Shenandoah Valley campgrounds near Bluemont, Virginia provide access to both mountain terrain and riverside camping. The area sits along the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet, creating diverse microclimates for camping throughout the seasons. Fall brings temperatures between 45-70°F with spectacular foliage, while summer campers should prepare for humidity and temperatures that can reach 90°F during peak months.
What to do
River activities: access and equipment: Brunswick Family Campground offers direct Potomac River access with convenient entry points for swimming, fishing, and boating. As one camper noted, "The Shenandoah is just as beautiful. The little store has just the necessities and there is an amazing playground for the kids" while another mentioned it's "along the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!"
Historic site exploration: transportation options: Harpers Ferry Campground connects directly to historical areas via a walking trail. "If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry. The trail is about 1.5 miles one way," explains one reviewer. This allows campers to avoid parking issues during busy periods.
Outdoor recreation: seasonal availability: Fall and spring offer the best hiking conditions with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. The Cove Campground provides multiple activity options: "Shooting range, ATV trails, fishing, hiking and great campsites." Another reviewer added, "The beach is large and clean... campsites were spacious and mostly level."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: vegetation barriers: The Cove Campground receives praise for its secluded atmosphere despite offering multiple activities. "We went here just before the busy season and only had to share the camp loop with one other group. Very nice and peaceful and staff were extremely friendly and helpful," noted one camper. The mix of woods and open spaces creates natural separation.
Water features: swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature water access, but Little Bennett Campground stands out for well-maintained facilities. Campers appreciate the "quiet campground" with "lots of nature trails" and sites that are "quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service."
Location convenience: travel time: Brunswick Family Campground earns points for strategic positioning. One camper shared, "Picked this location because it is close to our home in Silver Spring, MD but far enough to make us feel like we were leaving town." Another noted it's "situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail."
What you should know
Train noise: frequency and volume: Several riverside campgrounds sit near active rail lines. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The train tracks are behind the campground with a train going through day and night. For me it's a minor inconvenience and my daughter, who even as a baby, slept through it. Do bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper."
Site selection strategy: position and terrain: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground offers various camping options with significant differences between them. "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River, as well as modern electric sites, RV sites, and cabins." Another camper emphasized that "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."
Yurt camping Bluemont, Virginia availability: Yurt accommodations near Bluemont require advance booking, especially during peak seasons (April-October). Limited yurt options exist within 45 minutes of Bluemont, with most concentrated in Shenandoah River State Park. One camper mentioned the park has "park and campgrounds are clean and well maintained" with "tons of trails, wildlife and activities in and near the park."
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: age-appropriate timing: Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA organizes numerous family events. A visitor reported, "This campground has tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground." Another camper appreciated that "the whole park is quiet and well-maintained."
Safety considerations: water access points: When camping with young children near water, choose sites with gradual entry points. Brunswick Family Campground provides river access with varying depths. A visitor mentioned, "It's adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard... The campground is also right on the Potomac, easy to get to, reasonably priced, and the sites are spacious."
Weather preparation: shelter options: Shenandoah Valley weather changes quickly, especially in spring and fall. Consider yurt camping near Bluemont Virginia during shoulder seasons. Pack layers and rain gear even during summer months when afternoon thunderstorms are common. A camper at Shenandoah River State Park found "the primitive camping spots were all taken however, so arrive early if you want one of those."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: power and water: Bull Run Regional Park provides comprehensive RV services. One camper reported, "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone." Another added, "Clean and well maintained full service RV sites... the sites were well maintained, and felt separated enough to have some privacy."
Site leveling: terrain challenges: Most campgrounds in the region have natural slope. Bring leveling blocks as one camper at Harpers Ferry KOA noted, "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air." Plan for possible adjustments upon arrival.
Access road conditions: clearance considerations: Larger RVs should call ahead to confirm site access. Several campgrounds have narrow entrance roads or low-hanging branches. At The Cove Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive." Arriving during daylight hours makes navigation easier, especially for first-time visitors.
