Best Campgrounds near Afton, VA

Camping areas near Afton, Virginia encompass a range of developed campgrounds situated along the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. The region includes established facilities like Misty Mountain Camp Resort and Sherando Lake Campground, which provide tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Several campgrounds in the area feature full utility connections, while others maintain a more rustic camping experience with basic amenities. Most locations sit within 30 miles of Afton, making them convenient base camps for exploring Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and nearby attractions.

Seasonal patterns heavily influence camping availability in the Afton region, with many campgrounds operating primarily from April through October. During peak summer months, advance reservations are strongly recommended at popular destinations like Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park. Several campgrounds, including Misty Mountain Camp Resort, Walnut Hills Campground, and Shenandoah Valley Campground, offer year-round operation with winter camping options. Terrain varies significantly between facilities, with some campgrounds featuring steep access roads and variable site conditions. A camper noted, "The top sites have two very steep hills and pretty tight to get around with camper."

Sites along creeks and streams receive particular praise from visitors to the Afton area campgrounds. Water-adjacent camping spots provide pleasant ambient sound and scenic value, though they may present flood risks during heavy rain. Many campgrounds maintain family-friendly facilities, including swimming pools, recreation areas, and organized activities. According to one review, "Lower area is nice and open with close access to the activities. Upper area is a little more quiet and still an easy walk to the lower area." Tent and RV sites vary considerably in size and privacy levels, with some locations offering spacious wooded sites while others feature more open camping areas with limited separation between neighbors. Proximity to breweries, wineries, and historic sites makes the region particularly appealing for campers interested in day trips and local attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Afton, Virginia (119)

    1. Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    40 Reviews
    Crozet, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 647-8900

    $35 - $75 / night

    "Misty Mountain Camp Resort is located in Crozet, Virginia, off of 250 below Afton Mountain. I'm familiar with this resort."

    "The winding layout allowed for more distance between other sites. The woods were beautiful with easy walking trails right from the site."

    2. Devils Backbone Camp

    40 Reviews
    Nellysford, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 817-9708

    $25 - $140 / night

    "First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."

    "We set up camp then walked over to the brewery/ restaurant for some flights and dinner. I recommend grabbing some growlers to go. Showers and restrooms were clean."

    3. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    65 Reviews
    Dyke, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 823-4675

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days."

    "We got a walk in site, so our tent was way far away from cars and other people. The site included a fire pit w/grill grate, picnic table, and metal bear box."

    4. Sherando Lake Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tyro, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $25 - $47 / night

    "Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."

    "The lakeside is wonderful for sitting, reading and swimming.  The "upper lake" is great for fishing. "

    5. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-3920

    $45 - $99 / night

    "You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."

    "Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."

    6. Shenandoah Valley Campground

    25 Reviews
    Staunton, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 248-2267

    $36 - $132 / night

    "We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly."

    "It was clean, but had a trail of ants get into my belongings. Sites are close to one another and the cabins are not near the water. They are near the bath house though."

    7. Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley

    12 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-2267

    $29 - $45 / night

    "And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar , restaurant and off to the side a little store for floats with putt putt golf and Jenna,etc."

    "Lots for them to do, great swimming lake, employees were a pleasure. Trash pick-up was awesome !! Our site was gorgeous. Not a full hook up(more on that later), but absolutely perfect."

    8. Crabtree Falls Campground

    20 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 377-2066

    $28 - $55 / night

    "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night."

    "I’ve camped at a completely different part of this place before which was a site without access to bathrooms and showers."

    9. Waynesboro North 340 Campground

    6 Reviews
    Crimora, VA
    7 miles
    +1 (540) 943-9573

    "Good area close to hiking trails and historical sites. Dog friendly. Only negative was the closeness of the sites."

    10. George Washington National Forest Sherando Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Nellysford, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $50 / night

    "Close to National Forests and Shenandoah NP. Pretty lake, lovely wooded sites that are really private. Sites are fairly basic, typical State Park style. We had a canoe that made this extra fun."

    "So beautiful and peaceful, sites are awesome, they have 2 stocked lakes, swimming lake, great hiking, particularly for young or new hikers. Bring your own kayak or canoe, bring your dog!"

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Recent Reviews near Afton, VA

922 Reviews of 119 Afton Campgrounds


  • Bradley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Glen Maury Park

    Beautiful place with all the amenities

    Overnight stay off I-81. Easy in and out. VERY well kept and super friendly staff. I highly recommend. Larger rigs need to stay in the lower campground and there are no sewer connections, but the dump station is all good.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Great cabins, very close together…

    First, the cabins are super cool. Found out that you can actually order them on Amazon, which is really ingenious.

    The only problem we ran into, is that the campground was packed and all of the sites are very very close together. Neighbors were not at all respectful of other people‘s space and kids were wandering around everywhere.

    Our last evening there, we have new neighbors that came in across the way who blew up an inflatable screen and streamed the football game. Just not what we were looking for for a getaway vacation..

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    Great camp site for our motorcycle trip

    Awesome views, good food in the restaurant up the hill. Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain

  • C
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    Convenient location

    It s nice to have a camp option near Harrisonburg. I agree with others that the tall grass seems like a tick risk. The tall grass is too close in the more private fire circle for fire safety. It was nice to hear several owls nearby. There is road noise during the day. Orv is welcoming and accommodating.

  • Nicholas H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Lovers Lane FarmStay

    Campsite didn't get reservation from Dyrt

    Reserved campsite through Dyrt. Upon calling the campsite to confirm the booking they said they didn't receive the reservation and that the site was already booked by another group. They said this has happened in the past for others. Do not recommend booking.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Beware

    So the drive here is gorgeous. Deer everywhere and a nice drive. But campground wise wasn’t great. We stayed a Friday night and the group across from us yelled, laughed, partied the entire night til 5am. We didn’t sleep at all. Loud music and all. The bathrooms had one working toilet and one sink, however the one “working” toilet was stopped up and trash was everywhere around it. Such as dirty toilet paper and other sanitary things in the floors.

    Overall the loud party beside us ruined the entire experience and I really wish the campground hosts or rangers kept it clean and also upheld the quiet hours.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Quiet, lots of room

    This is a National Park campground so there are no hookups! Generators are allowed during designated hours. (Please don’t bring one.) Hot shower, bathrooms and laundry are available. Camp store with basics. The sites are large, some are not level but are workable. Lots of wildlife. Near trails.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Perfect Shenandoah stopover

    Good amount of first come first serve spots. We visited during a weekday and there was more than enough availability. Nice small trail that runs around the campground. The campstore offers more than enough! We bought a smores-kit, very handy. I dont know if there are (enough) full hook ups?


Guide to Afton

The area near Afton, Virginia sits at the junction of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,600 feet creating varied camping conditions. Summer nights cool significantly compared to daytime temperatures, with temperature drops of 15-20 degrees common even during July and August. Local campgrounds range from primitive sites to full-service facilities with varying levels of cell service depending on mountain terrain.

What to do

Hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT): 0.3 miles from Loft Mountain Campground with easy access directly from campgrounds. "The AT runs right through the campground," notes one visitor at Loft Mountain Campground, making it ideal for section hikers.

Fishing and boating: Sherando Lake offers two separate lakes for anglers. "There are two lakes—the lower lake is the largest at 25 acres... Fishing is available at both lakes with the proper licensing," according to a camper at Sherando Lake Campground.

Visit local breweries and cideries: Many camping sites near Afton provide easy access to local drink establishments. At Devils Backbone Camp, "You are a quick walk to the brewery and café, where you can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner... You are also a stone's throw away from a ton of other really great breweries and wineries."

Tubing and swimming in local rivers: Several campgrounds feature water recreation. "Very laid back atmosphere... really nice creek for tubing with waterfall to cool down on the hotter days," reports a visitor at Shenandoah Valley Campground.

What campers like

Riverside camping spots: Many campers value waterfront sites. At Crabtree Falls Campground, "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night."

Convenient location for Appalachian Trail access: Hikers appreciate the ability to access trails without driving. "There are several small walking paths throughout the property... You are a quick drive to lots of hiking, including the Appalachian Trail," according to one Devils Backbone Camp visitor.

Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary but are frequently praised. "The bathhouse was warm and clean!" noted a winter camper at Devils Backbone, while another mentioned, "The bathhouse is top notch! Squeaky clean with lots of space."

Walkable breweries and attractions: Many camping sites near Afton provide hospitality options within walking distance. "Love that you can just walk to the brewery from your site," reports a Devils Backbone visitor.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by campground and carrier. "Cell service and wi-fi are spotty at best, but what do you expect? You are in the middle of the mountains," notes a visitor at Devils Backbone Camp.

Reservation requirements: Peak season demands advance planning. At Walnut Hills Campground, a visitor reported, "Booking was easy. Arrived after hours, staying one night. Our tag was waiting for us with a map to our RV spot."

Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. "The sites were fairly close, but separated by trees, so you felt private. You could hear people on the other side of the trees, but no one was loud," notes a camper at Loft Mountain.

Seasonal operations: Many facilities close during winter months. "Weekends were packed (esp. Memorial Day), but much quieter during the week," observed a visitor at Shenandoah Valley Campground during an extended stay.

Tips for camping with families

Look for campgrounds with dedicated activities: Some locations specialize in family-friendly amenities. At Misty Mountain Camp Resort, a visitor noted, "Very laid back atmosphere, plenty for the kids to do! Kept them occupied the whole trip! Enjoyed the music and smores offered by the campground."

Choose lower elevation sites during stormy weather: Flash flooding can affect waterfront sites. A Misty Mountain visitor warned, "T-1 though T-6 sites flood often became they are low and next the the river. We camped at t2 and had to tear down as soon as we set it up."

Consider campground layout when planning activities: Some campgrounds have distinct areas with different vibes. Another Misty Mountain visitor shared, "This campground was really great for a family with small children. There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."

Scout swimming areas: Water features vary by campground. At Sherando Lake, a camper noted, "We love the hiking here! The trails around the Upper Lake and Lower Lake are favorites... The kids enjoyed playing on the playground, skipping rocks, and fishing as well."

Tips from RVers

Check hookup locations before arrival: Some sites have unusual utility placement. At Devils Backbone, "The sewer connection for the odd number sites is on the opposite side of the RV than the electricity and water. The good news is that in a pinch, and your sewer hose does not fit, they do have a dump station on site."

Consider site terrain: Not all RV sites are equally level or accessible. A Misty Mountain visitor noted, "RV section is typical style in a large field. Back in sites for smaller trailers such as our teardrop were plenty big enough but still on the outskirts of the field."

Pay attention to seasonal site availability: Off-season camping offers different experiences. At Walnut Hills Campground, a winter visitor mentioned, "It was off season, so plenty of spots and privacy. Looks like a fun place with lots of activities to come back to over the summer."

Request shaded sites for summer comfort: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and within campground sections. According to one visitor, "The sites along the lower area near the lake were shaded mostly, some more than others, while the sites up the hill at the top and near the front entrance (pull through sites) were not shaded much."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping options at Afton State Park?

Afton State Park offers diverse camping experiences in Virginia's scenic mountain region. While the name refers to Afton Mountain, nearby campgrounds provide various options. Misty Mountain Camp Resort is located off of 250 below Afton Mountain with excellent accommodations and updated facilities. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Sherando Lake Campground in George Washington National Forest features three camping loops, including a standard non-electric loop (A), a loop with electric sites (B), and a larger electric/water loop (C). Camping options range from tent sites to RV spots with varying amenity levels. The area provides access to hiking trails, swimming, and mountain views regardless of which campground you choose.

How do I make reservations for camping at Afton State Park?

To make camping reservations in the Afton area, most campgrounds offer online reservation systems through their official websites or recreation.gov for public lands. At Devils Backbone Camp, reservations can be made online, with the campground offering clean facilities and a peaceful environment despite its proximity to the brewery. For public land camping, Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park uses the national park reservation system. Most campgrounds open their reservation windows 6 months in advance for peak season. It's advisable to book early, especially for summer weekends and holidays, as these popular mountain destinations fill quickly during peak seasons.

What amenities are available at Afton State Park campgrounds?

Campgrounds in the Afton region offer varying levels of amenities to suit different camping preferences. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages provides upscale facilities with stone borders, stone fire pits at every site, and well-maintained grounds in a beautiful wooded setting. For families, Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offers year-round camping with amenities including a seasonal pool, game room, playground, and convenient access to nearby attractions. Most campgrounds in the area feature clean restrooms with flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some sites offer electric hookups, while others maintain a more natural setting with basic facilities. Cell service varies throughout the mountainous region, so check with specific campgrounds regarding connectivity if needed.

Are there backpacking campsites in Afton State Park?

The Afton area offers excellent backpacking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp in George Washington & Jefferson National Forest provides access to numerous backpacking trails with primitive camping options away from developed sites. For a unique backpacking experience, Thunder Bridge is tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Natural Bridge State Park, offering quiet tent sites in a former CCC camp setting. The surrounding mountain trails connect to larger trail systems including portions of the Appalachian Trail. Backpackers should obtain proper permits where required, carry water or a filtration system, and practice Leave No Trace principles while exploring these wilderness areas.