Camping near Norwood, VA

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    The landscape around Norwood, Virginia features multiple camping destinations within Shenandoah National Park and surrounding areas. Loft Mountain Campground, located at an elevation of over 3,000 feet, serves as the largest developed facility in the park with over 200 sites supporting tent camping, RVs, and cabin options. Several additional campgrounds populate the region, including Misty Mountain Camp Resort near Greenwood, Big Meadows Campground, and Lewis Mountain Campground, each offering varying degrees of privacy and amenity levels. The region includes both reservable sites and first-come, first-served options throughout the park system.

    Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping availability, with many Shenandoah National Park facilities operating only from spring through late October. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation, creating cooler temperatures even during summer months. A camper noted, "We stayed in October in the middle of the week and had a section of the tent camping all to ourselves." Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region, with most campgrounds providing bear boxes at individual sites. Cell service remains limited across much of the area, particularly in more remote campgrounds and higher elevation locations. Many campgrounds feature a mix of drive-up and walk-in sites, with varying levels of accessibility.

    The area receives consistently positive reviews for its proximity to hiking trails, particularly connections to the Appalachian Trail which runs directly through some camping areas. Campers particularly value sites with western-facing sunset views, which can be found at several campgrounds including Loft Mountain. One review mentioned, "If you can, get site #20. It is the BEST sunset watching spot." Privacy levels vary significantly between sites, with walk-in tent sites generally offering more seclusion than drive-up options. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. Several campgrounds feature camp stores selling supplies, firewood, and limited grocery items, though visitors should arrive prepared as services remain limited within the park boundaries.

    Best Campgrounds near Norwood (129)

      1. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      4.3(68)13mi from Norwood213 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $30 - $75 / night

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      2. Misty Mountain Camp Resort

      4.1(43)16mi from NorwoodRVs, Tents, Cabins

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

      "Back in sites for smaller trailers such as our teardrop were plenty big enough but still on the outskirts of the field. Bath house was very clean and very well thought out."

      from $35 - $75 / night

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      3. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      4.5(128)27mi from Norwood224 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

      "Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."

      from $30 - $75 / night

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      4. Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      4.6(32)20mi from Norwood32 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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"

      "Arrived before the weekend, around late morning. Greeted by the park ranger, they gave the basic information for these sites. Limited spots here. You’re pretty close to your neighbor."

      from $30 / night

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      5. Shenandoah Wilderness Traveler

      4.4(13)18mi from Norwood1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It's located in Gordonsville, Virginia. There's not much to do in the area, but the campground itself is nice."

      "Such a sweet little spot tucked outside of the Blue Ridge Mountains."

      from $50 / night

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      6. Charlottesville KOA

      3.8(9)16mi from Norwood3 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "For the past four or five years I have come to this campground each year in the offseason, April or October, to visit while the temps in Virginia are cooler and less humid."

      "It’s small, but we did not feel cramped or too close to others. The hooks were the closest we have ever had - which is very nice!"

      from $45 - $80 / night

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      7. KOA (Kampgrounds of America)

      4.0(1)7mi from Norwood

      8. Devils Backbone Camp

      4.3(42)31mi from NorwoodRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $25 - $140 / night

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      9. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

      4.4(34)30mi from NorwoodRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Convenient to the highway and easy to get to. Sites are well spaced. Hookups were well positioned. Walking trail starts at the campground. WiFi worked pretty well. Overall a great KOA."

      "Positive: Friendly staff, close to Shenandoah NP, quiet camping, every site has a fire pit. Negative: Pricing rather high"

      10. Getaway Shenandoah

      5.0(1)13mi from NorwoodCabins

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    Recent Reviews near Norwood, VA

    1057 Reviews of 129 Norwood Campgrounds

    • rThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 12, 2026

      Misty Mountain Camp Resort

      Where do i even start

      The wifi test was done with my starlink not the campground wifi bc it doesn't exist.

      To begin with I came physically up here from SC to check availability for long term stay. I was told there was a list and I would be put on that list and if a spot became available I would be notified (8-3-26). I was called (8-23-26) with availability and request for payment I paid then on the phone. My card the next following 3 days was ran for an additional total of 2400.00 every single morning an 800.00 charge I luckily had my card locked bc if not I would have been screwed. I was not given a reason why my card was ran so many times and not even an apology. I checked in on September 1st and was put in a site completely covered with tree limbs which is a problem as the only requirement I had was a clear view of the sky for my starlink to work for my remote work. For 2 whole weeks I went back and forth with the new GM Peggy. For 2 whole weeks I could NOT work the campground wifi is non existent. I was given the run around and a disrespectful attitude saying it wasnt there fault when it was known to begin with this was an absolute NEED not a want. Fast forward to today (9-12-26) I had issues with my power pole showing a short to ground and I was told its bc the poles are grounded to themselves but finally moved. The only catch was if I was to move I HAD TO LEAVE on october 1st per PEGGY the nee GM. So because of a miscommunication between staff of mine and my families needs bc my kids homeschooling I am forced to scramble to find another campground in two weeks when we live in our camper and work OTR. Its been nothing but problems here. The water taps are full of rust the GM judges you based off how you apear and treats you like dirt under the door mat. I was hoping this would be a good fit for me and my family but it has been nothing but the worst camping experience I have had in the past 5 years. The staff themselfs are great they tried to remedy the issue day one but PEGGY wouldnt allow it. I highly recommend going somewhere else and spending your hard earned money bc this place does not respect you as a customer or tenant. I talked with many campers who have been coming here for years since the 90s and they even say and feel the same the campground has declined since a management company purchased it. Also the long term rentals will be al.ost non existent unless you've bene coming here for 4 years or more. Cable is also non existent here. Its been a very VERY bad regretful experience. The lies from management and corporate baseline excuses are disgusting. Will NEVER camp here again. Take this as your honest warning from a normal person and a combat veteran. It dont take much to please me but this place has fell well below the bar. The site is was moved to before I get kicked out because they couldnt properly meet the needs of my stay allowed my starlink to work so I will be able to work 2 weeks before I am essentially nomadic again. If your tent camping bring water boots bc the tent sites seem to hold water. ALSO DONT LEAVE HONEST REVIEWS THAT SHED LIGHT ON THE NEGATIVES AND DOWNFALLS OF THIS PLACE OR THEY WILL TELL YOU YOU HAVE TO LEAVE.

    • Hannah S.
      Sep. 11, 2026

      Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

      Cozy and in the woods

      This KOA has cozy spots among the trees and off any major road. Shower houses are squeaky clean and spots are spaced out just right! Some extra amenities: playground, camper core signage, and many other things!

    • Marie H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 5, 2026

      Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River

      Difficult river access for seniors

      Nice, clean, parking lot type campground. Great pool with lots of built in splash features for kids and a big slide. No real view from site 665 ~ just the top of some mountains. No river view at all. There is a golf cart trail to the river access with parking, but then there are big steps with no hand rail. Lucky a nice man let me hold onto him walking back up. My husband was carrying the gear and couldn’t help me. It seems everyone brought a golf cart. They had rentals, but too expensive. Again ~ great for young families.

    • N
      Sep. 2, 2026

      South Fork Shenandoah River

      Camping Next to shanandoa River

      It was a great spot for a little fire and outdoors camping. No permit needed and there are some places around where u can easily rent a kayak to go on the river. You can also park your car easily at this spot.

    • dThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 26, 2026

      Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

      Great RV park/ resort

      The RV park is on a mountain side. Roads are fairly steep. Most sites are level, ours was a bit sloped but were able to level our trailer. Plenty to do here. Endless Caverns site is quite large. Huge rec room with large projection TV. Game room, large deck with public bbq equipment. Great pool. A catch n release fishing pond, pickle ball & volleyball courts and a great playground for the younger set sporting a large air filled bouncing pad. Kids in the camp loved it. The cavern tour is worth it once. Tour guides are young so not much geological knowledge. The New Market Civil War Battlefield is about 3 miles away, it and it's museum are well worth it. The Endless Caverns staff is super. Prices reasonable. A great find. I will stay again.

    • sThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 12, 2026

      Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley

      A bit too expensive

      Beautiful area and lots of amenities but $95 a night for RV camper even if you’re in a van. The tent spots fill up fast if there are any

    • Adeline M.
      Aug. 10, 2026

      Devils Backbone Camp

      August camping

      Not far from the National park, we went the weekend before school started for the little ones so not as many campers as we have seen in the past. The brew pub is within walking distance. Great for family camping.

    • B
      Aug. 9, 2026

      Braley Pond dispersed camping area

      Nice dispersed camping sites.

      We really enjoyed our one night visit there. It has a nice pond with a few hiking trails. The dispersed camping sites are fairly private. Each has a nice gathered rock fire ring. The pit toilets in the day area not at all clean. Trash cans were overflown, but we did arrive on a Sunday night so maybe it was a busy weekend? I think we would go back, love that area.

    Guide to Norwood

    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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Norwood, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Norwood, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Norwood, VA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Norwood, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Norwood, VA is Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 68 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Norwood, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Norwood, VA.