Lake Camping in Charlottesville, Virginia, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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Virginia
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Charlottesville

99% (937 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Charlottesville

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Under $50

100%

(88)

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.

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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!

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Private Farm Minutes to Cville

6 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.

The Ridge

2 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Covesville, VA

37 total acres 15 acres clear pasture land 22 acres wooded trails, mountain climbs Backside of the property goes all the way up to the mountain's ridgeline Bottom of the property has open fields with tons of wildlife (deer, turkey, possum, ducks, geese) and a small pond The ridgeline is flat and camp-able :)

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(52)

Small Potatoes Farm

3 sites · Tents17 acres · Stanardsville, VA

Only 15 minutes from the Swift Run Gap Entrance to the Shenandoah National Park our farm has a mountain feel. Our 17 acre farm was originally part of a larger family farm and moonshine stills were once in operation on the property, now we grow veggies and berries and raise chickens for eggs and meat. The Mayapples are prolific in spring and the fall colors are terrific. The campsites are in the woods and around the field a distance away from the house. There are walking trails and a pond and a hammock for relaxing, close to great hiking, summits and waterfalls, 50 minutes to Old Rag. Many local wineries to discover and many historical sites including Montpelier and Monticello and Charlottesville and UVA New as 2023** the barn referred to in early reviews is now a music studio and no longer for use by campers. Ask us about music nights. "

12 top lakeside campgrounds near Charlottesville

98%

(1117)

Private Farm Minutes to Cville

6 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.

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!

100%

(54)

The Batesville Sweet Spot

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Afton, VA

Enjoy 100 acres of mature hardwoods, meadows, ponds, and a small stream, the headwaters of the Mechums River. We recognize it as the ancestral lands of the Monacan Indian Nation, a Siouan-speaking tribe of Virginia's Piedmont and mountain regions. We welcome all people to enjoy the land we have been privileged to inhabit for the past fifty years. The property is under a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy and has a recently installed 5-acre wildflower meadow and 1,000 newly planted trees. Fifty acres are mature hardwood forests. Our two Hipcamp sites offer absolute privacy and quiet on 100 acres of open meadows, forests, a small stream, and two ponds. The barn has water and electricity so that you can recharge your phone. Enjoy bird watching, fire-gazing, bicycling, and hiking our many trails. Firewood is provided at no extra charge. Fires are allowed, weather permitting. HIpcampers will be notified if there is a no-burn policy. Up to four kids are free. One pond features a sandy beach, a mud kitchen for the little ones, a dock, two kayaks, two canoes, and an island complete with a hammock! On starry nights, paddle to the floating dock for excellent stargazing. Both ponds are stocked. LOCATION: DETAILS OF TWO CAMPING SITES The two sites are separate from one another, located at different ends of the property. If you are deciding which campsite to choose, here are a few things to consider: Both sites are private, quiet, and within walking distance of a pond or swimming hole, but offer different advantages. WIFI is unreliable at either site but available at the barn, closest to the RIDGE. THE RIDGE CAMPSITE This is a true gem of a campground, with a mature hardwood forest on an incredibly situated ridgeline running north-south. The walking paths around the property are splendid, with signs of native wildlife, including turkey, deer, beaver, piliated woodpecker, and much more. It offers an easy drive right into. The outhouse is a close walk from your campsite—an open meadow on a ridge surrounded by forest and a 5-minute walk to the pond. It is best for groups of 10 and under. It has a fire pit, a picnic table, and a hammock. THE RIVER CAMPSITE is a larger open meadow beside a small stream, suited for small and larger groups (up to 20). A refreshing swimming hole is a short walk away, and the pond is a longer walk. CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT DETAILS - Check-in is available after 4 pm; - Check-out time is four. Exceptions can be made on certain days. Please inquire ahead of time. GENERAL LOCATION We are located off a country gravel road at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, two miles from The Batesville Market, where you can pick up gourmet fare and hear live music most Saturday nights. NEARBY SIGHTSEEING AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES We are within half an hour's driving distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Crozet Tunnel, the Shenandoah National Park, Charlottesville, Waynesboro, and Staunton (and its famous Blackfriar Theater). Numerous vineyards, breweries, and distilleries dot the countryside in this area. We would love to share it with you!

Small Potatoes Farm

3 sites · Tents17 acres · Stanardsville, VA

Only 15 minutes from the Swift Run Gap Entrance to the Shenandoah National Park our farm has a mountain feel. Our 17 acre farm was originally part of a larger family farm and moonshine stills were once in operation on the property, now we grow veggies and berries and raise chickens for eggs and meat. The Mayapples are prolific in spring and the fall colors are terrific. The campsites are in the woods and around the field a distance away from the house. There are walking trails and a pond and a hammock for relaxing, close to great hiking, summits and waterfalls, 50 minutes to Old Rag. Many local wineries to discover and many historical sites including Montpelier and Monticello and Charlottesville and UVA New as 2023** the barn referred to in early reviews is now a music studio and no longer for use by campers. Ask us about music nights. "

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.

Private camp site with water access to Lake Anna, VA

1 site · RV1 acre · Mineral, VA

RV Camp Site on private one acre of land. Not like camp grounds where other people are on top of each other. Water access to Lake Anna, VA. Bring your boat for fishing and swimming. Large community with private roads, great place to walk or ride your bicycle. Lots of wildlife to see. Lots of local wineries

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Shenandoah NP Mtn Field

1 site · Tent1 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.

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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Arcadia Sanctuary

15 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.

The Ridge

2 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Covesville, VA

37 total acres 15 acres clear pasture land 22 acres wooded trails, mountain climbs Backside of the property goes all the way up to the mountain's ridgeline Bottom of the property has open fields with tons of wildlife (deer, turkey, possum, ducks, geese) and a small pond The ridgeline is flat and camp-able :)

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.

The Land On Hazel River

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Rixeyville, VA

Luxury Glamping Site Escape to our little oasis for a chance to unplug and unwind. Enjoy sleeping in a furnished and conditioned 16' Bell tent on a memory sleep mattress bed. Fish for trout in our well stocked pond and cook your catch on the fire by the river or even on the grill at our fully supplied kitchen. Ice and Fire wood provided. Enjoy 10 acres of woods and nature including a walking trail. Off grid flushing toilet near site and full bathhouse with warm shower a short walk away. No need to bring anything but your personal belongings and food.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(46)

George Washington National Forest

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Cumberland, Virginia

Holliday Lake State Park

Pamplin City, Virginia

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!