Best Campgrounds near Culpeper, VA

Camping near Culpeper, Virginia, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: Shenandoah National Park is nearby, providing access to numerous trails. One camper mentioned, "Hiking trails leave right from the campground," highlighting the convenience of exploring nature right from your site at Big Meadows Campground.
• Stargazing: Many campgrounds, like Loft Mountain Campground, are known for their clear night skies. A visitor shared, "We spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."
• Fishing and Water Activities: The Shenandoah River State Park offers fishing and river access. One reviewer noted, "Great State Park with the perfect little tent camping loop."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground said, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, such as Misty Mountain Camp Resort, offer large sites. One family remarked, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
• Proximity to Attractions: Campgrounds like Pohick Bay Campground are close to DC, making it easy to explore the city. A long-time visitor mentioned, "Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home."

What you should know:

• First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, like Lewis Mountain Campground. A camper advised, "Arrive early enough in the day to snag a better site."
• Limited Amenities: Campgrounds such as Matthews Arm Campground lack electric hookups and showers. One visitor noted, "No electricity or hookups at Matthews Arm, and no cell service."
• Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area. A reviewer at Big Meadows Campground warned, "There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out."

Tips for camping with families:

• Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One parent at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
• Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "The entire campground was clean and well-kept."
• Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially during the night. A camper at Matthews Arm Campground noted, "You can expect inconsiderate neighbors."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: Many campgrounds have uneven sites. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA said, "Our site was so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend."
• Be Aware of Road Access: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground advised, "Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95."
• Plan for Limited Connectivity: Cell service can be spotty. A camper at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, "Verizon was nonexistent."

Camping around Culpeper, Virginia, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.