger families or a special event, please message me and I will do my best to work with you.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

No picnic table

from

$35

/ night

for 2 guests

Reviews

100% Recommend16 ratings · 14 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Beautiful camping spot on the River

Tent · Group trip ·

Riverside Campsite

We spent a really enjoyable Memorial Day weekend at Rega's place on the River. You won't meet a nicer and more helpful host than Rega and his family. They clearly do this only for the joy of seeing other people enjoy their property. The location on the Rivanna River is ideal with an easy paddle for a mile plus upstream and the fishing is great. The addition of the new outhouse just prior to our visit was a very pleasant surprise!. We look forward to going back in the near future.

Greg C.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2024

Tent · Group trip ·

Riverside Campsite

We loved tent camping on Regas property. So much to do and see. It’s a never ending wonder of adventure. So close to all your needs yet so secluded you feel like you could get lost walking. It’s a beauty and one we hope to continue to come back too!

Caitlyn L.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Perfect for Nature + Animal Lovers!

Tent ·

Camp with Donkeys

Rega was a beyond gracious and welcoming host, and was eager to offer assistance for all of our needs. His property was beautiful, but what made it for us was the animal experience. The two donkeys are friendly angels, the goats were adorable and one was particularly friendly, and a herding dog was sweet. We fell in love with Rega’s barn cat, Misu. Sweetest outdoor cat we’ve ever met. Also the donkeys did not interfere with our camping equipment but are free roaming, which was ideal for us and we assume most campers. They loved pets and apples. The campsite is also smack dab in the middle of Charlottesville (a cool, college town), Shenandoah National Park, and Graves Mountain activities. Cannot pick a better location if you want to do several of these activities. Again, Rega was a wonderful host and cannot speak more highly of.

Joe S.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Best spot ever

Tent · With kids ·

Riverside Campsite

Ive been using hipcamp since they started and taken dozens of trips through here and let me tell you, this spot has it all. From fishing, to swimming to rope swings, to seclusion. Rega has done a great job with this place and constantly improving. Great for kids and adults. Very hospitable and present to make sure you have everything you need. Highly recommend this property to everyone. Going to make this an annual trip.

Shea B.

12 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent ·

Riverside Campsite

I absolutely loved my time at Rega's. It's tricky getting up/down the path to the campsite. Dedicated 4WD is a must, or plan to carry your pack. The site is well laid out with a spectacular view of the Rivanna River. It's a slow moving river offering a great round-trip upriver and back down to the campsite. Into nature? Fishing was superb! Shellcracker, smallmouth, largemouth, creek chub, and more were caught. I got to see a bald eagle, hummingbird, deer, and a family of beavers. Upriver there are a few sandbars in the shade which would make for an excellent picnic/swimming/wading spot. 10/10 will recommend to anybody looking for a peaceful retreat.

Mo V.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Awesome place to camp!

12 ft pop-up camper ·

RV Parking

Rega, the host, was fantastic and his property was a fun place to explore. We would definitely recommend camping here, especially if you young kids. The property is right on the Rivanna river which was a beautiful place to swim and cool off. Rega was very accommodating in how he checked in on us and ensured we had everything we needed to have a great time. Our two young kids really enjoyed the goats and donkeys. Thank you again, Rega!

John T.

10 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

Tent ·

Riverside Campsite

Absolutely loved every second staying on this property. Rega was a wonderful host- kind, helpful, and very generous with his time and energy despite being busy working on ever-improving the property for his guests. His passion for cultivating a space for “children and adult children alike” was evident, will all sorts of fun and interactive features around the property, not to mention the super friendly donkeys and goats (he’s really not kidding about those). We were there for two nights, and spent our days hiking in the Shenandoahs, paddleboarding off of Rega’s dock, and exploring the surrounding area. The location was perfect for our needs. Very fortunate to have been able to land this booking on a busy Memorial Day and would stay again in a heartbeat!

Lucas Z.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Fantastic river vibes

Tent · Group trip ·

Riverside Campsite

The spot by the river is absolutely lovely! We really enjoyed taking the paddle boards out on the water - spent the whole day on the river! Rega was a fantastic host, very communicative.

Rose R.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

16 ft travel trailer · With kids ·

RV Parking

Excellent level and protected parking spot for our camper. A little walk down to the river where the views, goats, and donkeys are. Rega was incredibly welcoming, kind, and helpful. It’s an awesome spot and a wonderful place for kids with swings and animals, and lots of space to play. We had a fantastic stay and would definitely stay again when we’re in the area. It would be difficult for someone who has physical limitations as it’s a steep trail down to the river. Rega has an all-terrain vehicle which he uses to help people take gear down to the sites by the river and would certainly help with rides if needed. RV spot is good for small campers, we have a 16’ Scamp and it worked but anything bigger would be tough to back in.

Lindsay D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

Camping with donkeys

Tent ·

Camp with Donkeys

I had such a great time camping on Rega’s property with the donkeys, goats and his pup. They were all very friendly and Raga was extremely helpful and communicative. The campsite was spacious and felt private and the property was gorgeous with hammocks everywhere to enjoy.

Kellie F.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2024

20 ft travel trailer ·

RV Parking

Great covered structure with a flat poured concrete pad made for easy leveling & extra cover from the unexpected rain storms! Site location & structure are good for RVs max of 20' with a total trailer & tow vehicle length under 30' or things will be TIGHT for maneuvers. Host provided access to 120v power cord & potable water. The host was very helpful & gracious.

Scott L.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent · With kids ·

Riverside Campsite

It was a lovely stay. The host was so kind, welcoming and friendly. He even helped us with our gear and took us down to the river on his gator (which my kids loved!) We'll definitely go back!

Jessica M.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2024

5 ft travel trailer ·

RV Parking

A well thought out site next to the river. It would definitely be a great place for a group to stay. The owner is really nice and was very accommodating to a last-minute booking by me. Highly Recommend!

Sam R.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent ·

Riverside Campsite

I had a great time camping at Rega’s. The site provides a platform for your tent, automatic string lights, fit pit/chairs, a picnic table, dock for fishing and access to the river. The donkeys are very sweet and great companions. It is a bit of a hike to get to the site if your vehicle does not have AWD, but there are plans to eliminate this need and I would check with the host before booking. We hiked back and forth after initial set up and only drove back down to pack up. The site is a bit sandy and my shoes will need a good wash - bring shoes and clothes you really don’t mind getting a bit dirty for the trek in/out or around camp. Rega is beyond accommodating and helpful. This place has everything you need and is only about 10 mins from Walmart if you forgot anything. Highly recommend!