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The Dell UVA

4.7
·28 reviews·Charlottesville, United States

A tranquil green oasis on the UVA campus, featuring a serene pond perfect for fishing, picnics, and quiet contemplation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Nature awakens beautifully

CrowdLow
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The Dell UVA - Image 1

The Dell UVA

Best Time

Spring mornings

Nature awakens beautifully

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil green oasis on the UVA campus, featuring a serene pond perfect for fishing, picnics, and quiet contemplation.

4.7
(28 reviews)

"Great hidden gem in Charlottesville. Serene and well maintained green space."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 Cast a Line

The Dell UVA pond is stocked with bluegill and bass, making it a great spot for casual fishing.

🌳 Nature's Classroom

Perfect for a peaceful stroll or a moment of reflection, especially during spring when the greenery is vibrant.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 28 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Dell Pond

The Dell Pond

Central area

A tranquil pond surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for quiet contemplation and spotting local wildlife.

Contemplative Commons Adjacent

Contemplative Commons Adjacent

Near the pond

Experience the seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, bringing nature's calm right to the edge of the university.

Fishing Haven

Fishing Haven

Pond edges

A beloved spot for anglers, teeming with bluegill, bass, and catfish, offering a rewarding fishing experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Discover a serene escape at The Dell UVA, a hidden gem perfect for quiet reflection or a peaceful picnic. It's an ideal spot to decompress between classes or enjoy nature's beauty.

Fishing Fun for All

The Dell UVA is a fantastic spot for fishing, especially with kids. Expect to catch bluegill, bass, and catfish in its well-stocked pond. It's a great place to teach beginners!

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Nature awakens beautifully
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Picnic and relaxation
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall evenings
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

POV: You are with a UVA student 🤣🤣. . . . #fyp #viral #college #funny #uva #universityofvirginia #charlottesville #wahoowa #virginia #funny #collegelife #collegegotmelike #university #universitylife
@vtramenshop
35.7K likes • 361.9K views

🎣 Cast a Line

The Dell UVA pond is stocked with bluegill and bass, making it a great spot for casual fishing. Reddit

🌳 Nature's Classroom

Perfect for a peaceful stroll or a moment of reflection, especially during spring when the greenery is vibrant. Instagram

Anyone else in Cville ever notice this I have an extreme hyper fixation on it #fyp #charlottesvillevirginia #virginia #cville #uva
@bigmama090403
26.3K likes • 369.6K views
Modern style and masterfully landscaped backyard overlooking stunning views of the UVA Dell pond and new Contemplative Commons. Enjoy a tranquil oasis less than a block from UVA grounds! 1916 Thomson Road, Charlottesville, VA. @lorrie_nicholson #home #house #homedesign #uva #charlottesville
nestrealtycharlottesville
98 likes • 2.3K views

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Enjoy a relaxing picnic with a great view, especially on weekends. Benches are available. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The fall foliage and serene pond offer stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram

Meditate with your friends and community at our special Meditation from the Dell! A soothing sound bath, guided meditation, and live music by The Golden Hours will transform Dell Field at UVA this Saturday at 12:45 pm. Free and open to all! This event is weather permitting. For more information, please visit the link in our bio. 🎤: @spenceropatrny @uva #uva #wahoowa #charlottesville #meditati...
uvacsc
91 likes • 22.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Cast a Line

The Dell UVA pond is stocked with bluegill and bass, making it a great spot for casual fishing. Reddit

🌳 Nature's Classroom

Perfect for a peaceful stroll or a moment of reflection, especially during spring when the greenery is vibrant. Instagram

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Enjoy a relaxing picnic with a great view, especially on weekends. Benches are available. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The fall foliage and serene pond offer stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram

🤫 Quiet Contemplation

Ideal for a quick pause between classes or a moment of quiet reflection. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(28 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise The Dell UVA as a serene and well-maintained hidden gem in Charlottesville, perfect for peaceful reflection and family fishing. Its natural beauty and accessibility make it a beloved spot for students and locals alike.

"Great hidden gem in Charlottesville. Serene and well maintained green space."

Forrest Lloyd

"Grew up fishing here. You won’t find a better place to learn how to fish in the entire world. This place is loaded with various sizes of bluegill, bass, catfish, and the occasional koi!"

Tianhan H

"Great spot to fish with the kids. Small pond with good sized large mouth bass. Plenty of bluegill as well."

Robert Jeffers

What People Like

Serene and peaceful atmosphere
Great fishing spot
Beautiful natural setting

What People Dislike

Limited direct parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Dell UVA is located on the University of Virginia grounds. It's easily accessible on foot from central campus, particularly near the Contemplative Commons. Parking is available in nearby university garages, though walking is often the most convenient way to reach this green space. Instagram

Yes, The Dell UVA is situated within the University of Virginia campus, which is well-served by the Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) bus system. Several routes stop near the university grounds, making it accessible via public transport. Check the CAT website for specific routes and schedules.

While you can drive to the general vicinity of The Dell UVA, direct vehicle access into the green space itself is limited. It's best to park in designated university lots or garages and then walk to the Dell. Instagram

The closest parking options are typically university parking garages such as the Central Grounds Garage or the Emmet/Ivy Parking Garage. From these garages, it's a short walk to The Dell. Instagram

Absolutely! The Dell UVA is a perfect spot for a quick dip between classes, offering a peaceful environment to recharge. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Dell UVA is a public green space on the University of Virginia campus and does not require an admission ticket. Entry is free for all visitors. Instagram

As an outdoor green space on the UVA campus, The Dell UVA is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set closing times, but it's advisable to visit during reasonable hours. Instagram

Fishing at The Dell UVA is free, but you will need a valid Virginia fishing license if you are over a certain age, as per state regulations. Reddit

Yes, The Dell UVA occasionally hosts events like meditation sessions with sound baths and live music, especially in conjunction with the Contemplative Sciences Center. Instagram

The Dell UVA is a public space, and reservations for private events are generally not available. It's best suited for informal gatherings and individual enjoyment. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy peaceful walks, fishing, picnicking, photography, or simply relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. It's also a great spot for quiet contemplation. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a wonderful spot for families. Kids can enjoy fishing in the pond and exploring the green space in a safe, serene environment. Reddit

Restroom facilities are not directly located within The Dell itself. However, you can typically find restrooms in nearby campus buildings, such as the Contemplative Commons. Instagram

While specific leash laws can vary on university grounds, dogs are generally welcome at The Dell UVA as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after. It's always good to check UVA's campus policies.

You can spot various bird species, and the pond is home to bluegill, bass, catfish, and sometimes koi. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Dell UVA is beautiful year-round. Spring offers lush greenery, while fall provides stunning foliage. Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or large-scale photo shoots might require permission from the university. Instagram

The pond itself, the reflections on the water, the surrounding trees, and the architecture of the nearby Contemplative Commons offer excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Selling photos taken at The Dell UVA might fall under commercial use, which could require university permission. It's best to check UVA's policies on commercial photography. Instagram

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great. A wide-angle lens can capture the landscape, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Instagram

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