Campgrounds near Lovingston, Virginia offer varied terrain from river valleys at 600 feet to mountain settings reaching 3,000 feet in elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. River-adjacent campsites remain cooler than those at higher elevations due to natural water cooling effects.
What to do
Fly fishing access points: Montebello Resort provides stocked trout ponds where you can fish without a license. "We enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay, and from what I saw, anybody with a hook can catch one. We watched them restock the pond in the morning before the holiday weekend," reports one camper.
Night sky observation: James River State Park offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The night sky was amazing. You could see stars for miles," notes one visitor. The park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park due to minimal light pollution.
Hiking trail variety: Sherando Lake Campground features trails for all skill levels. "There are family friendly hiking paths around the lake and upper fishing pond. There are also some kickass trails that climb to the Blue Ridge Parkway and intersect with the AT," explains a regular visitor.
Watercraft rentals: At Montebello Resort, paddleboat and kayak rentals are included with your stay. "The other lake on the property is a nice place to walk, the campsite provides kayaks and paddle boats as well, at no charge," mentions a recent guest.
What campers like
River proximity: At Crabtree Falls Campground, sites provide direct water access. "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 one camper.
Privacy between sites: Canoe Landing Group Campsite offers well-spaced sites. "The campsites are far away from each other. Everything was very clean and taken care of," reports a visitor who stayed with dogs.
Immaculate facilities: Devils Backbone Camp maintains exceptionally clean bathrooms. "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," explains one reviewer.
Brewery access: Devils Backbone Camp provides walkable brewery access. "It is nice and dark at the campground, so great for star watching. You are a quick walk to the brewery and café, where you can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner," shares a satisfied camper.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Montebello Resort has no connectivity. "The location of the campground is remote with zero cell coverage or wifi, and other than the store on-site, there isn't much outside of a few hiking trails, within 30 minutes," warns a visitor.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. "Be aware; VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway," advises a Montebello Resort camper.
Reservation timing: Red Oak Campground and other state park sites fill quickly during peak season. "We've been to JRSP several times now and each visit gets better. Camping on the River edge is very peaceful and convenient if you just want to drop your own tube in and float," notes a return visitor.
Weather considerations: The mountain elevations can experience dramatic temperature shifts. "We were there in October and the fall foliage was stunning," shares a Sherando Lake camper, highlighting the importance of seasonal planning.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: James River State Park offers tubing opportunities. "Camping along the river at the Canoe Landing Campground 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 family camper.
Playground access: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley provides multiple play areas. "There's a huge playground with volleyball and basketball court near the pavilion. Along with a small arcade room and a huge fire pit ring to hang out at," notes a seasonal camper.
Ranger programs: James River State Park offers educational activities. "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night. We hiked many miles while here and had a great weekend," shares a family who stayed in the cabins.
Tent site selection: At Sherando Lake, specific campsites work better for families. "We always get campsite A13, which is right across from the bathrooms. Very convenient with kids. The site is pretty secluded with trees, so you can't see your neighbors," advises a repeat visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Devils Backbone Camp has some unusual utility arrangements. "The sewer connection for the odd number sites is on the opposite side of the RV than the electricity and water. The good news is that in a pinch, and your sewer hose does not fit, they do have a dump station on site," warns a travel trailer owner.
Loop selection: At Branch Pond, campground areas vary in amenities. "Branch Pond campsite provides for so much more privacy than Canoe Landing. The sites are larger too!" explains an RVer comparing the different camping areas at James River State Park.
Site leveling: Misty Mountain Camp Resort has varying site conditions. "Site 50 is a bit strange. Camping area is big enough for a small rig but the power pedestal is far away, so you might have to be creative in setting up. Unless you have a long power cord or don't hook up at all," cautions a recent visitor.
Road navigation: Approach some campgrounds from specific routes. "Just went to book a site since I'm in the area, and it's a two-night minimum to tent camp. This seems crazy for a Sunday night and the campground is not at all packed," notes a Devils Backbone Camp visitor, highlighting booking requirements.
