Lake Camping in Charlottesville, Virginia, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

United States
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Virginia
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Charlottesville

93% (1188 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Charlottesville

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Under $50

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Shenandoah NP Mtn Field

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Stanley, VA

PRIMITIVE campsite in a mountain field, AWD or 4WD required to access the off-road campsite. Enjoy this large private camp in the wilderness on the border of Shenandoah National Park and hike nearby to the Appalachian Trail, Big Meadows, and Waterfalls. Campsite has spectacular mountain views.

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

7 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Charlottesville, VA

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.

Ridge Crest Hollow and Lake

1 site · RV, Tent27 acres · Pantops, VA

Less than 5 miles from Downtown Charlottesville and 7.5 miles from UVA lies a quiet and peaceful 3+ acre lake on 27 acres with multiple flat areas for tent camping and 2 areas for an RV. Both full and partial sun and shade can be found. Outhouse available or BYO. Multiple campfire locations, or make your own. Excellent fishing for trophy largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill or sit by the waterfall and enjoy a book or picnic. Optional: chairs, tables, propane range, charcoal grill, picnic style grill large enough for whole hogs, 10x10 shelter, 5 gallon water tanks with spigots.

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Arcadia Sanctuary

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents83 acres · Buena Vista, VA

Arcadia is the name we gave to our 83-acre mountainside retreat center for Earth-Based Spirituality. It’s nestled on the south-eastern slope of 4000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia, convenient to I81. (Note, there is a town called Arcadia off I81, but that is not us. Not to confuse.) We have a mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, Witch Hazels leaning over the water, trout, crayfish, snakes, salamanders, and all the rest. We have about 2000 feet of the vertical mountainside with trails to explore. (But the stage and most of the camping is down closer to creek-level.) There are more sites higher up the mountain if you like more isolated camping. More of a trek to the bathrooms/showers/freshwater. We have one of the finest private stages on the East Coast with a top-notch sound system and a natural amphitheater which is like a single pie wedge of a Stadium that has regular live performances throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our yurt is regularly booked as a unique glamping experience. There are chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl free-roaming. Two dogs, nine cats, and several humans are blessed to call this home.

Casa Vargas

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents104 acres · Culpeper, VA

Bring your tent, travel trailer or RV to our farm, Located 5 miles from the town of Culpeper VA, 22 miles from skyline drive, some of the best wineries, breweries, and many more tourist attractions. Here you can spend some quality time with family and friends, go for a hike, bike ride, horse back riding, stargaze or just do nothing. We are 1 mile down a dirt road on 104 acres, our sites are very private and secluded.

12 top lakeside campgrounds near Charlottesville

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Arcadia Sanctuary

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents83 acres · Buena Vista, VA

Arcadia is the name we gave to our 83-acre mountainside retreat center for Earth-Based Spirituality. It’s nestled on the south-eastern slope of 4000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia, convenient to I81. (Note, there is a town called Arcadia off I81, but that is not us. Not to confuse.) We have a mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, Witch Hazels leaning over the water, trout, crayfish, snakes, salamanders, and all the rest. We have about 2000 feet of the vertical mountainside with trails to explore. (But the stage and most of the camping is down closer to creek-level.) There are more sites higher up the mountain if you like more isolated camping. More of a trek to the bathrooms/showers/freshwater. We have one of the finest private stages on the East Coast with a top-notch sound system and a natural amphitheater which is like a single pie wedge of a Stadium that has regular live performances throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our yurt is regularly booked as a unique glamping experience. There are chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl free-roaming. Two dogs, nine cats, and several humans are blessed to call this home.

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

7 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Charlottesville, VA

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.

Shenandoah NP Mtn Field

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Stanley, VA

PRIMITIVE campsite in a mountain field, AWD or 4WD required to access the off-road campsite. Enjoy this large private camp in the wilderness on the border of Shenandoah National Park and hike nearby to the Appalachian Trail, Big Meadows, and Waterfalls. Campsite has spectacular mountain views.

Casa Vargas

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents104 acres · Culpeper, VA

Bring your tent, travel trailer or RV to our farm, Located 5 miles from the town of Culpeper VA, 22 miles from skyline drive, some of the best wineries, breweries, and many more tourist attractions. Here you can spend some quality time with family and friends, go for a hike, bike ride, horse back riding, stargaze or just do nothing. We are 1 mile down a dirt road on 104 acres, our sites are very private and secluded.

Beaver Cove

1 site · RV, Tent75 acres · Washington, VA

Discover the splendor of our beautiful property boasting a 7-acre lake, expansive river frontage, and miles of winding hiking trails. Immerse yourself in nature's wonders, with abundant wildlife and flourishing gardens to explore. Conveniently located mere minutes from breweries, vineyards, and world-class restaurants, our property offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and easy access to Shenandoah National Park, just ten miles away. Nestled within nature's embrace, our retreat is a mere 90-minute drive from Washington, DC, and only 75 minutes from Charlottesville. Experience the best of both worlds as you escape the city and embrace the serenity of the countryside.

Ridge Crest Hollow and Lake

1 site · RV, Tent27 acres · Pantops, VA

Less than 5 miles from Downtown Charlottesville and 7.5 miles from UVA lies a quiet and peaceful 3+ acre lake on 27 acres with multiple flat areas for tent camping and 2 areas for an RV. Both full and partial sun and shade can be found. Outhouse available or BYO. Multiple campfire locations, or make your own. Excellent fishing for trophy largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill or sit by the waterfall and enjoy a book or picnic. Optional: chairs, tables, propane range, charcoal grill, picnic style grill large enough for whole hogs, 10x10 shelter, 5 gallon water tanks with spigots.

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Labyrinth, Trails and Solitude

11 sites · RVs, Tents116 acres · Orange , VA

116 acres of hills and dells. Miles of hiking trails marked and well maintained. A small pond and beautiful labyrinth. Over 50 acres of deep wilderness woods. General Lee and his troops once camped here. But they cleaned up pretty good, so all you can really see is the old spring and wagon road. This is a working herb and small fruit farm. We have been experimenting with all kinds of exotic herbs and trees. Some make it, many don't. We sell dried herb teas. In addition we have 5 different kinds of bamboo. We use the bamboo for so many things. In the 5 people per site we are considering adults, not children... bring a whole crew of kids (try to have enough supervision - if there is such a concept!) The kids have such a great time out here... it is amazing. They love the labyrinth! It seems like we made this place for the kids in ourselves and when actual kids see it they go wild. The last bunch were running and yelping with their picked flowers all round and round in the labyrinth for hours! Also, if you want peace and quiet - and we have children booked - we will put you out at one beautiful remote campsites away from all the kids running and singing.

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Sunrise by the Pond

1 site · Lodging54 acres · Beaverdam, VA

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.

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Southern Revere Vineyard & Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Louisa, VA

We are a family owned and operated vineyard and farm. Home to Southern Revere Cellars - Farm Brewery and Winery! 70 acres of forest and fields with a small pond, 2 funny resident geese, and 3 Nigerian Dwarf goats. There are some fish in the pond, but it is catch and release. Located conveniently between Richmond and Charlottesville only 3 miles off I-64 but feels like the secluded countryside. There are trails around the property to explore as well (please be considerate of other campers if present). You are welcome to visit the playground behind the tasting barn too. Porta john is also available in front of tasting room building, and water hose on East side of building for small amounts of water if needed (not intended to fill camper tanks). *Do note that we are a public business open Thurs-Mon, so there may be some noise and driveway traffic during open hours. Noise ordinance begins at 10pm, so it will wrap up by then at the latest. Though we encourage you to join the fun! Check out our events calendar here: facebook.com/southernrevere/events *Please leave no trace and clean up after your pets. Pets must be on leash if coming to tasting room.

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Escape to the Lake

2 sites · Tents45 acres · Keswick, VA

Winnington Farms is a spacious 45 acre piece of land just 15 minutes from downtown Charlottesville, and very close to many vineyards, breweries, and hiking! Set-up camp and explore the property with a 3-acre lake for fishing or kayaking and lots of walking, or scouting for wildlife. About Winnington Farms: We purchased this piece of land to escape from the bustle of the city, and wanted to share with others looking to do the same. The property is mostly wooded, but we have cleared areas near the lake and in the woods for camping and hiking, and just enjoying nature. Come pitch your tent and camp on one of two sites we have to offer by the lake! Nearby things to do: We are just under 5 miles from I-64 and 2 miles to Rt. 250, putting you in reach of Monticello, UVa, wineries, breweries, great food and experiences! Check out Merrie Mill Vineyard, Keswick Vineyards, Marigold by Jean Georges, or Castle Hill Cidery nearby! Other things to note: We have a few neighbors close by the lake, however the sites are private and blocked with trees. You will hear the wildlife sounds of birds, tree frogs, crickets and maybe the resident beaver as well as some light traffic from 1-64 (mostly fall and winter), but it’s largely peaceful and relaxing. We offer two campsites, so please keep in mind that while the sites are private, you may come into contact with other campers or hear them around the lake. Please be respectful of the property and others who may be around!

Pigeon Valley Farms River Camp

7 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Yogaville, VA

Pigeon Valley Farms River Camp is a humble sanctuary. It hosts many types of housing and parking sites. The Owl's Nest Glamping Cabin, Fireflies RV Parking, Dark Skies tent sites, planned springtime tiny gardens and riverfront view on the James River. Plenty enough room for all to be with nature and play outdoor games. Relax, heal and gather with your family and close friends. We also welcome your well behaved pets!

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Full Life Journey Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Reva, VA

The hustle and bustle of the city life is great, but there's nothing like stepping out the car into the crisp country air. The peace and quiet provided at FLJF allows us to unplug from electronics and truly connect as a family (no high-speed internet). Additionally, it provides us an opportunity to teach our children life skills so that they can understand how to create rather than just consume things. There are many projects underway and many more ahead as we live out our family motto, "Life is not a destination, but a journey...Enjoy the journey!" We welcome you to take part in this journey called life with us and watch how we develop our modest farm into a premier destination in the heart of Madison County.Learn more about this land:Years ago we discussed having some land simply because for years I'd heard that having land was a great way to always have a place to call home. As time went on we realized that owning more than a small plot of land just a little larger than the home was a far reaching goal. After visiting several houses including this one, we decided the search would stop since this place was an absolute wreck. Fast forward a few weeks and we decided to take a day trip as we often did on the weekends that lead us to Madison County VA, Reva to be exact. For years we'd passed this area and never saw the name Reva pop up anywhere, in fact the only thing that we would ever notice was The Ole Country Store and Bakery and signs for wineries as if there was nothing else to do in the area. Wanting to connect our kids with the earth and know that fresh food starts in the ground we decided to create Full Life Journey Farm, a RV Park, because we love camping and a farm, because we like to eat good food. Starting the camping with RV Dry camping is a way to get our FLJF brand known and connect with friends and family in a great location with great people. Thank you for taking time to stop by our site and we hope you come visit us and spread the word, Virginia has a Black Owned RV Park and Farm that is open to everyone with a good heart, desire to enjoy life and connect with others who share the same vision of strengthening your Faith , Family, Finances with Fitness, Food and Fun. God Bless You!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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George Washington National Forest

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Cumberland, Virginia

Holliday Lake State Park

Pamplin City, Virginia

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Charlottesville guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near Charlottesville, Virginia, with a beautiful lake to enjoy, you're in luck. We have over 280 options available specifically in that area, all offering stunning lake views. Prices start as low as $23 per night, with an average price of $65 per night. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews), Camp Shenandoah Meadows (295 reviews), and Rendezvous Farm (222 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities like showers, pet-friendly spaces, and the opportunity to have a campfire. If you're an adventure seeker, you'll love the activities available, including off-roading (OHV), climbing, and horseback riding. So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Charlottesville, Virginia!