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Best Campgrounds near Basye, VA

1,085 Reviews

The Shenandoah Valley surrounding Basye, Virginia features diverse camping options within an hour's drive, ranging from primitive forest sites to full-service RV resorts. Wolf Gap Recreation Area, located about 15 miles northwest of Basye, offers free primitive camping with basic amenities in a secluded forest setting. Nearby Shenandoah National Park provides multiple developed campgrounds including Big Meadows and Mathews Arm, where campers can access the Appalachian Trail directly from some sites. Private campgrounds like Creekside Campground in Edinburg and Endless Caverns RV Resort in New Market complement the public options with full hookups and additional amenities for both tent and RV campers.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many forest service roads requiring careful navigation, especially after rain. As one camper noted, "The road on the way up is gravel, but has its share of potholes and bumps." Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most campgrounds, particularly those in national forest areas and higher elevations. Weather patterns in the Blue Ridge Mountains can change quickly, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months. According to a visitor at Canaan Valley, "We experienced afternoon rain showers daily, but arranged our hikes and bikes around them." Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region, with many Shenandoah National Park campgrounds providing bear boxes at sites.

Mountain views and trail access rank as top priorities among campers visiting the Basye area. Sites with views of geological features like Seneca Rocks receive consistently high ratings, with one visitor describing the tent-only section as "a giant meadow with picnic tables and tent pads arranged around the edges... nearly all have an incredible view of Seneca Rocks." Campground privacy varies considerably, with some visitors noting issues at more developed sites. A camper at Mathews Arm observed that "sites are tight but enough brush that you don't feel your neighbor is on your doorstep." Wildlife encounters, particularly deer and birds, are frequently mentioned in reviews of forest campgrounds. Weekend crowding affects most sites from May through October, with midweek visits recommended for those seeking solitude.

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Best Camping Sites Near Basye, Virginia (159)

    1. Wolf Gap

    20 Reviews
    Basye, WV
    8 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "This campsite is by far one of my favorite free campsites that Virginia has to offer. what makes Wolf Gap so speacial is the the 4 mile hike that leads to a rocky overlook of the valley."

    "We made a spur of the moment one night trip up here from Virginia, and I do glad we stumbled upon it! There are only 8 or 9 camp spots, each with a leveled area for a tent and a designated fire pit."

    2. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    120 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "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."

    3. Creekside Campground

    17 Reviews
    Edinburg, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 984-4299

    $26 - $47 / night

    "We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem. 

    We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."

    "We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights."

    4. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

    22 Reviews
    New Market, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-2283

    $45 - $249 / night

    "July 10-19, 2020

    As my wife and I were discussing my review, I asked her what could we point to to take away from a 5-star rating. Neither of us could think of a single thing."

    "We stayed close to the catch & release pond and felt as though we had a lot of privacy despite the spots being right next to each other."

    5. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers."

    "In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."

    6. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    31 Reviews
    Shenandoah, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-8929

    "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"

    7. Trout Pond Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Baker, WV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 897-6450

    $25 - $105 / night

    "There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous!"

    "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake."

    8. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    44 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"

    "There are a few trails encompassing and leading out from the campground, and it's nice to have a central location from which you can out on small hikes."

    9. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    18 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 743-7222

    $31 - $220 / night

    "Adjacent to a working farm where cows, sheep, llamas, chickens and roosters can graze next to the campsites.

    The grounds were beautifully manicured and incredibly clean."

    "We stayed at this KOA on our way to Virginia Beach but wanted to a day in Shenandoah National Park. "

    10. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray

    24 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 300-1697

    "Close to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive."

    "They had plenty of appearances of Yogi or Cindy bear at activities and just driving around the park on a golf cart."

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Recent Camping Photos near Basye, VA

540 Photos of 159 Basye Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Basye, VA

1085 Reviews of 159 Basye Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Watermelon Park Campground

    Beautiful setting!

    This camping ground is for RVs only. It's right on the Shenandoah River so it's a quiet peaceful setting. However it's a long way from any town, has terrible wifi, (the mobile data was slightly better) & doesn't hav a laundry room. The road in is very narrow so our moterhome had a little difficulty getting in, but we made it! There is only a dumping station. This is just info, not a bad review :) they have showers & firewood & the staff is very friendly & helpful! Tubing on the river was closed for the season but that wud have been a great pass time!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Beautiful spot!

    Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours. Unfortunately there was a decent bit of trash we cleaned up. The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great dispersed sites!

    We only drove down to the second site, but it was awesome! Big site, good fire ring, paths the walk right from the site. The moss was like walking on carpet

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Large wooded sites

    The owners are so friendly and personable. The sites are actually in a wooded area not just a big field. Each site has full hookups. We will definitely return.

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Horrie Neighbors

    dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. i think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Riverside site

    The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river. I saw one other site before ours. So limited, but we saw very few people. Got buggy at night, but that happens. Also wish people picked up their trash, but we helped. Absolutely recommend

  • Aileen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    Clean Campground in a Beautiful Park

    This is one of our favorite places. The park is beautiful, and so are the nearby Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge and Canaan Valley State Park.

    The campground is better suited to tents and small to medium size camping units. I think the person who designed it was not familiar with camping units other than tents. Loop 1-30 is one way going clockwise. Loop 31-65 is one way going counterclockwise. But in both loops, to have your door facing away from the street, you have to drive counterclockwise if your site is on the outside of the loop, and clockwise if your site is inside the loop.  In some sites, the electric pedestal is on the wrong side, so you'll have to use a long cord and take it under your unit to reach your electric hookup.

    There are two water fill stations, one at the camp store where you check in, and the other at a water fountain near the bathhouse in loop 31-65. They are supplied supplied with a green garden hose, not a white potable water hose, so we unscrewed the hose and used our own. The water tastes unusually good.

    The dump station is in a section of loop 31-65. You have to go the wrong way on a one way road to be close enough for your slinky to reach it. The non potable rinse water is across this road from the dump station and it has a white hose--beware--this is not the drinking water! You stretch this hose across the road to rinse your gray and black tanks and slinky.

    Some of the sites are not very level, and many of the pull thru sites share some driveway space with another pull thru site or a back in site. There are two pairs of sites that share a pull thru--OK for people traveling together, but otherwise a headache if you're arriving and leaving at different times.

    Once you have dealt with all this inconvenience and oddness, you'll find you're within walking distance of the falls, a small lake, hiking trails that go through beautiful forests with rhododendrons, hemlocks, spruce, and hardwoods. The camp store is limited, but the staff is very friendly and helpful. The nature center is one of the best I've ever visited, and park naturalists provide programs on weekends. There are kayak rentals in summer. The lake has a swimming beach, but you can pay to use the swimming pool at the lodge for better swimming. The lodge also has a huge lobby with a cabinet containing jigsaw puzzles. We worked on one on a rainy day when we didn't want to be outside. Davis and Thomas have some interesting shops and good restaurants.When you get back after a day of adventures, you'll find clean restrooms with hot showers that are actually hot. And the T-Mobile service was good enough for my husband to stream a movie while I sent photos to my family. The park was very busy for Labor Day weekend, but it was a family atmosphere and after dark, there were few lights and little noise.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Quiet, lots of room

    This is a National Park campground so there are no hookups! Generators are allowed during designated hours. (Please don’t bring one.) Hot shower, bathrooms and laundry are available. Camp store with basics. The sites are large, some are not level but are workable. Lots of wildlife. Near trails.

  • Lee G.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Bend Campground

    Big Bend Campground…Definitely Worth the Experience

    Big Bend Campground is a beautiful place with a great family atmosphere. The campsites are large and accommodate RVs and/or multiple tents. The best part about this place is the nearly 360° lazy river tubing experience. This place has no cell service and you’ll have to travel along a 2 1/2 mile dirt road to finally get to the campground. The Camp Hosts were great and offered a lot of local information and tips. While this is a great location and provides memorable adventures, it would be great if the picnic tables and some of the fire rings could be updated as they’re nearing the end of their service life. However, this is simply a great place to unhook from the daily grind.

Guide to Basye

Camping near Basye, Virginia, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the hikes right from their campsites. One reviewer at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."
  • Fishing: The nearby rivers and streams provide great fishing opportunities. Campers at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground have noted, "Hiking, fishing, breathtaking views, tons to do in the area!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground shared, "Lots of deer! No hookups but you can run a generator if needed."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Loft Mountain Campground stated, "Good clean campsites and showers, my only complaint being the showers were pretty expensive at $5 for 10 minutes."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Campsites are just the right size. Very level and nicely done."
  • Proximity to Attractions: Campers enjoy being close to local attractions. One visitor at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA noted, "I liked the pool, camp shop, and proximity to Massanutten water park."

What you should know:

  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Mathews Arm Campground said, "Seemed odd that we could not pick any site that wasn’t reserved."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities like electric hookups. A review for Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, "It's quieter than the other Shenandoah sites, it has clean facilities, showers, water, and a store."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during weekends and holidays. A visitor at Misty Mountain Camp Resort noted, "The stay is decent. Can get loud and the golf carts are excessive and loud."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "The campground was really great for a family with small children."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Shenandoah River State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you don’t leave any food out."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A camper at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "We could see a couple of other campsites from ours but generally felt we had plenty of space and privacy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground shared, "Surprisingly, recreation.gov had excellent campsite descriptions and photos for this campground."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds don’t offer electric or water hookups. A reviewer at Seneca Shadows noted, "No water hookups but we had electric in Loop C, which was expected."
  • Plan for Generator Hours: If you need to use a generator, check the hours. A camper at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "Generator hours are 08:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00."

Camping near Basye, Virginia, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find cabin rentals in Basye, VA?

Basye offers several cabin rental options in the surrounding area. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages provides beautiful stone-bordered cottages with full amenities in a wooded setting. Their cottages feature stone fire pits and are well-maintained. Another excellent option is Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, which offers cabin accommodations alongside stunning mountain views and access to amenities like a swimming pool, dog park, and farm animal viewing. For those seeking cabin rentals, be sure to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as these popular accommodations fill quickly.

What's the best time of year to visit Basye for camping?

The ideal time to visit Basye for camping is late spring through early fall (May to October). Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground in the region experiences its best weather during summer months, with comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. Fall brings spectacular foliage, especially in September and October when the mountains display vibrant colors. For those who prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park in late May or early September when the weather is mild but the summer crowds have thinned. Be aware that some campgrounds in the region close during winter months, and mountain roads can become difficult to navigate during snowy conditions.

What outdoor activities are available in Basye, Virginia?

Basye, Virginia offers an abundance of outdoor activities year-round. The area provides excellent hiking opportunities, with nearby Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park offering access to numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. For water activities, check out Seneca Shadows, which is near some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region with opportunities for fishing and paddling. The Basye area is also popular for wildlife viewing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Winter brings excellent skiing opportunities at nearby Bryce Resort, while summer activities include golfing, zip-lining, and exploring local caverns.

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