Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Forest, VA
The octagonal retreat Jefferson designed for himself southwest of Lynchburg, restored over several decades from a near ruin. Guided house tours run through the day; admission is charged and parking is easy.
Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest is Jefferson's retreat near Lynchburg, Virginia. He inherited the 4,819-acre (1,950-hectare) estate in 1773 through his father-in-law John Wayles, together with 11 enslaved people. After leaving public office in 1809, Jefferson came three to four times a year; his last visit was in 1823.
He began building the octagonal house in 1806, and it was considered essentially complete by 1812; a service wing was added in 1814. A fire in 1845 destroyed everything except the brick walls, chimneys and columns, after which the residents of the time converted the villa into a farmhouse.
A nonprofit began rescuing the property at the end of 1983; the source gives 1984 for the purchase and elsewhere December 1983. Exterior restoration of the house was completed in 1998 and restoration of the villa in 2023, and the operator says work is continuing. Poplar Forest is a National Historic Landmark. Check tour times and admission in advance.
- Nearest town
- Forest, VA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.3486, -79.2650
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
Campsites nearby
- Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover16 mi from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar ForestMotorhomes
- Camp LowmanCampsite16 mi from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
- Leesville Lake CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
- Peaks of Otter CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar ForestTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Hopper Creek Group CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest · 50 pitches
- North Creek CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest · 12 pitches
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest?
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is in Forest, VA, at GPS 37.3486, -79.2650. It is about 8 mi from Lynchburg.
Can you camp near Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA Holiday, about 16 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest?
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Jefferson and Madison country: Montpelier to the Peaks of Otter.
What is there to see near Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest?
Places worth a stop nearby: Peaks of Otter (20 mi), Natural Bridge State Park (25 mi), Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (26 mi) and Lexington Historic Downtown (32 mi).
When is the best time to visit Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest?
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)