Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Appomattox, VA
The village where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in the McLean House in April 1865, effectively ending the Civil War. The restored buildings are reached on foot from the parking lot; allow two hours.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park preserves a 19th-century village in Appomattox County, Virginia. On 9 April 1865 Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Union General Ulysses S. Grant here, in the McLean House. Lonely Planet says this effectively ended the Civil War; the surrender is widely seen as symbolizing the Confederacy's defeat.
The village began as Clover Hill and became the county seat in 1845; after the railroad bypassed it in 1854 it declined. The original McLean House was dismantled, and a restored version has been open to the public since 1949. Clover Hill Tavern is an original building; according to Lonely Planet, Union soldiers printed 30,000 parole passes for Confederate soldiers there. The visitor center is in the rebuilt courthouse.
The park covers about 1,775 acres (720 hectares) with a driving tour, hiking trails and an artillery park. Frommer's suggests allowing at least two hours for the buildings and country lanes, plus about two more for the visitor center and museum. Check opening hours and programs in advance.
- Nearest town
- Appomattox, VA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.3775, -78.7960
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Laurel Ridge CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
- Redbud CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Appomattox Court House National Historical ParkTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Horseshoe CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Appomattox Court House National Historical ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Red Oak CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Appomattox Court House National Historical Park · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Appomattox Court House National Historical Park?
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is in Appomattox, VA, at GPS 37.3775, -78.7960. It is about 19 mi from Lynchburg.
Can you camp near Appomattox Court House National Historical Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Laurel Ridge Campground, about 9 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Appomattox Court House National Historical Park?
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Jefferson and Madison country: Montpelier to the Peaks of Otter.
What is there to see near Appomattox Court House National Historical Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest (26 mi), Humpback Rocks (41 mi), Natural Bridge State Park (45 mi) and Peaks of Otter (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit Appomattox Court House National Historical Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)