Tent camping in Montebello, Virginia places visitors at elevations between 800 and 3,500 feet in the Blue Ridge foothills, creating diverse camping microclimates throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F during day and 50-65°F at night, while spring and fall can bring unexpected temperature swings. Most tent sites require campers to carry gear at least 50 feet from parking areas, with some walk-in distances extending to 75 yards at locations like James River State Park.
What to do
Fishing access: 50 yards from tent: At Canoe Landing Group Campsite, campers can fish directly from the riverbank near their tent. One visitor noted, "Camping along the river at the Canoe Landing Campground is great in the slower seasons... And you can fish right off the bank less than 50yards from your tent."
River tubing: age restrictions apply: James River State Park offers tubing rentals with shuttle service, though children must be at least 6 years old to participate. A camper mentioned, "This campground is good for horse back riding (have stables you can rent) or tubing down the James River (have tubes you can rent). They'll take you to the drop off and you can float down. Have to be 6 or older."
Stargazing: bring or borrow equipment: The dark skies at Walnut Grove provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. A reviewer enthusiastically shared, "The beat place for star gazing! Just ask for a telescope (free at the store) and stare up at the sky for hours! We loved this spot!"
What campers like
Paddling access: multiple launch points: Tent campers appreciate the paddling options on the James River and nearby lakes. At Breeden Bottom Campground, "Sites are spacious and right along the river. Most sites have river access directly from the site. The James river is perfect for kayaking/SUP/canoeing and even swimming, nice and calm."
Secluded swimming spots: Many campsites offer private river or lake access. One camper at Breeden Bottom noted, "Water flows fairly fast in this area, so there were a few people floating and kayaking. Current wasn't too strong for the dogs tho and there was a good, shallow walk-in into the water."
Clean facilities: even at primitive sites: Facilities maintenance receives consistent praise from campers. At Lake James, a visitor observed, "The privy was nice to have" while another noted about James River State Park: "The bathhouse was immaculate and the campsite large enough for two tents to share comfortably."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Network coverage changes dramatically across camping areas. At Hog Camp Gap, "cell service is poor I have u.s. cellular and I had one bar sometimes no bars data service was in and out as well," while at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, campers report "No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."
Water treatment necessary: Natural water sources require treatment. At Hog Camp Gap, a reviewer advised about the spring: "remember to boil or chemical treat the water before use is not tested for parasites another humble bacteria."
Train noise at riverside sites: Railroad tracks run parallel to several riverside campsites. A Breeden Bottom camper mentioned, "The train was loud at times, but we knew that would happen when we booked the site, so no surprises there."
Tips for camping with families
Tent pad drainage: select sites carefully: When tent camping near Montebello with children, site selection matters. At Long Arm paddle-in areas, one family noted, "the tent pads don't drain well and huge puddles develop- some sites were completely overtaken by a full inch of water."
Educational opportunities: ranger station activities: The Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area offers excellent trail exploration for families. A visitor shared simply, "I'm all about trails so this place was greaaat!"
River safety considerations: Families should monitor river conditions. At James River State Park, one camper warned, "We only stopped here for an afternoon, but it was a very cool park with a mile jogging trail, some small rock climbing areas, and access to swim in the James River...Note though-- would be careful swimming with children. Most areas are very calm but the river can get rapid at times!"
Tips from RVers
Site spacing and privacy: RVers note the campground layouts vary significantly. At Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, "There is a giant fire circle in the middle and enough room to fit about 10 vehicles/groups if people don't mind being next to each other."
Access road conditions: Some dispersed sites have challenging access. A reviewer at FR 812 noted, "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."
Overflow parking options: For tent camping near Montebello in larger groups, some sites offer expanded parking. Hog Camp Gap provides "roughly the size of a Walmart parking lot including the store or three football fields you do have to carry all the stuff from your car do the campsite but luckily you don't have to walk too far because the parking area is right near the camping area."
