Charlottesville KOA Holiday Blog
Happy 250 Years America and 60 years for the Charlottesville KOA!
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From I-64: Take Exit 121 or 121A to Rt 20 South. Go about 8 miles, take a right onto Rt 708/Red Hill Road. Go 1 mile, KOA on right. GPS directions may be inaccurate. N37.931259, W78.566485
DO NOT TAKE EXIT 99 or 120 OFF I-64. Plank Rd (exit 99) and Old Lynchburg Rd (exit 120) are very narrow curvy roads.
Get Google Directions
There’s something special about fall in Central Virginia. As the Blue Ridge Mountains turn shades of gold, orange, and red, the Charlottesville area comes alive with apple picking, scenic drives, historic sites, vineyard visits, and crisp-weather adventures.
If you’re staying at Charlottesville KOA, fall is the perfect time to make your campground the home base for exploring the region. Pack a sweater, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable autumn getaway!
Nothing says fall quite like a day at the orchard. Carter Mountain Orchard is one of the area’s signature autumn destinations, offering pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, fresh cider, cider donuts, mountain views, and seasonal activities. The orchard is open daily during the fall season, although some peak 2026 weekends require advance admission passes.
For another harvest experience, head toward Crozet and visit Chiles Orchard. Fall visitors can find apples, pumpkins, seasonal produce, baked goods, and family-friendly activities.
Campground tip: Pick up some Virginia apples and cider for a cozy evening back at your campsite!
Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer plenty of ways to enjoy autumn foliage without going far. The Saunders-Monticello Trail is a particularly scenic option, winding through forests and fields toward Monticello. The Rivanna Trail and other area parks also offer opportunities to stretch your legs beneath colorful trees.
For a bigger mountain adventure, make a day trip to Shenandoah National Park and drive along Skyline Drive. Fall colors generally arrive first at higher elevations before spreading through the Charlottesville area.
Bring your hiking shoes, leave room on your camera roll, and take your time—the journey is part of the fun.
Autumn is a beautiful season to explore Charlottesville's historic landmarks.
Monticello offers visitors the chance to explore Thomas Jefferson's mountaintop home, gardens, grounds, and exhibits while enjoying spectacular fall scenery. Monticello is also hosting special programs during the fall of 2026 as part of the nation's 250th-anniversary celebrations.
Nearby, Michie Tavern provides another opportunity to experience Virginia's colonial-era history, with historic buildings, a traditional Southern midday meal, and shops.
You can also stroll through the historic University of Virginia grounds and enjoy the architecture and the Rotunda.
Or a visit to James Monroe's Highland is a wonderful way to step into Virginia’s past while enjoying the beauty of the countryside. Only a few miles down the road from Monticello, with beautiful landscapes and a peaceful setting, Highland makes a memorable stop during your Charlottesville-area fall adventure.
Cooler temperatures and colorful vineyards make fall a wonderful time to explore the Monticello Wine Trail. The region is home to more than 50 wineries, with many offering scenic settings and seasonal experiences.
For a nearby stop, Jefferson Vineyards combines Virginia wine with a setting steeped in local history. Pippen Hill is another picturesque option, with vineyard views and a food program designed to complement its wines.
Whether you're planning a leisurely afternoon or exploring several vineyards, remember to designate a driver.
Fall means harvest celebrations throughout the Charlottesville area. Apple festivals, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, farm events, live music, markets, and other seasonal activities fill the calendar throughout September and October.
One especially useful strategy is to check local event calendars shortly before your camping trip—the schedule changes throughout the season, and new harvest events are added regularly.
After a day of apple picking, hiking, sightseeing, or leaf peeping, there's nothing better than returning to camp, relaxing outdoors, and enjoying the slower pace that makes camping so special.
Whether you're traveling with the family, planning a couples' getaway, or simply looking for a few days surrounded by Virginia's autumn beauty, Charlottesville offers plenty to explore.
This fall, come see why Charlottesville is one of Virginia's most memorable autumn destinations—and make Charlottesville KOA part of your adventure.
Fall attraction schedules, admission requirements, and event dates can change, so check each attraction's official website before heading out.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
