Camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Across Virginia, George Washington Jefferson National Forests has camping spots that range from developed sites to more out-of-the-way places. The City Park Campground in the forests has clean sites and just the basics you need for camping. Many campers head to the Recreation Area when they want something more back-to-basics with campsites that put you right in the woods. If you're trying to avoid crowds, the national forest has plenty of quiet spots away from the busier areas. Most camping areas have drinking water and bathrooms, which makes things easier when you're staying for a few days. Weather really changes what's available - spring and fall are usually best, summer gets pretty hot, and some places shut down in winter when snow hits. Some campsites sit under thick trees that give good shade and keep you from seeing your neighbors. Always check if there are any current fire bans or closed trails before you head out. The forests work well for both tent and RV camping, depending on which area you choose.

Best Camping Sites Near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests (138)

    1. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-3920

    $45 - $99 / night

    "You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."

    "Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."

    2. Sherando Lake Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tyro, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $25 - $47 / night

    "This campground is located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. We stayed for 6 nights here and had a nice private site."

    "Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."

    3. Crabtree Falls Campground

    20 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 377-2066

    $28 - $55 / night

    "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night."

    "I’ve camped at a completely different part of this place before which was a site without access to bathrooms and showers."

    4. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."

    "the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. the water is also stocked with fish!"

    5. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "

    "Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."

    6. Stoney Creek Resort

    7 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-1510

    "Beautiful surroundings. No phone signal and wifi was a joke but that's not a bad thing!"

    "Ate at their on-site restaurant while a local band played outside. Mostly used by local folks as a seasonal CG. Lots of semi-permanent fixtures attached to rigs. Did get a PassPort America discount."

    7. Devils Backbone Camp

    39 Reviews
    Nellysford, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 817-9708

    $25 - $140 / night

    "The camp is also just miles from the Appalachian Trail, so they provide a free shuttle to the camp, as well as group tent area for registered AT thru-hikers. "

    "First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."

    8. Douthat State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Clifton Forge, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 862-8100

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails."

    "General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."

    9. Lee Hi Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lexington, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 463-3478

    "You can’t hear the highway, which is on the other side of the mountain in the back of the campground.

    Restrooms were older but clean during our stay and a short walk from the camp site."

    "You can’t hear the highway, which is on the other side of the mountain in the back of the campground.

    Restrooms were older but clean during our stay and a short walk from the camp site."

    10. Oronoco Campground

    15 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."

    "Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 138 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

836 Reviews of 138 George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Campgrounds


  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Perfect Shenandoah stopover

    Good amount of first come first serve spots. We visited during a weekday and there was more than enough availability. Nice small trail that runs around the campground. The campstore offers more than enough! We bought a smores-kit, very handy. I dont know if there are (enough) full hook ups?

  • madison F.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    WALNUT

    first arrived weary of storm headed our way only to find out our campsite was the only in our section that wasn’t a flood zone.

    saw some liquid being pumped into naturally flowing creek water??! also if you want to see ducks… stay close to the pond.

    super honorable mention - lower bathhouses did not have warm water and had to hike up the hill to use, extremely nicer, bathhouse.

    POOL had a “tlc makeover” only to have a surmount of chemicals still not diluted by 5pm - MURKYYYYYYY

    also had a campsite that was placed between three trees - super tight but made it work.

    only stayed in passing - get what you get

  • Anna B.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Gorgeous Tent Camping 🤩

    One of the best sites I've had the fortune to stay at recently. The campground has a wide variety of sites, with the majority as pull throughs and a good handful of walk in tent sites. This site is large and an easy downhill walk from parking to set up camp. The view is unreal, especially for sunset. While you can definitely hear your neighbors, it still has a decent amount of privacy.

  • Aaron S.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Stoney Creek Resort

    Lovely people, lovely place

    Overall a nice place to stay. We stayed one night. Hook ups were good, site was somewhat level. The staff are just lovely people, very friendly, helpful, and they go out of their way to do the next right thing.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    Helpful staff and nice amenities

    It has all the bells and whistles you’d hope for at a Jellystone. It sounds like staffing has been challenging but the fellow campers and wonderful staff that are here make it well worth staying. We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade. I’d stay again and would love to head down to the river for some tubing and fish in the stocked pond.

  • Kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Exceeded expectations

    I was impressed with this campground from the minute I entered it. We were greeted at the entrance and then sent to an escort you smartly showed us to our site by taking the same path at the RV should take; making wise returns and so on. The site was pristine and laid out very nicely. Honestly the whole place was really clean and lovely. This is my first KOA visit and I was thoroughly impressed

  • Francelia A.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Mom and son new adventure

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort is located in Crozet, Virginia, off of 250 below Afton Mountain. I'm familiar with this resort. Many, many years ago, when it was Yogi Bear's park, a lot of updates since then. Great accommodations. I've not enjoyed camping as much as I have these last 2 weeks with my son Matthew, who is 30 years old down syndrome, autism and a leukemia survivor. I am 66 years old. I'm on the best adventure of my life. Just bought a new motorhome after my partner of 15 years passed away. I'm on a new journey. And taking care of my life with good health. I recommend this park to anyone. Friendly staff, accommodating, pet friendly dog parks, bathhouse, laundry, sun, and shade, with 30 and 50 amp hookups with sewage. I couldn't ask for a better place. Have a fun-loving life, I am!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Smalltown Campsites LLC

    We love this place.

    We love it here. Quiet and simple with gorgeous views. Did I mention full hook ups? Our 40 ft jayco fits here just fine. Don’t know if there is a max… I doubt it.

    Proprietors are very friendly and responsive via email and text.

    Wifi on-site, cell service is spotty in the whole region, so the wifi is an awesome perk.

    Walked the dogs to the river and had a blast.

    Had the place all to ourselves.

    Dark sky and silence.

    Six sites now. Owners told me they are planning to expand a little at some point.

    We will be back.

    Highly recommended if all the above is your kinda thing.

  • Katrin M.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Nice getaway over the weekend

    We camped here for 2 nights. The campsite has the common amenities - a firepit, a bench, and a picnic table. Our site was definitely spacious.

    The bathhouse was not far away and mostly clean. It was awesome to have a dishwasher station with running water.

    Unfortunately our campsite was bumblebee invested. It was cool to watch them, but they got into everything.

    The shower was about 0.3 miles away. They charge $5 for 10 min, which you have to pay in quarters.

    There is also a very nice and well stocked campstore. They had everything you need.

    We drove to the visitor center at the Big Meadow. They had very cool programs and really good food. I enjoyed a blackberry shake, which is kinda famous for the area, and it was delicious.

    If you wanna hike somewhere, the AT runs right through the campground.

    The rangers and the host were super friendly and very helpful.


Guide to George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "The trails go for miles! We just started camping and hiking and can’t wait to explore more of the country!"
  • Fishing: Try your luck at catching some fish. One camper at Douthat State Park Campground said, "There are also cabins here! Plenty of picnic areas and great fishing as well!"
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the lakes. A visitor at Sherando Lake Campground noted, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an island if you want to."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "The bath/shower/laundry facility was very clean and fairly new."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp said, "The staff is friendly and go out of their way to answer questions you may have."
  • Activities for kids: Families enjoy the amenities for children. A parent at Misty Mountain Camp Resort shared, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."

What you should know:

  • Cell service can be spotty: Many campgrounds have limited or no cell service. A visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area noted, "There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop you can get service."
  • Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A camper at Shenandoah Valley Campground mentioned, "The stay is decent. Can get loud and the golf carts are excessive and loud."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Devil’s Backbone Camp expressed frustration, saying, "$150 per night is crazy. Nothing special about the campground except proximity to Devil's Backbone."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
  • Keep an eye on the kids: Some sites are close to roads. A parent at the same campground noted, "Our site was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road."
  • Plan for downtime: Bring games or activities for quieter moments. A camper at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "There is a small swimming pool that the kids were enjoying."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Sherando Lake Campground said, "Easy to access sites with large RV, flat site, didn’t even have to unhitch."
  • Be prepared for limited hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A reviewer at Virginia Bolar Mountain Recreation Area noted, "The electric showed 30 & 50 amp yet the 30 amp was disconnected."
  • Bring extra supplies: Some areas are remote, so stock up before you arrive. A camper at Crabtree Falls Campground advised, "There’s a small general store that sells some things, but it’s not a real grocery."

Camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Virginia, has something for everyone. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities and things to do are available in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests?

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer abundant recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Water activities are popular at Lake Sherwood, where visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and lakeside relaxation. The forests feature extensive hiking trails, including access points to the Appalachian Trail from Loft Mountain Campground. Mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and photography are excellent throughout the forests. For a unique experience, the Greenbrier River Trail offers miles of scenic paths for hiking and cycling. History enthusiasts can explore nearby attractions like Natural Bridge State Park. In winter, opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing emerge. The forests also connect to nearby attractions including breweries like Devils Backbone, making them perfect for multi-activity vacations.

What are the best camping spots in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest?

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer exceptional camping experiences across diverse landscapes. Sherando Lake Campground stands out with its private, shaded sites and lakefront location at affordable rates ($21/night with senior passes). The campground features three loops, including standard non-electric options. For a more secluded experience, Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is highly regarded for its tranquil setting. Other excellent options include Lake Sherwood with lakeside sites perfect for fishing enthusiasts, and Bolar Mountain Recreation Area for those seeking mountain views. For primitive camping, consider Braley Pond Dispersed Camping area, which offers a more rustic experience. Most campgrounds in the forest provide basic amenities like vault toilets, while some feature shower facilities and electrical hookups for RVs.

What camping is available near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests?

According to TheDyrt.com, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests is Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests?