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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Nature awakens beautifully
The Dell UVA
Best Time
Nature awakens beautifully

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil green oasis on the UVA campus, featuring a serene pond perfect for fishing, picnics, and quiet contemplation.
"Great hidden gem in Charlottesville. Serene and well maintained green space."
🎣 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Dell Pond
Central area
A tranquil pond surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for quiet contemplation and spotting local wildlife.

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
Pond edges
A beloved spot for anglers, teeming with bluegill, bass, and catfish, offering a rewarding fishing experience.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Fishing Fun for All
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎣 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.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Enjoy a relaxing picnic with a great view, especially on weekends. Benches are available.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The fall foliage and serene pond offer stunning photographic opportunities.
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.
🌳 Nature's Classroom
Perfect for a peaceful stroll or a moment of reflection, especially during spring when the greenery is vibrant.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Enjoy a relaxing picnic with a great view, especially on weekends. Benches are available.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The fall foliage and serene pond offer stunning photographic opportunities.
🤫 Quiet Contemplation
Ideal for a quick pause between classes or a moment of quiet reflection.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! The Dell UVA is a perfect spot for a quick dip between classes, offering a peaceful environment to recharge.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Yes, The Dell UVA occasionally hosts events like meditation sessions with sound baths and live music, especially in conjunction with the Contemplative Sciences Center.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or large-scale photo shoots might require permission from the university.
The pond itself, the reflections on the water, the surrounding trees, and the architecture of the nearby Contemplative Commons offer excellent photographic opportunities.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond fishing, the open green spaces are perfect for kids to run around and explore. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the pond, making for a delightful afternoon outing. It’s a low-key, natural setting that provides a refreshing break from screen time and city bustle, allowing families to connect with nature and each other.
🧘♀️ Students and Faculty
Its proximity to campus buildings, including the Contemplative Commons, makes it incredibly convenient for a quick visit. Whether you're looking for a quiet bench to read, a scenic spot for a mindful moment, or simply a breath of fresh air, The Dell UVA is an accessible and restorative amenity right on your doorstep.
📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers
From wildlife spotting to landscape photography, the area offers diverse subjects. The interplay of light and shadow, especially during the golden hours, creates magical moments. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in nature and capture its serene beauty, whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Natural Oasis on Campus
This hidden gem is particularly noted for its biodiversity. The pond is a thriving ecosystem, home to various fish species like bluegill and bass, making it a surprisingly popular spot for fishing, even for beginners. Birdwatchers can also find enjoyment here, observing local avian life. The changing seasons bring new beauty, from the vibrant greens of spring to the stunning colors of autumn foliage, offering a picturesque backdrop throughout the year.
Beyond its natural beauty, The Dell UVA serves as a vital space for relaxation and community engagement. It's an ideal location for a quiet picnic, a moment of meditation, or simply a leisurely stroll. The area's accessibility and serene ambiance make it a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature amidst the bustling university environment.
Fishing at The Dell UVA: A Local's Favorite
The accessibility and calm waters of The Dell make it an ideal place to teach someone how to fish. The abundance of smaller fish like bluegill provides plenty of action, while the presence of bass offers a more challenging catch. Some visitors have even noted the occasional koi, adding to the pond's unique charm. It’s a place where simple joys of nature can be experienced firsthand.
While fishing is a significant draw, it's important to remember that a Virginia fishing license is required for individuals over a certain age. The Dell UVA offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a peaceful fishing session without having to travel far, making it a convenient and rewarding local amenity.
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