The best camping in James River State Park, VA

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96% (15)

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

The best camping in James River State Park, VA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Sunset Springs Farm

3. Sunset Springs Farm

98%
(26)
9.5mi from James River State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Arrington, VA
Enjoy gorgeous sunsets of the Blue Ridge, fresh mountain air, and a plethora of activities in the area while staying at our farm. Being just a 4 minute drive from both Blue Mountain Barrel House and Saunder's Orchard Farm Market, you can begin your adventure and expand on from there. Within a 30 minute driving radius are some of the most incredible wineries and breweries, restaurants, orchards, hiking trails, hunting/fishing areas, and so much more. (See a more detailed list of activities below) For those coming for events in the area, we are 1 mile from Route 29 and equidistant between Charlottesville and Lynchburg (30-35 mins). There is a firepit available and wood can be purchased upon request. **Important (for your safety): Pulling out of our driveway can be difficult due to low visibility of oncoming traffic. Vehicles often speed on our road so please be sure to quiet your car and roll the windows down when pulling out of our driveway to better hear if a vehicle is approaching. Nearby Food and Drink - Blue Mountain Barrel House: Great brews and food with live music on certain nights (4 mins) - Vitos Pizza: Italian restaurant with 2 locations in Lovingston and Amherst (5/15 mins) - El Mariachi: Mexican restaurant with 2 locations in Lovingston and Amherst (5/15 Mins) - Lovingston Winery: Vineyard (6 mins) - The Briar Patch Restaurant: Traditional American cuisine from sandwiches to seafood/steaks (15 mins) - Wood Ridge Brewery: Brews and food with a full golf driving range (15 mins) - Devil's Backbone Basecamp: Original Devil's Backbone Brewery with American cuisine, also starting the 151 Brewery and Winery Trail (18 mins) - Iron and Ale at Wintergreen / Stoney Creek: Traditional American cuisine from sandwiches to seafood/steaks (25 mins) - The Farmhouse at Veritas: Veritas' winery and restaurant with a fine dining pre fixe menu (30 mins) Local Shopping and Entertainment - Saunder's Orchard Farm Market: Selling produce, jams/butters, homemade ice cream, butchered meats, and more (4 mins) - Seaman's Orchard: A gorgeous orchard with pick your own strawberries, cherries, and more. (6 mins) - Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail - Nelson County: A seven mile graveled trail following the piney river with easy access. Great for horses, hiking, fishing, and cycling. The river is stocked with trout at certain times of the year. (8 mins) - Priestview Hunting Preserve: Upland game bird hunting from fall to spring seasons (8 mins) - Tye and Piney Rivers: Hiking and fishing for stocked trout (Distance varies so look at Department of Wildlife for best locations) - Winton Farm: Golf Course (15 mins) - Poplar Grove: Golf Course (20 mins) - Stoney Creek: Golf Course (30 mins)
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from 
$20
 / night
Glamping with room to roam.

4. Glamping with room to roam.

94%
(42)
9.6mi from James River State Park · 5 sites · Lodging · Howardsville, VA
Whisper Creek was founded in 1999. It has been the gathering place for many great friends and camping adventures. WC can hardly be camping, more like Glamping! This is a very private and quiet location. You can settle in knowing that this listing includes a covered picnic area. Which has counter space for food prep and cooking that includes a small sink. But remember, it’s camping so you’ll need to come prepared with a camp stove for cooking, although I do have charcoal and propane grill’s at the picnic area. Fire pit for awesome evening camp fires with free split firewood on hand. All I ask is that you burn it like you split and stacked it. You can gather and relax under the covered picnic area for dinner preparation and/or lounging. We are located within an hour from Wintergreen, numerous wineries, craft beer locations and numerous hiking destinations. Harmony Hut has fresh linens but please bring sleeping bags and/or sheets for the screened in bunkhouse. River access to the James River is a short drive to Howardsville. There you will also find a General Store which offers you the basics, such as Beer, Wine, Ice and a few grocery items. They make the best homemade sandwiches and grilled burgers. Direct river access can be provided via special request. I can also provide shuttling services. But this needs to be mentioned well before your stay as I don't live up there year around.
Pets
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from 
$75
 / night
View from High Camp.

8. Camp Cove Creek

95%
(32)
15mi from James River State Park · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · Faber, VA
Camp Cove Creek is located in rural Faber, Virginia which is 20 minutes from Charlottesville in beautiful Nelson County. In addition to the many natural features like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail and the James River, Nelson is home to Wintergreen Resort and Oakridge Estate and hosts events such as the Lok'n Festival, Camp Jeep, and Overland Expo. Camp Cove Creek was part of my grandparent's Waveland Farm. Originally situated on over 600 acres, the brick antebellum house across the hill was used as a hospital in the Civil War. The camp used to be a horse and cattle farm as well as a flea market and airport with grass airstrip when my mom owned the land. Our vegetable garden was by the swimming hole. The airstrip still maintained as such in order to offer aviation-accessible camping. It is s the future home of Faber Christmas tree farm and features several notable antique vehicles rusting in peace. Some models are of the same make and model featured on TV and film. Camp Cove Creek is easily accessible via Rt 29 and Rt 6 east (Irish Road). Our property sits at the confluence of Bear and Cove Creeks where wading/hiking/tubing is permitted and encouraged (with water shoes). We are continually trying to improve the site by removing old barbed wire, poison ivy, roadside trash, and invasive plant species in addition to planting Christmas Trees, raising 3 kids, and working 2 full time jobs so please forgive our works in progress! This is your 30-acre camping playground! Licensed off-road vehicles, ADV and Dual-sport motorcycles, horses, personal electric vehicles and EVEN PRIVATE PLANES are welcomed! Camp anywhere along it or the creeks bordering it. We encourage walking the route first as it has intentionally been left primitive to provide more of an authentic and fun getaway adventure. Overlanding does tend to scratch paint so enter at your own risk! There is a Volleyball Net and Horseshoe set for use as well. Nearby in the soapstone mining town of Schuyler you can visit the home place of Earl Hamner, best known for his creation of The Waltons TV show. While you're there check out the Waltons Mountain Museum, which happens to be my old elementary school and my parent's former high school. The Rockfish River dam and quarry gardens are really cool too!
Pets
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from 
$14
 / night
Rolling Hill Tent Camping & Trails

9. Rolling Hill Tent Camping & Trails

100%
(11)
15mi from James River State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Buckingham Courthouse, VA
Learn more about this land:Welcome to our Mountain View Tent Camping spot, tucked away in the beautiful rolling hills of our farm. This is the perfect peaceful getaway near tons of outdoor activities and wineries! About the Property:The property features our farm’s rolling hills that lead to stunning mountain views. There is a cleared walkable path down to the lower end of our farm where you’ll find creeks that run through the property. With nearly 60 acres of private forest, you can hike and explore, or spend time on one of the grassy knolls we have cleared. You can enjoy swimming or even just a quick dip in the creeks on our property and hiking just 600 feet from campsites. If you're looking for a nearby adventure, Holliday Lake State Park, Bear Creek State Park and the James River are all close by and are great spots to go rafting or tubing! Historic Scottsville is just up the road where you can find restaurants, breweries, grocery stores if you need and more. Being in the Piedmont region, we also have quick access to multiple vineyards that make for a great day trip. There are opportunities to go swimming, hiking, kayaking, rafting, and visit wineries all within 20-60 miles of our property. There is really something for everyone to do!We're surrounded by working farms on all sides so, thankfully, the only noise is from a heard of sheep across the way, or some deer in the forest. It’s a truly peaceful outdoor getaway. As hosts, we typically greet our visitors at some point during their stay, though we are very happy to respect total privacy. We hope you enjoy the wonderful sunsets, creek access, and stars above as much as we do!About the Listing:Come pitch your tent or park your RV on our property and set up camp at the edge of our farm! We have a few other campsites, well-spaced apart, so you can expect to see other campers periodically throughout your stay in passing or in common areas such as the toilet. You will be able to enjoy privacy and all the serenity that the outdoors has to offer! There is cooking grate on the fire pit so you can cook up some delicious meals. We’d suggest bringing some camping chairs if you’re tent camping to enjoy your meals or your morning coffee, as we do not have a picnic table on site. You can also enjoy cozying up by the private campfire and toasting some marshmallows at sunset. We have potable well water for our campers as well as a shared double stall composting toilet for your comfort. The toilets are set up near the campsites for added convenience. Additional Details to Note:- Check-in is after 1pm and check-out is before 12pm- Things to bring: Everything you need to camp comfortably! Think: Swimsuit, bedding, towels, water vessel to get water from well, cooking supplies, etc. - We do not have wifi available on site and cell reception is spotty, especially for certain carriers. Please prepare accordingly for your travels and your stay. - Please do not bring outside firewood - we have firewood available on site! Ask us about this. -Campers must put all food away at night.- We welcome your pets! Please ensure your pets are on a leash during your stay. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay!
Pets
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Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Picnic Table at Creek

10. LongView Farm

100%
(78)
15mi from James River State Park · 24 sites · Tents · VA
This bucolic property on 60+ acres offers some of the best 360, panoramic views in Nelson County and a peaceful stay at LongView Farm. Currently accepting tent campers and truck/tent setups (no trailers or RV's... yet!). Experience Davis Creek, woods, pastures, and miles of dirt roads for biking/hiking. Just minutes from the Nelson 151 Craft Beverage trail (over 15 family friendly breweries/winers) and right across the street from Woodridge Farm Brewery. There's an Exxon station less than .5 a mile from our entrance, and Public Access to the Rockfish River is available .75 mile away. Charlottesville is an easy 25 minute drive. 10/2022: Fire extinguishers and first aid kids now available at the entrance to each property! 08/2022: Picnic Tables and Fire Rings now provided! GROUPS: We only allow a small amount of bookings at each of our three sites to allow for a spaced-out, private experience BUT if you have a large group of people and would like to book an entire site we can add spaces to that site for the dates you are looking to book to accommodate; just shoot us a message. -----||----- Site Descriptions: Sandy Bottom: open field, access to Davis Creek, parking at site, road noise Crawfish Creek: most secluded/quiet, Creek access, parking at site Sunset Ridge: best views, parking at site, closest to residence CURRENTLY CLOSED Hidden Hollow -----||----- UPDATE 08/2022: We now have Picnic Tables and Fire Rings available! Sandy Bottom, Crawfish Creek and Sunset Ridge are all three open available. Currently only accepting TENT campers until the driveway to Sunset Ridge is re-graded for RVs and Trailers. ----------------- This is a working farm, home to both Livestock Guardian Dogs as well as resident dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, horses, goats and other various livestock. If you choose to bring your dog/s, please let us know when booking. You should NOT bring your dog/s if they are high-strung, overly sensitive, aggressive, or not trained. Our livestock guardian dogs are hard-wired to protect so if they sense an uncomfortable vibe from another dog, it will make them uncomfortable and they need to be focused on doing their jobs. Safety, privacy and environmental impact is very important to us. We require a minimum of 50 feet between each campsite. Please contain all trash, human waste and canine waste and pack it out with you when you leave. Be kind to the areas in which you camp, as they are home to many wildlife, native trees/shrubs/plants and in some cases, food for horses and cows (hay fields).  Each site is provided a fire pit (upon request) and we sell firewood. There is so much to enjoy on the farm, but you are also incredibly close to many amazing places such as: Wood Ridge Farm Brewery Public Access to Rockfish River Nelson Lake 151 Craft Beverage Trail Wintergreen Resort Charlottesville/UVA Forget something? There is an Exxon gas station with a convenience store and prepared foods less than .5mile from the entrance to Longview Retreat.
Pets
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from 
$45
 / night
Warren Ferry Landing

12. Warren Ferry Landing

96%
(218)
17mi from James River State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Scottsville, VA
Come enjoy Warren Ferry Landing, our expansive and shaded property just steps from the James River! Our property boasts 400+ feet of river frontage for you to enjoy and you can swim, fish, or even launch a canoe directly from our sites. About the property Our property is located adjacent to the historic Warren Ferry crossing of the James River. This is one of two historic ferry crossings near Scottsville, VA! The other, Hatton Ferry, is located a little bit down river from this location. Our property is only 8 miles from Scottsville so if you need to pop into town for something you forgot it is quite easy. There are many other activities that you can partake in nearby or on our property. There is fishing, swimming, hiking, and kayaking all within easy reach of our property. We live onsite (total property acreage is 16 miles) and we can reached over the phone or text. If you have any questions before or during your stay please don’t hesitate to reach out. The owner does reserve the right to use the river access, for activities such as kayak launch/recover, during the stay. Keep in mind that during the night it is possible to hear some train activity from across the river.
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from 
$38
 / night
Shireton

13. Shireton

100%
(10)
19mi from James River State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Arvonia, VA
Welcome to our charming hobbit house nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s mountains!***Before booking, please carefully review the full house description and rules***. By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge and accept the property and its features as they are. Please note, our solar panels may sometimes be unreliable, especially with high energy usage. The backup generator is there for that reason, and we do not offer discounts if it is needed during your stay. Located in a peaceful rural setting, our hobbit house offers a truly immersive experience in nature that makes you feel like you have entered Middle Earth. Enjoy the rustic charm of the round door, but be mindful that bugs may enter more easily due to the design. We want your stay to be enjoyable, so please come prepared for a natural, off-grid experience. Refunds will not be provided if the generator needs to be used. Step into the enchanting world of Tolkien with a stay in our cozy hobbit house, featured on Building Off the Grid (Season 13, episode 3, Virginia Underground Home ). The tiny house includes a Murphy desk Hideaway bed (queen size), a hobbit-style dining nook, and a charming bathroom with a large copper soaking tub. Our dining area is a cozy, minimalist space designed for simple meals. We do not have a mini-refrigerator at this time, please bring a cooler if needed. While we do provide a stovetop, please note that it may occasionally cause slight fluctuations in the electricity. We recommend treating this as a camping-style experience by bringing non-perishable items or exploring the delicious takeout options available in nearby Scottsville. Every corner is filled with whimsical touches, from handmade maps of the Shire to portraits of beloved characters from LOTR. Completely off the grid, our eco-friendly home runs on solar power and a well septic system. We encourage guests to disconnect from the outside world—there’s no TV or Wi-Fi—so you can fully embrace the natural surroundings. The property spans nearly 24 acres, with some hiking trails started and future plans for gardens, and archery targets. We also wanted to mention that if you are interested in a stay but have a larger family or group of friends, we are permitted to allow tents and campers.
Potable water
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from 
$180
 / night
Entrance to our land

14. Field of Dreams Creek Camping

97%
(32)
20mi from James River State Park · 1 site · Tent · Concord, VA
All of the land on the gravel road in which we live was at one time a large operating farm. The original farmhouse is still present at the end of the gravel road. In recent years the farm land was sub divided. My husband Jacob and I purchased this piece of property 8 years ago. We absolutely love it here and this land is our own slice of paradise. We have 13 acres of private seclusion with a quiet and peaceful creek spot for camping on the back side of our property. We love having a place where we feel we can be away from it all! Also at the same time we are only a short drive away from downtown Lynchburg as well as quick access to route 460. We enjoy that we can get on the river quickly and we frequently take advantage of the beauty of kayaking the James River. Together Jacob and I find tranquility while camping and exploring new places. We are excited to share our slice of heaven with you and meet people who share our love for the great outdoors. :)
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$25
 / night
Arcadia Sanctuary

15. Arcadia Sanctuary

97%
(370)
20mi from James River State Park · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Buena Vista, VA
Welcome to Arcadia Sanctuary An 83-Acre Mountainside Retreat for Earth-Based Spirituality in Central Virginia Arcadia is our beloved sanctuary for earth-based spirituality, nestled on the southeastern slope of 4,000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia. Conveniently located near I-81, Arcadia offers a secluded, nature-immersed experience—just a short drive from the modern world, yet miles away in spirit. Please note: There is a town called Arcadia off I-81, but we are not located there. Be sure to follow our directions carefully. A Living Landscape of Forest, Water, and Wildness Our land features a flowing mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, and Witch Hazels leaning gracefully over the water. You'll encounter trout, crayfish, salamanders, snakes, and the full chorus of mountain wildlife. With nearly 2,000 feet of vertical mountainside, Arcadia offers trails to explore and camping options ranging from creek side convenience to secluded mountain hideaways. While most of our gathering areas are near creek level, higher sites are available for those seeking solitude—just be prepared for a bit of a hike to the bathrooms, showers, and fresh water. A Natural Amphitheater for Music and Gathering Arcadia is home to one of the finest private stages on the East Coast. Our natural amphitheater—shaped like a pie wedge carved into the mountainside—hosts live performances throughout spring, summer, and fall. With a top-quality sound system and stunning surroundings, it’s a magical venue for music, ceremony, and celebration. Stay With Us: Yurt Glamping, Tent Camping & More Our beautiful yurt is available for rent and offers a unique glamping experience surrounded by nature. For traditional campers, we offer multiple campsites near the creek, as well as more remote locations higher up the mountain. Every stay includes access to the shared amenities: bathrooms, hot showers, fresh water, and community gathering spaces. Meet the Arcadia Community Arcadia is alive with more than just trees and streams. You’ll share space with our free-roaming flock of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl, along with two friendly dogs, nine curious cats, and the human stewards who live and care for this land year-round.
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from 
$23
 / night
Oakshire Farm

16. Oakshire Farm

100%
(10)
21mi from James River State Park · 1 site · Tent · Amherst, VA
Welcome to Oakshire, where wild berries and poplars line the creek, and our garden bursts with fresh veggies. Watch piglets forage in their wooded paddocks while our lovable farm dogs eagerly await belly rubs. Situated on a 10-acre regenerative farm in the foothills of Mt. Pleasant, Oakshire offers a serene escape. Our campsite, screened by poplar saplings, accommodates 1 tent, a full-size picnic table, fire ring, and space for your hammock. A 5-minute walk from the parking area leads you to the site, while a 2-minute stroll takes you down to the creek. Just 5 minutes away, discover an award-winning vineyard with stunning views at Ankida Ridge. Drive 15 minutes to Long Mountain Wayside (Appalachian Trail) and the turnoff towards Mt. Pleasant Scenic Area. Whether you hike, bike, ride horses, fish, or swim, there's plenty to explore! Meet Michael and Gwendolyn, your hosts at Oakshire Farm. We raise free-range chickens, pastured pork, and honeybees, alongside veggie gardens and orchards. Join us for a slice of farm life and endless adventures.
Potable water
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from 
$21
 / night
Nealand Farm

17. Nealand Farm

100%
(35)
21mi from James River State Park · 3 sites · Tents · Scottsville, VA
Nestled on 65 acres of rolling hills, Nealand Farm offers a perfect balance between pastoral beauty, farm experiences, and modern convenience. Visitors can hike through our broadleaf forests, explore two different creeks, and wander through pastures. Sharp-eyed guests may spot our pair of resident Cooper's hawks. You'll be staying on an active sustainable farm and homestead. We can arrange for interactions with goats, dogs, chickens, and cows, and we offer tours of our gardens during the growing season. You can relax on a hammock or on our front porch. We often feel like we're in the middle of nowhere, but it's a 3-minute walk through the woods to a grocery store, post office, food, and more. Historic downtown Scottsville and access to the James River are about a mile down the road. The campsites are located in an area with views of both beautiful sunrise and sunset, and they're mostly shaded throughout the day. You'll have access to our toilet trailer (compost toilet and sink), electricity (our property is 100% solar-powered), and wifi that reaches the campsites. There are no campfires at the campsites, but all campers can use our firepit area and the patio with a picnic table. Our free range chickens and Livestock Guardian Dog have access to campsite areas. The dog is very friendly, but if that's a problem, let us know and we can move him to prevent access. Because we are an active farm, we strictly prohibit pets.
Potable water
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from 
$20
 / night
Love Ridge Mountain Lodging

18. Love Ridge Mountain Lodging

95%
(52)
21mi from James River State Park · 24 sites · Tents, Lodging · Lyndhurst, VA
Love Ridge Mountain Lodging--NEAR SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARKExperience the beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. Take a dip at nearby Sherando Lake and stop in to some of the many local food and craft beverage hotspots. Then retreat to your own mountain cabin or campsite.Situated at 2,800 feet in the hamlet of Love, Virginia, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging borders the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 16. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat to the mountains or a jumping off point for exploring central Virginia, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging is the perfect choice.CABINSIndulge in a romantic getaway at one of our Blue Ridge Parkway Cabins, creating lasting memories with your loved one. 4 of our cabins are pet friendly.FAMILIESOur family cabins sleep 10+ and are the perfect place for kids to connect to nature and and an opportunity for busy parents to relax. PET FRIENDLYSelect from our four mountain cabins and campsites that offer a dog-friendly experience, ensuring a great space for both humans and their four-legged companions. View White Rock Cabin, Meadow Mountain Cabin, Sherando Cabin or Spy Rock Cabin for a pet-friendly cabins.HOT TUBSSome cabins offer a private hot tub, while a number of the smaller cabins offer jetted in-room tubs.GRILLS and FIREPITSGuests love the convenience of private outdoor grills for cooking and communal firepits.EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR STAY AND ONLINE STORERent an e-bike and cruise the parkway, take in the night skies around Love Ridge. Love Ridge has a variety of experiences to choose from. Our online store has a variety of food options. Advance notice may be needed for some items, so book early.
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from 
$55
 / night
Joe's creek waterfall is a beautiful simple hike  (no camping allowed at the waterfall area)  See our rules for hiking and day use of beautiful area of the property.

19. Meili Mtn - Tye River Waterfall

97%
(57)
22mi from James River State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Tyro, VA
A beautiful, convenient yet very private property on the Tye River will be your base camp for all your favorite area attractions. (Pronounced Mae-Lee) Camp, hike, fish, and relax on 35 heavily wooded acres in the Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The property was bought in 2021 and new features are being added for the ideal hipcamp getaway. Stay tuned for more details and picture as they become available. Learn more about this land: This is your perfect, fully unplugged, rustic back country getaway. Conveniently located directly off Route 56 and across from the Tye River, yet heavily wooded with hiking access to a stunning private waterfall and stream. Only 1/2 mile upstream from Crabtree Falls and about 5 miles to the 3 Ridges/Priest Mountain trailhead on the AT. Also easy drives to many of our favorites like: St Mary's Wilderness - Blue Mtn Barrel House - Trager Brothers Coffee - Basic Necessities Cafe - Spy Rock - Wintergreen - The Brewing Tree - White Rock Falls - Blue Ridge Parkway - Montebello General Store (public restroom for customers) - Sweet Bliss Bakery - Jefferson & Washington National Forest - Tantivy Lavender Farm and so much more. This back-country location has multiple tent sites available* with no amenities and very limited to no cell coverage. We are allowing some camping near the waterfall on an 8x8 wooden tent platform or feel free to camp at a few other spots on the property we will share during booking. (no other campfire site are permitted on the property, although we have a firepit at 2 locations). *Please note that there is NO camping available at the waterfall.
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$54
 / night
2nd40 to 420 - The Farm

20. 2nd40 to 420 - The Farm

99%
(99)
23mi from James River State Park · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Pamplin, VA
The Farm was originally named 2nd 4o by my parents. They planned to live the 2nd forty years of their lives together on the farm. My parents both grew up on the southside of Chicago - where having a tree in your yard meant that you had "made it". They decided to use the land to grow Christmas trees. This did not last long :) but the saplings my dad planted by hand are still here & maybe 70' tall! Then my husband & I bought The Farm in 2017 for the 2nd forty years of our life & my parents built their little house right here. My husband and I immediately knew that our dream was to grow a different kind of "tree", so in 2019 we were among the first group to receive our license to grow hemp. We are passionate about both the hemp and cannabis plants! In 2020 when it finally became legal to grow cannabis, we immediately added that to our garden as well and 2nd 40 to 420 was born, or shall I say planted. We currently rent out our 2 RV's 3 Yurts & primitive sites , we also offer group bookings & Canna-friendly B&B options. We plan to add septic & electric hook-ups for RV's in the near future. Come join us in Growing our Dreams! Learn more about this land: Large farm with acres for tent camping. 2 RVs on site and Yurts available for rental - able to pull in RV's420 friendly - bed & breakfast options available. Creek, walking, riding trails, in season pool. Happy to host you with a variety of options. This option is for primitive camping on site. Outdoor shower available on property.
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$43
 / night
96% (15)

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Sunset Springs Farm

98%
(26)
9.5mi from James River State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Arrington, VA
Enjoy gorgeous sunsets of the Blue Ridge, fresh mountain air, and a plethora of activities in the area while staying at our farm. Being just a 4 minute drive from both Blue Mountain Barrel House and Saunder's Orchard Farm Market, you can begin your adventure and expand on from there. Within a 30 minute driving radius are some of the most incredible wineries and breweries, restaurants, orchards, hiking trails, hunting/fishing areas, and so much more. (See a more detailed list of activities below) For those coming for events in the area, we are 1 mile from Route 29 and equidistant between Charlottesville and Lynchburg (30-35 mins). There is a firepit available and wood can be purchased upon request. **Important (for your safety): Pulling out of our driveway can be difficult due to low visibility of oncoming traffic. Vehicles often speed on our road so please be sure to quiet your car and roll the windows down when pulling out of our driveway to better hear if a vehicle is approaching. Nearby Food and Drink - Blue Mountain Barrel House: Great brews and food with live music on certain nights (4 mins) - Vitos Pizza: Italian restaurant with 2 locations in Lovingston and Amherst (5/15 mins) - El Mariachi: Mexican restaurant with 2 locations in Lovingston and Amherst (5/15 Mins) - Lovingston Winery: Vineyard (6 mins) - The Briar Patch Restaurant: Traditional American cuisine from sandwiches to seafood/steaks (15 mins) - Wood Ridge Brewery: Brews and food with a full golf driving range (15 mins) - Devil's Backbone Basecamp: Original Devil's Backbone Brewery with American cuisine, also starting the 151 Brewery and Winery Trail (18 mins) - Iron and Ale at Wintergreen / Stoney Creek: Traditional American cuisine from sandwiches to seafood/steaks (25 mins) - The Farmhouse at Veritas: Veritas' winery and restaurant with a fine dining pre fixe menu (30 mins) Local Shopping and Entertainment - Saunder's Orchard Farm Market: Selling produce, jams/butters, homemade ice cream, butchered meats, and more (4 mins) - Seaman's Orchard: A gorgeous orchard with pick your own strawberries, cherries, and more. (6 mins) - Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail - Nelson County: A seven mile graveled trail following the piney river with easy access. Great for horses, hiking, fishing, and cycling. The river is stocked with trout at certain times of the year. (8 mins) - Priestview Hunting Preserve: Upland game bird hunting from fall to spring seasons (8 mins) - Tye and Piney Rivers: Hiking and fishing for stocked trout (Distance varies so look at Department of Wildlife for best locations) - Winton Farm: Golf Course (15 mins) - Poplar Grove: Golf Course (20 mins) - Stoney Creek: Golf Course (30 mins)
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$20
 / night

Glamping with room to roam.

94%
(42)
9.6mi from James River State Park · 5 sites · Lodging · Howardsville, VA
Whisper Creek was founded in 1999. It has been the gathering place for many great friends and camping adventures. WC can hardly be camping, more like Glamping! This is a very private and quiet location. You can settle in knowing that this listing includes a covered picnic area. Which has counter space for food prep and cooking that includes a small sink. But remember, it’s camping so you’ll need to come prepared with a camp stove for cooking, although I do have charcoal and propane grill’s at the picnic area. Fire pit for awesome evening camp fires with free split firewood on hand. All I ask is that you burn it like you split and stacked it. You can gather and relax under the covered picnic area for dinner preparation and/or lounging. We are located within an hour from Wintergreen, numerous wineries, craft beer locations and numerous hiking destinations. Harmony Hut has fresh linens but please bring sleeping bags and/or sheets for the screened in bunkhouse. River access to the James River is a short drive to Howardsville. There you will also find a General Store which offers you the basics, such as Beer, Wine, Ice and a few grocery items. They make the best homemade sandwiches and grilled burgers. Direct river access can be provided via special request. I can also provide shuttling services. But this needs to be mentioned well before your stay as I don't live up there year around.
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$75
 / night

Camp Cove Creek

95%
(32)
15mi from James River State Park · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · Faber, VA
Camp Cove Creek is located in rural Faber, Virginia which is 20 minutes from Charlottesville in beautiful Nelson County. In addition to the many natural features like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail and the James River, Nelson is home to Wintergreen Resort and Oakridge Estate and hosts events such as the Lok'n Festival, Camp Jeep, and Overland Expo. Camp Cove Creek was part of my grandparent's Waveland Farm. Originally situated on over 600 acres, the brick antebellum house across the hill was used as a hospital in the Civil War. The camp used to be a horse and cattle farm as well as a flea market and airport with grass airstrip when my mom owned the land. Our vegetable garden was by the swimming hole. The airstrip still maintained as such in order to offer aviation-accessible camping. It is s the future home of Faber Christmas tree farm and features several notable antique vehicles rusting in peace. Some models are of the same make and model featured on TV and film. Camp Cove Creek is easily accessible via Rt 29 and Rt 6 east (Irish Road). Our property sits at the confluence of Bear and Cove Creeks where wading/hiking/tubing is permitted and encouraged (with water shoes). We are continually trying to improve the site by removing old barbed wire, poison ivy, roadside trash, and invasive plant species in addition to planting Christmas Trees, raising 3 kids, and working 2 full time jobs so please forgive our works in progress! This is your 30-acre camping playground! Licensed off-road vehicles, ADV and Dual-sport motorcycles, horses, personal electric vehicles and EVEN PRIVATE PLANES are welcomed! Camp anywhere along it or the creeks bordering it. We encourage walking the route first as it has intentionally been left primitive to provide more of an authentic and fun getaway adventure. Overlanding does tend to scratch paint so enter at your own risk! There is a Volleyball Net and Horseshoe set for use as well. Nearby in the soapstone mining town of Schuyler you can visit the home place of Earl Hamner, best known for his creation of The Waltons TV show. While you're there check out the Waltons Mountain Museum, which happens to be my old elementary school and my parent's former high school. The Rockfish River dam and quarry gardens are really cool too!
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$14
 / night

Rolling Hill Tent Camping & Trails

100%
(11)
15mi from James River State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Buckingham Courthouse, VA
Learn more about this land:Welcome to our Mountain View Tent Camping spot, tucked away in the beautiful rolling hills of our farm. This is the perfect peaceful getaway near tons of outdoor activities and wineries! About the Property:The property features our farm’s rolling hills that lead to stunning mountain views. There is a cleared walkable path down to the lower end of our farm where you’ll find creeks that run through the property. With nearly 60 acres of private forest, you can hike and explore, or spend time on one of the grassy knolls we have cleared. You can enjoy swimming or even just a quick dip in the creeks on our property and hiking just 600 feet from campsites. If you're looking for a nearby adventure, Holliday Lake State Park, Bear Creek State Park and the James River are all close by and are great spots to go rafting or tubing! Historic Scottsville is just up the road where you can find restaurants, breweries, grocery stores if you need and more. Being in the Piedmont region, we also have quick access to multiple vineyards that make for a great day trip. There are opportunities to go swimming, hiking, kayaking, rafting, and visit wineries all within 20-60 miles of our property. There is really something for everyone to do!We're surrounded by working farms on all sides so, thankfully, the only noise is from a heard of sheep across the way, or some deer in the forest. It’s a truly peaceful outdoor getaway. As hosts, we typically greet our visitors at some point during their stay, though we are very happy to respect total privacy. We hope you enjoy the wonderful sunsets, creek access, and stars above as much as we do!About the Listing:Come pitch your tent or park your RV on our property and set up camp at the edge of our farm! We have a few other campsites, well-spaced apart, so you can expect to see other campers periodically throughout your stay in passing or in common areas such as the toilet. You will be able to enjoy privacy and all the serenity that the outdoors has to offer! There is cooking grate on the fire pit so you can cook up some delicious meals. We’d suggest bringing some camping chairs if you’re tent camping to enjoy your meals or your morning coffee, as we do not have a picnic table on site. You can also enjoy cozying up by the private campfire and toasting some marshmallows at sunset. We have potable well water for our campers as well as a shared double stall composting toilet for your comfort. The toilets are set up near the campsites for added convenience. Additional Details to Note:- Check-in is after 1pm and check-out is before 12pm- Things to bring: Everything you need to camp comfortably! Think: Swimsuit, bedding, towels, water vessel to get water from well, cooking supplies, etc. - We do not have wifi available on site and cell reception is spotty, especially for certain carriers. Please prepare accordingly for your travels and your stay. - Please do not bring outside firewood - we have firewood available on site! Ask us about this. -Campers must put all food away at night.- We welcome your pets! Please ensure your pets are on a leash during your stay. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay!
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$24
 / night

LongView Farm

100%
(78)
15mi from James River State Park · 24 sites · Tents · VA
This bucolic property on 60+ acres offers some of the best 360, panoramic views in Nelson County and a peaceful stay at LongView Farm. Currently accepting tent campers and truck/tent setups (no trailers or RV's... yet!). Experience Davis Creek, woods, pastures, and miles of dirt roads for biking/hiking. Just minutes from the Nelson 151 Craft Beverage trail (over 15 family friendly breweries/winers) and right across the street from Woodridge Farm Brewery. There's an Exxon station less than .5 a mile from our entrance, and Public Access to the Rockfish River is available .75 mile away. Charlottesville is an easy 25 minute drive. 10/2022: Fire extinguishers and first aid kids now available at the entrance to each property! 08/2022: Picnic Tables and Fire Rings now provided! GROUPS: We only allow a small amount of bookings at each of our three sites to allow for a spaced-out, private experience BUT if you have a large group of people and would like to book an entire site we can add spaces to that site for the dates you are looking to book to accommodate; just shoot us a message. -----||----- Site Descriptions: Sandy Bottom: open field, access to Davis Creek, parking at site, road noise Crawfish Creek: most secluded/quiet, Creek access, parking at site Sunset Ridge: best views, parking at site, closest to residence CURRENTLY CLOSED Hidden Hollow -----||----- UPDATE 08/2022: We now have Picnic Tables and Fire Rings available! Sandy Bottom, Crawfish Creek and Sunset Ridge are all three open available. Currently only accepting TENT campers until the driveway to Sunset Ridge is re-graded for RVs and Trailers. ----------------- This is a working farm, home to both Livestock Guardian Dogs as well as resident dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, horses, goats and other various livestock. If you choose to bring your dog/s, please let us know when booking. You should NOT bring your dog/s if they are high-strung, overly sensitive, aggressive, or not trained. Our livestock guardian dogs are hard-wired to protect so if they sense an uncomfortable vibe from another dog, it will make them uncomfortable and they need to be focused on doing their jobs. Safety, privacy and environmental impact is very important to us. We require a minimum of 50 feet between each campsite. Please contain all trash, human waste and canine waste and pack it out with you when you leave. Be kind to the areas in which you camp, as they are home to many wildlife, native trees/shrubs/plants and in some cases, food for horses and cows (hay fields).  Each site is provided a fire pit (upon request) and we sell firewood. There is so much to enjoy on the farm, but you are also incredibly close to many amazing places such as: Wood Ridge Farm Brewery Public Access to Rockfish River Nelson Lake 151 Craft Beverage Trail Wintergreen Resort Charlottesville/UVA Forget something? There is an Exxon gas station with a convenience store and prepared foods less than .5mile from the entrance to Longview Retreat.
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$45
 / night

Warren Ferry Landing

96%
(218)
17mi from James River State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Scottsville, VA
Come enjoy Warren Ferry Landing, our expansive and shaded property just steps from the James River! Our property boasts 400+ feet of river frontage for you to enjoy and you can swim, fish, or even launch a canoe directly from our sites. About the property Our property is located adjacent to the historic Warren Ferry crossing of the James River. This is one of two historic ferry crossings near Scottsville, VA! The other, Hatton Ferry, is located a little bit down river from this location. Our property is only 8 miles from Scottsville so if you need to pop into town for something you forgot it is quite easy. There are many other activities that you can partake in nearby or on our property. There is fishing, swimming, hiking, and kayaking all within easy reach of our property. We live onsite (total property acreage is 16 miles) and we can reached over the phone or text. If you have any questions before or during your stay please don’t hesitate to reach out. The owner does reserve the right to use the river access, for activities such as kayak launch/recover, during the stay. Keep in mind that during the night it is possible to hear some train activity from across the river.
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$38
 / night

Shireton

100%
(10)
19mi from James River State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Arvonia, VA
Welcome to our charming hobbit house nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s mountains!***Before booking, please carefully review the full house description and rules***. By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge and accept the property and its features as they are. Please note, our solar panels may sometimes be unreliable, especially with high energy usage. The backup generator is there for that reason, and we do not offer discounts if it is needed during your stay. Located in a peaceful rural setting, our hobbit house offers a truly immersive experience in nature that makes you feel like you have entered Middle Earth. Enjoy the rustic charm of the round door, but be mindful that bugs may enter more easily due to the design. We want your stay to be enjoyable, so please come prepared for a natural, off-grid experience. Refunds will not be provided if the generator needs to be used. Step into the enchanting world of Tolkien with a stay in our cozy hobbit house, featured on Building Off the Grid (Season 13, episode 3, Virginia Underground Home ). The tiny house includes a Murphy desk Hideaway bed (queen size), a hobbit-style dining nook, and a charming bathroom with a large copper soaking tub. Our dining area is a cozy, minimalist space designed for simple meals. We do not have a mini-refrigerator at this time, please bring a cooler if needed. While we do provide a stovetop, please note that it may occasionally cause slight fluctuations in the electricity. We recommend treating this as a camping-style experience by bringing non-perishable items or exploring the delicious takeout options available in nearby Scottsville. Every corner is filled with whimsical touches, from handmade maps of the Shire to portraits of beloved characters from LOTR. Completely off the grid, our eco-friendly home runs on solar power and a well septic system. We encourage guests to disconnect from the outside world—there’s no TV or Wi-Fi—so you can fully embrace the natural surroundings. The property spans nearly 24 acres, with some hiking trails started and future plans for gardens, and archery targets. We also wanted to mention that if you are interested in a stay but have a larger family or group of friends, we are permitted to allow tents and campers.
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from 
$180
 / night

Other options near James River State Park

The best camping in James River State Park, VA guide

Overview

About

You know those majestic blue mountains on those beer cans from college? How about seeing them live in livin’ color? James River State Park is wrapped up in rolling green foothills, stunning views, and three miles of shoreline of the self-named River. Whether you’re there for a day trip or for the whole week, visitors engage in biking, canoeing, fishing, hiking and whooping it up on a natural playground. If you’re down to get down with the stars, James River offers multiple options for campouts. Choose from primitive, modern campgrounds, equestrian and cabins.

Notable campgrounds

  • Red Oak Campground: Offers water and electric hookups, shaded sites, and a full-service bathhouse with laundry facilities.
  • Canoe Landing Campground: Features primitive tent sites right by the river, perfect for an immersive outdoor experience.
  • Horseshoe Campground: Equipped for equestrian campers, with covered horse stalls and pull-through sites for easy access.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as sites at James River State Park are in high demand, especially during peak seasons.
  • Be flexible with your dates to increase your chances of securing a reservation.
  • Take advantage of the park's online reservation system for a hassle-free booking experience.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan in case the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit James River State Park is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters are quieter but can be chilly for camping.

Know before you go

  • Check for any trail detours or facility closures before your visit due to weather or maintenance.
  • Remember that James River State Park is a trash-in, trash-out facility; please plan to take your trash with you.
  • Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair-accessible trails and fishing piers available.
  • For a unique experience, visit during the annual James River Batteau Festival.
  • Don't forget to bring all necessary linens for cabin stays, as they are not provided.
96%
15 ratings · 2 reviews