Camping options near Afton, Virginia include forested sites along creeks and mountain terrain ranging from 800 to 3,500 feet elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs typically in the 80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Fall camping is particularly popular when the Blue Ridge Mountains display their signature color transformation from mid-October through early November.
What to do
Hike Crabtree Falls: Located just a short drive from Afton, this natural attraction features accessible trails with rewarding views. "The falls are a great hike and there are lots of services nearby. A great Parkway stop," notes one visitor to Big Meadows Campground.
Fish in stocked waters: Multiple campgrounds maintain fishing areas with varied catch opportunities. At Montebello Resort, "The trout pond is a nice touch you can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch, we enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay, and from what I saw, anybody with a hook can catch one."
Stargaze after dark: The elevation and distance from major cities creates exceptional night viewing. "At night you could see stars. We took a walk to the overlook in the middle of the night to stargaze," reports a camper who stayed at Dundo Group Campground.
What campers like
Creek access for hot days: Tent sites positioned along waterways provide natural cooling and ambiance. At Crabtree Falls Campground, "The site has a fine gravel pad, picnic table and fire ring. I was in site 2 near the lake. A crowd with chairs sat above my site on the hill that were rather noisy. But biggest drawback was distance to bathroom which I had to drive to."
Clean bathhouse facilities: Many campgrounds prioritize bathroom maintenance. "The bathhouse was close and clean with laundry and dump site next to it. They pick up trash each morning and have propane refill, if needed," according to a visitor at Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking Afton, Virginia yurt camping experiences, several campgrounds offer these structures as alternatives to standard tent or cabin accommodations. "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy. Beautiful area for hiking, lots leading off of the AT. Campground hosts are very friendly," reports a camper who enjoyed the alternative lodging options near the area.
What you should know
Limited or no connectivity: Cell service and WiFi are spotty throughout the region. "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees," notes a visitor to Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Varying levels of privacy: Site layouts differ significantly between campgrounds and within the same facility. "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."
Seasonal considerations: Weather varies dramatically by season, affecting both comfort and available activities. "This campground was really awesome because it's so close to the skyline drive and Shenandoah. We went on some awesome hikes while we were here. October is definitely the best time to visit the park."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-specific amenities: Many sites offer dedicated children's facilities. "The campground has plenty of activities from multiple playgrounds to activities every weekend. They rent golf carts which is great because the place is huge. There is also a very small fishing pond in the campground."
Choose sites with natural play features: Creeks and small lakes provide entertainment without electronics. "The site backed up to a creek that created natural flowing water that we enjoyed wading through. The bath house was well maintained and super clean."
Consider off-peak timing: For less crowded experiences, visit during weekdays or shoulder seasons. "During the week, the campground slows down a bit, but on the weekends, it is completely full. There are a lot of kiddos riding bicycles, hover boards, scooters, and skateboards around the loops, so the 5 MPH speed limit is important."
Tips from RVers
Check road access carefully: Mountain routes can be challenging with larger rigs. "This place was certainly beautiful; our site was right on the pond; even though the electric and water hookups were a little funky. Overall a beautiful spot high in the mountains. Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive. Also FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through."
Anticipate leveling challenges: Mountain terrain often requires additional equipment. "Our site 112 had water, 50amp and cable. Dump station on premises. Nice dog park for our fur babies and doggie duty stations with bags in several locations throughout the park. Also had a cute playground for kiddos."
Consider site location relative to amenities: Walking distances can be significant at larger properties. "Access was easy. The campground was busy and everything was clean and neat. The sites were a little tight. We were there for the local hiking so we didn't spend too much time in the park. I parked a little goofy it seems so I needed a little extra footage for my electrical hookup. They were kind enough to loan us a 25' extension."
