145 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Rileyville, Virginia cluster along the Shenandoah River and throughout Shenandoah National Park, offering a range of camping experiences from primitive to full-service sites. Established campgrounds like Mathews Arm and Big Meadows within the national park provide tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities, while several privately operated sites near Luray and Bentonville offer cabins and glamping options. The region includes dispersed camping opportunities in Shenandoah National Park backcountry, though these require proper permits and adherence to strict regulations for food storage and waste disposal.
Access to developed campgrounds varies significantly by season, with most Shenandoah National Park facilities operating from May through October or November. "You must lock up your food in the park! Don't even leave your cooler out or you will get fined," notes one camper about the strict bear safety protocols. Road conditions throughout the area generally accommodate standard vehicles, though some dispersed sites may require high-clearance vehicles. Weather patterns affect camping conditions considerably, with higher elevations experiencing cooler temperatures even during summer months. Cell service can be limited throughout the region, particularly in valley areas and remote sections of the park. Advance reservations are highly recommended for developed campgrounds during peak season, especially weekends from Memorial Day through October.
Riverside camping opportunities represent a significant draw for visitors to the Rileyville area, with several campground options providing direct access to the Shenandoah River. These mixed-use campgrounds often support both tent and RV camping while offering services for water recreation. A visitor commented, "The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to. Campsites themselves were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season." Many campers note the tranquility and wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly deer sightings in the national park campgrounds. Generators are prohibited in designated quiet areas of the national park campgrounds, creating more peaceful experiences for tent campers. Campgrounds near Luray offer proximity to attractions like Luray Caverns while still providing natural settings with river or mountain views.
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
"Adjacent to a working farm where cows, sheep, llamas, chickens and roosters can graze next to the campsites. The grounds were beautifully manicured and incredibly clean."
"We stayed at this KOA on our way to Virginia Beach but wanted to a day in Shenandoah National Park. "
from $31 - $230 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem. We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."
"We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights."
from $26 - $47 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"Off the beaten path for sure. Only a couple of other campers there when we visited. No issue for our 2wd SUV. Quite a bit of hunters gunfire in the distance, but otherwise very peaceful."
"Some sites have direct access to the Peter's Mill Run OHV complex. Vault toilet for all sites to share. No water, no electricity. Have to pack trash out. Sites were first come first serve."
TravelerFirst campground in a week, that had great water pressure! Has free laundry, clean bathrooms, free mini golf, activities , restaurant and bar. Pretty darn awesome
ScoutThis campground is very basic. The area is very remote. Make sure you bring supplies. Going out to eat is at least a 30-minute drive. Floating the loop at Big Bend is one of the best things you can do without traveling away from the camping area. Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole Caverns, and Seneca Caverns are all within an hour drive.
GuideWonderful campground that has all you need: full hookup, bathrooms, shower, laundry, gift shop, parts shop
TravelerEnjoyed the campground, even during the storm. Disappointed the river was dry, but we enjoyed the pool! I wish there were more activities for children when the river is dry.
RangerThis is a classic National Park campground, and it’s important to keep in mind that it opened in 1937–the sites are small as travelers weren’t equipped with large vehicles, as such, it may not be the best option for large rigs but my van fit comfortably though the neighbors were rather close. If you’re expecting that, you’ll be more than happy. Walking distance via a connector trail to Dark Hollow Falls trail. Sustainable T-Mobile service for remote work, but Zoom may lag. No shore power or water hookups, but drinking water spread throughout the park and modernized bathroom and showers. There was also a circular, shaded tent area as part of D155, behind the drive. I’d stay again in a heartbeat.
RangerI stayed two nights in between bookings at the national park and I was surprised by how lovely the state park was. Quiet with great trails for strolling and peaceful river views. Level, spacious sites with some privacy offered by tree/bushes and a clean, modern bathroom (loved that the showers told you what temp the water is and that each shower was private/in its own room).
GuideGreat summer destination to escape the heat! Weather in late June was amazing - highs in the 70s; lows in the 60s; and crystal clear skies. Not too buggy either. Pulled ONE tick off of me before it bit me, but otherwise not much to speak of in the way of mosquitos or biting gnats/flies.
This particular site was smaller (RV back in) but private and level near the bath house. There IS a bear box present, and you'll want to use it for any unattended food outside an RV. The mini-bears are beggars. We saw several chipmunks in our site and a particularly clever bird successfully stole from our neighbors.
If you are RV-ing, fill your tanks at the dump station before heading to the ranger station for check-in. You don't want to carry all that water up the mountain, and they don't like you to block the campground road trying to fill along the loop. The dump station is located on the right prior to arrival at the ranger station.
Also, there are no dumpsters at the dump station (weird). So upon departure, pull your trash prior to leaving the site.
As always, there is virtually no cell signal in this site and no electric hookups anywhere in the campsite. So bring a generator or a lot of solar if you want to run your electrical. (Though this site being so shady doesn't provide a lot of solar power.) There IS wifi at the visitor's center if you want to call home or do a daily socials check. ;-)
We DID have one day there that was a pretty noisy from paving equipment re-doing the road. But I think they're almost done with their project, and honestly it wasn't that big a deal because we were on trails most of the time anyway.
There are great ranger programs here - it's one of the larger hubs for programming, and they're listed at the visitor's center because they change seasonally. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the meadow. What may LOOK like a vast, boring expanse of grass is actually a fascinating variety of foliage when you're out in it. Many, many wildflowers that can't be seen from the visitor center's overlook.
Also, many of the park's most popular hikes can be easily accessed from here, including Dark Hollow Falls and Bearfence Rock Scramble.
GuideThis was a single party campspot, very private and quiet. Perfect!
TravelerBeautiful spot. The campsite is across the street from the lodge. G-Maps and Apple will take you to the lodge however. Loved the Freeform and “make your own” spot vibe
Camping options near Rileyville, Virginia range from rustic to full-service sites nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River. Elevations vary from about 700 feet in riverside camping areas to over 3,000 feet at mountain campgrounds, creating significant temperature differences even in summer months. Many riverside campsites flood during spring runoff, making late summer and fall the most reliable seasons for waterfront camping.
Fishing at creekside spots: The Shenandoah River and its tributaries offer excellent fishing opportunities. At Creekside Campground, "Ducks are there and you hear the water which is very soothing to us. A short drive away is the usual assortment of convenience stores, restaurants and grocery stores."
Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds connect to trail systems. "Park offers very doable hiking and mountain biking options for beginners. Campground access to the Shenandoah River," notes one camper about Shenandoah River State Park.
Tubing and kayaking: Many campsites serve as launch points for water activities. At Low Water Bridge Campground, "Love the fact that they have an outfitter to shuttle you up the river. We got a site right on the river bank so we just hopped out and were at our site!"
Stargazing on clear nights: Higher elevation campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing. "Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," reports a winter camper at Big Meadows who experienced temperatures dropping to 14°F at 3,000+ feet elevation.
Private riverfront access: Many campers seek sites directly on the water. "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. Great fishing and swimming right at your camping spot," explains a visitor at Shenandoah River State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are common throughout the area. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site, B112, was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy. You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory."
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round. At Big Meadows Campground, "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30) and shared the campground with a mix of tent campers, car/van campers, and a few larger units. The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water."
Remote backcountry solitude: For those seeking true wilderness. "There are so many trails to hike throughout the park and with a backcountry permit, you can find countless campsites. I stayed in the area of overall run falls. Make sure to hang your food. There are plenty of black bears in the area."
Bear safety protocols: Bears are active throughout the region. At Mathews Arm Campground, "Sites come with picnic tables and fire grates. There are no bear boxes at this campground, but there are indeed bears, so keep all food in your car."
Variable cell service: Coverage is inconsistent across the region. "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online," reports a camper at Big Meadows.
Weather fluctuations: Temperature swings can be significant, especially at higher elevations. "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."
Creek crossings on trails: Spring runoff creates challenging conditions. "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."
Kid-friendly attractions: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's activities. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "The kids loved running off in the open field and playing on the zip line. We loved that we could see them from our site. The birthday boy also loved the outdoor laser tag!"
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities engage young campers. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground."
Swimming areas: River access points provide natural swimming holes. At Gooney Creek Campground, one visitor shared, "We had a great time at Gooney Creek. The Mountain View is gorgeous. We even saw a doe and fawn right in our campsite!"
Campground layouts: Some sites work better for families than others. "Most, if not all, sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Sites were first come first serve. Free to camp. We camped so we could spend two days on the OHV Trails with the Jeep. Had an incredible time."
Site levelness varies significantly: Some campgrounds have more suitable RV spots than others. At Luray KOA, "We stayed in a level back-in site(#28) with picnic table on a concrete patio, Adirondack chairs under a pergola on a second concrete patio, clean gravel surface, and fire pit. The site was big enough for our motor home and Jeep."
Mountain access roads: The terrain presents challenges for larger vehicles. "The drive in requires about 25-miles through the roller coaster of steep grade(7+%) hills. There's no way around that, you're in the mountains. Just be aware and be prepared."
Seasonal utility availability: Water systems may be winterized in colder months. "Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter. Bathrooms and showers were nearby and clean. No cell service but the Visitor's Center has WiFi available."
Limited dump stations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "RV sites are spaced out and have wooden fences on the sides. 30 amp service at the site. You can fill your water tanks as you enter the campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Rileyville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rileyville, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Rileyville, VA and 20 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Rileyville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rileyville, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 127 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rileyville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Rileyville, VA.
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