Best Campgrounds near Bentonville, VA

Bentonville, Virginia offers several established campgrounds along the Shenandoah River, with options ranging from developed sites to more rustic experiences. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations within its boundaries. Low Water Bridge Campground offers riverside tent and RV sites with electric hookups approximately 5 minutes from downtown Bentonville. The area features both state park facilities and privately operated campgrounds with varying amenity levels for different camping preferences.

Most developed campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though some like Mathews Arm Campground in nearby Shenandoah National Park are seasonal, typically open from May through October. "The sites are spaced out and neat. Some shade. Pretty view across from our site," noted one camper about Shenandoah River State Park. Many campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with several offering sanitary dump stations for RVs. Cell service can be limited throughout the region, with Verizon coverage particularly spotty at Low Water Bridge Campground. Temperatures vary significantly by season, with summer offering ideal river recreation opportunities and moderate weather compared to urban areas.

The proximity to the Shenandoah River represents a defining feature of camping experiences near Bentonville. Campgrounds along the river provide access for fishing, kayaking, tubing and swimming. One visitor remarked, "We stayed for 4 nights and were the only RV. Rest of the sites is for tents. Electricity is on the RV site, there is a dumping place for black/grey water." Bathhouse facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds, with Shenandoah River State Park consistently praised for cleanliness while Low Water Bridge facilities are described as more basic. Many sites feature fire pits, picnic tables, and level camping pads. The region provides excellent access to hiking trails both within the campgrounds and nearby Shenandoah National Park, approximately 30 minutes from most Bentonville camping locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Bentonville, Virginia (135)

    1. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    1 mile
    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."

    2. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    45 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    5 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."

    3. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    120 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    22 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."

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray

    24 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    12 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."

    5. Gooney Creek Campground

    16 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 635-4066

    "We are tent campers and we’re looking for a place close to Shenandoah to ride our motorcycles. This was 3 miles from the north entrance to the park, perfect."

    "Hike up a trail or up through the creek itself to a swimming hole only accessible to campers. Saw some decent sized fish swimming around in there."

    6. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "It is suitable for novice campers to experienced off-trail campers. You'll never tire of the wonders this beautiful piece of America has to offer."

    "There was definitely a lot less privacy/space between sites here at SNP than I’ve noted at other parks across Virginia."

    7. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

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

    $31 - $200 / 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. "

    8. Elizabeth Furnace Campground

    9 Reviews
    Strasburg, VA
    6 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "In the valley outside of Shenandoah, it was a nice spot to return to at night. There are also some hiking trails across the street."

    "Campground Review: What a great find, so close to a town….though feels like you are deep in the forest!"

    9. Low Water Bridge Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (540) 635-7277

    $30 - $125 / night

    "Positive: Friendly staff, near the river, close to Shenandoah NP, quiet camping, every site has a fire pit. Negative: sanitary fascilities are old."

    "Sites 31 and 32 (despite being near the campground’s public river access) look large and private. Both riverside."

    10. Creekside Campground

    17 Reviews
    Edinburg, VA
    13 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."

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Recent Reviews near Bentonville, VA

932 Reviews of 135 Bentonville Campgrounds


  • Gina T.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Loved it!

    This was our first experience camping.  We just retired and rented a camper for a trial run and we just loved it.  It was quiet there and I slept like a baby.  Very positive experience.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this Campground

    I love camping in Matthews Arm, it has a flush toilet restroom. The site A7 has a hug parking, can fit RVs and spacious area for tent, table, fire pit. Only downside is that the tent pad is kind of connected to site A09, so privacy is not the best.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Fall Leaf Peeping Trip

    We stayed here for 3 nights. Perfect campground with everything you need. Bathrooms are very clean. Ice, propane, and other items are available on site at the store. Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character. Dog park, pool, and plenty of games are available on site. Harrisonburg is down the road if you to need to stop in town.

  • Jack W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great dispersed spot

    Only a few spots around, but beautiful spot right on the river with fire pits. No other amenities but it was exactly what we were looking for

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    The Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows

    Great place, zero oversight…

    First, let me say that the viewers at this campground are incredible. We stayed there this September and my family had a fantastic time in their cabins. When we got there, we found our cabin and these had codes to be able to enter. All was fine till we started looking at bathrooms.

    None of the bathroom facilities are labeled, male or female, but it was just our family there so it wasn’t a really big deal. Later on in the weekend, another group showed up, and then we felt as though we needed to try and find or figure out another way to ensure that the girls were safe.

    Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars. We had such good views that I would still give it four stars. But I would be aware of what you’re going to.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Good place to stay for a night

    This is a good place to stay in an area along Hwy 50 where there aren’t many other options. The host was friendly and helpful. The campground is clean and safe. The bathrooms are fine with a good shower and hot water. There is a swimming pool although it was closed for the season when I was here.


Guide to Bentonville

Dispersed camping sites near Bentonville, Virginia sit at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet along the Shenandoah Valley floor, with nearby mountains rising to over 3,500 feet. The area receives approximately 44 inches of annual rainfall, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows reaching 20-30°F. Most primitive campsites in the region don't require reservations, but established campgrounds fill quickly during peak fall foliage season from late September through early November.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: 3.1 miles one-way to Overall Run Falls within Shenandoah National Park from Mathews Arm Campground. "Great campground! A lot of hiking and nature everywhere. We even had a doe and fawn right in our campsite! Just be careful of the black bears," notes Stephen K. The trailhead begins at the campground parking area and descends approximately 1,500 feet in elevation to the 93-foot waterfall.

Tubing and kayaking: Easy access from Low Water Bridge Campground with on-site rentals and shuttles during summer months. "Love the fact that they have an outfitter to shuttle you up the river. We got a site right on the river bank so we just hopped out and were at our site!" reports camper RL. The river current varies based on recent rainfall, with float trips ranging from 2-4 hours depending on water levels.

Mountain biking: 15+ miles of trails at Shenandoah River State Park. "Go bike, fish, swim, hike, relax," explains Jonny D. The park maintains trails for all skill levels, with Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park offering rentals from April through October. Most trails remain open year-round, weather permitting, though muddy conditions often close trails after heavy rainfall.

What campers like

Accessible primitive sites: The riverfront camping at Gooney Creek Campground provides direct creek access with basic amenities. "Absolutely loved this campground. Small and quiet with the creek running through," shares Adelle C. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with tent spots costing approximately $25-35 per night depending on location.

Less crowded weekday camping: Most campgrounds near Bentonville experience significant weekend crowds but remain relatively quiet Monday through Thursday. "Quiet during the week. I have heard that weekends can get a little rowdy," warns Glen W. regarding Low Water Bridge Campground. This pattern holds true year-round but intensifies during summer months when river activities are most popular.

Fall foliage viewing: Early to mid-October provides peak color. "The mountains are among the most beautiful in the fall. The leaves turn golden, and it is absolutely beautiful and worth your time," explains Daniel P. who stayed at Mathews Arm Campground. Color progression typically starts at higher elevations in late September and moves down through the valley by late October, with campgrounds at higher elevations offering earlier views.

What you should know

Limited cell coverage: Coverage varies significantly by carrier and location throughout the area. "No cell service with Verizon whatsoever not even the hotspot," reports Ashley F. about Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites. AT&T generally provides better service in the valley, while most carriers have minimal to no coverage in backcountry areas and deep ravines.

Bear activity requirements: Food storage regulations apply at all campgrounds. "You'll never tire of the wonders this beautiful piece of America has to offer," writes Teresa K., but also notes the importance of proper food storage. Most campgrounds require food to be stored in vehicles or bear-proof containers, not in tents. Rangers at Shenandoah National Park issue fines for improper food storage.

Seasonal campground closures: Several area campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "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," shares John B. about staying at Shenandoah River State Park when many other options were closed. Mathews Arm Campground typically closes from late October through early May.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive recreational facilities. "This isn't my idea of camping, but I brought my 11 year old nephew. He was able to run around and make friends with his aunt always looking over his shoulder. He had lots of fun at pool, movie night, making s'mores, and jumping on bouncy mound," writes Anne K. The park schedules daily activities for children during summer months, though most require additional fees.

Primitive sites with wagon access: Some campgrounds provide equipment for transporting gear. "The primitive spots are right next to the river. The spots are a short walk from the parking area and the campground provides wagons to transport your stuff. Great fishing and swimming right at your camping spot," explains Matt P. about Shenandoah River State Park. These walk-in sites typically cost $5-10 less than drive-up sites but offer more privacy and river access.

Ranger programs: Educational opportunities available May through October. "The children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," notes Melissa T. Programs typically run 30-60 minutes and cover topics from wildlife identification to night sky observation, with most offered Friday through Sunday during peak season at no additional cost beyond park entrance fees.

Tips from RVers

Campsite size considerations: Many campgrounds have length restrictions and limited pull-through sites. "We stayed for 3 nights in August for our little guy's 8th birthday. Our only real drawback was our site was not even close to level. It probably shouldn't have been available for a 40'+ RV," warns Jen O. about Elizabeth Furnace Campground. Sites accommodating larger rigs must typically be reserved months in advance.

Elevation changes on access roads: Be prepared for steep grades when traveling to campgrounds. "This is a very nice little campground offering several types of non-hook up sites. We stayed in site 18 which was large and had a nice long flat space for us to park our class B camper on and dry camp," shares Chris C. about Elizabeth Furnace. Access roads to many campgrounds feature 7-10% grades requiring engine braking when descending.

Limited full hookup availability: Partial hookups more common than full. "Electricity is on the RV site, there is a dumping place for black/grey water," reports Catharina L. about Low Water Bridge Campground. Most campgrounds in the area offer water and electric only, with dump stations rather than sewer connections at individual sites. Reservations for sites with hookups typically fill 2-3 months in advance during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Bentonville, Virginia?

Bentonville offers excellent camping options with Low Water Bridge Campground being a prime spot directly in Bentonville, providing riverside camping with boat access to the Shenandoah River. Just a short drive away, Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park offers a more secluded experience with well-maintained facilities and access to hiking trails including the path to Overall Run Falls. These campgrounds provide different experiences - riverside camping in town or forested sites within the national park - making them perfect basecamp options for exploring the Shenandoah Valley region.

What outdoor activities are available near Bentonville, VA?

The Bentonville area is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Water activities dominate with river floating, whitewater rafting, and fishing on the Shenandoah River. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders offers guided river adventures just a short drive away. Hiking opportunities abound with access to portions of the Appalachian Trail and numerous scenic trails in Shenandoah National Park. At Loft Mountain Campground, you'll find easy access to multiple hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. The area also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, mountain biking, and cave exploration at nearby Endless Caverns.

When is the best time of year to camp in Bentonville, Virginia?

Late spring through early fall offers the best camping experience in Bentonville. May and June provide warm days, cool nights, and vibrant wildflowers, while September and October showcase spectacular fall foliage throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views offers year-round accommodations with beautiful seasonal views of the surrounding mountains. Summer (June-August) brings warmer temperatures ideal for water activities on the Shenandoah River, though campgrounds like Big Meadows Campground can be busier during this peak season. Winter camping is possible but limited, with fewer facilities open and potential weather challenges.