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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Amherst, VA
42 campgrounds and RV Parks near Amherst, VA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
42 campgrounds
3191 campsites
44 RVs available for delivery
From $16/night
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Best campgrounds near Amherst, VA
Horseshoe - James River State Park
Virginia (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(10 sites)
+9
Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA Holiday
Virginia (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(54 sites)
+11
Otter Creek Campground - Blue Ridge Parkway National Park
Bedford, VA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(68 sites)
+4
Paradise Lake Family Campground
Virginia (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(133 sites)
+12
Crabtree Falls Campgrounds
Virginia (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+4
Montebello Camping Resort
Virginia (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(74 sites)
+7
Montebello Camping & Fishing Resort
Montebello, VA (19 miles away)
Devils Backbone Camp
Virginia (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(71 sites)
+8
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort
Natural Bridge Station, VA (24 miles away)
Jellystone Park At Natural Bridge
Virginia (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(215 sites)
+11
Lynchburg RV Resort
Virginia (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(223 sites)
+7
Holliday Lake State Park
Appomattox, VA (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
+10
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Dump station Toilets Grills Tables Showers Laundry Playground Firewood Internet
Campgrounds near Amherst, Virginia
Amherst sits at the base of the Blue Ridge in central Virginia, between the James River to the east and the Blue Ridge Parkway to the west. That geography puts RV travelers within a short drive of state park camping, mountain-side private resorts, and a full-service KOA. The town itself is small, but Lynchburg is roughly 15 miles south for groceries, fuel, and last-minute supplies.
The closest state-park RV option is Horseshoe at James River State Park, an equestrian campground with 10 pull-through sites offering water and electric hookups (20-, 30-, and 50-amp). Sites fit rigs up to 40 feet, and the park dump station is located near the park entrance rather than at the sites. Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA Holiday, in nearby Monroe, offers pull-through RV sites with water, sewer, and electric hookups, plus a dump station on site.
Farther up into the mountains, Crabtree Falls Campgrounds and Montebello Camping Resort put families close to waterfall trails and trout streams, while Paradise Lake Family Campground offers a lake-focused stay closer to the foothills.
Things to do near Amherst
The James River drives most of the recreation east of town. James River State Park has 22 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, along with smallmouth bass fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and boating on the river. The park is also a hot spot for panfish and catfish, and it maintains three freshwater ponds for quieter fishing.
To the west, the Blue Ridge Parkway climbs above the campgrounds at Montebello and Crabtree Falls, with overlooks, short trails, and the Crabtree Falls cascade nearby. Highlights within an easy drive include Natural Bridge, Peaks of Otter near Bedford, the National D-Day Memorial, and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Lynchburg adds museums, restaurants, and a riverfront district for a break from the campground.
Camping spots and RV parks near Amherst, VA
When to visit Amherst
- spring
March - May
68° / 45°F 100 mmWet start; state park fire rules apply through April
- summer
June - August
86° / 64°F 100 mmWarm, humid; afternoon thunderstorms common
- fall
September - November
68° / 48°F 85 mmPeak foliage in October drives heavy bookings
- winter
December - February
48° / 28°F 90 mmCold nights; most private parks closed
The camping season in this part of Virginia runs roughly from March through November. At James River State Park, Red Oak Campground and the Horseshoe Equestrian Campground, both electric and water with no sewer, are open from the first Friday in March to the first Monday in December annually. The Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA Holiday is open from April through mid-November, and higher-elevation sites near the Parkway tend to follow a similar window.
Spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and paddling, though spring can be wet. Summer is warm and humid in the valley, with cooler evenings at higher elevations near Montebello and Crabtree Falls. Fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway typically peaks in mid to late October and drives the busiest booking window of the year.
Winter camping is limited to the primitive campgrounds at James River State Park (Branch Pond, Walnut Grove, and Canoe Landing), which remain open year-round; most private resorts and the KOA close for the season.
How to book campgrounds near Amherst
Virginia State Parks handles reservations for James River State Park through its central reservation system. Reservations must be made at least one day ahead of arrival and can be booked up to 11 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be difficult to secure a site at Horseshoe or Red Oak. Weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, plus October foliage weekends, fill first.
KOA reservations are booked directly through the KOA site or app, and private resorts such as Paradise Lake Family Campground, Montebello Camping Resort, and Crabtree Falls Campgrounds each take bookings through their own websites or by phone. Cancellation windows vary by property, so check terms before locking in dates.
For peak dates, aim to reserve several months out. Mid-week arrivals and shoulder-season trips in April, early May, and September typically have far more site availability.
What to expect
Sites near Amherst range from primitive state-park pads to full-hookup pull-throughs. James River State Park is a fairly remote destination, about 20 miles from the nearest towns of Appomattox and Amherst, and visitors should be prepared for narrow roads as they near the park on SR-605 and SR-606. Big-rig drivers should route carefully and plan fuel and grocery stops in Lynchburg or Amherst. The KOA in Monroe accepts pull-throughs up to about 80 feet, useful for larger rigs with tow vehicles.
Under the Code of Virginia, all open fires including wood and charcoal are prohibited in state parks between February 15 and April 30 annually, except between 4 PM and midnight; self-contained camping stoves remain permitted. Virginia State Parks also recommends buying firewood at the park or locally rather than bringing it from home, and fully burning any wood before leaving. Cell service can be spotty in the river valley and along the Parkway.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Amherst, VA
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Amherst, VA?
Campsite prices near Amherst, VA depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Amherst, VA?
Free camping near Amherst, VA depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Amherst, VA?
Camping near Amherst, VA works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Amherst, VA?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Amherst, VA. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Amherst, VA?
Dump stations near Amherst, VA are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Amherst, VA?
Renting a RV in Amherst, VA works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Amherst, VA?
RV rentals in Amherst, VA peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Amherst, VA?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Amherst, VA?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Amherst, VA at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
Nearby cities with campgrounds
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