Best Campgrounds near Waynesboro, VA
The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Waynesboro, Virginia feature diverse camping options within a short drive of town. Sherando Lake Campground in George Washington National Forest stands out with its spring-fed swimming lake and multiple camping loops designed for different experiences. Devils Backbone Camp combines outdoor recreation with brewery access, offering a unique camping experience with mountain views. Shenandoah National Park's campgrounds, including Loft Mountain, provide access to the Appalachian Trail and scenic Skyline Drive. Private campgrounds like Misty Mountain Camp Resort and Waynesboro North 340 Campground offer year-round accommodations with full hookups for RVs, while still maintaining tent camping areas for traditional outdoor enthusiasts.
Reservation requirements vary significantly across the region, with national forest campgrounds like Sherando Lake operating on a mixed system. According to camper Linda C., "Half the sites are first come-first serve and half can be reserved. The only drawback is that many people love this park and it is difficult to get reservations." Cell service remains limited in many camping areas, particularly in the national forest and along parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, though amenities differ widely from primitive sites to resort-style accommodations. Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region, especially in Shenandoah National Park where rangers strictly enforce regulations.
Campers consistently praise the region's natural water features and trail access. Sites near rivers like those at Crabtree Falls Campground receive high marks, with one visitor noting, "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night." The proximity to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive creates excellent opportunities for scenic drives and hiking. While summer weekends see heavy visitation, particularly at swimming areas like Sherando Lake, weekday camping typically offers more solitude. Winter camping options remain available at several year-round facilities, though services may be limited and weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations.
