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.
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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. "
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"Good area close to hiking trails and historical sites. Dog friendly. Only negative was the closeness of the sites."
$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!"
GuideMy wife and I stayed here one night, while driving south to north, Skyline Dr. the drive has been awesome and this campground is the perfect resting spot for us, for the night. Had a couple drinks at the lodge while watching a spectacular sunset. I’d definitely come back.
GuideIt’s very green and scenic
ScoutI will start with the negatives. They do not enforce quiet hours. At all. We had multiple nights with a large group neighboring campers partying well past midnight. Yelling, slamming car doors, absolutely no regard for fellow campers. I would not recommend staying along the road sites unless you are equipped to deal with noisy neighbors in close proximity.
And the good... The sites in the more wooded areas on the edge of the campground are beautiful. You are less likely to deal with groups of campers there to party. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, with pay showers available. Firewood, though expensive, was plentiful. Being close to hiking, the lodge, camp store, and visitor center are excellent perks for the price of each site.
I really wish the staff was there to better enforce the quiet hours, as there were multiple campers that struggled to sleep/relax with the raucous crowd so close.
GuideThis is the city park with the campground and an old estate. They don’t accept reservations. We arrived at 5pm on Friday. Went to the office to check in,found that they closed at 4:30. There was a note on the door that said to leave money in an envelope and put it through the slot in the door, no further information. Wrote our name and a description of the vehicles and put $110.30 in cash for 2 nights in the door slot, and went to find camping. There are no picnic tables or fire rings, in the large lower section of the campground there is just water and electric, no sewer connection. We chose a site near the river and set up camp. Then found the power isn’t working. First thing the next morning I went to the office to ask about refunding the difference for the full hook up to dry camping spot. The woman was not helpful at all, and insisted that she doesn’t do refunds, even though I explained that I had left cash. She said no one was supposed to be camping on the riverside, and that they don’t turn the power on down there. I said without a note on the door to explain that or a sign near the path, there’d be no way to know that. Beware, when you pay, make sure you know what site you’re in and what services you’re getting, then go and pay for it. She was most unpleasant, and unhelpful. On the plus side, the river is pretty, there’s an ice cream stand, and there’s nice hiking trails.
ScoutThe river is nice for floating when water is high enough. Nice waterfall for pics. Sites are close together but still ok. They have planted trees between sites so in time it will get even better. Camping by the river is very peaceful.
GuideThe sites vary greatly in size. That being said, each site is spaced or aligned to offer privacy. Bathrooms are easily accessible. Showers can be a bit of a hike away depending on your site location. Pricey; &5 dollars for ten minutes. No other option.
If you are camping off season the biggest inconvenience is the registration process if you are arriving “day of”. There is no WiFi outside of the camp store with is about .75 mile away from the campground. If you find a site you have to drive all the way back to the store to get the WiFi needed to register with Rec.gov. Try to identify 2 or 3 sites in case you drive back and find out that one may not be available. The volunteer “ranger” drives around to monitor. Our volunteer said that a site may be taken but no reservation slip has been attached to the campsite post. We thoroughly enjoyed our site. The fog rolled in and out of the valley like a heavy blanket. The camp was quiet and peaceful in large part due to the absence of noisy generators. There were several hikes of varying abilities that could be accessed from the campgrounds. A great asphalt path led to the camp store. Great for walking g or biking. There was also a gas station and a small cafeteria for those who want a note to eat.
TravelerSo clean and well maintained! We went in April and the waterpark was not opened yet. Most campgrounds we looked to stay at mentioned not being opened until mentorship day but here did not have it listed anywhere. We love our site. Golf carts were so fun to ride around through their back trails along the water. Tubing in the river was so peaceful and relaxing.
ScoutNeeded a spot to get off the road for the night while traveling through area. It served the purpose. Road noise is real. We ran a fan off our generator. Donuts made in same lot for breakfast and Buckeyes is close by.
GuideRelaxed and quiet campground. No hookups Fire rings And a stream
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Keep Exploring
