The Shenandoah Valley around Bentonville, Virginia sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with surrounding mountains rising to over 3,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winters often dropping below freezing. RV camping near Bentonville provides access to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River for water activities, with most campgrounds maintaining year-round operations despite seasonal temperature variations.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Fort Valley Ranch offers organized trail rides alongside their camping facilities. "The availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus... Within a 10-minute drive, there are opportunities for hiking and river activities. We found a river access point perfect for swimming and wading," notes Jason G. who stayed at Fort Valley Ranch.
River activities: The Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers provide opportunities for fishing, swimming and floating. "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," writes Darcy S. about Harpers Ferry Campground.
Cavern tours: Several campgrounds in the area offer direct access to underground caverns. "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," reports Sara M. who visited Endless Caverns RV Resort.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campsites in the region offer ample space between neighbors. "The RV sites at this campground are very spaced out, you have a lot of room to each side of your RV. The park and facilities were very clean," explains Joe who stayed at Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River.
River access: Camping with direct water access ranks as a top feature. "Campground is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite! The only downside is you are directly next to train tracks but being from the city, this noise doesn't bother my husband or me," writes Robin W. about Harpers Ferry Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive frequent positive mentions. "Bathrooms and showers were nearby and clean. No cell service but the Visitor's Center has WiFi available if we needed to do something online," notes John B. who stayed at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: The camping experience changes significantly with the seasons. "We stayed here in October 2020. Nice family campground with cabins, tent sights and RV slots. We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!" reports Mark B. about Riverside Cabins and RV Park.
Train noise: Some campgrounds sit near active rail lines. "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night," warns Sherri C. about Harpers Ferry Campground.
Cell service limitations: Mobile coverage varies significantly by location. "AT&T worked well and Verizon was a bit spotty," notes Tina about KOA Luray RV Resort, indicating carrier-specific differences in connectivity throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill. Also, the availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus," shares Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe local wildlife. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," explains Veronica S. at Big Meadows Campground.
Ranger programs: National and state parks often offer educational activities. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground," shares Kim L. about Big Meadows Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Most sites are impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed," notes Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch's RV sites, which is particularly helpful for larger motorhomes.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us," shares Jason G. about accessing Fort Valley Ranch.
Site selection strategy: When making reservations, consider specific site characteristics. "Be very particular with your site selection! While Wi-Fi routers are set up at the bathhouses, we had some connection at the trailer," advises Sara M. about Endless Caverns RV Resort.
