99% (360) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Amherst
Arcadia Sanctuary
1. Arcadia Sanctuary
97%
(370)
11mi from Amherst · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$23
/ night
Twin Poplar Farm
2. Twin Poplar Farm
99%
(87)
8.4mi from Amherst · 3 sites · Tents
The Farm is located on 65 private acres of Woods and Field on the Tye River. This is a place for people who love nature and want to be out in it. We have chosen to prioritize conservation over ease of access, so though the sites are all walk in only [or paddle in!] this means you will camp on the grass or leaves not the gravel of a parking lot.
There are only 3 sites on the land so you can soak up nature without noisy neighbors.
"Twin Poplar" refers to the Tulip Poplar's extraordinary tenacity, after being cut down, like the Phoenix who returns to life after death, a Poplar will often regrow as two "twin" trunks. A chance for a new life and growth!
For more follow us on Instagram @TwinPoplarFarm
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from
$50
/ night
Meili Mtn - Tye River Waterfall
3. Meili Mtn - Tye River Waterfall
97%
(57)
19mi from Amherst · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Campfires
from
$54
/ night
George Washington National Forest
4. George Washington National Forest
99%
(51)
487 sites · Deerfield, Virginia
Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jefferson National Forest
5. Jefferson National Forest
98%
(27)
488 sites · Bluefield, Virginia
Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sugar Hollow Outpost
6. Sugar Hollow Outpost
100%
(3)
42mi from Amherst · 1 site · Lodging
Our studio garage apartment is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Crozet, Virginia in what is known locally as Sugar Hollow. Our property adjoins both the Moormans River and Grubbs Branch. The entrance to the North and South Fork of the Moormans River trails are only 2.5 miles from our door. We also have hiking trails located on our property. The garage apartment comfortably fits two with two queen-size beds, a sitting area with TV and internet, kitchenette and full bath. There is a mini-split for heating and cooling. Designed for full-time guests.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$150
/ night
Blue Ridge Parkway
7. Blue Ridge Parkway
91%
(34)
250 sites · Independence, Virginia
Buckle up for 469 miles of driving perfection along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Douthat State Park
8. Douthat State Park
97%
(17)
58 sites · Clifton Forge, Virginia
Can’t decide between lake or mountain? Douthat—one of Virginia’s original state parks—has both.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
99% (360) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Amherst
Arcadia Sanctuary
1. Arcadia Sanctuary
97%
(370)
11mi from Amherst · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$23
/ night
Twin Poplar Farm
2. Twin Poplar Farm
99%
(87)
8.4mi from Amherst · 3 sites · Tents
The Farm is located on 65 private acres of Woods and Field on the Tye River. This is a place for people who love nature and want to be out in it. We have chosen to prioritize conservation over ease of access, so though the sites are all walk in only [or paddle in!] this means you will camp on the grass or leaves not the gravel of a parking lot.
There are only 3 sites on the land so you can soak up nature without noisy neighbors.
"Twin Poplar" refers to the Tulip Poplar's extraordinary tenacity, after being cut down, like the Phoenix who returns to life after death, a Poplar will often regrow as two "twin" trunks. A chance for a new life and growth!
For more follow us on Instagram @TwinPoplarFarm
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from
$50
/ night
Meili Mtn - Tye River Waterfall
3. Meili Mtn - Tye River Waterfall
97%
(57)
19mi from Amherst · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Campfires
from
$54
/ night
George Washington National Forest
4. George Washington National Forest
99%
(51)
487 sites · Deerfield, Virginia
Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jefferson National Forest
5. Jefferson National Forest
98%
(27)
488 sites · Bluefield, Virginia
Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sugar Hollow Outpost
6. Sugar Hollow Outpost
100%
(3)
42mi from Amherst · 1 site · Lodging
Our studio garage apartment is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Crozet, Virginia in what is known locally as Sugar Hollow. Our property adjoins both the Moormans River and Grubbs Branch. The entrance to the North and South Fork of the Moormans River trails are only 2.5 miles from our door. We also have hiking trails located on our property. The garage apartment comfortably fits two with two queen-size beds, a sitting area with TV and internet, kitchenette and full bath. There is a mini-split for heating and cooling. Designed for full-time guests.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$150
/ night
Blue Ridge Parkway
7. Blue Ridge Parkway
91%
(34)
250 sites · Independence, Virginia
Buckle up for 469 miles of driving perfection along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Douthat State Park
8. Douthat State Park
97%
(17)
58 sites · Clifton Forge, Virginia
Can’t decide between lake or mountain? Douthat—one of Virginia’s original state parks—has both.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
MaryAnn
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great spot and Fran is very accommodating. Beautiful, quaint, the animals, very clean bathrooms and star filled sky were amazing.
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T
Tyler
November 2025
Tent
Great place to view the mountains and a beautiful view. The hosts are very kind I had a great visit.
See moreS
Sam
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Great site, we had some care trouble and couldn’t make it all the way up to crows nest and stayed at one of the sites at upper balcony. We were the only ones there and it felt very private. Walked up to crows nest the next day and it was very pretty. Bathrooms and facilities were well taken care of and there was plenty of wood.
See moreJ
Jessie
October 2025
Tent
We camped at Far Far Away and it was a great time. The bathrooms were clean and tidy and not a far walk from the site. We were visited by Buddy the pupper several times during our stay and he was an awesome addition to our company. Its a wonderful place to unplug from life, sit back and enjoy the beauty that mother nature has to offer. Fran was wonderful and was just a text away if we needed anything. Looking forward to our next stay at the Sanctuary!
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Eric
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
This site was great to stay at. Just a few steps from the river in the woods. The hike down into the river isn’t too long, but i’m glad I packed in a ruck backpack. Stephanie’s son did a great job leading us down to the site and answering our questions.
See moreA
Andrew
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We really enjoyed or stay! The site was remote and was in a nice clearing where we could spread out, relax, and enjoy!
See more
N
Nolan
October 2025
Tent
BEAUTIFUL campsite. Really clean bathrooms and showers. Roving campsite cats and dogs were SO sweat. 10/10 lovely experience.
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J
Justin
October 2025
2 nights at Arcadia Sanctuary
Great getaway for the family! Finley was great checking us in and made sure we had everything. Great scenery and wonderful creek with a few smaller waterfalls. Really had a nice time. Thank you.
See moreM
Mary
October 2025
3 nights at Arcadia Sanctuary
We enjoyed being unplugged from tech and fully immersed in nature. The yurt is nestled in the woods away from the main building and other tent sites so there's plenty of privacy and quiet. There's an opening in the trees above where a myriad of stars can be admired from the deck. I recommend opening the windows of the yurt to let in the sunlight and allow air to flow through the space. It was convenient to use the grill for cooking and the dinnerware for our meals. There is only one pot to cook in so if you need additional cookware, I would recommend bringing what you need as well as a sharp knife, peeler and can opener.
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L
Laurie
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Our family of four had a wonderful time in Arcadia Sanctuary. The property is very natural and full of beautiful plants, majestic sycamore trees, and lots of cute farm birds roaming around. We enjoyed sitting by the fire and listening to the owls and crickets at night. Buddy the dog checked on us in the mornings as we cooked our delicious fresh eggs. On Saturday, a lively band played from about 4-7 and they invited us to come down to the pavilion for the show. Overall, a very groovy place with good hospitality!
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L
Laurie
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Our family enjoyed our weekend in the east village! Fran’s place is natural and full of character. We loved the farm fresh eggs, beautiful trees, listening to the owls at night, and meeting Buddy, the friendly dog. Saturday night, a lively rock band played from 4-7 and we were invited to enjoy the show. 😊 We also had fun fishing in Thrasher Lake, about ten minutes away.
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J
Jessica
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
We hosted a 7-person retreat here and it was absolutely magical. The property feels like a sanctuary—hammocks by the waterfall, butterflies everywhere, and plenty of space to do powerful, grounding work in nature. A short hike up the falls is well worth it, and you can even catch glimpses of Crabtree Falls from part of the land.
It’s also easy to slip away to quiet spots along the Tye River for peaceful reflection. The lack of cell service turned out to be a gift, allowing everyone to be fully present and unplugged.
We can’t wait to come back and see how the space continues to grow after construction—it’s already such a special place. Highly recommend for anyone seeking rest, connection, or a nature-based retreat!
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Jeff
August 2025
Tent
One of our favorite HipCamp destinations- just finished our third stay here. Beautiful setting, nestled in the woods next to a rushing stream and a waterfall. Totally off grid - cancel all calls and turn off the phone. Bring a good book or plan to hike the abundant nearby trails, especially Crabtree Falls. The ultimate in forest bathing.
Best for self contained campers; the only amenities are a fire pit, a tent platform (sans tent) and a plank for a shelf/table.
See more
S
Sally
August 2025
Tent
Another perfect weekend at Meili Mtn. How can you go wrong with an idyllic natural setting, total privacy and off the grid location ? Oh yeah, it was ten degrees cooler than northern Virginia! For those addicted to connectivity you can drive 30 minutes to the brewery to get your fix.
See moreA
Andrew
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Great location near crabtree falls and the Priest Mountain and Spy Rock area. The land is beautiful the waterfall is amazing. Hard to beat that with the benefit of privacy. The wildlife camera is to the left of the shed for finding and covering - i’m not sure if there is one by the waterfall it’s hard to find if there is. The waterfall pool is deep enough to lounge in on a hot day. One of my favorite spots I have camped.
See moreA
Akili
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Perfect example of a host! Meets accommodations and goes beyond to assist by all means.
See moreB
Brice
July 2025
16 ft car
Very private site with access to a lovely waterfall. Would definitely go again.
See moreE
Erin
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Arcadia Sanctuary
We had a wonderful very short stay at the Arcadia Sanctuary with Fran.
The yurt was very clean and the bedding, too. There is plenty of bedding, towels, etc. We stayed in June with temps in the 90s during the day, so the propped open (screened in) sun roof and three open screened in windows were nice in the evening to cool things down. Fran also had two battery-powered fans which were so nice to sleep with! We brought a ton of our own stuff so didn't use much at the Yurt, but there was so much there we could have used, including pots and pans, a tea kettle with teas, French press with coffee, utensils, cheese grater, wine bottle opener; there also was oil to cook with and condiments. It was better stocked than we were expecting. There were also games! The compostable toilet was super clean and so convenient, as well as the hot shower facilities (which were not too far). We enjoyed seeing all the animals, and the general feel of the campground : in-touch with and respectful of nature. I loved the fact that we had a food compost bin in the yurt. Fran was such a great communicator and so kind; she clearly wanted to make sure our stay was wonderful, which it was. We wish we could have spent more time there.
See moreB
Brianna
June 2025
Tent
With pets
Awesome private spot. We loved it. The waterfall is beautiful
See moreA
Andrea
June 2025
Tent
This place is really peaceful and magical. Fran and her staff are lovely. Make sure you get the breakfast!
See more
