163 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $26 - $47 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $249 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
from $27 - $427 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $105 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $31 - $230 / night
Check Availability"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."
ScoutThis place is beautiful! I loved seeing all the wildlife! My daughter and I enjoyed walking the entire campground looking for Bigfoot.😉 we loved waking up the next morning to having squirrels, chipmunks, deer and birds on our campsite. We stayed on site 14
ScoutThis place is so relaxing! As soon as we stepped out of our motorhome it felt like we could relax. You could hear the birds tweeting and see squirrels playing and even butterflies dancing in the sunlight. It felt so nice to just set down in our chairs and take a break from life here. The owners are so friendly! I loved being able to pet the donkey/mule. This place is beautiful. We stayed in site 9 this time and site 8 last time. I honestly have no complaints about this place!!!
LegendWe stayed in site #27 for two nights. It was a walk-in tent site, but the car was very close. The site offered plenty of privacy. We could see the other sites, but they weren't close. We had a nice bear box and good hammock trees, plus a picnic table and decent tent sites. Lots of deer walked through our site in the morning, and we had easy access to several trails.
ScoutSuper remote camp spot! The drive to the forest road was a little tight and windy for an inexperienced mountain driver as myself. Wouldn't want to do it at night.
Most camp spots are on loops of more group camping with 4-6 sites at each loop and I believe there were 3 or 4 loops. Not my cup of tea, too fish bowl for me and way too exposed. Outside of the loops, there were 8-10 sites that were more my style, with the one we stayed at was just right! The most perfect spot in the whole place (for our preferences) we were literally on a babbling creek. Couldn't get any closer. Had direct access to water for washing and other needs. However I read in a brochure to not drink the water without boiling for 3 minutes because the area has giardia.
Saw a lot of people headed further down creek to fish for trout. No cell service for about 20 minutes. We had to drive back to route 33 and the halfway to Elkins to catch a sliver of cell service.
If you are staying at camp and brought everything you need, you're golden. There are lots of things to occupy yourself with exploring. There is a trailhead on forest rd 162 with miles of hiking with a hand full of trails to choose.
We arrived around 4PM on a Sunday. Plenty of sites to choose from. Was about half full. When we got up the next morning to leave, most spots were open. We stayed until mid day on Friday. Action was definitely picking up. Saw more people, more kids and louder noises. We are definitely Sunday to Thursday campers. I want to camp without knowing the neighbors are there. When leaving on Friday most sites were taken.
Had no problems finding plenty of fallen kindling for our fire. We found a great roadside house on route 33 that was selling firewood in their front yard for only $10 a "row" as they called it. We got 2 rows because we werent sure what to expect when we got there. We built a good hearty fire every morning and every evening and still had firewood we left there since there was so much accessible resources.
We ended up doing a lot of "tourist" experiences that was a bit of a drive to get to due to my inexperience in driving in the mountains. The drives were usually 30 minutes to an hour and a half. But well worth the drive.
Elkins is the closest place to "civilization" (north on 33) we went there for cheap gas, ice, and the grocery store. Didn't explore Elkins as it was too "city" for us. We wanted more remote experiences.
Harman was the next closest place (south on 33) not much for exploring, but they have a dollar general (what remote town doesn't have a dollar general?) and a place for gas
Continue on 33 south and hit Seneca Rocks! Such a beautiful sight to see! Also have the oldest general store built in 1902 and Yokums country store. Its like going back in time. Both tourist traps but worth the experience. We went to the recreation area with river access so beautiful to see the cliffs upclose and personal. If you are a climber this is the place for you. We are hikers. But enjoyed the views.
Continuing on 33 south there is smoke hole caverns. Another tourist trap but fun. For $20 you get a cavern tour tack on a little more if you want to go gem "panning" and get a bag of dirt to find gems. Or putt putt. Giant gift shop. Someone said it was the largest gift shop in West Virginia.
From Seneca Rocks if you head west on 28 it will take you past Seneca Caverns. They were closed for the summer due to blasting nearby.
Continuing on 28 west you then come to one of my favorite spots. Spruce Knob. The highest elevation in all of West Virginia, gorgeous views all around! Terrible observation tower that you cant see anything due to trees. Nice picnic area. Going down the other side of the mountain Spruce Knob lake, lots more trail heads AND a fantastic dispersed camping area! Seneca Creek backcountry. Didn't camp here. Will camp here next time. All dirt roads down the other side of the mountain. But so worth the adventure!
From camp and going to Harman take 32 east and that will take you to Canaan Valley state park, didn't explore too much but access to a lot more hiking
Then you come to Davis WV one of the cutest little towns ever! Very developed for back country but very very quaint. The davis depot has some camping/hiking clothes and lots of tourist items with t-shirts stickers and such. But great designs. Spent a hunk of change here. Has a grocery store and a dollar general. And a hiking, camping, backpacking store. Has gear, clothes, shoes, you name it. Had an issue with my hiking boots. Got good quality boots here! There are several small boutique stores a couple of restaurants a brewery and a bicycle shop.
Last point of interest I'll address, on the other side of Davis, Blackwater State Park. Easy in intermediate hiking here did most of our hiking here. Gorgeous falls. 3 to be exact. Nice overlooks. Nice recreation center for the kids. Near Canaan loop rd.[Canaan loop rd has dispersed camping too. This is where I had planned on camping when we came to WV and ended up over in Glady. However, I was told by the guy at the camp store in Davis that it was closed. I cannot confirm this. But just definitely check into it before solidifying plans]
My preferences for camping are not usually the whole tourist thing. But WV has so much to offer I just couldn't get enough! So we kept trekking out to see more. The drive is a lot and was a whole day's journey round trip with spending time at those locations but so worth it. Not that far of a drive in the scheme of things
Will come back to this area over and over for all the dispersed camping options and for all the sights and experiences packed in such a small area.
TravelerVery nice spot, good tent setup pads and fire rings at all the sites, my one complaint is that it is right next to the road that while not frequently used, the occasional car can often take away from the remote experience. There are some sites a little further in but the diff is minimal. Overall very great, well maintained spot
ScoutThis was a great place to camp. Lovely. The price was affordable. We stayed in the cabin. Electricity. Air conditioning. Running water. The property owner manager is very accommodating and pleasant to talk with.
Highly recommended.
~Robert
art505.com
ScoutThis KOA was quiet and perfect for a short stay. We enjoyed our time here. The staff was friendly.
GuideI chose Big Meadows to stay at because my traveling companion is definitely a bit bougie and was anxious about camping in the mountains of a NP. Due to this site having showers, toilets, a laundromat, camp store(s) and even a lodge/taproom, they felt more comfortable. We stayed at site D142, right near the entrance by the registration office and showers. I didn’t expect the site to be so nice and quiet and still feel quite private despite the location! We checked out the loops and besides the tent sites, I actually preferred our site. We stayed the week before Memorial Day weekend and I was pleased with how quiet it was. Quiet hours were strictly adhered without rangers having to ask, other campers were respectful toward each other and we had no issues. The NP staff were awesome and the concession employees for the showers, camp store, and the Wayside grill were genuinely friendly and obviously cared about their jobs, which I sincerely appreciate. Wayside grill with attached camp store was fun and had some great gift items as well as some pretty solid quality hiking and camping items. The grill even had a beyond burger which I greatly appreciated! The lodge was funky but not my cup of tea, the taproom was ok, although the employees were really nice.
It did rain half the time we were there with extremely heavy fog so we only did a few hikes but they were still a lot of fun. We didn’t see any bear either! The number one animal we had invade our campsite on the regular were birds. Two catbirds regularly tried to involve themselves in everything, including landing on a pot of oatmeal I was actively cooking and standing next to! We followed leave no trace of course but any chance the birds got, from catbirds, robins, brown thrashers, towhee, and even a redstart, they would try to investigate.
There is clean drinking water listed on the campsite maps, there are utility sinks for grey water (don’t use the bathroom sink!), bathrooms were always clean and bathrooms and showers are open 24/7 and are well lit. I didn’t buy the firewood so I’m unsure how much it is but the little camp store was open from 9-6 (right by the bathroom) for firewood, ice, and other various supplies.
Only downsides to the site are 1) showers are not cheap ($5 for 10 mins) and don’t stay warm for long so you’re showering in chilly water. Some stalls last a bit longer than others. 2) The biggest issue though was surprisingly the bear boxes. They are quite large and fit a lot of stuff which is great. However, you are expected to keep your cooler in them. I have a bear proof cooler (IGBC) so I’ve never had to experience this situation before. The bear box being made of metal, heated everything up in it which caused rapid melting of ice. Despite pre-chilling it and my ice usually lasting for days and days, we had to refill it daily. The camp store thankfully sold ice (10 lb bags for $5) but it was frustrating that there was no other option for bear proof items. I didn’t fight the rangers regarding it because it’s their rules, it’s for the safety of the bears and people, and the rangers and park staff have enough stuff to deal with.
All in all, I’ve never really glamped before so it was quite a luxurious trip even with the rain and fog for half the trip. I’ll most definitely be back and would even stay at the same site or a tent only site with no driveway.
ScoutThe biggest problem with the WV state parks is the cancellation policy. Make sure you check it out. Bath houses are decent. Shower had hot water and good pressure. Most of the sites are not level 1-9 are the best sites by far. Poor drainage when raining.
The camping areas surrounding Basye, Virginia sit at elevations between 800 and 3,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations across different sites. Summer overnight temperatures often drop into the 50s at higher elevation campgrounds, while valley sites maintain warmer conditions. The region experiences notably different rainfall patterns based on elevation, with higher sites seeing approximately 15-20% more precipitation annually than valley locations.
Hiking to scenic overlooks: At Shenandoah River State Park, numerous trails lead to viewpoints above the river. "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River, as well as modern electric sites, RV sites, and cabins. Tons of trails, wildlife and activities in and near the park," notes a camper in their review.
Explore local caverns: The Endless Caverns RV Resort offers direct access to cave tours. "The Endless Caverns actually adjoin the office welcome center and tours are offered multiple times daily. It would be tough for arthritic knees… but we really enjoyed the raw nature of the caverns," explains a reviewer.
Mountain biking on forest trails: Many campgrounds provide trail access. A camper at Harrisonburg KOA mentions, "Backs up to a great hike. Close to Harrisonburg with all the great breweries! Eat at Golden Pony. There's great hiking nearby."
Wildlife photography: The area has diverse animal viewing opportunities. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," reports a camper at Big Meadows.
Natural water features: Wolf Gap Recreation Area campers appreciate the access to streams. "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," shares one visitor.
Dark skies for stargazing: Higher elevation sites offer exceptional night sky viewing. "When I visited it was on a weekday and while there were some people staying on the RV side I had the tent area to myself, it was quiet at night in my little corner of camp and I could walk out a bit from my site and see the entire night sky which was amazing!" reports a Luray KOA visitor.
Privacy between campsites: Trout Pond Recreation Area offers more secluded camping. "We hiked around Rock Cliff Lake and observed petrified wood. Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with anfreshwater jellyfish. Very clean campground."
Campground cleanliness: Multiple campgrounds maintain high standards. "The bathhouse was fully tiled and very clean. The office offers ice, firewood, and a gift store with a few RV components," notes a camper at Endless Caverns RV Resort.
Winter closures: Many forest service campsites close seasonally. "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1," reports a camper at Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Road conditions: Several campgrounds require caution when accessing. "The roads are paved and the little one toilet hole bathroom is helpful. Bring plenty of water and everything you need/want," advises a Wolf Gap visitor.
Reservation systems: Different campsites handle bookings differently. "This was a great midweek site. The reservation board is straightforward, the history of the campground is interesting, and the trail access is excellent," explains a Wolf Gap camper.
Cell coverage limitations: Big Meadows Campground and others have limited connectivity. "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online. The camp store has a lot of stuff!"
Weather unpredictability: Mountain conditions change rapidly. "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30) and shared the campground with a mix of tent campers, car/van campers, and a few larger units. It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F."
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Luray focuses on family amenities. "We stayed here for 3 nights in August for our little guy's 8th birthday. It was perfect for kids! The kids loved running off in the open field and playing on the zip line. We loved that we could see them from our site."
Educational ranger programs: National Park campgrounds offer learning opportunities. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground," mentions a Big Meadows camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy animal encounters. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached."
Swimming locations: Several campgrounds feature water access. "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water," notes a Trout Pond Recreation Area visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Some of the best places to camp near Basye, Virginia require preparation. "Sites are mostly level, requiring only minor adjustments. Nestled in nature, lined by trees with a steam running behind us," reports an Endless Caverns visitor.
RV site selection: Creekside Campground requires careful site choice. "I paid $50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20. Once I was able to negotiate a few big trees, the site was plenty roomy and right on the water. Lots of ducks wandering around kept us entertained."
Navigation considerations: Mountain roads present challenges. "We were pulling a 15' trailer and could only access the sites from driving reverse along the one way road. The trailer barely fit the back-in site and we were able to detach and park our vehicle perpendicular to the trailer," explains a visitor at Trout Pond.
Hookup availability: Electric limitations exist at some sites. "There are only 8 or 9 camp spots, each with a leveled area for a tent and a designated fire pit. There was a notice saying wood was for sale, but didn't say where," notes a Wolf Gap camper.
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.
Keep Exploring
