Tent camping near Delaplane, Virginia offers wilderness experiences at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region's unique positioning between Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest creates diverse camping terrain with limestone outcroppings and mixed hardwood forests. Summer overnight temperatures typically drop to 60-70°F even when daytime highs reach 90°F.
What to do
Explore the Appalachian Trail connections: Veach Gap Trail connects to the Appalachian Trail with a 4-mile hike featuring a 1,200-foot elevation gain. According to one camper at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site: "It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning."
Practice wildlife observation: The forest surrounding Little Fort Campground hosts diverse wildlife including deer that regularly visit campsites. A visitor noted: "We had a family of deer pay us a visit each morning - didn't come across any bears."
Fish in South Fork Shenandoah River: The riverside sites at South Fork Shenandoah River provide excellent fishing access. One camper shared: "Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished."
What campers like
Self-registration simplicity: Little Fort Campground uses a unique system for claiming sites. A camper explains: "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave."
Ridgeline views: The backcountry sites at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site reward hikers with panoramic vistas. A visitor reported: "Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site."
Historical connections: The trails around Little Crease Shelter have significant historical value. One hiker noted: "The trail is relatively flat and easy to follow as it's rumored to have been a road prepared for a potential Continental Army retreat."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Signal coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. A camper at Little Fort Campground shared: "On this app it says T-Mobile access, I'm a T-Mobile customer, no reception at all but drive 5 minutes back down the mountain and you're good to go."
Road conditions vary: Access roads to dispersed sites can be challenging. At South Fork Shenandoah River, a visitor advised: "The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow."
Check-in timing matters: Arrival time can determine campsite availability. One visitor to Little Fort Campground reported: "Got the last site at 6PM on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Stream access for kids: Several campgrounds feature safe water access points. At Antietam Creek Campground, visitors noted: "The Potomac is mostly flat with some 'swirlies' for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing."
Wildlife education opportunities: Create wildlife spotting activities for children. A camper mentioned: "At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle!"
Prepared for varied terrain: When camping with children at Sky Meadows State Park Campground, consider the hills: "If your site is further back, you will be hiking up and down many hills throughout the campground. The hills are fantastic for helping each site feel like a little private oasis."
Tips for RVers
Length limitations: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate large RVs. At South Fork Shenandoah River, a camper with a smaller RV advised: "We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river."
Overnight parking considerations: When tent camping at Sky Meadows State Park, secure parking is available: "Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away."
Weather-dependent access: River-adjacent sites may be inaccessible after heavy rain. A South Fork Shenandoah River camper warned: "The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out."
