Campgrounds throughout the Shenandoah Valley near Norwood offer diverse camping experiences at elevations ranging from 800 to over 3,000 feet. The region's temperature can vary by 10-15 degrees between valley floor and mountain sites, with mountain campgrounds often 10+ degrees cooler than nearby cities. Seasonal operation typically runs April through November, with most facilities closing from December through March due to winter conditions.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Many campsites connect directly to the Appalachian Trail system. Lewis Mountain Campground provides immediate access to notable hikes. "Bearfence is just down the trail, you can walk out of camp and start hiking," notes one camper who found it "the Best campground in the park."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and dusk offer peak wildlife activity periods throughout the region. Big Meadows Campground delivers reliable wildlife encounters. According to a visitor, "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night."
Brewery visits: Several campgrounds provide access to local craft beverages within walking distance. At Devils Backbone Camp, visitors appreciate the convenience: "It's a short walk to the brewery from your site. We had two tents on an RV spot because their tent sites were full. Walked some of the easy trails that were in the area. The scenery was beautiful and our overall experience was great."
What campers like
Quiet camping sections: Less crowded areas allow for more peaceful experiences. The smaller campgrounds typically offer more secluded sites. "Lewis mountain has all the amenities of home within walking distance if you just can't live without them; bathrooms, showers, kitchen sink, fire pit, small store and 2 personal vehicle parking spots steps away from the tent," writes a camper at Lewis Mountain.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank high on camper satisfaction. At Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA, "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. Try their fried pies." The campground receives consistent praise for maintenance: "Biggest KOA I've been to. 24 hr laundry, big camp store, office stays open later than other KOA's."
Dark skies for stargazing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent star-viewing opportunities. Devils Backbone Camp users mention: "It is nice and dark at the campground, so great for star watching." Several campers recommend bringing red-light headlamps to preserve night vision while moving around camp after dark.
What you should know
Bear activity protocols: Food storage requirements are strictly enforced throughout the region. Dundo Group Campground provides necessary equipment: "Each of the campsites provides plenty of tent space, a couple picnic tables, fire pit with grills, bear boxes, potable water, and a shared vault toilets in the middle of the sites and nearer to the picnic area and parking."
Limited cell service: Communication can be unreliable, particularly at higher elevations. Service varies significantly between providers. A Charlottesville KOA visitor noted: "Beautiful! Unique layout makes it feel even more spacious than it is. The only downside (or upside depending on your situation)… T-Mobile reception is TERRIBLE."
Shower availability: Not all campgrounds provide shower facilities, and some charge additional fees. At Big Meadows, "The showers are $5 for 10 minutes. Kind of a steep price. Make sure you test that it works BEFORE you get set up and get naked. My first quarter got jammed and I had to redress and pack up to move to a different one."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer structured activities and play areas. Misty Mountain Camp Resort receives high marks from families: "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, site was close to level and felt we had plenty of room around us!"
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities at national park campgrounds. Big Meadows offers "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground."
Weather preparation: Mountain temperatures fluctuate significantly, requiring layered clothing. One Lewis Mountain camper advises: "Remember this site is on the peak of a mountain, so it can get pretty chilly at night." Temperatures can drop 20+ degrees after sunset, even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Site layout can affect connection requirements at some campgrounds. At Devils Backbone Camp, "Warning, if you stay at a full hook up site and are parked in an odd number spot, you will need an extra long sewer hose to reach the connection. For example, we have a small travel trailer and we needed a 30 foot hose."
Road access considerations: Mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. Misty Mountain Camp Resort has variable terrain: "The lower section near the entrance is very loud (road noise). I'm in the upper section (steep and windy road to get up here) It's better noise wise here."
Seasonal availability: Many camping sites near Norwood, Virginia close during winter months. Shenandoah Crossing remains open year-round with "Beautiful sunsets over the stables and horse pastures. We reserved a 'pull-through' RV site which ended up being a back-in site that was very uneven and nowhere near level."
