Crimora, Virginia sits at the eastern edge of the Shenandoah Valley with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,600 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows reaching the mid-20s. Most campsites near Crimora remain open from April through November, with limited yurt camping options available year-round at select locations within a 30-minute drive.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Crabtree Falls Campground, visitors can walk directly to one of Virginia's most impressive cascading waterfalls. "Crabtree Falls is a mile up the road and very easy to get to the trail head. The AT is also close by and easily accessed," notes Britt S., who appreciated the convenient access to multiple trails.
Fishing opportunities: Montebello Resort offers stocked fishing ponds where licenses aren't required. "The trout pond is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound," explains Adrian K. The resort also features a larger lake for bass and crappie fishing with paddle boats and kayaks available at no additional charge.
Mountain biking trails: Stokesville Campground provides direct access to extensive trail networks. "Four miles of flow mountain bike trails inside the campground with endless miles of trails just outside. Stokesville is a mountain bike destination that cyclists travel from all around," according to James, highlighting why the area attracts dedicated cyclists.
What campers like
Natural geological features: Natural Chimneys County Park offers unique rock formations alongside camping options. "The natural chimney formations are fascinating. Thanks to a tip from the office, a great bonus was eating at an Italian restaurant in nearby Bridgewater," says Ford S., who appreciated both the natural attractions and local dining options.
Privacy between sites: At Crabtree Falls Campground, tent sites offer a more secluded experience. "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," shares Britt S., highlighting the peaceful riverside camping experience that differs from more developed sites in the area.
Stargazing opportunities: Big Meadows Campground offers excellent night sky viewing due to its elevation above 3,000 feet. "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," notes Veronica S., describing a natural light show not mentioned in other campground reviews.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Big Meadows Campground has frequent deer sightings throughout the camping areas. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," explains Veronica S., providing insight into the campground's natural inhabitants.
Cell service limitations: Montebello Resort has virtually no connectivity. "There is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive. Also FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through," warns Quinn G., offering crucial information about both connectivity and access routes.
Yurt camping options: While traditional yurt camping in Crimora, Virginia is limited, several campgrounds offer alternative glamping accommodations. "We stayed in the mountain view cabin lower level with our two dogs. The upstairs neighbors were probably as quiet as they could be but you could still hear them walking around," reports Adrian K. about Montebello Resort's cabin options, which provide a yurt-like experience with solid walls.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley offers numerous activities specifically designed for children. "There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Golf cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments. And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar," explains Evelyn T., detailing the structured recreational options.
Consider bathroom proximity: When camping with children at Big Meadows, bathroom location matters. "The bathroom was a nice short walk away, but the proximity did have some drawbacks. The vent sounds like a diesel truck idling nonstop. At night people using flashlights and headlamps walking away from the bathroom shine them into your tent," cautions Veronica S.
Pack for varied weather: The mountain elevation near Crimora means temperature fluctuations. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," shares Carol B. about a late-season visit to Big Meadows, highlighting the importance of proper preparation even during shoulder seasons.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park offers various RV site options with different privacy levels. "Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck. Not all sites have full hookup," notes Laure D., providing specific site recommendations for RVers seeking premium amenities.
Seasonal considerations: RVers should note when facilities are fully operational. "Booking was easy. Arrived after hours, staying one night. Our tag was waiting for us with a map to our RV spot with E/W by the creek and pond. It was off season, so plenty of spots and privacy. Looks like a fun place with lots of activities to come back to over the summer," shares DK S. about Walnut Hills Campground.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have navigation difficulties. "The campsites are very close to each other and the roads are very narrow. We can't even extend our awning due to through traffic," warns Jennifer A. about Walnut Hills, providing important spatial awareness for those with larger rigs considering the campground.
