The best camping near James River State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next James River State Park adventure.

96% (15 reviews)
96% (15 reviews)

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near James River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near James River State Park

99%
(484)

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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$35
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100%
(536)

Seven Islands River Front Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Arvonia, VA
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.
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$54
 / night
98%
(318)

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. There are two bridges that cross Thrashers Creek to get to Arcadia. The first is not suitable for large vehicles and trailers. The second bridge is our recommended entry way. Be aware we live on side of Mount pleasant and the roads on site are graveled and somewhat windy.
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$22.50
 / night
98%
(71)

Misty Mountain Camp Resort

127 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Greenwood, VA
Welcome to Misty Mountain Misty Mountain Camp Resort offers a delightful, relaxing vacation at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near historic Charlottesville, Virginia. Whether you're looking for a private getaway, a group gathering, or fun with the kids, Misty Mountain Camp Resort is sure to meet your needs. Our scenic 50-acre park provides private sites nestled in the trees and a large recreational building with banquet seating to accommodate any large group. Explore nature trails, splash in our pool, sit by the creek, fish in our pond, play at several playgrounds, climb our hills, shoot hoops and spike the volleyball or pitch horseshoes, take a hayride, enjoy live music and dances, shop at our General Store, shoot pool and play video games, relax in solitude or join with new friends - the choice is yours and it's all at Misty Mountain Camp Resort! OUR ACCOMMODATIONS • Cabins We offer a wide range of cabins to fit any need, from a single room to 3 bedrooms. All cabins have A/C, heat, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, fire ring, and picnic table. Cabins 1-4, 6, 8 & 13-16 are pet friendly. Bring your own linens, blankets, pillows, or towels as we do not provide those. • RV Sites Our RV sites can accommodate any size of camper. We offer full hookup 50/30 amp, water, and electric 50/30 amp, pull-through, and back-in sites. All sites have gravel pads, picnic tables, a fire ring, and Wifi. Most sites have complimentary digital cable TV. • Tent Sites We have several tenting options for small to large groups. Creekside sites for up to 8 people and backcountry sites for up to 100. All sites have a picnic table, fire ring, lantern hook, bench, and table. OUR AMENITIES We provide a wide range of accommodations and event facilities. We take pride in providing every service with a smile, and to your highest level of satisfaction. • Jump pad • Playground • Misty Mountain Mining Company • Stocked fishing pod • Cornhole & horseshoes • Outdoor sports • Pool • Country Store • Fitness Room • Live Music • Planned Activities • Food trucks • Bathhouse and laundry • Community & Club Rooms FEATURED ATTRACTIONS • Pro Re Nata Brewery • Nature Trails • Long Distance Trails • Grand Caverns • Hill Top Winery • Monticello
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$35
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96%
(28)

Lovers Lane Farm Stay

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Gordonsville, VA
We have the prefect place for your tent, RV, or stay in our farmstay Studio. Beautiful trees surround the pond and seasonal stream to give you the ultimate nature experience. Spend time on the open pasture with our dairy cows Azelia and Darby, or our pasture-raised chickens. Explore our family garden at your leisure. Our farm has many different things to keep you busy whether it is fishing in our small pond or helping out with the family's daily farm chores. This is a working family farm with goats, horses, chickens, lambs, ducks, rabbits, bees, cats, and dogs and many more farm animals. Learn to take care of baby chicks or milk a cow. Taste the sweetest honey while one of our farm kids guide and teach you the joys of farm life. Take a peaceful guided trail ride around the farm on our horse, Noble. Or just relax on a hammock and enjoy the night-time sounds. Solo, couples, or families are welcomed along with pets on a leash. 5-8 minutes away from historic downtown Gordonsville, restaurants, and stores 10 minutes away from horseback riding and the rodeo 20 minutes away from beautiful hiking trails 30 minutes away from Shenandoah National Park 30 minutes away from Charlottesville 1 hour away from Luray Caverns Available Options/"Extras" for an additional fee (at checkout) -Horseback Riding -Learn to Milk a cow -Farmer for 1 Hour (free) -Jackery Power Station with Solar Panels -Firewood -Farm-to-Table breakfast and dinner -Pastured Raised Organic Chicken -Grassfed Beef Hamburger Patties -Farm-Fresh Eggs -Fresh Milk (Brown Swiss Dairy Cows) -Farm Tour Contact us ahead of your visit to help us plan for your best stay possible.
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$35
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93%
(37)

Love Ridge Mountain Lodging

24 sites · Lodging, Tents17 acres · 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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$55
 / night
99%
(203)

Hawthorn Hollar

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents214 acres · Palmyra, VA
Discover Hawthorn Hollow-"COME LET YOUR DOGS RUN FREE!" A Family-Owned Retreat Since 1949. Where we Welcome you to our little slice of paradise, where the beauty of nature and the joy of adventure come together to create an unforgettable experience! Nestled on family-owned land rich with history and charm, our property offers a unique blend of rustic appeal and abundant space. Imagine waking up to the serene sounds of nature, with endless opportunities for excitement and relaxation right at your doorstep. For our horse lovers, we provide an exceptional riding experience. Bring your own horse and explore our well-maintained trails that wind through picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Our land is perfect for both experienced riders and beginners, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. For those with a love for motorized fun, our property welcomes ATV, four-wheeler, and dirt bike enthusiasts. Bring your own vehicles and enjoy the thrill of riding through open fields, along wooded trails, and across varied terrain that promises excitement and adventure. In addition to riding, our property is perfect for those who simply love being outdoors. Enjoy a leisurely hike, a peaceful picnic by the water, or a night under the stars. With plenty of space to spread out, you can truly relax and unwind without feeling crowded. Our land is a haven for wildlife, and you might catch glimpses of deer, birds, and other animals that call this place home. We take pride in sharing our cherished family land with guests. Whether you're here for the riding, the scenery, or simply to relax and unwind, we promise a warm welcome and a delightful stay. Come and experience the magic of our property, where every moment is a celebration of nature and the simple joys of life. Welcome to our home – we're excited to share it with you!
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$36
 / night
98%
(57)

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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$42.50
 / night

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.

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