Charlottesville, Virginia

Looking for the best camping in Charlottesville? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Charlottesville. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Camping Spots in and near Charlottesville

  • Elkton, Virginia

    Rocky Mount Trail Loop

    3.2
    9.58 mi / 2513 ft gain
    The trail begin 0.1 miles north of Two Mile Run Overlook at milepost 76.2 on Skyline Drive. You can park at this overlook for the night, just make sure you fill out a (free) wilderness permit and walk the short way on Skyline Drive to the trailhead. Immediately climb a wooded knoll before headin...
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  • Roseland, Virginia

    Camp at Devil’s Backbone Basecamp

    5.0
    This place has it all : a bomb fire pit, live music, distillery, restaurant, 48 taps, mountain views, and more!  Not to mention, it’s in a great location for exploring. It’s close to tons of breweries, wineries, and cideries, it’s just a few miles from the Appalachian trail, and close to Shenando...
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  • Lyndhurst, Virginia

    Backpack Three Ridges Loop

    4.6
    14.2 mi / 3960 ft gain
    From the parking area at Reids Gap, start off on the white-blazed A.T heading south as the trail begins on the left side of a clearing. You will begin climbing Meadow Mountain shortly and in .8 miles arrive at the top of the ridge, where you will continue on downhill for another .8 miles until y...
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  • Roseland, Virginia

    Backpack Reeds Gap to Rockfish Gap

    5.0
    20 mi
    Note: We usually get a chance to take this trip in the summer, so please pay attention to the weather and pack accordingly. This description is for a July/August hike and the temperatures were in the 80s during the day and 60s at night. During this time of year rain showers are always a possibili...
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  • Lyndhurst, Virginia

    Camp at Sherando Lake

    4.0
    Sherando Lake is a beautifully maintained dog/family friendly campground situated between two lakes. Upper Sherando Lake is available for fishing only but the larger, 25 acre, Lower Sherando Lake offers swimming, fishing, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach.  The campground is divided into three ...
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  • Stanley, Virginia

    Hike to Bear Church Rock via Bootens Gap

    3.5
    9.4 mi / 800 ft gain
    The trail leads along the ridge of Jones Mountain to the gorgeous views at Bear Church Rock, and it's the perfect hike for those seeking solitude - didn't see another soul the entire time on a holiday weekend.From the parking lot, head out left on the AT northbound. In .4 miles you will come to a...
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  • Stanley, Virginia

    Camp at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park

    4.4
    Visiting Shenandoah National Park for the first time can be quite overwhelming. The 109 mile long Skyline Drive, combined with over 500 miles of hiking trails, makes camping is a necessity if you truly want to experience Shenandoah.From the Appalachian thru-hiker to the RV'er, Big Meadows is perf...
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  • Stanley, Virginia

    Backpack Rose River Loop

    5.0
    4 mi / 900 ft gain
    The trail can be found on Skyline Drive.  Though it is a little challenging to locate, you should park at  Fisher’s Gap Overlook (mile marker 49.4), and then walk over across the road and find the trail. You'll spot it by looking over the side of the road and then hiking down.  The Rose River Loo...
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  • Tyro, Virginia

    Spy Rock via Cash Hollow

    4.9
    5.71 mi / 1191 ft gain
    The hike is part of the George Washington National Forest, and can easily be combined with nearby Crabtree Falls (300ft cascading waterfall with a hike to the top). The entire trip is 5.7 miles, and there are nice campsites at the base of the summit (no water source) if you want to add on this pr...
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  • Meadows Lane, Virginia

    Camp near Crabtree Meadows in GWNF

    5.0
    As stated, the campsites are free. They do not require reservations or permits and are on a first come, first served basis. Regardless of which direction you're coming from, you will be traveling on Crabtree Falls Highway until reaching Meadows Lane. This is a gravel access road that requires 4WD...
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  • Raphine, Virginia

    Saint Mary's Wilderness

    4.5
    6.03 mi / 538 ft gain
    Saint Mary's Wilderness is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Vesuvius, Virginia.
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  • Luray, Virginia

    White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

    4.8
    4.28 mi / 866 ft gain
    Between mile 42 and 43 of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is the trailhead for WhiteOak Canyon. Begin at the trailhead from the parking lot and cross the Limberlost Trail in .3 miles. Continue on and you will cross your first footbridge shortly. After another mile you will cross the s...
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  • Amherst, Virginia

    Mount Pleasant Loop

    4.6
    5.98 mi / 1427 ft gain
    From the Mount Pleasant Parking Area, take the blue blazed Pompey Mountain Trail that is just beyond the horse gate. As it's a loop, you can start at either entrance, but I prefer heading left to get the longer leg of the hike before the summit (always better to have an easy journey down in the a...
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  • Dayton, Virginia

    Climb Hidden Rocks

    5.0
    Amazing rock climbing can be found just outside Harrisonburg, VA at a series of crags hiding in the beautiful landscape of GW National Forest. Hidden Rocks offers amazing climbing and bouldering for intermediate level or well-guided beginners.Near the end of Hone Quarry Road is a small, self-pay ...
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  • Amherst, Virginia

    Swim at Panther Falls

    5.0
    0.7 mi / -100 ft gain
    From Lexington or Buena Vista, Virginia, take Rt. 60 east for several miles. As soon as you pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway, look for a gravel road on your right marked Panther Falls Road. This is a fairly bumpy gravel road, so take it easy. Follow Panther Falls Road down the mountain for just ...
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