Campgrounds near Amherst, VA straddle the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 700-1,200 feet, creating microclimates that extend the camping season from early spring through late fall. The area receives less rainfall than the western side of the mountains, resulting in more reliable weather conditions for outdoor activities from April through October. Campers find diverse terrain throughout the George Washington National Forest where primitive sites often sit alongside mountain streams.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Crabtree Falls Campground provides immediate access to one of Virginia's most dramatic waterfalls. The campground sits at the base of the 1,200-foot cascading waterfall. "Crabtree Falls is a mile up the road and very easy to get to the trail head. The AT is also close by and easily accessed," notes one visitor.
Star gazing sessions: Red Oak Campground at James River State Park holds International Dark Sky Park designation. "The park is part of the Dark Sky Parks Association and if you are into astronomy and stars this is the place to stay," explains a camper. The lack of light pollution creates exceptional conditions for night sky observation.
Water recreation: Multiple campgrounds provide river access for fishing, paddling, and swimming. "Camping along the river at the Canoe Landing Campground is great in the slower seasons. The sites are pretty close together but it's a beautiful place. And you can fish right off the bank less than 50 yards from your tent," explains a visitor.
What campers like
Brewery proximity: Devils Backbone Camp stands out for its integration with a craft brewery complex. "A short walk through the tent area brought you to the large brewery area. This area includes a brewpub, large outdoor seating area with fire pits and an outdoor stage, a distillery, cigar and cocktail lounge," says one reviewer. Campers appreciate being able to safely walk to and from the brewery.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Amherst maintain well-regarded bathhouses. "The bathhouse is top notch! Squeaky clean with lots of space. Love that you can just walk to the brewery from your site," notes a Devils Backbone camper. Another visitor at Lynchburg NW/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA remarked, "Best bathhouse I've encountered with something like 7 unisex bathrooms each with their own shower."
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer good separation between campsites. "The tent sites were large and shaded. We were right by the fishing pond and it was a short walk to the playground, pool, jump pad, and very clean, private bathrooms," reports a KOA visitor. At Crabtree Falls, one camper noted, "The sites are large enough because it accommodates our family very well!"
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the area. At Oronoco Campground, "Cell service for AT&T or T-mobile" is unavailable according to a recent visitor. Some campgrounds offer WiFi near central facilities, but coverage remains limited at individual sites.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. One Devils Backbone camper found "a two-night minimum to tent camp. This seems crazy for a Sunday night and the campground is not at all packed."
Terrain challenges: Campground approaches often involve winding forest roads. Some tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. "The sites are generously sized and flat. A few negatives: 1. There is a bit of a walk from your vehicle but it's not bad," noted a James River State Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds provide dedicated facilities for children. At the KOA, one family reported, "They had activities every day for the kids. As well as lots of unstructured activities. For example, they had a foosball table and a jumping pad."
Water-based activities: Sherando Lake Campground offers swimming areas ideal for children. "The lake is beautiful! It's a decent walk from the campground but we usually walk down in the morning and spend all day there," shared a repeat visitor. The campground maintains designated swimming areas with gradual entry points.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs. "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night," mentioned a Red Oak Campground visitor. These structured activities help keep children engaged while learning about the natural environment.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: At Devils Backbone Camp, the utility layout requires planning. "The hookups were shared between two sites. If you were on an even number site, this was no problem. However, if you were on an odd number site, you either had to hope you had the length on your water and power lines to run to the opposite side of your rig."
Water pressure considerations: Water supply can be inconsistent at some campgrounds. A KOA visitor noted, "My water pressure was good but talking to other campers, the farther away you get from the front of the park the worse the water pressure gets."
Leveling requirements: Many campsites require adjustment for comfortable RV parking. "The rv and tent pads are older cement and not as level," reported a camper at Otter Creek Campground. Bringing leveling blocks is advisable for most campgrounds in the area.
