Camping in Augusta Springs, Virginia sits at an elevation between 1,200-1,600 feet in the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during daytime with cooler mountain nights dropping to 55-65°F. Most campgrounds in the area provide access to fishing opportunities with stocked ponds or natural waterways flowing through or near campsites.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1 mile from Crabtree Falls Campground: "Crabtree Falls is a mile up the road and very easy to get to the trail head. The AT is also close by and easily accessed." The campground's proximity to the falls makes it convenient for day hikers who want easy trail access.
Brewery tours: Walking distance to Devils Backbone Camp: "5 minute trail walk to the Devil's Backbone brewery. You can have several great beers with your meal and safely walk back to the camp site." The campground offers direct access to the brewery complex with "a brewpub, large outdoor seating area with fire pits and an outdoor stage, a distillery, cigar and cocktail lounge."
Fishing: Multiple locations at Stoney Creek Resort: "Great swimming lake. Family friendly." The resort offers both lake and pond fishing opportunities with some campsites positioned for water access.
What campers like
Swimming options: Sherando Lake Campground provides access to two lakes for different water activities. "You can access two lakes and multiple hiking trails from any of the three loops. One lake (Upper Sherando) is for fishing only and the main lake is for swimming (in season) and fishing."
Level campsites: At Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park, sites are designed with RVs in mind. "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."
Natural water features: Many campers appreciate stream access. "The sites are very close to each other, there is a bath house available, camp sits on water front. There is a pavilion with tables. There is a playground that is very nice! They offer entertainment on weekends and some other times of the year."
What you should know
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campsites. At Shenandoah Valley Campground, "No wifi, no cable and cell service is limited - definitely not good for Verizon. There were no fewer than half a dozen people walking around with their phones held high trying to get a signal."
Seasonal activities: Some facilities are limited during off-peak months. "We were there in October and they close on 10/31 for the season so we got the feeling they weren't that into it anymore. Bathrooms and showers were disgusting."
Holiday weekends: Expect higher occupancy during major holidays. "Weekends were packed (esp. Memorial Day), but much quieter during the week. Many sites are tight and no walking paths between rows so people regularly walk through occupied sites when it's crowded."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds feature unique animal encounters. "My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt. The one problem is the camper section is very tight, whereas the tent sites look more roomy."
Water recreation: Look for campgrounds with swimming options. "They have a pretty big lake available for fishing and swimming (in season) too. Despite having so many sites, they are rather spacious."
Playground access: Many area campgrounds offer play structures. "They have a store, a grill, a game room, and a big swimming pool. And large beautiful fields. You can even have a tent right on the river. Across from a beautiful waterfall."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Check utilities layout before booking. "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."
Dump station conditions: Some RV camping near Augusta Springs, Virginia requires planning for waste disposal. "Since our site had no sewer hook up, we needed to dump before leaving. It's conveniently located on the way out, BUT was completely overflowed."
Electrical connections: Ensure proper power cords for your setup. "The power station was on the opposite side of the septic, so make sure you have a 30ft power cord at least! The hookups in this area where different than I have ever experienced as the hookups were shared between two sites."
