Best Campgrounds near Stanley, VA
Shenandoah National Park serves as the primary camping destination near Stanley, Virginia, with multiple developed campgrounds spread along Skyline Drive. Big Meadows Campground, the most popular campground in the park, provides sites for tents, RVs, and cabins at an elevation above 3,000 feet. Other options include Lewis Mountain, Mathews Arm, and Loft Mountain campgrounds within the park boundaries. Outside the national park, several privately operated campgrounds like Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River and Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views offer more amenities and riverfront access.
Campers should prepare for varying seasonal conditions throughout the region. Most Shenandoah National Park campgrounds operate from spring through fall, with Big Meadows typically open from May through mid-November and Loft Mountain available from mid-May to late October. Private campgrounds like the KOA locations and Luray RV Resort provide year-round or extended season options. Reservations are strongly recommended for national park campgrounds, especially during peak fall foliage season when sites fill quickly. Bear activity is common throughout the area, and all national park campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night."
The higher elevations of Shenandoah National Park campgrounds provide cooler temperatures and spectacular views compared to valley locations. Several visitors note the wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly deer which frequently wander through campgrounds. Bathrooms and facilities at most developed campgrounds are generally well-maintained, though shower facilities may be limited or require quarters to operate. Private campgrounds near the Shenandoah River highlight water recreation as a key attraction. According to one visitor, "Easy to access sites, great for larger rigs! If you have kids definitely get closer to the playground, you won't regret it!" Weather can be unpredictable at higher elevations, with campers reporting temperatures dropping to 14°F in late November at Big Meadows. Most campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, though some have restrictions on collecting firewood, requiring purchase from camp stores.
