Camping sites near Arrington, Virginia sit at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Water recreation dominates the area with the James River offering kayaking opportunities and Lake James providing paddle-in camping sites. Winter temperatures typically range from 25-45°F with limited water availability as most campgrounds winterize their systems from November through March.
What to do
Paddle-in camping adventure: Access remote sites at Walnut Grove — James River State Park where campers navigate to secluded areas. "Long Arm camping area - the BEST boat in campground!!! Lake James is a true gem, clean and beautiful, with amazing views of Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain, and Table Rock," shares one camper who frequently paddles from Mimosa Boat Landing, a 20-minute journey across the lake.
Fishing without a license: Try the stocked trout pond at Montebello Resort where you pay only for what you catch. "The trout pond is a nice touch you can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch, we enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay, and from what I saw, anybody with a hook can catch one," reports a visitor who watched morning restocking before a holiday weekend.
Night sky viewing: Explore the stars from Red Oak Campground — James River State Park, officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park. "The best part of both trips was the River. Absolutely clean, crystal clear water and never crowded. Both of my trips were during the summer and over a weekend and we seldom came across others," notes a repeat visitor who appreciates the combination of water recreation and stargazing opportunities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the bathhouse quality at Devils Backbone Camp, noting exceptional maintenance. "This campground has some of the nicest facilities of any campground I've stayed at. We camped in a trailer on a site without hookups. At this time of the year, it wasn't very busy. They provide firewood on the honor system," reports a visitor who appreciated the short walk to the brewery.
Creek-side tent sites: Tent camping along moving water ranks high for visitors to Crabtree Falls Campground. "Camping along the river is great in the slower seasons. The sites are pretty close together so I'm sure it would be much more cramped when it's busy but it's a beautiful place. And you can fish right off the bank less than 50 yards from your tent," explains a camper who enjoyed both the water access and fishing opportunities.
Privacy between sites: Though campgrounds vary in spacing, certain locations offer more seclusion. "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. 2. The bathroom is just a potty with hand sanitizer, no running water," explains a Red Oak camper who found the trade-off worthwhile for river access and privacy.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region with mountainous terrain affecting coverage. At Sherando Lake Campground, campers report: "While it is close to Waynesboro, Charlottesville and Roanoke, it is sufficiently remote to require a car ride to find cell and internet access." Some campgrounds like Montebello Resort have zero service, while others offer limited Verizon coverage.
Reservation timing: Most popular sites book quickly, especially during summer and fall color seasons. "The only drawback is that many people love this park and it is difficult to get reservations. The window opens six months out and are usually booked for the high season summer months," advises a Sherando Lake visitor.
Site accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds require significant walking or equipment transport. At Walnut Grove, campers report: "We were not prepared for the stairs 😂. They say walk in but it's a more a short hike. So getting our gear (we aren't minimalist people) in was a workout but worth it." Devils Backbone campers with odd-numbered sites need 30-foot sewer hoses due to unusual hookup placement.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds offer play areas and organized activities. "We rented a cabin with fantastic sunset views. This park has great walking and equine trails, a fantastic visitor center, and a wonderful outdoor park/adventure zone for the kiddos," notes a Red Oak Campground visitor who found the variety kept children engaged.
Consider proximity to bathrooms: With young children, location matters. "We stayed in site A-13, which is well situated near the bathrooms and showers. Campsite A-12 makes a great buddy site! Such a family-friendly campground," shares a camper at Sherando Lake who returns annually for their summer trip.
Watch for uneven terrain: Steps and elevation changes can create challenges for families with small children. "We learned that, especially with toddlers, the steps around the campsites can turn a relaxing trip into one of constant vigilance," warns a Sherando Lake visitor about the staggered sites with steps leading from driveways.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: At Devils Backbone Camp, RVers should note the unusual utilities arrangement. "The power station was on the opposite side of the septic, so make sure you have a 30ft power cord at least!" advises a camper who discovered their site (#9) had a septic cap too high for normal dumping procedures.
Site selection strategies: Choose locations based on shade and level pads. "Site was super clean and short walk to the bathhouse that was pristine. Water pumps/faucets are at every other site so you don't have to go far," explains a visitor to Canoe Landing Group Campsite who appreciated the routine monitoring by camp hosts.
Interior vs. perimeter sites: For more privacy, experienced campers recommend specific site selections. "We had a site on the permitter, which was nice, as the interior sites are really on top of one another," shares a Montebello Resort camper who found backing up to the woods provided more seclusion despite the overall tight spacing of the campground.
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