Camping

George Washington National Forest
703-433-2491

Sherando Lake

This huge national forest has 27 campgrounds in Virginia and West Virginia. The closest part of the forest to Charlottesville is the Pedlar District, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway south of the Shenandoah National Park, site of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area at beautiful Sherando Lake. The campgrounds here have 65 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis April 1 to October 31.

Madison Vines RV Resort and Cottages
540-948-4186

70 RV sites and 20 fully-furnished cottages. Heated bath house, horseshoes, volleyball, pool. Tent sites available. Closed between Christmas and Jan. 1.

Shenandoah National Park  STUDENT FAVORITE
540-999-3500

Campgrounds: The park has four major campgrounds near a section of the Appalachian Trail. All except Mathews Arm have showers, laundry, and a camp store. No campground has hookups for water, electricity, or sewage, but Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, and Loft Mountain have dump stations. All except Big Meadows are first-come, first-served, fees vary. Mileposts on Skyline Drive are given.

Mathews Arm (mile 22.1) is furthest north. Next to trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. 179 sites. Open spring through October. No showers.

Big Meadows (mile 51.3), although secluded, is within walking distance of three waterfalls and across the Drive from the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife. Reservations required mid-May through November; call 1-800-365-CAMP. 217 sites, open through November.

Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the back country. Within seven miles of the Big Meadows. 32 sites, open spring through October.

Loft Mountain (mile 79.5), the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big Flat Mountain with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. 219 sites, open spring through October.


Back-Country Camping: Camping is permitted in specific back country facilities. Call the park to get a permit and regulations for back-country camping. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains a system of back-country huts and cabins. Huts, three-sided structures located along the Appalachian Trail primarily for long-term hikers, require permits. Permits are not required for cabins, which are reserved in advance from PATC at 703-242-0693 (www.patc.net).

Lodges: The national park also has several lodges. To make reservations, write to ARAMARK Virginia Sky-Line Company, P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA, 22835; or call 800-999-4714 or 540-743-5108. 

Skyland (mile 41.7) 177 guest rooms, rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites.

Big Meadows Lodge (milepost 51) 20 rooms in the main lodge, 72 additional rooms in rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites.

Lewis Mountain Cabins (mile 57.5) Several rustic, furnished cabins with private baths and outdoor grill areas.


Tubing, Canoeing, Kayaking

James River Runners
434-286-2338

Canoeing, inner tubing, kayaking and rafting. Equipment rentals, group excursions, and wilderness trips. 20 years of experience.

James River Reeling & Rafting
434-286-4FUN (4386)

Canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing rentals and trips.


Hiking

For nice hikes and walks in or closer to town, see Parks/Lakes (Ivy Creek, Meadow Creek Trails, Mint Springs, Ragged Mountain). For information on equipment and clubs, go to Clubs & Organizations: Hiking. Some information below may repeat from the Camping section. Outdoors at UVA plans over 300 trips a year, and accepts community members and alums. The club also rents out gear for camping, biking, backpacking and more.

Blue Ridge Tunnel
434-263-7015

4.6 mile out-and-back hike through a historic railroad tunnel.

Crabtree Falls
703-281-4446

Four overlooks offer pretty views of the falls and lovely vistas of Tye River Valley. A vigorous 1.7 mile hike takes you from the trailhead parking lot on Route 56 up to the overlook at the top of the upper falls. STAY ON the trails. From the upper falls, the trail follows the creek another 1.2 miles to Crabtree Meadows parking lot. There is a small parking fee, and an entrance fee to Lake Sherando.

George Washington National Forest
703-433-2491

This huge national forest has over 900 miles of trails, from easy half-mile loops to strenuous nine-hour treks. Below are a couple of favorites. Maps and information are available at visitor centers at the intersection of Route 250 and the Blue Ridge Parkway and at Humpback Rocks.

Humpback Rocks ​​​​​​​ STUDENT FAVORITE
540-943-4716

A steep, short hike up to a spectacular 360-degree view. Popular on weekends. Great in autumn.

Old Rag Mountain

The most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park, featuring hikes with adventurous rock scrambles and 360-degree views.

Saunders-Monticello Trail
434-984-9822

Monticello's 89-acre park with scenic views, an arboretum and a pond, plus running and biking trails.

Shenandoah National Park ​​​​​​​ STUDENT FAVORITE
540-999-3500

This park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Maps and information are available at entrance points to the park. Most hikes begin on Skyline Drive, but our favorite hikes begin in the valley.

Sugar Hollow

Follow the river away from the reservoir for a level hike or cross the river at the parking area and go straight up to Skyline Drive. Great swimming holes either way in summer. A good place to bring the kids, and beautiful scenery along the way. No entrance fee.

Turk Mountain

A 2.2 mile round-trip hike to the summit of Turk Mountain that provides a wonderful view to the west.

Whiteoak Falls

A beautiful hike any time of the year. Spectacular falls and deep swimming holes, wildlife. Fairly level until the first big falls, so can be an easy day hike. Or make the loop all the way up to Skyline Drive for a full-day excursion. For a real treat, go up by the river, not the trail, after the first falls.