Best Camping in and near James River State Park

96% (15 reviews)

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

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in James River State Park

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James River Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In James River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near James River State Park

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Thunder Bridge

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Natural Bridge Station, VA

Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. We'd like to share the camp with others and see it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky.

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James River Depot

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Glasgow, VA

An active hay field nestled between the river and the railroad. A great place to enjoy some R and R. We love to float the James and there is easy access to the river on our property. A beautiful field as well as some trees for added shade. Fun to hear the trains and the water as you get amazing views of the night sky.

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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.

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The Forge at Fiddler's Ridge

4 sites · Tents120 acres · Scottsville, VA

The farm was owned in the 30's by a musical family who's members were invited to play for FDR at the White House. My background is as a horse shoer and black smith and I have made Fiddler's Ridge my home since 2003. I have a forge on site and will be happy to demonstrate or give a beginner lesson. Just ask for details.Learn more about this land:Explore 100 acres of forest in eastern Albemarle county including beautiful walking trails & nearby creek. Peaceful and private camping sites with individual fire pits and outhouse access. A shower is available 1/2 mile up private driveway if desired. 20 minutes to Charlottesville and 15 minutes to Scottsville.Site 1- Beautiful pastoral views from a hilltop campsite perfect for 1-2 tents. Site 2- Great for couples to larger groups. Includes use of older pole barn in case of inclement weather.

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Phantom Hill Forest Retreats

5 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Louisa, VA

Three creek-side tent sites and an RV site in an enchanted forest! Enjoy well maintained walking trails, hidden treasure boxes, scavenger hunts, gnome hide and seek, and learning about a working shiitake mushroom farm! All sites are spaced out for maximum privacy - see map! Each site includes a large propane grill, fire pit, solar string lights, tables and seating, hammocks, critter proof boxes for food, and firewood available for purchase (conveniently located at the site). Clean composting toilet (serviced 2x a day). Rental items include tents (we will set up for you), sleeping pads, coolers with ice, potable water jugs, and insect screens. Within a couple miles of Southern Revere Brewery/Winery and scenic Forrest Green Farm. There is a lot to do on the property: * 40 acres with a couple miles of trails you can hike or bike (map provided) * Self-guided tour of mushroom farm * Hidden creature scavenger hunt * Gnomes are hidden throughout the forest for you to find AND hide! * Hidden treasure boxes - take something and/or leave something!

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Peaceful Meadows Farm

17 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Palmyra, VA

Learn more about this land: When you arrive you will drive up to your campground destination which is 16 acres of Loblolly Pine trees. There is a 1 1/2 acre pond stocked with Catfish, Bass, Crappies, Brim and Shell Cracker. Also there are two smaller ponds with minnows and one is home to Tucker the Turtle 🐢 . We have several trails on the property to walk as well. You are welcome to 🐠 fish for dinner but we ask that you notify your host if you want to keep some fish. Otherwise please practice catch and release policy. Each site will have a fire ring available. We are AUTISM Friendly 💙,so if you have a camper that needs a little more encouragement about camping or other accommodations please let your host know. You are welcomed to bring your furry family members, bikes and kayaks. We are only 35 minutes from Carter’s Mountain, Monticello and Jefferson Winery’s. Thistle Gate Winery is only 5 minutes away and 20 minutes to Scottsville were you can enjoy the James River. UVA sports complex is only 30 minutes away and your able to go the back way in to skip the gridlock of the traffic. There so much more within 30 to 45 minutes of this camping area I can’t list it all. I promise you will Enjoy your stay!

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Field of Dreams Creek Camping

1 site · Tent13 acres · 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. :)

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Stoney Creek Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Bedford, VA

Learn more about this land: Located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian trail is a small camping area with a bathhouse with toilet and hot shower 300 ft from site. A cool mountain stream rushes next to the site providing a peaceful and tranquil stay. Outside enjoy a shady relaxing nap next to the stream. At night enjoy a fire while looking at the stars up above. During the day, explore all there is to offer in the Blue Ridge Mountains 5 miles from very popular hikes and waterfalls.

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2nd40 to 420 - The Farm

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents39 acres · 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 - 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.

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Ginkgo Ridge

4 sites · Lodging66 acres · Gordonsville, VA

With views over the ocean of trees and town below, we offer three private and very comfy Glamping Cabins. Each of them provides a terrific place to experience the outdoors in comfort. We make it easy and fun to experience nature. Here, you can enjoy the breathtaking vistas, watch the spectacular sunsets, chase fireflies, make a campfire, search for the Milky Way, and then sleep easy in your own queen-sized bed on this historic property. The two original, off-grid, Jefferson Sea Cabins are perched on the eastern side of Ginkgo Ridge, And the newest, the Boxwood Overlook, sits on top of the ridge and includes electricity, AC, heat and lights. Ginkgo Ridge sits on the eastern side of the Southwest Mountains, which is the first mountain range west of the Atlantic. The views are big and far. Some say you can even see Portugal! Wildlife, including eagles, hawks, turkey, fox, rabbit, deer, fireflies and more are abundant on the 66-acre property. If you are interested in history, ask John. He will tell you about the Civil War battle fought here and the tobacco baron who once owned the estate. Two of our cabins are off grid — no electric and no plumbing but with alternative water and light. The third and newest enjoys electric. While there is no "running" water, we bring you fresh spring water. And while there is no electric in 2 cabins we make up for it with solar and battery lights and fans. We also offer a propane heater in all 3 to keep you toasty in cooler weather. Both off-grid cabins are equipped with a comfy, luxury queen-sized bed and box spring with fresh linens and plenty of pillows, a chair, and tables. The cabins are approximately 12x14 of interior living space plus a semi covered 16’ x 8’ deck with chairs and table. The original cabin is slightly smaller interior than the lower cabin. The newest third cabin is called the Boxwood Overlook Cabin, because it is surrounded by huge boxwoods and overlooks the entire property. It sits where the original main house was located, but burned down in the 1920's. It is more luxurious that the other 2. It's 12x20, includes an organic queen bed, refrigerator, reclining chairs, interior and exterior lights. And you can drive right to the front door. Each cabin gets a propane heater which keeps you toasty even on the coldest winter nights. In warmer months, the 2 off-grid cabins have battery-powered fans with plenty of industrial batteries. They also enjoys plenty of solar powered torch lamps which offer a terrific ambiance. We do recommend you bring flashlights and or headlamps. If you forget, no worries, we got you covered. The Boxwood Overlook cabin has electricity with interior and exterior lights, refrigerator and AC in the summer. All the cabins enjoy 5-gallon containers of fresh spring water and their own private Loo House/bathroom. The Loo Houses or bathrooms are semi open air. They have roofs, a solar bag shower, and bedside commodes with large, disposable, biodegradable bag inside with special sand that solidifies your waste. You dispose of the bag at a nearby trash box off property, just like a diaper. Extra bags are available. Each cabin has its own fire pit and grill with everything you need to make a fire, including split wood, kindling, newspaper and lighter. Firewood is $7.50 per crate. And if you need help starting your fire, no worries, John will help you. The "Jefferson Sea" is a description many attribute to the nation's 4th President, Thomas Jefferson, who enjoyed the same ocean-like view (but better) of fields and trees below his home at Monticello, that is located 15 miles down the road. Enjoy giant Ginkgo trees (especially in the Fall), boxwood gardens, colossal Tulip Poplars, and Osage Orange trees, and wild organic raspberries in July. We support BIPOC and all are welcome to enjoy our property :) There is a 2-night minimum on weekends. Just down the hill is the historic town of Gordonsville with perhaps the best BBQ on the east coast, wine tasting room, two breweries, several cafes and restaurants, grocery store and liquor store. Within minutes are Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier and some of the nation’s finest vineyards, including Barboursville Vineyard and many others. The Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, the University of Virginia and downtown Charlottesville are within 30 minutes. It’s just an hour to Richmond or Harrisonburg and less than two to Washington, DC, or 3 to We are very COVID-conscious! We comply with all COVID cleaning precautions which includes cleaning hard surfaces and fresh linens PETS We love dogs! Friendly and well-behaved dogs are welcome but we have pet rules out of necessity. Prior to making your reservation, please email us and tell us about your dog, describing their breed, size, temperament, owners ability to control dog, confirm that dog will be leashed and under your control at all times and that all vaccinations and flea/tick meds are up to date. There is a $25 fee per dog with a maximum of 2 dogs. Please see separate Pet Policy for details. EXTRAS $20 weekend rental Kitchen Package includes Coleman 2-burner stove with gas; spatula, fork, tongs; tea kettle and French Press to make hot water and coffee; small & large pots & frying pan; cups, bowls, plates, silverware; sharp knife & mini-cheese grater; large bowl; wine/bottle opener; dish soap & sponge; & smattering of other items. Also available are additional are: crates of firewood for $7.50 per a large cooler fresh flowers in season Any of these can be purchased in advance or paid on site via cash or Venmo.

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Devils Backbone Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Roseland, VA

Beer and nature come together here at Devils Backbones Camp. We’re tucked in the Rockfish Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains, five miles from the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our forested paradise is open year round. Here you’ll find 71-acres of campground, including 25 full RV hookup sites, 22 standard non-electric sites, and 24 primitive tent sites (and yes, there’s a 24/7 bath house, too). Our Basecamp Brewpub is open 7 days a week. Please visit our website for up-to-date hours and events.

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Seven Islands River Front Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Arvonia, VA

RIVER IS FLOODED NOT GOOD UNTILL OCT 1 approx.9337 Bridgeport Rd. Arvonia, Va. Turn at the aluminum canoe placed on top of a large orange road barrier at the edge of our drive way. The canoe is bolding displaying the word HIPCAMP with a red arrow leading the way. Follow the drive down to the river front campsites.. Bateau boats pass by all 3 campsites on the third Thursday ofJune. This is due to a yearly Festival held in Scottsville where Historic river boats that used to haul goods up and down the river back in the day are maned by people in period clothing re-enacting the route that was taken. Smallmouth and catfish are biting Go by a local store and buy night crawlers,worms and a pack of 2/0 hooks and you will catch something . Firewood available per request and delivered for$30.00 a load. Accessible by car or canoe, East End at Seven Islands provides endless fun for the whole family, including your well behaved off-leash dogs. When you arrive take a cooling dip in a quiet “river pool”, relax on your private beach, or see if the fish are biting. Let your kids experience the best the river has to offer by exploring the shallows for crayfish, chasing minnows, or watching for Bald Eagles patrolling the river. Pitch your tent on the beach or under the trees if you prefer some shade. Spend your nights stargazing, enjoying a campfire (remember to bring s’mores ingredients), or fishing for catfish. This is an ideal family-oriented campsite about an hour NW of Richmond. Come, enjoy and make some memories! Children 10 and under are free On the other side of the river you might hear a train passing by at different times, both, day and night. Safety Notice: Not accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak when the James River level is 6 feet or higher at Scottsville. At 7.5 - 8 feet, there is not much beach to play on and the river is too dangerous to navigate. You can drive in and camp, but please stay clear of all water activities, including fishing, in these dangerous conditions.

The best camping near James River State Park 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.