Glamping near Basye, Virginia offers access to the Shenandoah Valley at elevations averaging 1,000-2,500 feet with moderate temperatures even in summer months. The region experiences approximately 44 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush landscapes around the valley's river systems. Many glamping sites remain accessible during fall and winter, though campers should prepare for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
River tubing at Low Water Bridge: 3-8 mile float options on the Shenandoah River with shuttle service available. At Low Water Bridge Campground, staff will transport guests upriver for a leisurely float back to camp. As one visitor noted, "They took us up river and dropped us so we could kayak back. Their store had everything that we had forgotten with good prices."
Hiking at Trout Pond Recreation Area: 2-5 mile trails with geological features. The area contains unique formations including a functioning sinkhole. "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 freshwater jellyfish," reported one camper.
Stargazing at elevated sites: Dark sky viewing from mountain campgrounds. The Blue Ridge Mountain area provides excellent visibility for night sky viewing. A camper at Big Meadows Campground commented, "We love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night."
What campers like
Riverside camping access: Direct water entry from several private sites. Many campgrounds feature sites positioned directly along the riverbank. At Rivers Edge Campground, a visitor shared, "We stayed in the tent area, which we had all to ourselves. Our site was on the river and able to pull our motorcycles right up."
Clean, modern facilities: Recently updated bathhouses at most locations. The region's glamping sites maintain higher standards of cleanliness than typical campgrounds. According to a guest at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, "The grounds were beautifully manicured and incredibly clean. It also had the largest dog park area of any campground I've ever seen."
Wildlife encounters: Frequent deer sightings throughout camping areas. The Shenandoah Valley supports diverse wildlife that regularly visits camping areas. A Big Meadows Campground visitor noted, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Prepare for disconnection at most river valley locations. Signal strength varies widely throughout the region. At Low Water Bridge Campground, one camper warned, "There is absolutely no Verizon service here (ATT seems to work pretty well). You'll have to drive 10-15 in either direction on Rt. 211 before you can catch a signal."
Seasonal camping considerations: Off-peak advantages for solitude seekers. Shoulder season visits offer reduced crowds and rates. A guest at Shenandoah River State Park noted, "We stayed here on the night of December 11, 2020. No problem finding a spot, campground was about half full when we got there around 4pm. Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter."
Steep terrain challenges: Access issues for large vehicles. The mountain roads leading to many glamping sites feature significant grades. As one camper at Luray KOA observed, "The drive in requires about 25-miles through the roller coaster of steep grade(7+%) hills. There's no way around that, you're in the mountains. Just be aware and be prepared."
Tips for camping with families
Jellystone activities: Daily organized events for children of various ages. This family-focused campground offers structured entertainment options. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park shared, "He had lots of fun at pool, movie night, making s'mores, and jumping on bouncy mound."
Playground facilities: Multiple play areas throughout regional campgrounds. Many locations feature dedicated recreation spaces for children. At Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA, a visitor mentioned, "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."
Swimming options: Natural and constructed water features available from May through September. Both river access and swimming pools are common amenities. A guest at Trout Pond Recreation Area remarked, "The beach is nice and lots of fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids. Whether a day trip or camping this is a nice spot."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Varied electrical capacity across campgrounds. Many sites offer only 30-amp service or less. At Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA, a visitor noted, "Electricity is on the RV site, there is a dumping place for black/grey water. While convenient to II 81, the campground is far enough away that there is no outside noise at all."
Site leveling challenges: Bring blocking materials for uneven terrain. Mountain campgrounds often feature sloped sites. One RVer commented about their Jellystone experience, "Our only real drawback was our site was not even close to level. It probably shouldn't have been available for a 40'+ RV."
Water access points: Fill stations limited to specific locations. Not all sites offer direct water hookups. A camper advised, "You can fill your water tanks as you enter the campground. 30 amp service at the site. Front Royal is 20 minutes away and has several outdoor stores."
