Camping near Charlottesville, VA?

[gjc-99]

We are planning our first "longish" trip to the Charlottesville VA area later this month. We would appreciate any experience you may have on good campgrounds and things to see/do in that area (Monticello, Blue Ridge Parkway, etc.).
Thanks!

[Bill & Lisa]

The local chapter of the trailmanor trailblazers held their rally last october at:
http://www.walnuthillscampground.com/ . It had full hookups and was a close to the local attractions. We visited Monticello. It was nice
Bill

[Joe]

Walnut Hills is great. There is a KOA at Verona (www.svkoa.net that is also great especially if you will be bringing youngsters. They have oodles of bunnies (domesticated rabbits) there. As Bill & Lisa mentioned you don't want to miss Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home). There are plenty of other historical sites but this is a 'must see'. You will probably be too early for the dogwoods to be flowering but you should plan on a day traversing the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Check out these sites:
http://www.nps.gov/blri/. www.staunton.va.us ; http://www.charlottesvilleguide.com/
Remember, Virginia is for Lovers

Joe Wetherbee

[gjc-99]

Thanks! Any other info from TM's out there?

[Speckul8r]

Waynesboro is just "over the hill" west of Charlottesville. Sherando Lake is an GREAT spot to camp. Only have Electrical hookups but don't let that stop you.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/gp/recreation/camping/developed/sherando_lake/index.shtml

Grottoes , VA has 1 of the best caves around, Grand Caverns.
http://www.uvrpa.org/grandcaverns.htm
IMHO much nicer than Luray. I think they open 1 April.

I like NPS campground much more than private ones. They don't have all the amenities but more than make up for it in scenery.
Don't know what you are into but there is a many a pretty spot in this neigborhood.
http://www.shenandoah.national-park.com/

[Glenn in TN]

I like NPS campground much more than private ones. They don't have all the amenities but more than make up for it in scenery.
Don't know what you are into but there is a many a pretty spot in this neigborhood.
http://www.shenandoah.national-park.com/

We stayed in the Loft Mountain campground in Shenendoah last year. It is by far the best campground in the park. Beautiful sunsets if its not cloudy. They have a good store and showers.

Beware that it is a good piece from Charlottesville.

[Bill & Lisa]

Another decent campground between Waynesboro and Charlotteville is Misty Mountain http://www.mistycamp.com/ there are two levels to it. The lower area is for weekend campers and is a little too close together for our tastes but mosty of the sites are full hookup with cable and pull through. The pool also looks nice. There is a stream that runs throught the area and several of the sites are "waterfront". Longer term camping and overflow is "up the mountain" a medium steep incline with one switchback - one lane only so you want to be sure you are not headed up when someone else is headed down. The sites up there are a little more wooded. People are nice and the facilities are good. We attend a monthly meeting in Waynesboro and have stayed here twice.

Bill