Glamping in Delaplane, Virginia provides access to the northern portion of the Shenandoah Valley, where elevations range from 600 to 1,200 feet. The area receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions through spring and summer. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing from December through February, making fall and spring particularly popular for upscale camping experiences.
What to do
Tubing adventures: 7-8 mile routes available from Low Water Bridge Campground with various put-in locations. "We drove about 7.5 miles north to Gooney Creek and parking your boat pick-up vehicle at the boat ramp. A longer (7-8 mile), less expensive float would entail driving about 7.5 miles north to Gooney Creek," explains an Low Water Bridge Campground visitor.
Hiking without crowds: Big Meadows Campground offers quieter trail experiences compared to busier park sections. "Being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," notes a Big Meadows Campground reviewer.
Target practice: The Cove Campground combines outdoor activities with shooting sports. "With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer. Mostly primitive camping, some smelly holes in the ground to do your business, if that's your preference," shares a camper who visited multiple times.
What campers like
Riverside camping sites: Sites directly adjacent to water are highly valued. "The rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River, as well as modern electric sites, RV sites, and cabins. Park and campgrounds are clean and well maintained. Tons of trails, wildlife and activities in and near the park," explains a visitor to Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Animal sightings enhance the glamping experience. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," reports a camper from Big Meadows.
Unique animal interactions: Some campgrounds feature domesticated animals. "Adjacent to a working farm where cows, sheep, llamas, chickens and roosters can graze next to the campsites," notes a camper from Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views. Another campground offers "free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some riverside locations have nearby rail lines. "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night," warns a camper from Harpers Ferry Campground.
Cell service limitations: Plan for limited connectivity. "There is absolutely no Verizon service here (ATT seems to work pretty well). You'll have to drive 10-15 in either direction on Rt. 211 before you can catch a signal," mentions a Low Water Bridge visitor.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality ranges significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms need an update but it doesn't bother me much since I usually just use the bathroom/showers to wash off the yuck from the day and not a full on home shower," shares a visitor to The Cove Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA offers numerous child-friendly amenities. "The amenities for kids were incredible, with arts/crafts, a movie theatre, an arcade, nice playground, and jumping pillow," reports a visitor.
Educational programs: Rangers organize activities for children. "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," explains a visitor to Big Meadows Campground.
Beach and water play: Several locations offer water access for kids. "The beach is large and clean. The staff was very friendly. Camp one had flush toilets on one end, a pit toilet on the other. Campsites were spacious and mostly level," describes a visitor to The Cove Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some premium sites have unexpected issues. "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air," warns a KOA visitor.
Electrical options: Plan power needs based on site availability. "Electric/water sites available. Slop sink near the restrooms by the office. Staff was amazing and super helpful," notes a Low Water Bridge Campground visitor.
Campground layout matters: Some parks separate RVs into distinct sections. "You can divide up the ground into two locations, the big-rig park with no trees and the smaller-rig area in the woods. We have a 34' travel trailer and although the site was narrow, it was easily long enough to fit our needs," explains a Harpers Ferry KOA visitor.
