RV camping in Chester Gap sits along the eastern edge of Shenandoah National Park at roughly 800 feet elevation. The area marks the junction of Skyline Drive and Route 522, creating convenient access to both mountain and valley destinations. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing between November and March, requiring campers to prepare for potential pipe freezing at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access numerous trails within a short drive of Fort Valley Ranch. "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 one camper.
Cave exploration: Take a guided tour at Endless Caverns RV Resort. "Their cavern tour (discounted for guests at the RV park) was lovely. Marked well, lighted, relaxed," reports one visitor. The caverns remain at a constant temperature year-round, offering a break from summer heat or winter cold.
Historical sites: Visit nearby Civil War landmarks such as New Market Battlefield, located 35 minutes from several RV parks. "We greatly enjoyed the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and the New Market Battlefield Museum," shares one camper. The area features multiple preserved battlefields within a 45-minute drive.
What campers like
Mountain views: Many campsites offer direct views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At KOA Luray RV Resort, visitors appreciate the "Wright next to the Luray caves and near the starting point of the Skyline drive. Nice, quietly located camping, surrounded by fields."
River access: Riverside camping ranks high among visitor priorities. "This campground is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite," mentions a guest at Harpers Ferry Campground. The Shenandoah River provides cooling relief during summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 85°F.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a standout feature. "Bathrooms and showers were nearby and clean," reports a visitor at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground. Another camper notes, "The bathhouse was fully tiled and very clean" at Endless Caverns RV Resort.
What you should know
Mountain roads: Navigation requires planning beyond what GPS suggests. Roads to certain campgrounds include steep grades reaching 7% or more on narrow, winding routes.
Varying internet access: Cell service fluctuates dramatically by location. One camper at Bull Run Regional Park mentions, "For all of the people attached to the internet like us we were able to have plenty of cell signal to hotspot and get internet." However, coverage decreases significantly at higher elevations.
Reservation timing: Peak fall foliage season (mid-October to early November) requires bookings 3-6 months in advance. Weekend spots fill quickly, especially at campgrounds with river access or mountain views.
Weather patterns: The area experiences rapid weather changes, particularly during spring and fall. Mountain elevation differences can create temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between valley campgrounds and those at higher elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near recreation areas for easier supervision. "Kids loved the playground and the swings (a few different swing sets on the property)," notes a visitor at Endless Caverns RV Resort.
Educational opportunities: Many nearby campgrounds offer ranger programs. "The children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," mentions a camper at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground. These typically run May through September.
Water activities: Riverside campgrounds provide natural entertainment. "We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!" shares a visitor at Riverside Cabins and RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many RV parks near Chester Gap, Virginia require additional leveling equipment. "Sites in C usually back up into a wooded or naturally landscaped area that allow a nice sense of woodsy privacy. Sites are mostly level," reports a camper at Endless Caverns.
Access road considerations: Larger rigs should call ahead about road conditions. "The higher sites might require your TV have 4WD," warns one RVer about mountainside camping areas.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections are standard at most parks, but full hookups vary. "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained," notes a visitor at Prince William Forest RV Campground.
