J
John F.
Scout
ScoutCreekside Campground
Quit, right along the creek, dollar general is right down the street. If only that house wasn’t looking down on me🤷♂️
Camping near Chester Gap, VA
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Camping opportunities near Chester Gap, Virginia span from developed sites at Shenandoah River State Park to primitive backcountry options in Shenandoah National Park. The area includes several established campgrounds with a range of amenities, including Gooney Creek Campground and Elizabeth Furnace Campground, both positioned within 10 miles of Chester Gap. Accommodation types vary considerably throughout the region, with tent camping prevalent at locations like Mathews Arm Campground, while full-service RV hookups can be found at Low Water Bridge Campground and Jellystone Park in Luray. Many campgrounds also offer cabin and yurt rentals for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping access in the Shenandoah Valley region. Most developed campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park, including Mathews Arm and Big Meadows, operate only from May through late October or early November. As one visitor noted, "We were looking for a quick night to tent out with the kids," highlighting the importance of advance planning. Year-round options exist at Elizabeth Furnace and Sky Meadows State Park, though winter camping requires appropriate cold-weather gear. Permits are required for backcountry camping in Shenandoah National Park, while most established campgrounds accept reservations. Travelers should note that many campgrounds in the area have limited or no cell service, and some access roads may be challenging in inclement weather.
Creekside camping represents a particularly valued feature in the Chester Gap area. At Gooney Creek Campground, multiple reviews praise the waterfront sites and swimming opportunities. "Located right on the bank of the creek you sleep with the sound of the babbling water," shared one camper. Proximity to Shenandoah National Park's northern entrance provides convenient access to Skyline Drive's scenic overlooks and hiking trails. Several visitors mentioned the quality of facilities varies considerably between campgrounds, with some reviewers noting older bathrooms and showers at certain locations. The mix of camping environments—from mountain views to riverside locations—allows visitors to select sites based on their preferred activities, whether hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying natural surroundings.
Best Campgrounds near Chester Gap (161)
1. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
"Our patio was on the side next to the road which was a little close to traffic but we still loved siting there, especially in the evening with a campfire."
"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."
from $27 - $427 / night
Check Availability2. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park
"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."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability3. Gooney Creek Campground
"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."
4. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
"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."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability5. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
"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."
6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray
"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."
7. Elizabeth Furnace Campground
"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!"
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Low Water Bridge Campground
"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."
from $30 - $125 / night
Check Availability9. Sky Meadows State Park Campground
"Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away. Campsites are in a wooded area of park well away from other park attractions so it's very quiet."
"When we were there they were having a historical reenactment near the visitors center that was so cool! We came in August and it was super hot, but that is just Virginia."
from $21 - $112 / night
Check Availability10. Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground
"Great spot right outside Shenandoah NP with quick access to the park or nearby trails. great fishing and hikes for kids, too!"
"There are a couple of sites that have a path to the creek that flows behind the campground.There is also plenty of hiking trails to be completed around the campgrounds of various levels from beginner to"
Drive Time
- 30 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 4 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 1 hr 6 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 16 min from Charlottesville, VA
Recent Camping Photos near Chester Gap, VA
374 Photos of 161 Chester Gap Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Compton Gap Backcountry camping — Shenandoah National Park
Gooney Creek Campground
Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National ParkA
Low Water Bridge CampgroundC
Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Elizabeth Furnace Campground
Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground
Sky Meadows State Park Campground
South Fork Shenandoah River
Fort Valley Ranch
Recent Reviews near Chester Gap, VA
1023 Reviews of 161 Chester Gap Campgrounds
Nadine R.
Guide#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
I fear that yurt glamping may have ruined me against tent camping again! This was absolutely lovely. We stayed in the painted horse yurt. Cozy, comfy, lots of amenities. The only downside here is the sulfur odor the water in the bathroom has, but it is very good for your skin at least! I’d stay here again for sure.
- FFrederick M.
TravelerMathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Great spot! Water taps appear to be turned off for winter. Flushing toilets. Waterfall hike nearby!
- MMichael W.Scout
Shenandoah River Outfitters Camp Outback
Off-peak small RV camping
Stayed here for 2 weekday nights in mid-October, late season. Nice & quiet. Warm showers, clean bathrooms, nice staff.
There was some vehicle activity with vehicles as they were still running river trips.
Very pleasant.
Ada R.GuideGooney Creek Campground
Quite the dump and almost no one around to talk to. There is a bathroom with running water, flushing toilets, and a shower. But it is cramped and not attractive. Most of the sites are right underneath the freeway, and very noisy. Primitive sites away from the road noise are nothing more than a wide area of the dirt road.
Chris T.TravelerHawk Campground
Awesome Primitive Camp Ground
Road in was without any major wash outs so I drove in pulling my overlanding trailer in 2WD. Plenty of campsites which allowed everyone here to space out easily. Lots of cut up fallen trees around which made collecting firewood simple.
- MMartin L.Scout
Creekside Campground
Very friendly and helpful
Arrived late (after dark) owner met us entrance and site with a flashlight to help back in. Provided his number in case we had any problems. Extremely nice
- SSteve B.Scout
The Cove Campground
Excellent Campground
Was looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
celticcoachScoutHawk Recreation Area Campground
Hawk Recreation Atea
15 free relatively level sites for smaller rigs and tent camping. Fire rings , picnic tables and some have lantern posts. There are 2 somewhat clean pit toilets.
Guide to Chester Gap
Chester Gap camping offers diverse options at elevations ranging from 600 to over 3,000 feet. The area sits where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Shenandoah Valley, creating distinct microclimates across different camping zones. Winter camping remains available at several locations while most Shenandoah National Park sites close from late October through April.
What to do
Stream fishing: Gooney Creek Campground offers direct creek access for fishing. "We set out along the numerous trails to find a spot that would provide us with some privacy from day hikers as well as proximity to passage creek to do some fishing," notes one visitor about Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground.
Stargazing: Best on weeknights when campgrounds are less crowded. A camper at Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground mentioned, "the stars at night were breathtaking." Light pollution is minimal at higher elevation sites.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning provides best opportunities. "We saw a black bear cub run off into the woods along the Piney Branch Trail," reported a backpacker at Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites. Deer sightings are common throughout the area.
What campers like
River access: Waterfront sites allow direct swimming and paddling opportunities. One camper at Low Water Bridge Campground remarked: "We got a site right on the river bank so we just hopped out and were at our site!" Many river sites book quickly during summer months.
Trail connectivity: Hike directly from camp without driving. "Lots of great hiking to do in the area. When we were there they were having a historical reenactment near the visitors center that was so cool!" shared a visitor at Sky Meadows State Park.
Hammock camping: Dedicated posts available at select sites. "If it hadn't rained, I also would've been able to use the hammock posts at my site (you could use these to hang a clothesline too if you wanted)," reported a Sky Meadows camper.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Mixed approaches across campgrounds. "You have to call in your reservations - can't book online," noted a visitor to Low Water Bridge Campground, while Elizabeth Furnace sites are first-come, first-served.
Bear safety: Essential throughout region. "There are bear boxes at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag," explained a Sky Meadows camper. Bear activity increases in spring after hibernation period ends.
Weather variability: Prepare for all conditions. "We needed every layer we brought, including winter hats, puffy jackets, and gloves. During the 6 days we were in the backcountry, we experienced everything from warm summer-like weather to chilly winter winds," shared a backpacker at Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Extra amenities make family trips easier. At Mathews Arm Campground, a visitor observed, "Great campground! A lot of hiking and nature everywhere. We even had a doe and fawn right in our campsite!"
Creek crossings: Use caution with children. "The creeks (runs) and springs are really flowing this time of year, with some nearly thigh deep. We didn't see a single bridge, though there were a few creeks that had downed trees or make-shift rock crossings," noted a backpacker in Shenandoah.
Scout group options: Dedicated areas available for larger groups. "My site bordered the buddy site and scout group sites at the beginning of the campground, so there was noise from loud kids but not as bad as I thought it might be," reported a Sky Meadows visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Plan accordingly. At Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground, a camper noted, "You will enjoy 30/50 amp electric and water. No sewer at the sites, so plan on using the dump drain on the way out."
Site leveling challenges: Check reviews before booking. "Our only real drawback was our site was not even close to level. It probably shouldn't have been available for a 40'+ RV," shared a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray.
Length restrictions: Most National Forest sites accommodate smaller units only. "Rigs longer than 25 feet, most likely will not fit," warned a camper at Gooney Creek Campground, emphasizing the importance of checking size limitations before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chester Gap, VA?
What camping is available near Chester Gap, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chester Gap, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 161 campgrounds and RV parks near Chester Gap, VA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chester Gap, VA?
Which is the most popular campground near Chester Gap, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chester Gap, VA is Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 58 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chester Gap, VA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chester Gap, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Chester Gap, VA.
What parks are near Chester Gap, VA?
What parks are near Chester Gap, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Chester Gap, VA that allow camping, notably Shenandoah National Park and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
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