Best Campgrounds near Arrington, VA
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.
