Camping options near Arrington, Virginia range from forest sites along mountain creeks to lakeside settings with fishing access. The region sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations between 700-1,500 feet, creating moderate temperatures during camping season. Weather patterns can change rapidly with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months.
What to do
Hiking on diverse trails: The campgrounds near Arrington provide access to trails ranging from easy lake loops to challenging mountain climbs. At Crabtree Falls Campground, guests can easily reach Virginia's tallest waterfall. "The falls are a great hike and there are lots of services nearby. A great Parkway stop," notes reviewer Anna R.
Attend local festivals: Glen Maury Park hosts regular cultural events throughout the camping season. "There are many activities such as a bluegrass festival, fiddle festival, and jazz festival. This year they built large models of the twin towers and had a program about them on September 11th," shares Priscilla S.
Water activities: Swimming and fishing opportunities abound at several campgrounds. Sherando Lake Campground offers two lakes - a 25-acre lower lake for swimming and boating plus an upper lake dedicated to fishing. "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," writes Katie M.
Wildlife viewing: Wooded camping areas attract diverse wildlife. At Staver Farm, "Trail cams are showing an increase in wildlife this past month (May 2023) Black Bear, Deer, Coyotes, Bobcats, & Turkeys," reports Donald S.
What campers like
Clean, modern bathhouses: Facilities at many Arrington area campgrounds exceed expectations. At Devils Backbone Camp, "This campground has some of the nicest facilities of any campground I've stayed at... They provide firewood on the honor system," notes Vy N.
Creek-side camping: Sites along moving water are highly sought after. "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," shares Britt S. about Crabtree Falls Campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds catering to families offer planned activities and recreational facilities. "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 Shannon L. about Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA.
Brewery proximity: The combination of camping and craft beverages appeals to adult campers. "Nice campground with plenty of room... Love that you can just walk to the brewery from your site," Jennifer E. comments about Devils Backbone Camp.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Wild bears are active in the region. "A young bear was repeatedly visiting site A9 up the road from me and I had to chase him off when he came near my site!" warns Lisa M. at Sherando Lake Campground.
Site layout variations: Campground design affects utility access. At Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park, "We stayed on site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck. Not all sites have full hookup," explains Laure D.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV campgrounds near Arrington, Virginia have limited operating seasons. "Only open from May to October each year so be sure to check that out before just showing up!" advises Bran P. about Lynchburg RV Resort.
Variable cell service: Digital connectivity fluctuates throughout the mountain region. "While it is close to Waynesboro, Charlottesville and Roanoke, it is sufficiently remote to require a car ride to find cell and internet access," notes Linda C. about Sherando Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Take advantage of kid-focused amenities: Some campgrounds offer specialized facilities for younger campers. "Plenty of activities to include water sports, trail system as noted, and the area is absolutely stunning. Rolling hills and greenery all around," shares Bran P.
Consider bathhouse proximity: When camping with children, convenience matters. "We always get campsite A13, which is right across from the bathrooms. Very convenient with kids," recommends Katie M. about Sherando Lake.
Look for multiple recreation options: Glen Maury Park provides diverse activities beyond camping. "The pool is very large, very clean, and has a diving board. And there's a wonderful swimming hole if you can find it," mentions Priscilla S.
Book midweek for quieter experience: Family campers seeking peace should avoid weekends. "Coming in the middle of the week is the best time if you like to have peace and quiet and the place all to yourself," advises Katie M. at Sherando Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Plan for hookup placement: Some RV sites have unusual utility configurations. At Devils Backbone Camp, "The hookups in this area where different than I have ever experienced as the hookups were shared between two sites," explains Steve V.
Check water pressure: Variations exist between campgrounds. "Lower bathhouses did not have warm water and had to hike up the hill to use, extremely nicer, bathhouse," reports Madison F. at Walnut Hills Campground.
Consider reservation windows: Popular RV campgrounds near Arrington fill quickly. "The window opens six months out and are usually booked for the high season summer months," Linda C. notes about Sherando Lake Campground.
Prepare for varying site conditions: Ground surfaces and privacy levels differ. "The campsites are very close to each other, and the roads are very narrow. We can't even extend our awning due to through traffic," warns Jennifer A. about Walnut Hills.
