The Rixeyville area sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet in the immediate vicinity. Camping options near Rixeyville, Virginia extend beyond Shenandoah National Park, with riverside camping along the Rappahannock River offering unique opportunities for water access and fishing. Winter camping is available at select locations with temperatures typically 10-20 degrees warmer than mountain sites.
What to do
Riverside activities: At Rappahannock River Campground, located 20 miles southwest of Rixeyville, visitors can tube down the river during summer months. "This campground is great! Primitive camping at its best. Very friendly staff. We stayed here and went tubing on the Rappahannock River one day. The tubing trip was organized by the same people that run the campground so that was very convenient!" notes Katie M.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer the best opportunities for deer sightings throughout the region. At Big Meadows Campground, wildlife is abundant. "We were there during a heat wave so there were bugs but being from Georgia the heat was bearable. Speaking of bears- there were lots of siting and they take food clean up seriously. You can be fined for leaving food out," writes Anna R.
Stargazing: Clear nights away from light pollution provide excellent stargazing conditions. "And finally, the fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," reports Veronica S. about Big Meadows Campground.
What campers like
Affordable options: Camping costs vary widely in the region, with Rappahannock River Campground offering budget-friendly sites. "We paid our fee, which was only around $15, and then another $5 for a bunch of firewood," mentions Jon N.
Fall colors: The region transforms with vibrant foliage from late September through mid-November. At Mathews Arm Campground, visitors appreciate the seasonal beauty. "The mountains are among the most beautiful in the fall. The leaves turn golden, and it is absolutely beautiful and worth your time," writes Daniel P.
Secluded sites: Many campgrounds offer private spots despite being in popular areas. "This campground is off the beaten path and QUIET! The sites are well-spaced and lovely. We stayed overnight passing thru. We'll be back with this as a destination for kayaking. The river access is fantastic!" shares Jen T. about Rappahannock River Campground.
What you should know
Off-season conditions: Winter camping requires preparation for colder temperatures. "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, and a utility sink available. It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F," notes Carol B. at Big Meadows Campground.
Shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer showers, and those that do may charge fees. "The bathrooms are adequate. There is potable water and a utility sink near the bathrooms, but there are no showers. The closest (coin-operated) showers are about 30 miles south at Big Meadows Campground," explains Mary S. about Mathews Arm.
First-come availability: Several campgrounds have non-reservable sections. "Non-reservable sites! This makes it easier to travel without a plan other than arriving early at a campground. The entire A section (A1-A116) and a small part of C (C143-C145) cannot be reserved," advises Mary S. about Mathews Arm Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's programming. "The children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," shares Melissa T. about Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park, located 30 miles west of Rixeyville.
Easy hiking access: Family-appropriate trails are accessible from several campgrounds. "This campground has all the amenities you need for a great family getaway; bathroom faculties, easy hikes, wildlife, and is an easy drove from Washington, DC," notes Danielle G. about Mathews Arm Campground.
Wagons for gear transport: Some walk-in sites provide equipment to help move camping supplies. "This campground is nice and 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 Matt P. about Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited electric options: Most campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park lack hookups, while state parks often provide them. "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," advises Jason E. about Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites that pose difficulties for larger rigs. "Our only real drawback was our site was not even close to level. It probably shouldn't have been available for a 40'+ RV," cautions Jen O. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Luray.
Winter RV amenities: Cold weather camping requires special considerations. "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," mentions John B. about Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park.
