Yurt camping near Augusta Springs, Virginia combines the comfort of climate-controlled accommodations with rustic mountain experiences. The area sits within the George Washington National Forest at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby valleys. Winter camping remains popular with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°F at established campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing access points: Montebello Resort offers both a stocked trout pond and a small lake for fishing. As one visitor noted, "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."
Mountain biking trails: Stokesville Campground features "Four miles of flow mountain bike trails inside the campground with endless miles of trails just outside. Stokesville is a mountain bike destination that cyclists travel from all around," according to one reviewer.
Swimming options: At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, campers appreciate Lake Moomaw's water quality. One visitor shared, "The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming. There's a separate beach that you can drive to that is roped off for swimming purposes but we rather enjoyed walking to the water from our site and having what seemed like our own little swimming spot."
Geological formations: Natural Chimneys County Park features unique limestone formations that rise dramatically from the valley floor. A camper mentioned, "The natural chimney formations are fascinating. Thanks to a tip from the office, a great bonus was eating at an Italian restaurant in nearby Bridgewater."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park receives consistent praise for cleanliness. One reviewer noted, "Staff was very friendly and the park was one of the cleanest parks I've been to. The bath houses were pristine."
Waterfront sites: Campers appreciate sites with direct water access at Crabtree Falls Campground. A visitor shared, "The sites run along a river, which provides great back drop for getting away from the city. Our campsite was at the end of a row, which made it great for taking the dogs on little walks away from the campsite."
Yurt amenities: Douthat State Park Campground offers yurts with custom furnishings and climate control systems. According to a camper, "The bathrooms were incredibly clean and heated. Showers were terrific as well. Staff were kind and knowledgeable. A stream runs beside the campground and the lake, though small, is nice to paddle around in a kayak."
Off-grid atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the Augusta Springs area offer limited connectivity. One visitor to Stokesville described it as "rough around the edges but offers access to lots of miles of trails in George Washington National Forest," making it ideal for those seeking to disconnect.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds close during winter months. When planning yurt camping near Augusta Springs during colder seasons, verify availability as Bolar Mountain operates only "April 4 to December 5."
Cell service limitations: Montebello Resort has "zero cell coverage or wifi, and other than the store on-site, there isn't much outside of a few hiking trails, within 30 minutes." Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Site layouts: Campground configurations vary widely. A visitor to Stoney Creek Resort observed, "It is divided into upper and lower sections. The lower is much more wooded and gives off more of a camping feel while the upper is much more open."
Weekend crowds: Several campgrounds experience significant visitor increases Friday-Sunday. One camper at Natural Chimneys County Park advised, "Though Saturday night was a bit crowded, we had it to ourselves on Sunday-Monday."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley offers extensive water activities for children. A visitor reported, "There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Golf cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments. 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."
Playground availability: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. One camper at Douthat State Park noted, "I imagine it would be a great place for kids" while another at Stokesville mentioned "a playground for kids and fishing pond."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule family-oriented events from Friday-Sunday. A visitor to Stoney Creek observed, "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," making it ideal for children seeking water-based recreation.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger-led programs, especially in state parks. A camper at Douthat State Park Campground noted, "All types of sites and hookups plus cabins. Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA provides site assistance. A camper noted, "The owners and staff are very nice as well as the owners and staff!! They even guided you to your site and help you level."
Campground approach routes: When towing to Montebello, one visitor advised, "FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway."
Hookup configurations: At some locations, electrical outlets may be positioned awkwardly. A reviewer at Montebello noted, "Our site was right on the pond; even though the electric and water hookups were a little funky."
Space considerations: Some RV areas provide limited room between sites. At Walnut Hills, a visitor observed, "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."
