James Madison’s Montpelier
Orange, VA
The restored home of the fourth president and chief author of the Bill of Rights, with exhibits on the enslaved community and trails into an old-growth forest. Admission is charged; the estate lies about 4 miles southwest of Orange.
James Madison's Montpelier is near Orange in Orange County, Virginia, and was the home of James Madison, fourth president of the United States, and his wife Dolley. Madison retired here permanently in 1817 and died on the estate in 1836. The property covers about 2,650 acres (1,070 hectares).
The core of the house dates from about 1764, built under Madison's father, and was expanded in 1797-1800 and 1809-1812. The du Pont family bought the estate in 1901 and enlarged the house to 55 rooms; from 2003 to 2008 a $25 million project restored it to its condition of about 1820. About 100 enslaved Africans worked the estate in Madison's time. Paul Jennings, Madison's personal servant, later wrote a memoir about him.
The grounds include the 197-acre (80-hectare) Montpelier Forest, a National Natural Landmark since 1987, with tulip poplars up to 300 years old. Check admission and tour times in advance.
- Nearest town
- Orange, VA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.2186, -78.1685
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 May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
,_James_Madison_home_at_Sunset.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Hoover Ridge CampgroundCampsite11 mi from James Madison’s Montpelier
- Madison Vines RV Resort & CottagesMotorhome stopover11 mi from James Madison’s MontpelierMotorhomes
- Small Country CampgroundCampsite14 mi from James Madison’s Montpelier
- Christopher Run CampgroundCampsite17 mi from James Madison’s Montpelier
- Lewis Mountain CampgroundCampsite23 mi from James Madison’s Montpelier · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- LOWA CampgroundMotorhome stopover24 mi from James Madison’s MontpelierMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is James Madison’s Montpelier?
James Madison’s Montpelier is in Orange, VA, at GPS 38.2186, -78.1685. It is about 21 mi from Charlottesville.
Can you camp near James Madison’s Montpelier?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hoover Ridge Campground, about 11 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass James Madison’s Montpelier?
James Madison’s Montpelier is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Jefferson and Madison country: Montpelier to the Peaks of Otter.
What is there to see near James Madison’s Montpelier?
Places worth a stop nearby: Monticello (21 mi), Big Meadows, Shenandoah (26 mi), Skyline Drive overlooks (31 mi) and Luray Caverns (35 mi).
When is the best time to visit James Madison’s Montpelier?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)