Near Deerfield, Virginia, camping opportunities span elevations from 1,200 to 3,500 feet across the George Washington National Forest and surrounding areas. Seasonal temperatures range from winter lows near 20°F to summer highs around 85°F. Camping near Deerfield offers access to multiple water features including the North River, Lake Moomaw, and smaller streams that flow throughout the region.
What to do
Hiking on varied terrain: Access numerous trails from Douthat State Park Campground where visitors find a range of difficulty levels. "There are many hiking trails nearby with a variety of difficulty. We chose a couple that provided nice views," notes one camper who visited during colder months.
Mountain biking for all skill levels: The area boasts extensive biking opportunities with Stokesville Campground serving as a gateway. "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," a reviewer explains.
Water activities on natural bodies: Enjoy swimming, fishing and boating throughout the warmer months. "The lake is nice, and there is nice hiking along the shore," shares a Douthat State Park visitor. At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, one visitor reports, "Warm water, fresh air, no service," highlighting the disconnected nature experience.
Geological exploration: Visit unique formations like those at Natural Chimneys County Park. These towering rock structures provide both visual interest and educational opportunities about the region's geological history. Several trails allow visitors to view the formations from different angles.
What campers like
Clean facilities and well-maintained grounds: Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "Bathrooms were very clean! The park was one of the cleanest parks I've been to. The bath houses were pristine," writes one reviewer. Another notes, "The lawns were kept up and looking good. There is a very nice playground and a pet exercise area."
Swimming options during warm months: Natural water features provide cooling relief. "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," writes a visitor to Bolar Mountain. Another camper at Crabtree Falls Campground shares, "The dogs were able to go swimming before the lake opened up in the morning and everything was very clean."
Riverside camping spots: Several campgrounds offer sites adjacent to water. "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy," notes a Crabtree Falls camper. Another visitor details, "The sites run along a river, which provides great back drop for getting away from the city."
Variety of glamping close to Deerfield, Virginia: Beyond traditional camping, multiple locations offer upscale glamping experiences. Sites range from basic cabins to fully-furnished accommodations with electricity and climate control. Luxury glamping options near Deerfield provide comfort without sacrificing the outdoor experience.
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies by location: While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasons. "We stayed here 4 days and 3 nights in November. We use a teardrop camper so we appreciated the water and electric hookup (although we disconnected the water at night to prevent freezing)," notes a Douthat State Park visitor.
Different privacy levels between campgrounds: Site spacing and layout vary significantly. At Seneca State Forest, "One of the best when it comes to size of site, privacy, and remote feel," reports a camper. Conversely, at Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley (formerly Shenandoah Acres), a visitor notes, "We were staying here with our two children and no dogs. As far as that's concerned was a great place! Not a quiet or private campground."
Reservation needs vary by season: Popular locations fill quickly during peak times. "We only stayed 1 night as we were passing through to our final destination," shares a Walnut Hills visitor who found availability. For specialized accommodations, plan ahead: "You do have to reserve a spot far in advance...so don't leave it to the last minute," advises a Seneca State Forest visitor.
Cell service limitations: Many locations have limited connectivity. "No service within 30 miles," reports one Seneca State Forest visitor, highlighting the importance of planning ahead and bringing all needed supplies and information.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley caters to children with multiple facilities. "There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Gold cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments. And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar," details a summer visitor who spent three months at the property.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a huge playground with volleyball and basket ball court near the pavilion. Along with a small arcade room and a huge fire pit ring to hang out at," shares a Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley camper.
Educational opportunities: Natural features provide learning experiences. "I imagine it would be a great place for kids," notes a Douthat State Park visitor. Another camper mentions, "Educational opportunities galore" at the same location.
Swimming areas with varying difficulty: Different water access points accommodate various skill levels. Some locations offer roped swimming areas specifically designed for safety, while others provide more natural swimming experiences in rivers or lakes with varying depths.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offers specialized services for RVers. "Lots of pull thru sites, full hook up, even have dog park and laundry," notes a recent visitor. Another advises, "If we had camper with slide, we would not have been able to use our slide in this site," highlighting the importance of matching site dimensions to your specific rig.
Road conditions affect accessibility: Campground roads vary in quality and width. "The roads are rough dirt and gravel and not conducive to bike riding," reports a Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA camper. At Walnut Hills, a visitor observes, "The roads are very narrow. We can't even extend our awning due to through traffic."
Leveling challenges: Terrain may require additional equipment. "We needed a little extra footage for my electrical hookup. They were kind enough to loan us a 25' extension," shares a Walnut Hills camper who experienced difficulty with site positioning.
Seasonal hookup adaptations: Winter camping requires special precautions. "We use a teardrop camper so we appreciated the water and electric hookup (although we disconnected the water at night to prevent freezing)," advises a Douthat State Park visitor who camped in November.
