Pet friendly camping near Lovingston, Virginia offers diverse terrain options from riverside sites at 650 feet elevation to mountain settings reaching 2,700 feet. The James River State Park area maintains dark sky certification, allowing exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. Many campgrounds in this region experience temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between river valleys and mountain ridges.
What to Do
Kayaking the James River: Launch directly from Red Oak Campground where water access points make getting on the river simple. "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 Jamie B.
Dark sky stargazing: Take advantage of James River State Park's official dark sky designation. "You could see stars for miles. Enjoyed a nice sunset by the river," reports Kaylee G. who stayed at Walnut Grove. Bring binoculars or request a telescope from the park office.
Hiking to waterfalls: Visit Crabtree Falls Campground which sits adjacent to Virginia's tallest waterfall. "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. The falls are a one-mile drive from camp with a moderately challenging 2.5-mile trail.
What Campers Like
Clean, modern facilities: Devils Backbone Camp receives consistent praise for its well-maintained amenities. "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. They provide firewood on the honor system," reports Vy N.
River access: Tent sites along the river at Canoe Landing Group Campsite offer direct water access. "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 Christina.
On-site brewery access: The convenience of having food and beverage options within walking distance appeals to many campers. "Love that you can just walk to the brewery from your site. We had two tents on an RV spot because their tent sites were full. Walked some of the easy trails that were in the area," mentions Jennifer E. about Devils Backbone Camp.
What You Should Know
Site selection considerations: Not all sites are created equal. At Sherando Lake, "Each site has its own food locker which is really important because bears actually frequent the area. 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.
Seasonal river conditions: Water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year. "We hoped to go tubing, but since the river was running high and fast, they weren't renting tubes, and we asked too late about renting a canoe or kayak. They do drop offs and pick ups at certain times and reservations are recommended," notes Sharon B. about her experience at James River State Park.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically across the region. "Cell service and wi-fi are spotty at best, but what do you expect? You are in the middle of the mountains," mentions Erika S. at Devils Backbone Camp. Many campgrounds offer Wi-Fi only near main buildings or not at all.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for dedicated activity areas: Shenandoah Acres Campground provides multiple playgrounds and organized events. "This campground has everything. We have spent two summers here. It is clean, spacious, lots of activities for young and old, and the owners and staff go out of their way to ensure you have a great time," shares Linda B.
Consider cabins during summer heat: When tent camping becomes uncomfortable, cabin options provide relief. "I also stayed in a 2 bdr cabin on a return trip which was very nice. I was impressed with the accommodations and the A/C which was enjoyed on our hot August nights," explains Conni B. about James River State Park accommodations.
Water activities as entertainment: Swimming areas keep children occupied during warmer months. "The best part 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," continues Conni B.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement awareness: Check site layouts before booking. "If you were on an odd number site, this was no problem. However, if you were on an odd number site, you either had to hope you had the length on your water and power lines to run to the opposite side of your rig or you had to pull into the site the opposite way," notes Steve V. about Devil's Backbone Camp.
Winter camping considerations: Many campgrounds remain open year-round with varying amenities. "First time camping here in RV. Bath house was warm and clean! Quiet but quite a few other friendly after Christmas rv campers. Great time, just wish the rain would have held off!" shares Jodi L., highlighting winter camping possibilities at Devil's Backbone.
Access road challenges: Mountain roads can present difficulties for larger rigs. "FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway," advises Quinn G. about routes to Montebello Resort.
