Fort Valley Ranch campground sites include traditional tent camping, RV spaces, and cabin options across 45 well-maintained locations. The Virginia property sits within driving distance of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, with amenities that include 50-amp and 30-amp electrical service, water hookups, and sewer connections for RVs. Camping areas feature standard picnic tables and fire rings, with firewood available for purchase. The facility maintains clean toilet and shower facilities along with trash disposal areas and sanitary dump stations for recreational vehicles.
What to do
Trail riding near historic sites: Visitors seeking equestrian camping near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park can explore The Cove Campground in Gore, VA. As one camper notes, it offers "great trails for both riding and hiking" with "miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes." The campground provides access to various trail systems suitable for different skill levels.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Multiple campgrounds feature fishing opportunities within walking distance of campsites. At Gettysburg Campground, campers appreciate the "nice creek with ducks" that runs through the property. The Cove Campground also offers lake fishing, with one visitor mentioning "the fishing is solid" and another noting they "can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats."
Historical exploration: For history enthusiasts, Artillery Ridge Campground provides direct battlefield access. A camper describes how the area "served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle" and notes that "literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts." The campground connects to Stangler Farm, which "served as a hospital for the wounded" during the Civil War.
What campers like
Secluded natural settings: The forested areas around many campgrounds create a sense of seclusion. At Michaux State Forest, campers appreciate the primitive sites that are "well-maintained" with "vault toilets." One visitor noted they "went in late fall and was the only camper at the area I stayed in." The forest features "a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open and sparsely wooded prairie/meadow sections."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention facility maintenance as a positive factor. At Artillery Ridge Campground, visitors find "clean facilities" including bathhouses and common areas. One camper at The Cove Campground experienced "very friendly and accommodating staff" and noted they "had pretty much the entire place to ourselves" during an October stay.
Family-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. The Cove Campground features "a small beach, picnic tables everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court, a dock" according to one visitor. Another camper mentions that Gettysburg Campground is a "wonderful place to have Kids" with "tons of things for them to do" and sites that "felt bigger than most and were right by river."
What you should know
Permit requirements vary: In Michaux State Forest, camping is "free in several areas" but "you usually need to have a camping permit (also free) and you can only stay in designated campsites." Different sites have different regulations: "Designated motorized sites require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving" while "primitive backpacking sites are open year-round with no permit required."
Seasonal pest concerns: Temporary insect issues can affect some areas. At Teaberry Parking Area Campsites, one camper reported "the first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens" though "day 4 they were gone."
Varying levels of privacy: Site layouts differ significantly across campgrounds. At Gettysburg Campground, some campers note that "the sites are quite packed together" with "the noise of traffic at least in the frontmost sites can get rather loud at night." At The Cove Campground, a visitor appreciated that "the campground is clean" with "sites that were spacious and mostly level."
Tips for camping with families
Free-roaming wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy unique animal interactions at certain campgrounds. The Cove Campground features "free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun" according to one visitor. This unexpected addition "adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place."
Activity planning for different ages: Families should consider campgrounds with diverse recreation options. One visitor to Gettysburg Campground mentions it's a "very fun family friendly getaway for the weekend" that's "close to Gettysburg Battleground." Another camper at The Cove called it "by far one of my favorite places to escape the DC suburbs" with "great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range."
Consider bathroom proximity for younger children: At Fort Valley Ranch, "all the bathrooms and showers were remarkably clean and well-maintained" and "most of the sites, both RV and primitive are near the stable, bathrooms and showers." This convenience matters for families with young children who make frequent bathroom trips.
Tips from RVers
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. At Fort Valley Ranch, one RVer was "initially concerned about the road leading into the campground" with a rig "over 50 feet in total length" but found "the winding roads presented no issues" and "access was smooth and hassle-free."
Site leveling requirements: RV campers should check site grading before booking. At Fort Valley Ranch, sites are described as "impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed." Meanwhile, at Gettysburg Campground, visitors found "level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad."
Hookup availability across price points: Full-service sites come at different price points throughout the region. At Gettysburg Campground, some campers consider it "a bit spendy" but note that "all of the utilities worked just fine." Artillery Ridge Campground offers sites with varied amenities, with some visitors preferring spots "right on next to the trail going to Stangler Farm."
