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Camping near Arrington, Virginia encompasses a mix of state park facilities, private campgrounds, and unique brewery-adjacent sites in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. James River State Park offers several camping options, including Red Oak Campground with RV and tent sites, Walnut Grove for tent camping, and the Canoe Landing Group Campsite with lakeside access. About 20 miles north of Arrington, Devils Backbone Camp provides 73 sites adjacent to the popular brewery, combining outdoor recreation with craft beer tourism. The area sits within an hour's drive of Charlottesville and provides access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, George Washington National Forest, and numerous hiking trails including Crabtree Falls.
Most campgrounds in the Arrington area require reservations, particularly during the peak season from April through October. James River State Park campgrounds maintain well-maintained facilities but limited cell service, with Verizon users reporting spotty coverage requiring signal boosters for reliable data. Devils Backbone Camp offers full hookup sites for RVs and more secluded tent-only sites nestled in wooded areas. Fire restrictions may apply during dry summer months, and permits are required for camping at state park facilities. Winter camping is available at select locations, though amenities may be limited and water systems winterized.
The camping experiences around Arrington vary widely in terms of amenities and atmosphere. Visitors to Canoe Landing Group Campsite appreciate the peaceful lakeside setting and distance between sites, though note the considerable walk from parking areas to campsites. According to reviews, Devils Backbone Camp offers "beautiful mountain views" and the unique advantage of being within walking distance to the brewery and restaurant while maintaining relatively quiet campsites. Crabtree Falls Campground, located along the Tye River, provides tent sites near flowing water where campers can "fall asleep to the sound of the water." Most campgrounds in the region are pet-friendly and offer fire rings, picnic tables, and basic toilet facilities, with varying levels of hookups for RVs.
"We spent one night with our dogs at the walk-in campground at James Lake. It is a wonderful piece of nature. The campsites are far away from each other. Everything was very clean and taken care of."
"Campsite was right next to lake, beautiful views and easy water access. While we were there in April we only saw a couple other groups, and no other campers were anywhere near us."
from $16 - $75 / night
Check Availability"First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."
"We set up camp then walked over to the brewery/ restaurant for some flights and dinner. I recommend grabbing some growlers to go. Showers and restrooms were clean."
from $25 - $140 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground in line with expectations for most Virginia state parks."
"This state park was a great find on my way south, Off the beaten path with plenty of river frontage and ponds around. There are plenty of places to fish!"
from $37 - $98 / night
Check Availability"Lake James is a true gem, clean and beautiful, with amazing views of Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain, and Table Rock. The State Park has several camping areas."
"This is a lovely little campground set on the shores of James Lake. Sites are big enough for 2 small tents or 1 largish family tent. All sites have a picnic table, fire pit with grate, and bear box."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."
"The lakeside is wonderful for sitting, reading and swimming. The "upper lake" is great for fishing. "
from $25 - $47 / night
Check Availability"Located in the middle of nowhere off of narrow Virginia secondary roads, we were surprised to get good Verizon reception. We stayed on site 15 which is a long pull-thru."
"A Creek ran nearby the campground and there were options for trails. The campsites were well spaced apart."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night."
"I’ve camped at a completely different part of this place before which was a site without access to bathrooms and showers."
from $28 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Back in sites for smaller trailers such as our teardrop were plenty big enough but still on the outskirts of the field. Bath house was very clean and very well thought out."
"The winding layout allowed for more distance between other sites. The woods were beautiful with easy walking trails right from the site."
from $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability"This isn't a campsite for the best "scenery" or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet (you might sometimes hear dogs or gunshots from hunters who are near the water-fowl impoundment"
"Nothing special but access to the river makes it great if you are fishing or kayaking. You will need a fishing license or access pass and must register that you are camping here. "
"It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."
"Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."
GuideFriendly and helpful staff. Located in a rolling woodsy area near a lake. Not real busy and pretty quiet. The sites are gravel and some are not real level due to the terrain. There are walking and biking trails.
ScoutBeautiful area and lots of amenities but $95 a night for RV camper even if you’re in a van. The tent spots fill up fast if there are any
GuideNot far from the National park, we went the weekend before school started for the little ones so not as many campers as we have seen in the past. The brew pub is within walking distance. Great for family camping.
TravelerWe really enjoyed our one night visit there. It has a nice pond with a few hiking trails. The dispersed camping sites are fairly private. Each has a nice gathered rock fire ring. The pit toilets in the day area not at all clean. Trash cans were overflown, but we did arrive on a Sunday night so maybe it was a busy weekend? I think we would go back, love that area.
GuideThis park is so beautiful, set it a forested canopy and a serene lake, BUT - between the neighboring 4-H Camp shooting with hundreds of rounds being fired each day between 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, and then Karaoke parties from 6:00 pm to late at night, the noises were close to being unbearable. Also, zero cell phone reception, but they have free wifi at the check-in station, the office and the beach.
ScoutVery clean and quiet. Good services, including firewood availability. Drawback is that it’s 7.5 miles down a dead end road. Closet gas is at least 10 miles and groceries are a half hour away. Go prepared.
TravelerFirst campground in a week, that had great water pressure! Has free laundry, clean bathrooms, free mini golf, activities , restaurant and bar. Pretty darn awesome
TravelerEnjoyed the campground, even during the storm. Disappointed the river was dry, but we enjoyed the pool! I wish there were more activities for children when the river is dry.
ScoutGood facilities. Clean and hot showers. Good beach area. Docks for fishing could use some markers on the trails to find them. Could use a playground given it's labells as a familycamp
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What attractions and activities are available near Arrington camping areas?
The Arrington area is rich with outdoor recreation and attractions. Near Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp in George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking along personality-filled, well-maintained trails. Thunder Bridge puts you close to Natural Bridge State Park, offering unique geological features to explore. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide scenic drives, hiking opportunities, and stunning vistas. Water enthusiasts can enjoy canoeing and swimming at James River State Park. Breweries, wineries, and historic sites dot the region, with the town of Lexington offering historic buildings and dog-friendly establishments. The area balances natural beauty with cultural attractions, making it ideal for both adventure seekers and those looking for relaxing getaways.
Where can I find camping options near Arrington, VA?
Arrington, VA offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Devils Backbone Camp provides a clean, quiet campground experience with the added benefit of an on-site brewery. For those seeking a more nature-immersed experience, Sherando Lake Campground in George Washington National Forest offers well-maintained facilities with both electric and non-electric camping loops, convenient to both Richmond and Charlottesville. Additional options include James River State Park campgrounds and sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway, all within reasonable driving distance from Arrington. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons from spring through fall.
Are there RV rentals available in Arrington, Virginia?
While Arrington itself has limited RV rental options, nearby campgrounds offer accommodations for RVs and alternatives. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA is RV-friendly and open year-round with full hookups, though they don't explicitly offer RV rentals. The campground provides cabins as an alternative lodging option. Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park accommodates RVs but has size restrictions due to mountain roads. For actual RV rentals, check with regional rental companies in Charlottesville or Lynchburg that deliver to campgrounds, or use online RV rental platforms like RVshare or Outdoorsy that connect with local RV owners. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak camping seasons.
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