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."
